The Rincon came out of nowhere and stole a lot of the thunder from other models in the HOKA lineup. The first two versions were almost identical to one another and while the Rincon 3 doesn’t change the recipe all that much, HOKA did update the upper and it just feels more polished and finished than ever. The bottom line is HOKA didn’t mess with the recipe and people are going to love it.
Quick Details, Specs, and Availability
- The best Rincon HOKA has produced feeling more finished/polished than prior versions.
- Weighs in at 7.7oz or 218g for a US Men’s 9, 6.5oz or 184g for a US Women’s 7.
- Features 38mm/35mm (M/W) of cushion and has a 5mm heel/toe drop.
- Retails at $115.00 USD and comes in 4 colors for Men and Women.
Run Test
The original Rincon showed what happens when you take a really simple upper and pair it with a ton of cushion. What we found is that you get an insanely comfortable shoe with a ton of plushness underneath. You get a run that feels stable and pillowy and will work for all kinds of runners but will be the most appropriate for those that really need that extra softness.
The Rincon 3 doesn’t mess with any of that original secret sauce and instead just sticks to resolve some of the more unfinished areas from the first two versions… namely the upper. While it wasn’t bad in the Rincon 1 or 2 there just wasn’t much to it and it could’ve used a little more structure. Clearly, HOKA heard everyone and so the Rincon 3 gets a well-thought-out upper update.
On the foot it feels just like a Rincon that you know and love, meaning a decent amount of width in the toe, a nice stable platform underneath, and plenty of cushion just like a big old pillow. In the run, it performs just as well as before, but the upper feels a bit more secure and durable. The Rincon actually feels like they breathe better given those diagonal slits they have added to the upper material.
We don’t honestly have a lot of downsides with the new Rincon 3. It is definitely the best model HOKA has produced in the Rincon lineup and worth the price of the upgrade. From the new color options to the new upper, this super light well-cushioned shoe is just a fun shoe to run in.
Construction: Upper
The upper gets the biggest update on the Rincon and moves to a new vented engineered mesh that has been sandwiched together and then slits have been added as well for movement and breathability. It also gets a new asymmetrical slimmed down tongue which is slightly padded and super breathable and a new simple pull tab for easy on and off.
New upper with diagonal slits added for breathability 
Super breathable tongue 
Decently padded heel with updated pull
Construction: Midsole
The Rincon 3 midsole uses HOKA’s standard full-compression EVA and also features their Meta-Rocker which helps with transition and acceleration. The Rincon delivers 38mm of cushion and strikes a wider stance allowing for better stability during each stride. You can expect a cushioned and plush ride making it easier on the lower extremities – quads, knees, Achilles, etc.
Lateral midsole view 
Medial midsole view
Construction: Outsole
The outsole on the Rincon 3 gets a bit of a touch-up as HOKA has removed some of the material from the midfoot to heel area to keep weight down. The darker pieces are carbon rubberized EVA which allows for better traction and improved durability.
Outsole with rubberized contacts
Style and Aesthetics
The Rincon 3 comes in four colors for men and women and HOKA has really broadened the pallette giving us some really fun options which are fantastic. It was actually one of the things we didn’t love about the first two versions, they felt very simplistic. These new options feel well thought out and inspiring.
Overall Conclusion
HOKA hasn’t messed with the recipe with a new Rincon 3 and that is a great thing. If you liked the shoe before, then you will love this minimal update which is primarily confined to the upper. The new upper material feels more refined and breathable and truly makes the shoe feel polished. This can be a very fun shoe and the new colorways make it even more so.
Learn more on the HOKA website
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Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
