HOKA Rincon 4

Runner’s World praises the HOKA Rincon 4 as a welcome, well-executed update that doubles down on the model’s signature lightweight cushioning: softer underfoot with added stack and a more durable dual-layer midsole, plus a rubberized, podular outsole and higher sidewalls for a snug Active Foot Frame fit. The tone is broadly positive and pleasantly surprised—testers reported confident tempo runs and an easy, cloud-like ride—while candidly noting trade-offs: the doubled EVA feels spongier and less springy than Pebax-based foams, leaving some runners wanting more bounce and speed. The review emphasizes real-world testing across paces and runner types, framing the Rincon 4 as a versatile daily trainer that excels at comfort and light speedwork but may not satisfy those seeking maximum rebound or razor-sharp responsiveness.

RunRepeat.com’s Carlos Sánchez highlights the HOKA Rincon 4 as a meaningful upgrade over the Rincon 3, praising noticeably improved energy return, softer responsive foam, increased stack height, excellent shock absorption, and outstanding breathability—qualities that make it a comfortable, versatile daily trainer and a good entry point for newcomers. He balances that enthusiasm with clear reservations: measurable weight gain, a noticeably tapered low-volume toebox, and serious durability concerns tied to a rubberized EVA outsole and thin upper (poor Dremel and abrasion results). Sánchez offers concrete lab numbers and comparisons (e.g., ASICS GT-2000 12, Saucony Guide 17) and calls the shoe a mild-stability option that suits heel, midfoot, and forefoot strikers, but warns runners who wear shoes out quickly or who need roomy toe boxes or cold-weather performance to look elsewhere. Overall, he recommends it conditionally—excellent comfort and ride, tempered by durability and fit caveats.

Brandon Law from Running Shoes Guru praises the HOKA Rincon 4 as a lightweight, well-priced trainer that leans toward a firmer, steadier ride than previous Rincon models. He highlights meaningful upgrades — a thicker, rubberised EVA outsole, 3 mm extra stack height, improved durability, and polished responsiveness — while noting it sacrifices the Mach 6’s energy return and is heavier and narrower than earlier Rincons. Law values its $125 price, solid cushioning for steady paces and long runs up to 38 km, but warns the snug toe box, limited wet-surface traction, and only modest durability may deter wide-footed runners or those seeking a bouncy, recovery-friendly shoe. Overall he calls it the best Rincon yet for runners who want a light, firm, value-focused trainer that recalls the feel of older Mach models.

Women’s Running tester Holly Taylor praises the HOKA Rincon 4 as an affordable, lightweight everyday running shoe that shines for shorter runs and quicker sessions. She’s enthusiastic about the pillowy yet responsive midsole, breathable double-jacquard upper, and the shoe’s surprising durability and control compared with more maximalist HOKAs; she also notes the useful half sizes and wide option for fit. Taylor frames the Rincon 4 as ideal for 5–10K efforts, interval training, and beginners who don’t need max mileage cushioning, while acknowledging it isn’t intended for long-distance racing. Overall the tone is warm and approving—excited about its comfort, springy toe-off, and value—tempered only by the clear caveat that it’s best suited to shorter, everyday runs rather than high-mileage use.

Matt Kolat assesses the HOKA Rincon 4 as a lightweight, budget-friendly trainer that wins on stability, durability, and everyday versatility despite a few fit quirks. He praises its low weight, breathable upper, and firmer CMEVA midsole that delivers a stable, traditional ride—well suited to 10K-to-half-marathon paces and faster workouts—while noting the outsole (EVA/rubber blend) shows average wear after ~50 km. Criticisms center on a narrow, small fit (recommend sizing up a full size), a very short tongue, and lace eyelets that stop short of the ankle, which reduce comfort for wider feet or those using orthotics. Unique insights: the reviewer compares the Rincon 4’s firmer foam favorably to the Adidas Boston 10 and highlights the model’s appealing price-to-longevity ratio. Overall tone is strongly positive and recommending, especially for beginner runners seeking value.

DOCTORS OF RUNNING’s David Salas, PT, DPT, CSCS highlights the HOKA Rincon 4 as a lightweight, minimalist-feeling daily trainer that retains the series’ strong cushion-to-weight ratio while adding a slightly softer CMEVA midsole, rubberized EVA outsole, and 3 mm extra stack. He’s positive about breathability, secure lockdown, and a smooth, mildly rockered ride that suits easy mileage, but repeatedly flags fit: the Rincon 4 runs narrow and a bit small in the forefoot, potentially causing discomfort on longer runs unless you size up or choose the wide. Salas finds the foam adequate but not especially lively for workouts, and notes limited stability features beyond modest sidewalls and sole flare. Overall he recommends the Rincon 4 as a solid, stripped-down daily mile logger for runners who prefer snug, nimble cushioning, while urging improvements to forefoot volume and midsole responsiveness.

Believe in the Run praises the Hoka Rincon 4 as a competent, straightforward daily trainer that keeps the Rincon’s affable ride while aiming to fix past durability issues. The reviewers—Kaleb Kabakjian, Karl Fernandez, and Lindsay Agro—highlight the reformulated midsole, rubberized EVA outsole, and improved upper as meaningful updates that produce a firmer, more grounded feel with consistent response across tempo runs and intervals. They appreciate the $125 price, MetaRocker toe-off, and versatile everyday performance but criticize a narrower midfoot, a roomy/shallow heel that can cause slippage, increased weight versus prior versions, and variable grip from the rubberized EVA (including some peeling). Overall the tone is measured and mildly positive: the Rincon 4 is a good, affordable one-shoe rotation for many runners, but longtime Rincon fans seeking the original’s ultra-light, plush character—or those wanting a top-tier performance trainer—may prefer alternatives.

James McCormack assesses the HOKA Rincon 4 as a thoughtful evolution rather than a straight upgrade from the Rincon 3. He praises the Rincon 4’s livelier, bouncier midsole—likening it to the Mach 6—and notes improved propulsion and a snappy feel for uptempo runs, plus better heel-centering and more rubberised EVA for traction. Criticisms focus on a thicker, less breathable upper that adds weight, a tighter, tapered toe box (suggesting sizing up or choosing the wide), and limited enjoyment on slower long runs. Testing was hands-on and comparative (Rincon 3 and Mach 6), but dry-condition traction and long-term durability remain unproven. Overall, the review positions the Rincon 4 as an entry-level uptempo option that sits between the Rincon 3 and Mach 6 in feel and value.

Running Northwest praises the HOKA Rincon 4 as a budget-friendly, versatile trainer that prioritizes firmer cushioning, breathability, and lightweight durability. The reviewer is generally positive and measured—enthusiastic about the heavily perforated mesh upper for hot-weather comfort, the firmer CMEVA midsole that improves longevity and stability, and the EVA/rubber blend outsole that keeps weight down without major durability trade-offs. Criticisms are noted but framed as minor: a narrow midfoot/toebox, a short tongue, and limited suitability for full marathons or very wet surfaces. Unique insights include the less pronounced Hoka “finish rocker” (appealing to runners who prefer a traditional gait), and the shoe’s sweet spot around 10K to half-marathon distances. Overall tone is approving and practical: the Rincon 4 is recommended as a solid entry-level choice for runners wanting a firmer, reliable daily trainer, with caveats for wider-footed users and long-distance specialists.