Hoka: Time to Fly
Haven Neiman
Hoka
Time to Fly
Trail running enthusiasts Jean-Luc Diard and Nicola Mermoud, co-founders of Hoka One One, established the running shoe brand in 2009 after coming up with the idea while running the rugged mountain trails of the French Alps. The two decided to make the running experience more manageable and smoother while maintaining optimum momentum. Before launching Hoka, the two runners began crafting trail running shoes for themselves, and soon word got out. The two athletes knew plenty of running shoes were out there, but there needed to be a change. Shortly after crafting their sneakers, those close to them wanted what they had, thus resulting in Hoka. Diard and Mermoud continued to carve and shape until they prepared the perfect running shoe. Hoka's goal is to inspire people to move and empower athletes by providing access to optimal running, walking, and overall athletic shoes that are comfortable and approach athletics from a problem-solving perspective. To Hoka, everyone's an athlete. However you find joy in movement, Hoka aims to amplify those voices and help provide access to the best running, walking, and overall fitness experience. We are excited to announce that Hoka One One has joined the FEATURE brand roster, bringing in a vast selection of technologically-advanced athletic sneakers that are a must in any footwear rotation.
"Feel the Innovation in Every Step."
Jean-Luc Diard and Nicola Mermoud's goal was to improve endurance race times by designing a shoe that goes downhill faster. Hoka running shoes are known for their oversized midsoles, and its shoes incorporate enhanced cushioning and a meticulously engineered midsole that provides a smooth, soft, and efficient ride. The cushioned midsole is comparable to the softness of a marshmallow. At the same time, additional attributes include its shock absorption and varying degrees of thickness that are both responsive and balanced. All of Hoka's sneakers feature a Meta-Rocker, designed to move runners forward. Each Hoka sneakers' Meta-Rocker's geometry complements the natural gait cycle and reduces the height differences between the heel and toe. Additional technologically-advanced components that set Hoka athletic sneakers apart from the standard athletic shoe are its Profly cushioning, J-Frame, carbon fiber plate, and Hubble Heel, which provides effortlessly smooth transitions designed to limit the harsh impact on the body and enhance durability.
“Feels Like Flying.”
Since crafting their first running sneaker drafts, Hoka One One has grown to offer a vast selection of athletic shoes, including road running shoes, trail running shoes, and general running shoes, including the Hoka Clifton 8. This technologically-advanced silhouette incorporates an incredibly soft ride. It builds on technologies such as the ultralight compression-molded EVA midsole. The breathable mesh upper enhances the running experience, and the ultra-plush tongue enhances it. The molded EVA sockliner allows for a max cushion experience at the foot, and the early-stage Meta-Rocker offers a smooth ride, complimenting the natural gait cycle by reducing the height difference between your heel and toe. High-abrasion rubber at the outsole provides optimal durability, making it the ideal running shoe for all times of wear.
An additional running shoe offering from Hoka includes the Hoka Bondi 7. This game-changing road running shoe delivers a smooth and balanced ride that accommodates any distance. Engineered with the same full EVA midsole as the Hoka Clifton 8, the Bondi 7 incorporates an open-engineered mesh construction that delivers breathable comfort along with a memory foam collar that cradles the ankle. TPU overlays provide additional midfoot structure and support, and the internal heel counter locks in the experience. A refined early-stage Meta-Rocker emphasizes the smooth ride, while the rubber outsole minimizes weight and maximizes the overall durability.
Hoka One One’s athletic sneakers are available now at all retail locations + online. Take a closer look at these technologically-advanced silhouettes here.