Hoka
A running shoe brand that heavily capitalized on Nike's retreat from retail channels.
First Mentioned
9/13/2026, 4:51:38 AM
Last Updated
9/13/2026, 4:52:23 AM
Research Retrieved
9/13/2026, 4:52:23 AM
Summary
Hoka (stylized as HOKA and formerly known as Hoka One One) is a leading athletic footwear and sportswear brand founded in 2009 in Annecy, France, by Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard. Known for introducing maximalist running shoes with oversized midsoles and a low weight-to-cushion ratio, the company pioneered high-cushion footwear designed for road running, trail running, and ultramarathons. Hoka was acquired by Deckers Brands in 2013 and is headquartered in Goleta, California. In the footwear market, Hoka has experienced substantial growth—surpassing $1.8 billion in revenue in 2024—and has captured significant retail shelf space and market share alongside competitors like Brooks and On Running following shifts in market dynamics and competitor retail strategies.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Founders
Nicolas Mermoud, Jean-Luc Diard
Industry
Sportswear, Athletic Footwear, Sports Equipment
Products
Athletic shoes, road running shoes, trail running shoes, racing shoes
Key People
Stefano Caroti (President), Steven Doolan (VP), Gretchen Weimer (CMO)
Former Name
Hoka One One
Headquarters
Goleta, California, United States
Annual Revenue
US$1.8 billion (2024)
Parent Company
Deckers Brands
Founding Location
Annecy, France
Previous Headquarters
Richmond, California, United States
Timeline
- Hoka One One is founded in Annecy, France, by Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard to design maximalist running shoes with superior cushioning. (Source: Wikipedia)
2009-01-01
- Hoka One One is acquired by Deckers Brands, accelerating its global distribution and product innovation. (Source: Wikipedia)
2013-01-01
- The company announces an official rebrand, shortening its public name from Hoka One One to Hoka. (Source: Wikipedia)
2021-12-22
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaHoka
Hoka (stylized as HOKA and formerly known as Hoka One One) is an American sportswear company that designs and markets running shoes. It was founded in 2009 in Annecy, France, and had been based in Richmond, California, United States, before it was acquired by Deckers Brands in 2013. Hoka first gained attention in the running industry by producing shoes with oversized midsoles, dubbed "maximalist" shoes, in contrast to the minimalist shoe trend that was gaining popularity at the time.
Web Search Results
- Hoka - Wikipedia
Hoka (stylized as HOKA and formerly known as Hoka One One) is an American sportswear company that designs and markets running shoes. It was founded in 2009 in Annecy, France, and had been based in Richmond, California, United States, before it was acquired by Deckers Brands in 2013. Hoka first gained attention in the running industry by producing shoes with oversized midsoles, dubbed "maximalist" shoes, in contrast to the minimalist shoe trend that was gaining popularity at the time. ## History [edit] "), Teva and other footwear brands. On December 22, 2021, Hoka announced that they were rebranding, with their business name changing from Hoka One One to simply Hoka. ## Products and sponsorships [edit] [...] Appearance From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Athletic shoe company from France For other uses, see Hoka (disambiguation) "Hoka (disambiguation)"). Hoka | A Hoka store in Flatiron, New York. | | Formerly | Hoka One One | | Type | Subsidiary | | Industry | Sportswear "Sportswear (activewear)") Sports equipment | | Founded | 2009; 17 years ago (2009) | | Founder | Nicolas Mermoud Jean-Luc Diard | | Headquarters | Goleta, California | | Area served | Worldwide | | Key people | Stefano Caroti, President Steven Doolan, VP Gretchen Weimer, CMO | | Products | Athletic shoes | | Revenue | Increase US$1.8 billion (2024) | | Parent | Deckers Brands | | Website | hoka.com | [...] ## Products and sponsorships [edit] Hoka produces low-profile and max-cushion shoes for road, trail, and all-terrain; throughout its product line, it retains features like a low weight-to-cushion ratio and midsole and outsole geometry designed to promote inherent stability and an efficient stride. Hoka sponsors runners, including the NAZ Elite professional training group. ## Spikes [edit]
- The History of HOKA - JD Sports US Blog
