{"id":27061,"date":"2024-11-27T13:32:03","date_gmt":"2024-11-27T12:32:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.footdistrict.com\/?p=27061"},"modified":"2024-11-28T16:42:21","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T15:42:21","slug":"11-facts-about-hoka","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.footdistrict.com\/en\/11-facts-about-hoka\/","title":{"rendered":"11 Facts About HOKA"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In just over a decade, HOKA<\/strong> has managed to establish its technology and aesthetics in the challenging world of trail running. This success paved the way for the brand’s expansion into various other disciplines, making HOKA a key player in current innovation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here, we delve into the lesser-known history of the brand through some intriguing facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where is HOKA from?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


<\/strong>HOKA originated in the French Alps<\/a>, its name comes from New Zealand, and its headquarters are currently in Gaviota, California.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The origin of the name HOKA<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


<\/strong>The brand\u2019s original name, HOKA One One<\/strong> (pronounced Hoka oh-ney oh-ney), is a M\u0101ori expression meaning “to fly over the earth.” Though now abbreviated to HOKA, the original meaning remains alive in the brand\u2019s motto, Fly, Human, Fly.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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Source: HOKA<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Who founded HOKA?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


Nicolas Mermoud<\/strong> and Jean-Luc Diard<\/strong>, two mountain and trail running enthusiasts with experience in outdoor and ski brands. Nicolas achieved impressive results in ultramarathons, such as third place in the 2007 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc\u00ae and victory in the 2013 UBER ROCK50.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How did HOKA begin?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


<\/strong>The 2007 Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc\u00ae<\/strong> was the seed for HOKA\u2019s creation<\/a>. After leading the race for 16 hours, Nicolas felt his legs tiring. Jean-Luc, part of his support team, proposed designing footwear that could help maintain optimal performance for longer. This became HOKA\u2019s philosophy: crafting equipment as a high-performance tool rather than a simple extension of the foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOKA and maximalism<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The concept of maximalism, already influential in sports like golf, skiing, and cycling, revolutionized trail running thanks to HOKA<\/a>. Drawing inspiration from the oversized wheels of downhill mountain bikes, they created shoes with enhanced cushioning, perfect for tackling descents\u2014one of the most decisive and enjoyable aspects of trail running.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Source: HOKA<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

HOKA\u2019s innovation quickly expanded into other fields such as triathlons, road running, and training, offering products that blend performance and comfort for a variety of activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOKA Mafate: The first sneaker<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


Their first sneaker, HOKA Mafate<\/strong>, was named after a volcano on the island of R\u00e9union, a trail runner’s paradise. It remains one of the brand\u2019s flagship lines.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Source: HOKA<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

HOKA and Deckers<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


In 2010, HOKA introduced its products to the U.S. market and entered a strategic partnership with Deckers, the group behind brands like UGG, Teva, and Ahnu. This alliance fueled its global growth, establishing HOKA as a leader in sports footwear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

HOKA\u2019s commitment to sustainability
<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HOKA prioritizes sustainability, with 97% of the fibers used in its products being recycled<\/strong>, renewable, or naturally sourced. Additionally, Deckers ranks among Newsweek\u2019s top U.S. green companies.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Source: HOKA<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

HOKA and carbon fiber since 2018<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n


Since 2014, HOKA has led innovation with designs such as the HOKA Evo Carbon Rocket<\/strong>, its first carbon-plated shoe, launched in 2018.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Source: HOKA<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

HOKA\u2019s technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

HOKA\u2019s technology<\/a> is based on three pillars:<\/p>\n\n\n\n