A Different Kind of Review: Hoka Mafate X After 3 Surprise-Filled Runs on Thassos Island — Goats, Snakes, Drone Rescues, Desserts Instead of Gels, and Serious Trail Time on Water and Land

I couldn’t wait to get back to Thassos. For some, this island is just a vacation spot with beaches and turquoise waters. For me, it’s the place where adventure, playfulness, and a childlike spirit meet training and running stories that have stayed close to my heart. Here, I’ve lived through two “home” Ironmans, discovered the weirdest but best Greek pastries, and made friends with goats, turkeys, ancient olive trees, and trails that only locals dare to tread.

Every time I arrive in Thassos, I feel like there’s no limit to what I can explore. It’s the only place where, after countless runs on asphalt, I can roll out of bed and improvise a route straight through ancient olive groves, along the beach, or down some forgotten paths lost to the world. This time, though, I didn’t come just for the joy of running, but with a clear mission: to test the Hoka Mafate X — a pair of shoes I’d heard all kinds of opinions about, but wanted to really put to work on real trails, not just casually in the park.

I did three completely different runs, each with its own vibe: one with dust, switchbacks, and domestic animals on the trail; one with tough climbs through Kazaviti; and one along the seaside, with rocks, water, and a drone rescue thrown in. I’m no trail expert, but I know what it means to really put a shoe to the test in real conditions, no holds barred, no showroom PR. So if you want a “from the field” review, with all the mishaps included, you’re in the right place.

About the Hoka Mafate X

Type of shoe: Trail running, for varied terrain — not for strolling down boulevards.

Weight: Around 340g (size 42 2/3). Not featherlight, but not a brick either. You feel it light on the run, no clunky boot sensation, even after 20 km on rocks and sand.

Drop: 8 mm — the height difference between heel and toe. The foot stays “natural,” no ankle strain. Very good for stability and speed downhill.

Stack height: 48 mm at the heel, 41 mm at the front — thick sole, perfect for cushioning on stones, roots, and forest paths. You don’t feel every pebble, but you’re not bouncing around like a deer on pillows either.

Outsole: Vibram® Megagrip. Fancy name, but seriously: no slipping on wet rocks or mud. The grip truly makes the difference, not just in ads.

Lug profile: 5 mm — serious lugs that bite well into any surface: dirt, sand, gravel. I even ran through water with them, never lost traction.

Upper material: Technical mesh, durable and breathable. Your feet don’t overheat, dry quickly after any accidental dips, and the reinforcements on exposed zones (like rocks, branches, or curious goats) really matter.

Lacing system: Classic, no unnecessary complications — holds the foot firmly, no loosening every 3 km.

Shape: Roomy at the forefoot but not a “house slipper.” Suitable for wide feet without feeling like you’re in a boat.

Collar/heel: Moderately reinforced — no digging into the tendon and doesn’t slip off on steep descents.

In short:

The Hoka Mafate X isn’t for salon runners or asphalt hipsters. It’s made to withstand beatings, pass through mud, sand, forests, and stay “calm” even on wet rocks. The grip surprised me, ventilation and quick drying saved me in the heat, and the cushioning is neither too soft nor too hard — just right for worry-free adventure.

STORY 1 – Olive Groves, Switchbacks, and a Snake Encounter (Grip & Stability)

I was itching to hit my first run in Thassos. I’d arrived the day before and was already buzzing like I had ants in my shoes. It’s not the first time I wake up eager to run straight from the hotel, but here, between Skala Rachoniou and Skala Prinos, everything tastes different. You get 100 meters of asphalt just to loosen your ankles, and then bam — you’re in another world: among ancient olive groves, dirt roads that only agricultural machinery or old beat-up cars dare to tread. The smell? Exactly as I remembered — a strange but perfect mix: wet grass, olives, green figs here and there, and, of course, goats (because it just wouldn’t be the same without them).

The path winds between the old olive trees, each with its irrigation pipe wrapped around the roots like a makeshift hula hoop. Around me, only dust, figs, wet grass, and goats cutting across my way like they own the place (and they basically do). Silence breaks now and then with the bleating of a stray sheep or the tinkling of bells hanging on the goats’ necks.

I mostly navigate by map, but the map doesn’t help much — the GPS track suddenly ends, and I find myself crossing a kind of dry riverbed, then back among younger olive trees — kinda like me, with a playful spirit. I pass a small church, the climbs get steeper, but I’m pumped, and the grip is maxed out; otherwise, I’d have been cursing nonstop.

