Hoka Clifton running shoes

Hoka, originally known as Hoka One One, is a premium footwear brand famous for its maximalist cushioning and distinctive oversized midsoles. The brand was founded in 2009 by Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard in Annecy, France, with the goal of designing shoes that allowed for faster downhill running and reduced joint stress.

While the brand's roots are French, its growth was propelled by its acquisition in 2013. Today, Hoka is a global powerhouse in the athletic equipment market, particularly within the marathon and trail running communities. Most of their manufacturing is concentrated in Southeast Asia, notably Vietnam and Cambodia, to meet the high technical requirements of their performance foam technology.

The brand is currently owned by Deckers Outdoor Corporation, an American lifestyle and performance footwear company. This ownership has transitioned Hoka from a niche enthusiast brand to a mainstream athletic staple widely available in sporting goods stores and boutiques globally.