What is Hoka?
Hoka shoes are becoming increasingly popular, but unfortunately, not everyone knows how to wear them correctly. In this article, we will teach you the do’s and don’ts of wearing Hoka shoes and what makes them special.
Deckers Outdoor Corporation is the parent company for Hoka shoes having taking over Hoka shoes in 2013 after buying 12% minority stake in the company in 2012.
The Deckers brand are a fashion and lifestyle brand major in footwear brands, having their head quarters in Goleta California, united states.
The biggest ultramarathon runners is Dave mackey, a 2 time US ultrarunner of the year and Karl meltzer wears Hoka shoes.
Most Hoka shoes are made in China and Vietnam. Hoka also operates factories in the Dominican Republic, Cambodia, and the Philippines. The factories outside of China and Vietnam account for less than 10 percent of their manufacturing operations
what are hoka shoes
Hoka running shoes are designed for ultra-marathon runners and intended to provide maximum cushioning without sacrificing flexibility or speed. The inventor of Hoka shoes, Moti Hasson, spent 5 years developing this unique model, which is based on the legendary Talon running shoe.
what’s so special about hoka one one?
Hoka One One has a unique outsole design: the front part of the sole is narrow and acts like a mini-suspension system that “hugs” your foot.
On average, Hoka soles have 80-110mm/3.15″-4.33″ of rubber underfoot, while most running shoes typically have 30-50mm/1.18″-1.97″. This extra thickness makes Hoka shoes feel extremely cushioned shoe and stable.
The upper is made of a one-piece engineered mesh that provides a secure and sock-like fit. This fabric is breathable mesh, flexible, and lightweight.
lace system: the traditional laces are hidden underneath two webbing straps
The lace system is unique in that the traditional laces are hidden underneath two webbing straps. This system keeps the laces securely in place and prevents them from getting caught on branches or debris while you’re running.
midsole: the dual-density EVA foam is firmer in the heel and softer in the forefoot
The midsole is made of dual-density EVA foam, which is firmer in the heel and softer in the forefoot. This system helps with shock absorption and stability, while ensuring flexibility and fast heel-to-toe transitions.
The most recent version of Hoka shoes has a new Proprioceptive Bridge: this bridge acts like a suction cup between your foot and the outsole to provide additional cushioning and protection against debris.
heel: at 9mm/0.35″, the thickest part of the sole provides maximum cushioning
The thickest part of the sole (at 9mm/0.35″) provides maximum cushioning during impact, which makes it harder for you to feel rocks or uneven ground beneath your feet as you run.
This construction also keeps your feet from rolling inward; it is called the Rollbar.
The outsole is made of unique lugs that are designed to provide traction when you run on wet surfaces or steep hills. This outsole has a 4-degree angle from heel to toe, which gives the shoe a natural running feel and makes it easier for your foot to roll from heel-strike to toe-off and propels you forward as you run .
The Hoka One One shoes have been approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) as being ideal for people who pronate excessively. According To APMA, “Hoka shoes offer a thick and stable sole with maximum cushioning to give excessive pronators a well-cushioned ride while still providing enough flexibility and stability for a natural gait.”
Do’s and don’ts of wearing hoka shoes
DO wear your Hoka shoes for running or walking. The thick, cushioned soles are designed to provide maximum comfort and stability when you’re on the move.
DO wear your Hoka shoes when you’re going on a long walk or run. The extra cushioning will help absorb shock and keep your feet comfortable for extended periods of time.
DO make sure that the laces are tied tightly so that the shoes do not slip off your feet.
DO wear socks with your Hoka shoes, especially if you are new to them. wear the proper socks for increase comfort and prevent blisters.
DO increase your mileage slowly when transitioning to Hokas. The thick soles will take some getting used to, so don’t overdo it too quickly.
DO use your Hoka shoes on soft surfaces like grass or a track. The lugs on the outsole are designed for traction, but they may not be as effective when used on harder surfaces.
DON’T wear your Hoka shoes when you’re going hiking or climbing. The lugs on the outsole are not designed for gripping onto rocks and other rough surfaces.
DON’T wear your Hoka shoes in bad weather conditions. The extra thickness of the rubber sole can make them slippery in wet or icy conditions.
DON’T wear your Hoka shoes as a replacement for your regular sneakers. They are not meant for everyday use and will not provide the same level of support and cushioning.
DON’T wear your Hoka shoes when you’re doing high-impact activities such as jumping or sprinting. The thick soles will make it difficult for you to move
DON’T wear your Hoka shoes for activities other than running or walking.
DON’T wear them in extreme weather conditions (e.g., very hot or cold weather).
DON’T wear them on trails or uneven surfaces.
