HOKA Zinal 3
Fly through fast trails and crush races with the lightweight and nimble HOKA Zinal 3.
Best Use
Surface
Stability
Stack Height
Road Shoes Types
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Daily TrainersDaily Trainers
As the broad base of the running shoe pyramid, daily trainers are the definition of a go-to running shoe. They prioritize dependable comfort, support, durability, and routine versatility. They're a staple in every runner's closet. If you're newer to running shoes, you can confidently start your journey here.
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Performance TrainersPerformance Trainers
Performance trainers (or "super trainers") blend elements of daily trainers and super shoes, often giving you the benefits of advanced foams and plates while being adapted for daily training. They make fast runs faster and long runs easier. Their high versatility also makes them great choices as accessible racing shoes.
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Race Super ShoesRace Super Shoes
The pinnacle of the pyramid, super shoes are the fastest running shoes you can buy. They're designed to race your absolute best and are the apex of running-shoe technology and innovation. Often built with carbon-fiber plates and cutting-edge superfoams for the highest energy return, they're made for ultimate racing speed.
Surface
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Roads & PavementRoads & Pavement
Road running shoes feature smooth outsoles that are designed for running on paved surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, and bike paths.
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Smooth Trails & FireroadsSmooth Trails & Fireroads
Designed to handle most trail runs, these shoes prioritize comfort and a smooth ride. These shoes are great for anything from smooth singletrack, park trails, and fireroads making them ideal for those who run from their doorstep on streets before hitting the trail.
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Rocky & Technical TrailsRocky & Technical Trails
These shoes are best used for hard, rugged trails such as shale, granite or sandstone where grip on smooth surfaces and underfoot protection are important.
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Soft & Muddy TrailsSoft & Muddy Trails
Designed for use in muddy, soggy conditions, these shoes feature very aggressive outsoles that dig deep into soft ground for exceptional traction.
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Snowy & Icy TrailsSnowy & Icy Trails
These shoes feature technical outsoles designed to grip snowy and icy trails making them ideal for winter trail running.
Stack Height
Stack height refers to how much shoe is between your foot and the ground. For this category, we reference the amount of material below the forefoot, as the heel height will be equal to or greater than the forefoot height.
Learn more about stack heights and how we measure them.-
Minimal
14-18mm. The shoe has a thin midsole that allows for a natural running experience. Racing shoes and minimalist shoes are common here. These shoes offer a feeling of being connected to the road or trail.
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Low
19-23mm. The shoe has a slightly cushioned feel and may feature added cushioning technologies. Performance training shoes and some trail shoes are common here. These offer protection during footstrike but prioritize a lightweight, grounded experience.
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Medium
24-28mm. These shoes have a stack height that falls near the middle of the spectrum. The shoes in this category are versatile and great for all types of runs and distances.
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High
29-34mm. The shoe has a thick midsole and ample cushioning. These shoes are highly protective and absorb more impact than the body.
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Maximal
35mm plus. The shoe has an extremely thick midsole and extra cushioning. The focus is on protection and soft foam underfoot with hardly any ground feel.
Stability Level
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Neutral Running Shoes
Neutral shoes support the foot through a normal range of arch collapse and generally do not have built-in technology to correct movement.
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Stability Running Shoes
Stability shoes are a great option for those who overpronate or need added support. These shoes help to limit the inward rolling motion of the ankle while running or walking and assist in guiding the foot straight through the gait cycle.
At A Glance:
- For speed-oriented trail runners who prioritize speed over lots of cushion
- Best for fast trail runs or short to mid-distance trail races (think up to half-marathon)
- Multidirectional 5 mm lugs for aggressive traction
Product Highlights:
The HOKA Zinal 3 is built for runners who crave speed on fast trails, where quick footwork and aggressive terrain demand a shoe that's light, responsive, and ready to attack.
Refreshed and recharged, this nimble trail running shoe excels at ripping through races and high-pace training runs. The updated supercritically foamed (SCF) EVA midsole delivers a lively boost in energy return, propelling you forward with every stride while keeping the ride efficient and fun.
Underfoot, the revised 5 mm multidirectional lug pattern is crafted from HOKA's proprietary sticky rubber, which offers more aggressive bite than before, providing confident grip on loose dirt, rocks, and mixed trails without sacrificing quick transitions.
The upper stays cool and comfortable during hot pursuits, thanks to a breathable leno weave construction paired with a stretchy, patent-pending dynamic vamp that adapts to your foot's natural movement and expansion over long efforts.
