HOKA train’s speed and velocity will take a bold brand to obstruct it.
HOKA has been almost unstoppable since it expanded from a performance-only label to a legitimate fashion label sometime in early 2020. While HOKA did collaborate with companies such as Engineered Garments in 2018, the actual momentum didn’t start to build until a full two years later.
because HOKA differs from other shoe companies, nor has it ever been. HOKA continued to create voluminous running designs, a recipe that had helped it amass a sizable fanbase since its launch in 2009, while all other labels started to tap into the dad shoe trend in the late 2010s.
In the following years, more streetwise fashionistas and trail runners began to embrace HOKA’s hefty boy soles. And just like that, HOKA accidentally became a style statement.
With the momentum it gained, HOKA went on to have an incredible 2023, releasing a tonne of mainline and collaboration shoes that sent the sneakerheads into a state of ecstasy on many occasions.
If 2023 proves to be successful for HOKA, then 2024 is looking even more promising.
HOKA made a splash in January when it released the appropriately named Tor Summit 2, the follow-up to its hefty shoe, marking its first major release of the year.
The sneaker, which came in two subdued hues (black and beige) and was released online, sold out almost immediately. It then sold out again after a resupply. The shoe has an extra thick midsole and a new rubberized wrap-around.
Subsequently, HOKA reintroduced the Ora Primo, an exceptionally large slip-on sneaker that was first introduced in late 2018. As with the Tor Summit 2, the Ora Primo proved to be almost tough to get, even after two restocks the following month.
HOKA didn’t stop there. They turned their attention to their performance line and released the much-anticipated Cielo X1, a carbon-plated running shoe that looks great and sold out right away.
The Cielo X1 wasn’t HOKA’s first carbon super shoe, but it was the first one that went up against Nike, adidas, and New Balance when it came to race-ready styles.
I haven’t even talked about HOKA’s new Kaha Low, Mafate Three 2, Transport X, Kawana 2, Elite Clifton, or Hopara 2 drops that came out in the last three months.
Interestingly, HOKA’s most anticipated titles this year have all been regular releases, except for a recent two-piece END. collaboration.
Does this reflect a shifting of the times that the world of shoes is no longer as dependent on collaborations? Perhaps.
It does, nevertheless, most clearly illustrate that HOKA’s no-nonsense, honest approach to footwear continues to be the way ahead, both for style-centric consumers and runners.
Truth is, no matter what the rest of the industry is doing and no matter the trends other businesses are leaning into, adhering to concepts that got you to where you are in the first place will bring you your rightful rewards. And HOKA’s continuous success in 2024 is evident.
So, to answer my question, can anybody stop HOKA? Answer: Absolutely not.
Must Read: CHECK OUT THE LATEST ABOVE THE CLOUDS X ASICS GT-2160 SNEAK PEEK
Must Read: A DELICIOUS REVAMP FOR NIKE ACG’S TECHNICAL TRAIL SNEAKER
