TECH SHEET

HOKA ONE ONE SHOES


Hoka One Ones are undeniably, out of the ordinary.

Born of French research and development, aggressive American innovation, and world class trail running; Hokas are built from the ground up and the leg down to produce an unusually brave and biomechanically efficient innovation.

In a running world confused by assumptions around minimalism - that it’s for everyone on every surface over every distance all the time; bigger is proving to be better!

In 2011 Hokas were on Diana Finkel, female winner of the Hard Rock 100, widely regarded as America’s toughest miler. Dave Mackey wore them for an 8th place in the most competitive Western States 100 in close to 40 years. Hungarian distance running star Nemeth Csaba wore them to take 4th place in the unofficial World Championships on Mont Blanc in a race that knocked out more than half the 2400-strong field.

And the Hoka original, Karl ‘Speed-Goat’ Meltzer took wore them for an aggressive 3rd place at Wasatch.

With 30 wins over the distance, Meltzer holds a seemingly untouchable record for 100-mile victories. After running more than 3300km in 40 days as part of his record-breaking Pony Trail Express from California to Missouri, he had every reason to speak candidly about his choice of running shoe.

"The ultimate cushioning of the shoe provided so much protection, and along with shock absorption, it’s safe to say it had to save me AT LEAST 25% of total impact. That number is even what I consider a low estimate. The shoes rock! I’ll never change to something else, and the support they give me is mind-boggling. If you haven’t tried them, you are missing out. "

How Hokas Work

Hoka's look different because they work differently. They're not a fashion statement, they are a mission statement. The design is about performance and the story is about technology.

Levitating

By using an EVA 30% softer and increasing its total volume to 2.5 times that of a typical trail running shoe, we allow for more cushioning than any other shoe on the market today, dissipating up to 80% of the shock associated with heel striking when running. Allowing for as much as 20mm of compression in the heel, with a low ramp angle allows for tremendous confidence running downhill, as runners can now engage their gluteus and lower back as opposed to isolating their quads, relaxing the body and making running downhill fun and comfortable.


ROLLING UP

40mm high sole design enabled to design a 13cm rocking profile, representing 50% of the sole length. This design allows for fluid and natural stride transitions, lessening the movement of the knee by as much as 20%, increasing efficiency.


LIGHT AS A FEATHER

15% lighter than reference trail running shoes. At 320 grams size 8UK per pair, they'll make running uphill as much fun as they make running downhill.


Grip

With 50% more surface area than the typical trail running shoe, and 35% more rubber crampons, you've never run as confidently as you will in a pair of Hoka's.








Stability

With a foot recessed into the midsole, you've never run as confidently as you will in a pair of Hoka's.







.... and now a review by a local Blue Mountains runner .....

Hoka One One early review by Ben Berriman

"For those people interested in such things I picked up a pair of Hoka Bondi's on the weekend at the Kedumba Half with the specific interest in trying them on the shorter runs such as Tue arvo on a double run day or for runs specifically designated as recovery type sessions.

I need to state I have been a Kayano size 8 1/2 only runner for over 10 years now. But have been looking for an alternate shoe to mix up the pressure points a bit as the km build. Toyed with training in the flats but never felt right on the trails. Don't really want to go back to the under 8's with bare foot running and trail shoes just seem so over the top.

The Hokas initially had no appeal to me. However a number of runners I have a lot of respect for suggested they are well worth the try. So after 2 shortish runs, the first 30mins of the bike with a significant descent and ascent followed by playing this afternoon on the Knapsack lap race course trying to adding bits to hit a round 5km my early evaluation is out.

1. Comfort
The Hokas seem to absorb your foot as you put them on. They are incredibly light and the cushion makes them incredibly comfortable. On the very first run I had about 1km of road and there was an initial feeling of something being different. However todays run on a tight and technical trail felt like the shoes had moulded to my feet.

2. The Descent
The marketing of these seems to emphasis the ability of these shoes to aid your descent. I can only concur, the major descent on the weekend was unbelievable on tired legs. Effortless. These shoes are made for running down hill easily.

3. Climbing
To me no difference. I can't say I felt any advantage or disadvantage in climbing. Not a criticism but after the down hill I had hoped for a similar experience. I guess hill training will need to continue.

4. Trails
As already mentioned today was a solid hit out around a tight and often windy trail. With rolling climbs and much variation from open fire trail to tight single track. Surfaces ranging from sand stone to sand to rutted out tree roots. I have never felt so confident in foot placement on this track before. In wet slippery conditions these shoes felt (as described in another review) like the equivalent to riding a top end dual suspension mt bike. Just taking all the bumps etc out.

I must emphasise it has only been on some shorter runs I have tried these shoes so far. However I have to say I am super impressed. Once you get past the expectation that a shoe so chunky should be cumbersome these seem to be the perfect mix with the Kayano for training for me.

For a race like Running Wilds Knapsack Aust Day event or their Mt series races like Wentworth Falls and Terrace Falls I see these as the perfect shoe. With some longer runs I see Woodford to Glenbrook as another potential event I would like to try these on.

Early days but these shoes are heading for a band 6 response in my books. If you get a chance give them a go."

We have the Hoka One One range in stock. Give us a call on (02) 4739 4373 to discuss sizing. The sizes may run slightly different to your normal runners !!