What replaced the Hoka Arahi 4?
Updated October 14, 2026. Specs are men's US 9.
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THE SHORT ANSWER
The Arahi 5 replaced the 4 in February 2021 at the same $130 price. Hoka kept the 29/24 mm J-Frame platform, tuned the foam a little softer, and rebuilt the upper with a more open forefoot, firmer heel hold, and flared collar. It was a comfort refinement rather than a new Arahi.
- Hoka Arahi 5Sizes running outWomen's
Availability last checked Oct 14, 2026. Prices and stock change without notice.
At a glance
- Weight is unchanged
- Drop is unchanged at 5 mm
- New midsole foam
Every spec side by side, with the reason behind each change: Arahi 4 vs 5.
Stay on your shoe, or switch?
Faithful successorThe 5 is the 4 made easier to live with. It preserves the low 5 mm geometry and the firm, continuous J-Frame support, then softens the landing and improves the upper. The tenth of an ounce is irrelevant; fit and comfort are the reasons to choose it.
Stick with the Arahi 4 if
- The Arahi 4 upper already locks your foot down and you prefer its firmer ride
- You find the 4 heavily discounted; the platform is nearly identical
Old stock is gone; see alternatives below.
Move to the Arahi 5 if
- You want a roomier forefoot and more secure heel
- The 4 felt harsher than you expected from a Hoka
Where the Hoka Arahi is now
Four generations separate the Hoka Arahi 4 from the Arahi 9 (2026), so the gap is wider than any single update suggests:
- The Arahi 9 is 0.4 oz heavier
- 11 mm more heel stack
- Drop moved from 5 mm to 8 mm
- New midsole foam
- List price up $25
What loyalists said about the update
Generally positive. Reviewers liked the unusually stable forefoot, smooth rocker, and improved comfort, while neutral runners still found the J-Frame intrusive and the ride firmer than Hoka's neutral shoes.
Still want the original?
Buy remaining Arahi 4 stock
Old stock goneAmazon's stock of the Hoka Arahi 4 is gone in both men's and women's sizes, and discontinued stock does not come back. The best current match is the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25.
Ready to move on?
Beyond the Arahi 5, these come closest to what the Arahi 4 did.
- 10.6 oz
- 10 mm drop
- 37 mm heel
- $145 list
The Adrenaline is the more traditional option: a 10 mm drop, slightly more weight, and GuideRails that make the support easier to feel. The Arahi 9 is softer and centers the foot within an H-Frame, but costs $10 more.
Against your Hoka Arahi 4: 1 oz heavier, 8 mm more heel stack, 5 mm more drop, $15 more at list.
- 8.9 oz
- 8 mm drop
- 37 mm heel
- $150 list
The GT-2000 15 is 1.1 oz lighter and $5 less, with a livelier FF Blast Max ride on the same 8 mm drop. The Arahi supplies a taller, broader platform and softer centered guidance.
Against your Hoka Arahi 4: 0.7 oz lighter, 8 mm more heel stack, 3 mm more drop, $20 more at list.
- 10.4 oz
- 10 mm drop
- 38 mm heel
- $145 list
Both replaced old-school medial posting with geometry. The Structure 26 is firmer and more direct on a 10 mm drop; the Arahi 9 is softer, more rockered, and 0.4 oz lighter, for $10 more.
Against your Hoka Arahi 4: 0.8 oz heavier, 9 mm more heel stack, 5 mm more drop, $15 more at list.
Questions runners ask
- Is the Hoka Arahi 4 still available?
- No. Amazon's stock of the Hoka Arahi 4 is gone in both men's and women's sizes, and old-model stock does not come back. Your move is the successor or a close alternative.
- Is the Arahi 5 a downgrade from the Hoka Arahi 4?
- No. The Arahi 5 keeps the same ride and fixes small things. If you liked the Hoka Arahi 4, the update carries over without an adjustment period.
- Is the Hoka Arahi still made?
- Yes. The current version is the Hoka Arahi 9, released in 2026, 5 versions on from the Hoka Arahi 4.
- What is the closest current alternative to the Hoka Arahi 4?
- The Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25. The Adrenaline is the more traditional option: a 10 mm drop, slightly more weight, and GuideRails that make the support easier to feel. The Arahi 9 is softer and centers the foot within an H-Frame, but costs $10 more.