Hi, my name is James, and as a foot and ankle specialist, I’m here to break down the key differences between the Hoka Arahi 6 and the new Hoka Arahi 7. Both are moderate stability shoes in the Hoka range and while the midsole remains unchanged, the upper material has received some notable updates. Let’s dive into how they feel underfoot, how they influence your movement, and whether the changes make the Arahi 7 worth upgrading to.
Cushioning and Midsole: No Changes Here
The midsole of the Hoka Arahi 7 remains identical to the Arahi 6. You get:
- 34 mm of cushioning in the rearfoot and 29 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a 5 mm drop.
- A lightweight design at 272 g for a men’s size 9 US.
- CMEVA cushioning is responsive and snappy. This means you don’t sink into the shoe much—it feels firm and bouncy, ideal for those who prefer a more energetic ride.
The J-Frame technology in the midsole provides the moderate stability the Arahi is known for. It uses a denser, harder-to-compress foam along the medial side, extending from the heel to the forefoot. This helps control pronation forces by resisting inward rolling and gently pushing your foot back into alignment. While it doesn’t feel as intrusive as the medial posting found in shoes like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24, the Arahi’s J-Frame provides enough stability to keep your foot centered without overcorrecting.
If you’re a fan of the midsole in the Arahi 6, you’ll feel right at home in the Arahi 7. No changes here.
Fit and Upper Material: The Biggest Update
The most significant difference between the Arahi 6 and Arahi 7 lies in the upper material:
- The Arahi 7 features a woven knit upper, designed to better cradle your foot and keep it centered in the shoe.
- The padded tongue remains, offering great lockdown, but the Arahi 7 has slightly more padding for added comfort.
- The heel counter is unchanged, with the same level of rigidity and support as the Arahi 6.
Unfortunately, the toe box remains narrow in both models. In fact, the Arahi 7 might feel even narrower, with a quicker taper that compresses the toes more noticeably. If you’ve struggled with conditions like Morton’s neuroma or bunions, this narrow fit may cause discomfort. While the Arahi comes in a wide version, the toe box still tapers early, which might not resolve the issue for those needing extra room.
If you’re comfortable with the fit of the Arahi 6, you’ll find the Arahi 7 similar, albeit with slightly improved foot wrapping due to the woven knit upper. However, if the narrow toe box of the Arahi 6 caused problems, upgrading to the Arahi 7 won’t solve this issue.
Should You Upgrade?
If you already own and love the Arahi 6, you likely won’t find enough changes in the Arahi 7 to justify upgrading. The midsole, cushioning, and overall feel underfoot remain identical, and the updates to the upper material, while welcome, don’t dramatically change the shoe’s performance.
For fans of the Arahi 6 who are considering switching, the Hoka Gaviota 5 might be a better alternative. It offers more cushioning, a wider fit, and maximum stability while still maintaining the Hoka feel. If you’re looking for a different moderate stability shoe, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 provides a firmer ride with noticeable medial posting for stability.
Use Cases for the Arahi 7
The Hoka Arahi 7 is a versatile shoe, ideal for:
- Walking or standing all day: The lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it a great all-day companion.
- Recovery runs and easy runs: The moderate stability and snappy ride provide comfort without being overly corrective.
- Daily training: Its lightweight build makes it a workhorse for runners who want a reliable, stable shoe.
Final Thoughts
The Hoka Arahi 7 is a solid stability shoe with minor updates to its upper material. While it’s a great choice for fans of the Arahi 6, those looking for significant improvements may not find enough here to warrant upgrading. However, if you’re new to the Arahi line and need a lightweight, responsive stability shoe, the Arahi 7 is an excellent option.
We’ve also reviewed other Hoka models, including the Hoka Gaviota 5, which offers more stability and cushioning, and alternatives like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 for those who prefer a firmer ride.
If you have any questions about the Hoka Arahi 7 or other Hoka shoes, comment below! If you find this helpful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to our YouTube channel or check out of review of the best walking shoes for 2025. Thanks for watching!
