Heard of HOKA? Course you have. Now it’s time to dive deeper into the brand.
Since 2009, HOKA’s been making serious moves in the running scene.
It all began up in the French Alps. Runners Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud had one goal in mind. Making downhill running effortless.
And that’s exactly what they did.
A new era of running shoes was born.
Bigger. Bouncier. Bolder.
No more small soles. HOKA went against the norm with a maximalist design.
We’re talking next-level cushioning and oversized midsoles so runners could fly down the mountains.
The brand’s OG name, Hoka One One, is actually a Māori phrase that translates to ‘time to fly over the earth’.
The evolution of HOKA
HOKA’s first running shoe, ‘Mafate’, debuted back in ’09.
Rooted in ultramarathon running, HOKA’s collection has grown massively.
From daily runners to ultra marathon shoes, HOKA’s got you covered whatever your goals.
Let’s look at some of the latest trainers.
Which HOKA shoe is best for me?
Clifton 10
First up, the HOKA Clifton 10. Made for maintenance miles, it’s one of HOKA’s most popular silhouettes.
If you’re kicking off your running journey or clocking up kms on the regular, this is gonna be the perfect choice for you.
The jacquard knit upper keeps thing light and airy, while reflective details pop in low light.
It’s got a smooth MetaRocker to propel you forwards. Stacks of cushioning below for soft, bouncy strides. And a durable abrasion rubber outsole for total traction. The works.
Weight: 278g (men’s). 227g (women’s).
Heel-to-toe drop: 8mm
Bondi 9
This one’s all about cushioning.
As one of HOKA’s hardest working running shoes, the Bondi 9 has an extra 2mm in stack height compared to its previous version.
It has a structured knit upper, with a 3D moulded collar for extra support.
Below is where the magic happens. A higher bed of cushioning is there to provide a super soft ride.
And for support, the rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame cradles the foot as you get those miles in.
There’s no slacking on comfort when it comes to the HOKA Bondi 9. It’s a fan fave for a reason.
Weight: 297g (men’s). 263g (women’s).
Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
Challenger 7
When the rain hits, it’s the HOKA Challenger 7 you need to call on.
A GORE-TEX finish to the upper keeps things dry. And a compression moulded EVA midsole is there when it comes to cushioning.
Inspired by gravel tyres, they rubber outsole has tightly spaced lugs at the center and larger, more aggressive lugs at the edge for grippy traction.
Time to take on the terrain?
Weight: 275g (men’s). 198g (women’s)
Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
Rincon 4
Looking to lace up the little one in HOKA running shoes? Enter the Rincon 4.
Comfy and cushioned, the Rincon 4 is designed to match their energy.
It has a breathable mesh upper, with an ankle strap that’s super easy to pull on and off.
Below, the thick foam midsole keeps em cushioned. And the Durabrasion rubber outsole keeps up with them at playtime.
Weight: 156g
Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
Speedgoat 6 GORE-TEX
Time to hit the trails? No matter the weather, HOKA’s Speedgoat 6 delivers every time.
It’s a serious contender for tough terrain. And even better, it has a layer of GORE-TEX to take on the elements.
Just like the rest of HOKA’s shoes, the Speedgoat 6 has the classic MetaRocker shape.
A compression-moulded EVA midsole delivers the perfect amount of cushioning. And the Vibram Megagrip outsole is designed to give you next-level traction.
Weight: 301g
Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
Mach 5
All about speed? HOKA’s Mach 5 is gonna be your new best friend.
Engineered mesh up top keeps things airy, while a flat-lay tongue and shaped collar deliver support when you most need it.
And below? ProFly+ foam sits lower for a super snappy response when you touch the ground.
Weight: 232g
Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
How to clean HOKA trainers
HOKA running shoes are pretty easy to clean.
Hand wash them with cold water and use mild soap or detergent to remove dirt.
Leave them to dry away from heat. Then you’re all set to chase down the miles.
Over and out
That’s us done talking. We’ll let HOKA do the rest.
