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SSR (Sasquatch Shoe Review) – Hoka One One Evo Jawz

 I’ve been hopelessly searching for a perfect trail race day shoe preceding the introduction of the Speedgoat and finally found my new goto kicks! I would have loved to test and run the Speedgoat II but it was not true to size and I maxed out their offer at a size 14. I would say that the Speedgoat II is a half size too small and not true to fit. The great news is that the Evo Jawz is true to fit… I appreciate Hoka One One taking head and correct the latest models. As the shoe’s name eludes to, the traction is ridiculous and maybe even a bit intimidating. Cosmetically speaking, this shoe is sexy!

First take on the Jawz is that it’s crazy light and has a grateful toe box. The upper construction feels non-existent but has amble support elements originating from the heel. The drop on the shoe is only 3mm and I must be honest here… not crazy about a zero drop shoe and this feels dangerously close. Not sure if this was intended but there is a very slight support feature in the shoe that naturally guides your foot upon contact for those of us who supinate… LOVE THAT!

I really put this shoe through every environment imaginable… sand, mud, pine needles, gravel, rock and some asphalt. Surprisingly, there is able cushion and some of that may be attributed to the 6-8mm lugs. The only singular complaint I have is that you do feel some of the rock impacts through the mid-foot section. I was fortunate to have a warmer day and was thrilled that this thing breathes like nothing else I own. Zero hot spots and all I can say is that the shoe stays cool in every aspect. One issue I had and sincerely believe will overcome through adaptation is a bit of stress in my Achilles due to the lower drop although not nearly as noticeable as a zero drop shoe.