Since introducing its oversize midsole technology in 2009, HOKA ONE ONE, a division of Deckers Brands claims to be ‘the fastest growing road and trail running shoe brand in the world.’ HOKA ONE ONE’s growth can be attributed to runners of all types embracing the brand’s promise of delivering lightweight, well-cushioned shoes with an inherently stable ride.
For autumn/fall 2015, the brand will bring this promise to the hiking footwear category with the launch of its MTN collection. With five new styles that range from high-top hiking boots to lightweight mountain run shoes, serious mountain trekkers and casual hikers alike will be able to experience the HOKA ONE ONE on the trails.
Broken into two categories, MTN Trek and MTN Run, the new collection ranges in retail prices from US$130 to US$230.
MTN Trek
The flagship of the MTN Trek series is the Tor Ultra Hi WP. Weighing slightly over one pound, the Tor Ultra Hi WP combines HOKA’s signature running shoe cushioning and Meta-Rocker geometry with a supportive high-top upper.
The new shoe has performance enhancing features, including a new Vibram MegaGrip outsole rubber with five millimetre lugs to provide traction over varied terrain, a leather and nylon mesh upper for durable support, and an eVent waterproof, breathable membrane to keep feet dry.
MTN Run
The new Speedgoat, designed with input from legendary ultra-runner Karl Meltzer, is HOKA’s newest trail running shoe, retailing for US$130. The Speedgoat is built for the most challenging, technical trails, featuring a Vibram rubber outsole with four-millimetre lugs and trail-specific flex grooves.
The no-sew upper provides support through the forefoot, and a ground-rubber toecap offers toe protection. This new silhouette provides lightweight traction and stability all within a package that weighs less than 10 ounces.
Also included within the MTN Run category, the Mafate 4 is available for US$170 and is the brand’s most cushioned and supportive trail running shoe to-date. Late-stage Meta-Rocker geometry, plus deep longitudinal and lateral flex grooves in the outsole, provide stability over uneven terrain. A TPU toecap adds protection and a wide toe box ‘keeps feet happy’.
“Hiking shoes are a natural brand extension for us as our midsole technology translates perfectly into hiking product,” said HOKA ONE ONE President Jim Van Dine. “The new MTN collection will allow hikers of all abilities to experience the advantages of our lightweight cushioning and Meta-Rocker geometry. We’re looking forward to welcoming even more customers into the HOKA community.”
In addition to the new MTN collection, the brand is releasing updates to some of its most popular styles for the autumn/fall, including the Clifton 2, Stinson 3 and Stinson 3 ATR. The Clifton 2 improves upon the original, award-winning Clifton by introducing a slightly padded tongue for increased comfort and additional structural overlays to improve midfoot support, while the Stinson 3 and Stinson 3 ATR now feature a more balanced Meta-Rocker for improved forefoot support, along with light padding on the tongue for increased comfort.
