You definitely need to put attention to check if you are looking at the Hoka One One Rincon 2 and not the previous model. Either way, it delivers what it promises: great comfort supported by its impressive midsole and top-notch materials, at the price point. It is curious how running shoes have evolved and the popularity enjoyed by the French-American brand's models, even with a drop of 5 mm that could be an obstacle to fit for many. It is also interesting how the Clifton saga has been the one chosen by many for recovery runs thanks to its huge cushioning and flattering transition dynamics.
Not many but there are some changes compared to its predecessor Rincon shoe. The upper features an extended rearfoot height for better protection of the achilles area, and incidentally serves to ease foot entry and exit when putting on and taking off shoes respectively. The mesh upper has also been improved so that it no longer makes use of embroidered reinforcements on the sides and also incorporates many more ventilation holes thus ensuring a first class breathability. To round out the package, it is about 2% lighter than the previous model. It's not much but it all adds up (or subtracts, as in this case).
The rest of the Rincon 2 is unchanged. The imposing midsole remains the most characteristic element of the Rincon 2 which maintains both the 5 mm of drop and the protrusions that occupy part of the upper (in a similar way to the Brooks Glycerin 18) for added stability and the "Meta Rocker" structure for ease of transition that has surely inspired other models such as the eye-catching Nike React Infinity Run shoe. In a display of originality, the outsole configuration remains identical, always maintaining contact with the ground throughout and with strategically placed rubber reinforcements to increase durability while offering good grip on asphalt.
