The Speed Loafer is Hoka’s first-ever dressed shoe, though it retains some of the rugged profile the brand is known for. It’s a hybrid shoe, with a leather upper inspired by the 1940s tassel loafer and a thick, performance-driven outsole. The first silhouette came in a daunting, all-black colorway. This time, it returns with a cool look that softens the dark undertones, called the “Carbon Grey” colorway.
It’s a triple-black look, featuring grey, black, and light-blue accents for a subtle pop of contrast. The blue softens the design’s hard edges, subtly peeking out of the sock liner and heel tab. Hoka also bunched cord-style blue laces for the tassel using a metal lock from its trail-shoe catalog.
The tassel isn’t purely for aesthetics. Custom-made with an adjustable drawstring, it lets you put on the shoe quickly and easily by dialing in the comfortable fit. This is only a color update. Hoka kept the original’s rugged, off-road-ready design in the “Carbon Grey” Speed Loafer so it performs beyond the office and into the mountains.
It features the same smooth leather upper and retains the midsole and outsole found on the Speedgoat 5 trail runner. The tooling gives this hybrid dressed shoe reliable, strong grip on uneven paths. It sits on a durable Vibram Megagrip outsole, a high-performance rubber compound that delivers unparalleled grip on wet and dry surfaces and secure traction in any terrain.
Overall, the “Carbon Grey” Speed Loafer retains the original colorway’s fashion-forward design. Its chunky sole adds a modern twist, while the heritage-inspired leather upper gives it a classic look.
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Images courtesy of Hoka
