Jean-Luc Diard, co-founder of HOKA ONE ONE, talks about the one of the company's latest models, the Clayton.
The Future of Maximalist Running
HOKA recently announced products with a lower profile, including road shoes (Clayton and Tracer) and track spikes (Rocket LD and MD). But the more traditional look doesn't mean they don't provide the same protection and cushion you would expect from the company.
"HOKA wants runners to have protection along with dynamic stability when they need it most," says Diard. "We want to provide higher propulsion than classic shoes, and we want to provide all this at the same or lighter rate than racing shoes."
To meet this goal, the company has developed their Pro2Lite technology with faster runners in mind. Both the Tracer and Clayton incorporate this foam, which is designed to be even lighter than prior versions while offering increased support and cushioning.
Other major running shoe companies have jumped on board the maximalist train recently, though none with the gusto of HOKA. And with constantly improving technology and more maximalist converts every day, the future looks even more exciting—and cushioned.
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