Hoka's new Fly at Night collection is inspired by Japan's uber cool night running scene and it takes the Cavu and Mach from the Fly collection and adds super slick black colourways with reflective logo detailing. We jumped on the chance to get a pair of these, being Hoka and maximalist running shoe converts but currently running in some (slightly garish to anyone's eyes) bright yellow Clifton 5's. The Cavu's have less oversized soles than the Clifton 5's so they don't feel quite as well cushioned. Cushioning is soft when you first strike, stiffening up as pressure is applied, which to us makes them feel a little more like a conventional running shoe. The lightweight mesh upper cradles the foot surprisingly well considering how flexible it is, in fact they feel like a pair of your comfiest slippers from the moment you put them on. A lycra bootie liner helps the upper conform to and stretch with your foot and eliminates uncomfortable chafe inducing seams. We found that the upper was great for short runs, but for long hours pounding the pavements we reckon that a little more support would be useful. The Cavu Fly at Night is an almost impossibly light shoe, especially as it's paired with an equally lightweight foam and rubber outsole and dual density Profly midsole. Profly is tried and tested, in our experience it doesn't offer ridiculous energy, just a nice subtle cushioned heel strike and a little bounce off the toe.
Off course, the massive sole that's become synonymous with Hoka is a love it or hate it look but the all black Cavu Fly at Night blends the sole into the upper for a much more streamlined look, which we love. The reflective detailing is also subtle in the day but reflects car and street lights at night for a safer running experience.
Verdict: The Cavu Fly at Night takes the best of Hoka and turns the volume down a notch, both on cushioning and looks, to make a running shoe that not only Flies at Night but looks great while doing it.
