Hoka running shoes

The Hoka brand is a very young brand, founded in 2009. One of the two founders was previously a Salomon specialist. In creating the Hoka running shoes, the founders' goal was to make running shoes that would allow you to run faster downhill and that provided maximum cushioning.

The name Hoka comes from a Maori word meaning "to fly freely above the ground."

Due to their high cushioning, Hoka running shoes were initially popular mostly among ultra-runners. The high cushioning, which didn't mean much weight gain, appealed to more than just ultra-runners, and Hoka running shoes were able to spread widely.

As the company has evolved, the original image of thick-soled maximum cushioning has remained, but alongside these running shoes, lighter, smaller-soled shoes have come in, and today most runners can find a pair of Hoka running shoes to suit their needs.

The majority of Hoka running shoes have retained their unique character, which is reflected in their outward features (thick, big sole), but the feel and comfort of the Hoka is also something that is hard to mistake for any other running shoe.

Each Hoka running shoe combines three technologies that are precisely tuned to deliver a unique experience for each athlete.

1. The meta-rocker geometry, which, as the name suggests, is a sole geometry that moves like a rocker to give you the momentum you need on rollovers. As HOKA puts it, the curved Meta-Rocker designed into the sole of their running shoes prevents you from landing flat. Like having wheels on your feet, the arch helps propel you forward. The Meta-Rocker also gives you the right boost at the right time with every step, so the ride is always smooth - no matter the pace.
2. Padded midsole for signature HOKA comfort. The HOKA cushioned midsole is designed to give each foot a soft grip on the ground, then bounce back to act as a high-performance shock absorber. The springiness changes at kick-off and ground grip in Hoka running shoes to give you the right performance at kick-off and protection at ground grip.
3. Designed with Active Foot Frame for maximum stability and foot support. The Active Foot Frame wraps around the foot and locks the heel in place. Your foot becomes part of the shoe, instead of just resting on top. People describe it as feeling like the running shoe is hugging their foot. The result is perfect support and confidence - no matter what's underfoot.

At first, the Hoka running shoes seemed very strange to me, but the test runs I ran in Hoka convinced me. Of course, we haven't had a chance to review all the Hoka running shoes yet, but we'll try to review as many Hokas as possible on the site.