At kilometer 3, I hit a garbage pit — bonus scent, thanks a lot. Then, hop, back to postcard scenery. From kilometer 4, the climb gets serious, with sand mixed with jagged stones — a true test for your tendon and patience. The shoes? They stuck to the ground like glue. No matter how slippery the slope was, wherever I placed my foot, it stayed put. No exaggeration — this isn’t an ad or a story; it’s the reality of a guy who’s seen other shoes that were “only good on dry ground.”

Mid-climb, bam — a sizable snake. No time for chit-chat, I sped off like Road Runner — beep beep and a cloud of dust behind me, leaving the snake stunned. I was thinking: even when running trail, Mafate X cares about speed, not just stability.

I almost regretted forgetting my trail poles, but luckily the climb eased just in time, and I entered a pine clearing (that fresh pine scent soothes your soul), where I could catch my breath and literally feel I wouldn’t stop until my flask was empty.

STORY 2 – Kazaviti, the Serious Climb, and Forgotten Poles (Cushioning, Support & How to Get Brave on the Trail)

I woke up early, eager to hit the uphill — day two of testing the Mafate X. This time, I didn’t start right from the accommodation but drove to Kazaviti, a village that feels like it’s from another era: stone houses, shady terraces, mountain air, and restaurants boasting the best lamb head soup on Thassos. Didn’t get to try it again this year, but no worries — other plans in mind.

I packed my backpack, took out my poles… and here the circus began. I stared at them as if I’d never seen a locking system before — not even a YouTube tutorial could help, because my phone was out of service 😂. I’d forgotten to pay my bill; I’d tried on the hotel Wi-Fi before leaving, but it hadn’t reactivated. A slight fear crept in: heading into the mountains without poles and without a working phone? Well, I pushed my fears aside and went for it. No way I’d let some sticks and a dead signal scare me! 🤭

The first 500 meters were a warm-up: cobblestones, cracked cement, straight uphill. I started to get into the mood and realized there was no room for whining — Kazaviti gives you everything: fine sand, dust, gravel, sharp rocks (no idea if the sole or those “gifts” from goats and sheep make the path softer 😂). Vegetation ranged from shrubs to pines, sun-scorched grass, and all kinds of prickly bushes — real trail vibes.

The climb took me from 200m to nearly 900m altitude. Winding roads (the island seems eager to show how small you are), with the valley and sea in view, all bathed in sunshine and fresh pine scent — authentic off-road feeling. When my energy was running low, I hit a patch of pine forest, cool shade, and soft ground. That’s where I felt revived and pushed on to kilometer 10, my planned turnaround.

Water strategy was simple: two flasks, when one empties, I turn back! Managed it well, although I seemed to drink less uphill than downhill. The sun doesn’t forgive. Luckily, the forest patch and a bit of smarts helped me manage liquids well.

STORY 3 – Seaside, Rocks, Water, and a Rebellious Drone (Wet Grip, Drainage & Maximum Fun)

My last run on Thassos felt like a playful outing, right on the morning I had to head home. I woke up with the urge to do a “different” run — by the seaside, with a clear plan: Skala Prinos – Skala Rachoni – Pachis – Glyfoneri Beach and back. Clouds, wind, cool air, choppy sea... the kind of weather that normally sends you to coffee, but it pushed me toward the “ultimate test”: running through water, on wet rocks, to see how well the shoes hold up and how much I love playing around.

Just after Vicky and Papu Beach tavernas, I found a shallow water area over big rocks where I could “run on water” — not like Jesus, but close enough, and definitely more natural than any “waterproof shoe” ad. The feeling was awesome: warm water, wet feet, and the Mafate X gripped the rocks like they were glued on. Grip on wet surfaces? No worries at all — I jumped from one stone to another without feeling like I was playing with luck. The cool part was that after a few meters of splashing, the shoes dried almost as fast as you can say “drone.”

Speaking of drones… I had an adrenaline moment: I tried to film from above, but the wind messed up the plans. The drone flew past the pier and couldn’t find its landing spot. Luckily, my runner reflexes kicked in — I waded waist-deep into the water and barely managed to save it. Now that’s a real “follow me,” not from a remote control!

