The Rincon used to be one of Hoka’s most popular trainers because it was lighter and cheaper than most Hokas, however it has been on a hiatus for the last 2 years and has lost some popularity. It used to be marketed as a speed trainer but the latest version is now marketed as a lightweight daily trainer.
Version 4 has received a top-to-bottom update and has a very different ride to version 3. This comparison will tell you which version you should buy.
Verdict
The Hoka Rincon 4 is a good lightweight trainer which performs best at steady paces. It has a firm ride and lacks the bounce and energy return of the Hoka Mach 6 but at only $125, it represents great value. Version 4 is a completely different beast to previous versions. It has a full-length rubberised EVA outsole, making it more durable and 3 mm extra stack height, increasing its cushioning and versatility.
Version 3 is a big improvement over previous versions. It has a smoother ride, a more resilient midsole and a more durable outsole.
Recommended for
Daily training
Speedwork, daily training
Cushioning type
Balanced
Responsive/balanced
Cushioning amount
Medium cushioning
Medium cushioning
Flexibility
flexible
flexible
Stability
some stability
very stable
Sizing
buy half size bigger
true to size
Retail price
US$125
US$115
The Rincon 4 has a new injected EVA midsole. It has a firmer ride than previous Rincons with a little bit more energy return. The Rincon 3 has the older compression moulded EVA which feels softer and more spongy. The Rincon 4 feels faster due to its firmer ride while the Rincon 3 feels more comfortable and more relaxed. Version 4 is better for shorter and faster runs while version 3 is better for slower, long-distance runs.
Version 4 has a thicker midsole. It is 3 mm taller in the heel and the forefoot. This results in more cushioning depth. Version 3 is thinner and provides more ground feel during transitions.
There is no rubber on version 4’s outsole- it is a thick layer of rubberised EVA foam. It has very soft landings and smooth transitions. On v3’s outsole, there is rubber on the high wear areas and soft, exposed midsole foam in the other areas. The rubber is durable but the exposed midsole is not. Version 4 has better durability but it is still lower than the average running shoe.
Stability is better in the Rincon 4. It has a firmer ride and it also cups your foot with raised sidewalls so there’s less lean bias.
The Rincon 4 has smoother ride transitions. It has a continuous outsole made of the same EVA while the Rincon 3 has harder rubber in some parts, making transitions less smooth.
Hoka advertises that both trainers have MetaRockers but the Rincon 4 has a higher toe-spring. This results in more energy-saving transitions than v3. V4 feels more efficient because its more prominent rocker assists you through transitions more.
The Rincon 4 has a very snug upper. It also has a very narrow toe-box so it’s best suited to narrow, low-volume feet. It has a padded tongue as well as a generously padded collar and heel tab. It’s made of a soft, engineered mesh which has good breathability. The Rincon 4 fits a half size small so you should go up a half size or get the wide version.
The Rincon 3 has an upper which is more accommodating and more spacious than version 4. Its mesh is also thinner and more breathable. It has a thin tongue and less padding in the heel tab and collar which makes it less comfortable. The Rincon 3 fits true to size.
If you’re looking for a firmer, faster trainer, get the Rincon 4. It has more energy return and has the ability to pick up the pace better. It’s more durable and it has better stability.
If you’re looking for a softer trainer for long distances, get the Rincon 3. It’s lighter and it has more long-distance comfort. It has a more spacious upper which suits wide feet better and a thinner, more breathable upper.
