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Hoka One One – From Downhill to Chill
Posted by Whole Earth | 10.20.2020
First things first. While you might think that Hoka One One would be pronounced Hoka 1 1, it’s really Hoka o-nay o-nay. The name comes from the Maori language and can be interpreted to mean “fly over the earth,” a promising name for a running shoe! The creators of Hoka One One, Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud were hoping to improve their endurance race times by designing a shoe to go downhill faster, and in doing so they inadvertently reinvented the running shoe.
Originally created as trail running shoes for races in the Alps, Pyrenees and Dolomites, their outsize soles had much more cushioning than other running shoes from the early days of “barefoot,” minimalist running. Ultramarathoners were the first adopters of the brand. The enhanced cushioning, internal stability and light weight made it an ideal shoe for long distance races over rugged terrain. Today Hoka One One are favorites with runners of both short and long distances, as well as folks who spend all day on their feet and need comfortable shoes.
A few things we love about Hoka One One:
•Hoka One One’s combination of maximum cushioning, for great shock absorption over a variety of running surfaces, and lightweight construction that keeps you running longer
•The Meta-Rocker midsole that supports your natural gait, and the Active Foot Frame that cups your foot for added stability
•An eye-catching rich color palette
•Supportive comfort for your feet whether you’re running, playing, working or recovering