![]() runs mostly on very steep technical terrain above Boulder often challenging well known local FKT's. Mike shoe preferences lean towards firmer, dense cushioning, with plenty of forefoot space, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe boxes. In 2022 Mike recently won the Standhope 100 mile trail ultra and was 3d at the Scout Mountain 50 mile trail ultra. A recent 2:39 road marathoner, his easy running pace ranges from 7:30 - 9:00/mi. 5'10", 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker - he typically averages 70 mpw (mostly on trails), ramping up to nearly 100 mpw during race buildups. Mike Postaski currently focuses on long mountainous ultras - anywhere from 50K up to his favorite - 100M. Not as absolutely bombproof rock protect as previous V1-3 Mike P/Jeff V Less stable than V3, with softer cushion and a less structured upper Mike P/Jeff V Tail “scoop” achilles collar (why?) funnels debris into shoe Mike P/Jeff V Improved rear foot fit & heel hold Mike P/Jeff V Much more flexible than previous versions Mike P/Jeff V Softer PROFLY+ cushion (and lots of it) should also be resilient Mike P/Jeff V Still rides faster than its weight, but this version feels lighter too Mike P/Jeff VĬomfortable upper w/ space across the forefoot Mike P/Jeff V Traction in loose terrain - massive & deep outsole w/ Traction Lug “nubs” Mike P/Jeff V The Speed 4 is completely reworked from the ground up, dropping some weight in the process, improving traction/durability with the new Vibram Traction Lug outsole design and with a new secure, yet compliant, breathable upper. They were excellent for moving quickly over long distances and on a wide variety of terrain, with the sweet spot being moderately technical hilly terrain, but easily handling some technical trails as they were surprisingly stable despite the tall stack and relatively narrow platform. Jeff V: Like Mike, I have run in all versions and enjoyed the Speed 3 the most, finding them to be much faster, agile and responsive than their weight might suggest. I believe it will be a more accessible shoe for big-cushion fans looking for a Speedgoat alternative. The character of the shoe remains the same, but there are some slight differences. ![]() The new version is a complete redesign - finally a different midsole/outsole combination, newer foam, and upper design more in line with recent Hoka models. It essentially retained the same midsole & outsole as the first two versions, but the upper was the perfect blend of security from V1 and comfort from V2. While the first EVO Mafate was really a game changer in ultra running, and a big part of Jim Walmsley’s winning run at Western States, I found V3 to be the best of the bunch. Mike P: I’ve run in every version of the Mafate Speed, from the first two “EVO” versions to the last “regular” Mafate Speed 3. ![]() Article by Mike Postaski and Jeff Valliere
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