Don’t clean your Hoka shoes using harsh chemicals
Hoka shoes can be cleaned using a mild detergent and cold water. Do not use any harsh chemicals or solvents to clean your Hokas, as this may damage the shoes or the materials used in their construction. Simply wipe them clean with a damp cloth and allow them to air dry.
different kinds of hoka shoes
Hoka has a wide range of trail running shoes to offer. Depending on their intended use, Hoka trail runners can be broadly categorized into three types:
Ultra Trail Running Shoe – the ones designed for long-distance races with harsh trails and unforgiving terrain.
Trail Running Shoe – lightweight shoes for a quick training run on a technical trail.
Walking Shoe – well suited for people who need extra cushioning in their daily footwear.
Our top 5 Hoka shoes list
This list was made based on extensive research about what are considered to be among the best Hokas currently available in the market today. We considered price, comfortability, durability, and other factors when compiling this list. Our criteria also took into account the general consensus among reviewers, users, and other relevant people.
The Hoka One One Bondi 7
is loved by many runners because of its incredible comfortability. The wide toe-box gives your feet room to breathe, while the thick midsole ensures that they’ll feel like you’re running on clouds whenever you wear them.
There are also no seams inside the shoe to prevent your feet from getting blisters even after long hours of use. Another great thing about this Hoka is the fact that it dries quickly once wet (e.g., after a passing rain or heavy dew).
The outsole has deep lugs which provide excellent traction, even on slippery rocks and roots during mountain trails runs.
What We Like:
– The wide toe-box gives your feet room to breathe.
– Seamless upper prevents blisters and the dreaded hotspots.
– Dries quickly once wet (e.g., after a rain or heavy dew).
What We Don’t Like:
– They may seem too bulky for some runners.
The Hoka One One Speedgoat
is a trail runner designed for people who participate in long-distance races with technical trails. It has a light, but rugged outsole which provides excellent grip even on steep trails made of dirt, mud, rocks, roots and other surfaces found during trail running competitions.
There are also two types of lugs available at the outsole – ones that protrude from the surface and ones that are recessed. This allows the Speedgoat to adapt to different types of terrain, giving you an edge over your competition.
The upper is made of a durable mesh which can withstand abrasion and tearing even after extended use.
What We Like:
– Excellent grip even on technical trails.
– Adapts to different types of terrain.
– Upper is made of durable mesh.
– Lightweight but rugged outsole.
What We Don’t Like:
– Some runners may find it too narrow.
The Hoka One One Challenger ATR 4
is a versatile all-terrain shoe which can be used for running, hiking and walking. It has a thick cushioning midsole which makes it ideal as a daily casual as well as a running shoe.
The outsole has low-profile lugs with special grooves which give it good traction even on mud and wet rocks.
What We Like:
– Versatile all-terrain shoe.
– Thick cushioning midsole for added comfortability.
– Low-profile lugs provide excellent traction on different types of surfaces AND have special grooves to prevent slippage on wet rocks and mud.
What We Don’t Like:
– This model is quite expensive compared to other Hoka models in the market today, but this shouldn’t be that much of an issue considering all the features you’ll get with your purchase.
The Hoka One One Clifton 5
is a road running shoe designed for daily use. It has a light and comfortable upper made of mesh which allows your feet to breathe even after long hours of use.
The cushioning is not as thick as in other Hokas, but it’s still enough to provide a good amount of comfortability for people with medium to high arches.
What We Like:
– Light and comfortable upper made of mesh.
– Cushioning is not as thick as in other Hokas, but it’s still enough to provide added comfortability for people with medium to high arches.
– Affordable price tag.
What We Don’t Like:
– May not be the best option for those who need full-length cushioning during runs.
The Hoka One One Vanquish 3
is a road running shoe designed for daily use. It has a light and comfortable upper made of mesh which allows your feet to breathe even after long hours of use.
The cushioning is not as thick as in other Hokas, but it’s still enough to provide a good amount of comfortability for people with medium to high arches.
What We Like:
– Light and comfortable upper made of mesh.
– Cushioning is not as thick as in other Hokas, but it’s still enough to provide added comfortability for people with medium to high arches.
– Affordable price tag.
What We Don’t Like:
– May not be the best option for those who need full-length cushioning during runs.
our recommendation
If you’re looking for comfortable and stable trail running shoes which also provide good traction in muddy and wet surfaces, then the Hoka One One Speedgoat is a solid choice.
It has an excellent grip even on steep climbs and obstacles thanks to its outsole design. It’s also one of the most affordable Hokas in the market today, which is definitely a plus considering all its features and multi-purpose functionality.
With so many options to choose from when it comes to runners who need stability & traction, we can safely say that we’ve got you covered with our list of top choices! We hope you find this article helpful and that you’ll enjoy your next running experience with one of the shoes mentioned above.
Thank you for reading!