Lightweight, agile, and race-ready, the HOKA Zinal 3 is the perfect partner for fast trail adventures, whether you're chasing PRs or simply flying down your favorite singletrack.
Model Number: 1171951-SNKN
Specs & FitLearn More
Shoe Specs
- Weight: 8.5 oz | 241 g
- Heel Stack: 31 mm
- Forefoot Stack: 26 mm
- Heel-Toe Offset: 5 mm
How It FitsLearn More
Heel Width
Midfoot Fit
Toe Box Fit
Performance MetricsPerformance Metrics Learn More
Heel Impact Absorption
Ball of Foot Impact Absorption
Energy Return
Cushioning
Forefoot Rocker
Rocker Start Point
Performance Metrics
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Heel Impact Absorption
The shoe's ability to absorb impact under your heel, reducing shock to your foot and ankle. A higher score means greater absorption. Range of 0-100, lab measured on an impact testing device.
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Ball of Foot Impact Absorption
The shoe's ability to absorb impact under your forefoot, reducing shock to your foot and ankle. A higher score means greater absorption. Range of 0-100, lab measured on an impact testing device.
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Energy Return
Lab device measured percentage (0-100) of energy returned, to rebound after hitting the cushioning underfoot. Generally, higher numbers can make it feel easier to run faster, but this is just one of many factors in overall shoe performance.
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Cushioning
How plush or steady the midsole feels underfoot, with Softest meaning your foot squishes into the foam the most. Lab measured on an impact testing device.
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Forefoot Rocker
How flat or curved the shoe's rocker profile is under your forefoot. Generally, aggressive rockers are often seen in faster racing shoes. They can promote easy, quick-rolling toe-offs, but can also feel less steady and predictable.
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Rocker Start Point
Where the rocker curve starts under your forefoot. Early means before the ball of your foot (toward your arch) and Late is after the ball of your foot (toward your toes).
How We Measure Our Shoe Specs
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We measure every shoe in-house to provide accurate and consistent details.
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Weight
Weight is measured per single shoe, including laces. Men's and unisex styles are based on a men's size 9, and women's styles are based on a women's size 8.
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Heel Stack
The heel stack refers to how high your heel sits above the ground when wearing shoes. Based on Men's size 9 as the standard.
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Forefoot Stack
Forefoot stack refers to how high the ball of the foot sits above the ground when wearing shoes. Based on Men's size 9 as the standard.
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Heel-toe Offset
Heel-toe offset (drop) is the difference in height between the heel stack and the forefoot stack. We use the number given to us by the brand.
How We Measure Shoe Fit
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All measurements are based on Medium width. Note: fit is relative to the "average" running shoe.
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We partner with SmartLast, a program by Heeluxe, to use advanced shoe-measuring technology, to provide objective measurements for toe box, midfoot, and heel widths as well as overall length.
Stack Height
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MinimalMinimal
14-18mm. The shoe has a thin midsole that allows for a natural running experience. Racing shoes and minimalist shoes are common here. These shoes offer a feeling of being connected to the road or trail.
-
LowLow
19-23mm. The shoe has a slightly cushioned feel and may feature added cushioning technologies. Performance training shoes and some trail shoes are common here. These offer protection during footstrike but prioritize a lightweight, grounded experience.
-
MediumMedium
24-28mm. These shoes have a stack height that falls near the middle of the spectrum. The shoes in this category are versatile and great for all types of runs and distances.
-
HighHigh
29-34mm. The shoe has a thick midsole and ample cushioning. These shoes are highly protective and absorb more impact than the body.
-
MaximalMaximal
35mm plus. The shoe has an extremely thick midsole and extra cushioning. The focus is on protection and soft foam underfoot with hardly any ground feel.
Technologies
MIDSOLE
- Supercritically foamed (SCF) EVA delivers a lively ride with nitrogen-infused upgraded foam for a lighter, more responsive feel.
OUTSOLE
- Proprietary sticky rubber grips aggressively across varied terrain, from loose dirt to wet surfaces.
- Multidirectional 5 mm lugs more aggressive than previous versions, bite deeply for confident traction.
UPPER
- Lightweight leno weave engineered mesh offers a secure lockdown while being breathable and light.
- Stretchy patent-pending dynamic vamp adapts to foot swelling and movement for a flexible lockdown.
