HOKA Bondi 8 running shoes

HOKA was originally founded in 2009 by Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard in Annecy, France. The brand quickly became iconic in the ultra-marathon and running communities for its signature oversized midsoles and 'maximalist' cushioning, which contrasted with the minimalist footwear trend of the era.

While the brand has French roots, it was acquired by the American company Deckers Brands in 2013, which helped propel it to global mainstream popularity. Today, HOKA is headquartered in Goleta, California.

Manufacturing for HOKA footwear primarily takes place in several Asian countries to meet high global demand. The majority of production occurs in Vietnam, with additional manufacturing facilities located in China and Cambodia. The specific country of origin for a pair can typically be found on the tag inside the tongue of the shoe.