HOKA

・ Launched: 2009

・ Country of Origin: France

・ Known For: Maximalist cushioning, ultra-light performance footwear, running innovation

Founded in 2009 in Annecy, France, by trail-running enthusiasts Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, HOKA emerged with a singular goal: to make running easier. Initially designed for ultra-distance mountain races, the brand introduced radically oversized midsoles that offered superior cushioning and support—breaking from the minimalist trend that dominated performance footwear at the time. What began as a niche trail innovation quickly expanded into a global movement, with runners, walkers, and everyday wearers drawn to HOKA’s distinctive “marshmallow” comfort. The brand’s proprietary technology—like Meta-Rocker geometry and compression-molded EVA foam—delivers a smooth, responsive ride without sacrificing weight or speed. Blending high-performance engineering with bold, sculptural aesthetics, HOKA redefines what athletic footwear can look and feel like. Whether worn on rugged alpine paths or urban streets, HOKA offers footwear that champions both movement and recovery—engineered for endurance, embraced for everyday.