### Origins of HOKA: HOKA was founded in 2009 by Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, two seasoned trail runners with a passion for pushing the limits of athletic footwear. Drawing inspiration from their own experiences on the trails, they set out to create a shoe that would provide maximum cushioning and support without sacrificing performance. The name “HOKA” originates from the Maori language, meaning “to fly over the earth.” This reflects the brand’s ambition to help runners achieve new heights and conquer challenging terrains with ease. From the outset, HOKA set itself apart with its distinctive maximalist design, featuring oversized midsoles that provided unparalleled cushioning and shock absorption. ### The Birth of Maximalist Running Shoes: [...] In 2013, HOKA was acquired by Deckers Brands, a move that provided the resources to further propel the brand into the mainstream. They continued to innovate, developing lighter weight materials while maintaining the signature HOKA cushioning. This allowed them to cater to a wider range of runners, including those seeking a performance edge. Throughout the 2010s, HOKA established itself as a major player in the running shoe market. The brand garnered a loyal following not just for its unique design but also for its focus on inclusivity. HOKA’s message – that “everyone is an athlete” – resonated with runners of all abilities, from seasoned marathoners to weekend walkers. [...] In recent years, HOKA has expanded its product lineup to include a wide range of footwear for various sports and activities, including road running, trail running, hiking, and fitness. Collaborations with high-profile athletes and designers have further elevated the brand’s profile, cementing its status as a must-have for anyone serious about athletic performance. ### The Future of HOKA: As HOKA continues to grow and evolve, its commitment to innovation and excellence remains unwavering. The brand has embraced new technologies and materials, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in athletic footwear. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a weekend warrior, or someone simply looking for comfortable shoes for everyday wear, HOKA has something to offer.
- About the HOKA Brand
HOKA was born out of the unwavering belief that if you ignored the doubters, brushed off the critics, and poured your heart into a wild idea,.
- HOKA Running Shoes Explained: Everything You Need To Know
Although many runners still refer to the company as Hoka One One, the brand now simply calls itself HOKA. Whatever name you use, the philosophy remains the same: lightweight shoes with generous cushioning that help runners stay comfortable over both short and long distances. If you're wondering whether HOKA shoes are right for you, here's everything you need to know. ## The History Of HOKA HOKA was founded in 2009 in Annecy, France, by former Salomon employees Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard. Their original aim was to create a shoe that offered exceptional cushioning without the heavy weight normally associated with highly padded footwear. The idea first appealed to trail runners and ultramarathon athletes, who needed comfort over long hours on demanding terrain. [...] ### Are HOKA shoes good for marathon running? Absolutely. HOKA produces a wide range of marathon-ready shoes, from comfortable daily trainers used during marathon training to carbon-plated racing shoes designed for race day. ## Final Thoughts HOKA has evolved from a small French start-up into one of the biggest names in running footwear, and its popularity shows no sign of slowing down. By combining lightweight construction with generous cushioning and innovative technologies such as Meta-Rocker, the brand has created shoes that appeal to everyone from first-time runners to elite athletes. [...] In 2013 the brand was acquired by Deckers Brands, the company behind UGG and Teva. Since then, HOKA has experienced remarkable growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing running shoe manufacturers in the world. What was once regarded as a specialist brand has become a familiar sight at Parkruns, major marathons and running clubs across the globe. ## Why Are HOKA Running Shoes So Popular? The first thing most people notice about a HOKA shoe is its thick midsole. Early models looked dramatically different from the slim racing shoes that dominated the market at the time, earning nicknames such as "clown shoes" from sceptics. However, runners quickly discovered that despite their appearance, the shoes were exceptionally lightweight and surprisingly responsive.
- Descending Etna: A Founding Story
HOKA was born in the French Alps in 2009, when two athletes set out to design a running shoe that made downhill running feel like flying.
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