Hoka One One redefined maximal last week with the launch of the TenNine, a technical trail shoe with an eye-poppingly oversized midsole and an outsole that wings out well beyond the shoe’s heel. The geometry of the midsole — with its 33mm heel height and 4mm offset — is made for the ups and especially the downs of running the trail, keeping the wearer stable and with plenty of contact with the surface below.

Thibaut Poupard, senior innovation manager for Hoka One One, says the effect is amplified on the downhills — although the shoe is meant for all kinds of runs. “The heel extension has a geometry specifically designed to manage the impact on the heel differently, since the contact begins earlier and transitions to the midfoot, forefoot and toe-off more smoothly. This effect is exaggerated downhill,” he said. “The effect of the heel extension might not be felt if not running downhill, but it should not impede or affect uphill or flat running.” That being said, the company cautions that the $250 TenNine isn’t meant to be a casual look — at all. Like bike shoes, it cautions, the style shouldn’t be worn on stairs or around town.