The Hoka Tracer is a lightweight, low-to-the-ground road running shoe made by Hoka One One. As a racing flat, the Tracer is designed for speed and performance on roads, tracks, and light trails. The Tracer first launched in 2019 and is now a popular shoe worn by runners looking for a responsive yet cushioned feel. But with its unique curved shape and maximized cushioning, runners often wonder – how do Hokas fit? Let’s take a closer look at the Tracer and Hoka sizing.
Hoka’s Signature Thick Midsole
One of the standout features of Hoka shoes, including the Tracer model, is the extra thick midsole foam. This “oversized” midsole gives Hoka shoes their signature look and is strategically engineered to provide soft cushioning and comfort. On the Tracer shoe, this midsole foam stack height measures 25mm in the heel and 19mm in the forefoot. This thicker cushioning helps absorb impact while also promoting smooth transitions.
But this extra foam does affect the sizing and fit. Because there is more midsole material wrapped around the foot, Hoka shoes tend to fit snugger than typical running shoes. So when considering your normal shoe size, many runners size up a half or full size in Hokas.
Shape of the Last
In addition to the thick midsole, another element that affects Hoka shoe sizing is the shape of the shoe’s last. The last is the form the shoe is built around to dictate the proportions of the forefoot, midfoot, and heel areas.
Hoka designs their shoes with a curved last to mirror the natural shape of the foot. This helps stabilize and center the foot over the cushioned midsole. However, this contoured shape also lends itself to a narrower fit, especially in the heel and midfoot sections. So those with wider feet may need to size up.
Weight of the Tracer
As a lightweight shoe designed for faster paced training and racing, the Tracer only weighs 6.1 oz for a men’s size 9. This feathery weight comes from the compressed midsole foam that still offers responsive cushioning along with a thin yet breathable mesh upper. The outsole also utilizes strategic rubber placement to reduce weight.
However, this does not mean the Tracer feels flimsy or unsupportive. The snugger fit from the curved last actually helps lock the foot in place over the foot-shaped midsole. The heel counter and shoe laces also ensure a secure foothold. So while a racing flat may fit more precisely, the Tracer still provides stability without excessive rigidity.
Ideal Uses for the Tracer
The Hoka Tracer is positioned as a training partner for faster road sessions – intervals, tempo runs, fartlecks, and long runs. The energetic cushioning and smooth heel to toe transition makes the Tracer well-suited for pushing pace on roads. The low profile and grippy outsole also gives the confidence to pick up speed, lap after lap on the track.
Yet despite its racing intentions, the Tracer has enough cushion and protection for high mileage. This makes it a great choice for runners that prize a soft, responsive feel across all their road runs – recovery jogs to marathon pace efforts. The Tracer is also lightweight and smooth enough to consider for race day whether tackling a 5K or marathon. Just be aware that the snug fit may not accommodate swelling later in longer races.
Sizing Recommendations
So how does this all translate to Hoka Tracer sizing recommendations? Here’s a quick guide:
- Consider sizing up at least a 1⁄2 size from your normal shoe size, especially if you have wider feet or prefer more toe room
- Try both standard width and wide width to determine the best fit. Many runners fine the standard width accommodates swelling but wide may be more comfortable if you have a square forefoot
- There should be ample wiggle room for toes while still feeling secure in midfoot
- Heel should have a light grip without slipping
- Laces should easily tighten over midfoot without uncomfortable pressure points
- Break-in period is usually minimal despite snug midfoot fit
Remember fit preferences can also vary depending on intended use. For example, opting for more space by sizing up or choosing wide width may benefit longer road sessions while a more precise fit could be preferred for quicker pace workouts.
Trying Shoes In-Person
While sizing guidance can provide a starting point, trying the Tracer shoes in person typically gives the best indication of finding the right Hoka fit. Every runner’s foot shape is slightly different so by walking around the store and even jogging across the room, you can best gauge overall comfort and support.
Be sure to pay attention to:
- Length – Make sure toes have some wiggle room and do not feel jammed against front, especially when running stride is longer
- Width – Focus on midfoot and forefoot to ensure sides of feet do not bulge over edges and lace tightness is secure without pinching
- Heel – Lift and land on heels to check for lockdown without slippage (heel counter helps prevent lifting)
- Feel – Cushioning should soften footstrike but still feel responsive as you transition through each step
- Activity – Walk, jog, jump – anything mimicking your actual running motions provides more accurate feedback vs just standing
Don’t hesitate to try multiple sizes and go with the largest that still feels supportive (without allowing foot slippage within shoe). If staying true to size, wide width can also accommodate wider feet.