The run continued like a mini exploration: among broken trees on the beach, sharp rocks, sometimes on sand, other times knee-deep in water, laughing to myself like a kid let loose in a playground. The shoes? No slipping at all — not on wet rocks, not on sand, not in water. The drainage and mesh did their job: after a few minutes of splashing and running on dry ground, it was like nothing had happened — drying was surprisingly fast, and sand didn’t stubbornly stay inside like with other models.

Up to Pachis and Glyfoneri Beach, I felt like I was in a storybook: surprised people (“Where did this guy come out of, right from the water?”), me happy that I could combine trail, beach running, and a bit of swimrun all in one outing. On the way back, with improving weather, I summed up: Hoka Mafate X aren’t just mountain shoes — they’re also great for seaside, sand, wet rocks, water, and real fun.

I can’t say I fell in love with trail running, but the feeling of freedom, playfulness, and adventure made me want to come back. I discovered new routes, tested the shoes to the limit, saved a drone, and was glad to have no blisters or frustrations — just the urge to run more.

Conclusion of the run: if you want to explore, play, splash in water and jump over rocks, Hoka Mafate X keep you smiling no matter how tricky the terrain is.

What I Liked About the Hoka Mafate X

Grip: On rocks, dust, sand, dirt, wet or dry stones — seriously, I never slipped even in the riskiest spots. Vibram Megagrip really delivers.

Cushioning: The thick sole absorbs shocks without making you feel fragile in the wild. You can take steep descents and climbs without feeling every pebble.

Stability: Doesn’t throw you off even if you step awkwardly. Especially downhill or on true off-road terrain, the shoes hold their line and don’t skid.

Drainage and Quick Drying: After running through water, puddles, or accidentally wading knee-deep, you don’t end up with a pool inside your shoes. The mesh dries fast and sand doesn’t stubbornly stick like with other models.

Comfort: No blisters, no weird pressure spots, no “floating” inside the shoe. You feel secure but don’t feel like you’re wearing boots. Good for wide feet but comfy on normal ones too.

Versatility: You can use them anywhere — mountain, forest, beach, rocks, even asphalt if caught on the way. They served me well for both play and serious running.

What Might Annoy Some

Weight: Not the lightest for ultra-light lovers (but after 20 km of trail, I felt no handicap). Still lighter than Bondi X.

Rigidity: The thick sole is very stable but not as flexible as road shoes — if you want to feel every bump, this isn’t for you.

Look: Not a “fashion week” shoe, looks serious — like it’s ready for mountain business, not strolling.

Price: Premium shoe, no “2 for 1” deals. But you get what you pay for.

Who the Hoka Mafate X Is For

Runners who want safety on any terrain: If you’re like me and want to roam mountains, beaches, and get back in one piece, this shoe’s for you.

Trail explorers of unknown paths: If you like going where maps end and adventure begins, you’ve got a serious partner.

People who want comfort + protection for long distances: You don’t feel stones or roots but also don’t feel disconnected from the ground like in a boat.

Personal Conclusion — What I Learned, What I’d Do Differently, Recommendation

Three runs in Thassos, three stories, about ten mini mishaps, one nearly lost drone, two forgotten poles, and a hundred curious goats — that was my test with the Hoka Mafate X. If you ask what stayed with me after all this, it’s simple: these shoes really stick with you when it’s tough and make you want to come back again just to see what else they can do.

I didn’t fall head over heels for trail running, but I discovered the joy of “running anywhere,” exploring without fear of terrain or weather, letting myself act like a kid on a playground, without counting kilometers or worrying about pace and records. What would I do differently? Next time I’d remember to bring gels and how to set up poles. But otherwise… I wouldn’t change a thing about this experience.

A sincere recommendation: the Hoka Mafate X isn’t a showcase shoe or one for Instagram likes. It’s for those who want to step off asphalt, build courage on trails, laugh at their own blunders, and come back with stories. If you want a shoe that won’t let you down in water, on steep descents, or when the trail ends on the map… give it a shot.

Running remains for me an excuse to discover places, people, new pastries, and to stay in shape. Thassos stays “home” for all these experiments. And Mafate X… earned their return ticket for the next adventure. Maybe to other islands. Maybe with more kilometers, who knows? The important thing is to get out there, try, and find your own trail.

Let’s hear from you soon, with healthy feet and clean shoes… at least until the next puddle!