Comparison to Other Hoka Models
It’s also helpful to understand Hoka shoe sizing across models as the fits vary:
Clifton – More daily trainer cushioning so runs about a 1⁄2 size large to accommodate swelling on longer runs
Rincon – Fits similarly to the Tracer with precision heel lockdown and curved shape
Bondi – Maximized cushioning yields more narrow, curved shape that also runs small so sizing up is common
Carbon X – Engineered for propulsion so designed for more precise race-day fit (sizing up not recommended)
Comparing your fit in other Hoka shoes helps fine tune Tracer sizing. For example, runners that swell into their Clifton true size may want to stick with 1⁄2 size up in Tracer.
Injury History and Foot Shape Considerations
Along with your typical shoe size, running goals, and trainer rotation, both your injury history and foot anatomy should factor into finding your ideal Hoka Tracer size.
For example, Achilles tightness or Plantar Fasciitis may require a little extra room in the heel so sizing up helps prevent rubbing and aggravation in that area of the foot. Those prone to forefoot issues like black toenail or neuroma pain should ensure ample toe box room too.
Under- or overpronators also require certain fit factors that influence sizing. Neutral runners can likely stay true to size in the Tracer while severe overpronators require enhanced midfoot support so a more secure forefoot-to-heel lockdown is key without restricting fit. Underpronators need flexibility and soft landings making width and sizing up preferences to consider.
Foot shape – high/low arches, narrow/wide heel, spacing between toes – can dictate whether standard vs wide widths are more appropriate or sizing up/down is needed to complement foot anatomy for injury prevention and running efficiency.
For example, wide forefoot combined with narrow heel would indicate wide Tracer widths would likely accommodate shape better than standard. Very high arches may require an extra 1⁄2 size beyond typical sizing to better leverage midsole cushioning. Close toe spacing works well with Tracer’s curved shape while wide toe spreads may need upsizing.
These combinations of injury history and foot structure further demonstrate the importance of trying shoes in person vs strictly ordering your normal size to determine ideal fit.
Break-In Period
Even if the Tracer feels comfortable when trying on in-store, expect the snugness to be noticed during the initial wearings for runs. But after a few shorter runs, the one-piece midsole will begin to form to your foot shape. The lightweight mesh upper is also thin with minimal layers so also molds well over time.
Most runners report the Tracer breaking in quickly within 10-20 miles. After that short adjustment period, the fit feels like a customized slipper capturing foot contours without pressure points. Hold off on longer runs or workouts until getting acclimated to prevent discomfort sabotaging performance gains.
Outsole wear is also reliable with strategic rubber placement for durable traction zones through early heel lifting phase. The outsole tread is meant for road use rather than trails so also avoid unnecessary uneven wear by keeping runs to paved surfaces when possible.
Replacement Cycle
Depending on your weekly running mileage, expect to get between 300-500 miles out of a pair of Tracer shoes. The soft midsole cushioning helps extend outsole life but will begin compressing over time. The Tracer lacks a medial post for pronation control so neutral runners can maximize mileage before cushioning bottoms out.
Be sure to monitor wear indicators – creasing or unevenness in foam, worn lugs, changes in fit/feel/ride – then rotate in a fresh pair. Extending Tracer performance also relies on responsible mileage build-up, evenly distributing training across multiple Hoka
FAQs
Do the Hoka Tracer shoes run true to size?
No, most runners recommend sizing up at least a 1⁄2 size in the Tracer model to allow for the snug fit from the curved shape. Going up a full size is also common depending on foot width and sensitivity to tight fits across the midfoot.
Can the Tracer handle long miles or are they just for speedwork?
With its responsive cushioning and lightweight feel, the Tracer performs exceptionally well during tempo runs, intervals and races. But the cushioning is still soft and durable enough to absorb high mileage training. So the Tracer is suitable for both fast and slow paced runs.
Is the traction suitable for trails or just roads?
The Tracer’s outsole uses strategic rubber placement intended for durability and grip on roads, tracks and smooth dirt paths. The lugs and foam are not rugged enough to handle technical trail terrain. Deep lug patterns found on trail shoes are better suited for uneven surfaces.
What is the fit like in the forefoot?
Hoka’s signature curved last creates a narrower midfoot that opens to a wider forefoot to mirror the natural foot shape. This allows toe splay while still feeling secure across the instep. But those with wider feet may still want to size up or select wide widths for more forefoot room.
How does the upper material feel?
The engineered air mesh upper is engineered to be lightweight and breathable with minimal layers. Foam backing offers structure without rigidity for a barely-there feel. This soft, thin upper molds to the foot’s shape quickly for a sock-like fit. Printed overlays supply structure without pressure points.