For runners running shoes are everything. I have too many running shoes… says no runner ever! They are the most important piece of equipment for a runner and one you should take time and serious consideration to choose.
I was introduced to HOKA Shoes a few years ago by my coach Jorge Rivera. I met Jorge at a party 6 years ago, and he said the magic words “I run”, we became friends and then he became my coach. We have trained and run half, full marathons and races in Puerto Rico, Chicago, Miami, New York and Berlin. To be honest I didn’t like the design when I saw them, but after my first run, it was love at first step. The cushion is just incredible. I’m just going to let Jorge be the one talking about running shoes and HOKA.
“It comes a time for every runner when you find the perfect pair of running shoes or a brand that relates to your running personality and lifestyle (and of course your needs). This may vary during your running years. For me, I started with Asics, Nike, Mizuno and Brooks. I thought that it was when Brooks came along that I found my go to brand and I was loyal for many years!! But then came a brand to seduce me when I least expected it… Hoka One One.
In a way it was like dating and finding the right girl, but later you realize; well maybe is not her, it’s Hoka!! In the beginning the Hoka looks did not impress – It was a very bulky running shoe, it did not bend and it looked like a boot that weighed 15 pounds. This was my first impression of the Hoka Bondi 3. A good friend who owns a running store, raved how comfortable and lite it was. Miguel (the owner) told me, don’t judge by its looks, and give it a try!! That first run changed the way I saw running shoes. It was so comfortable, protective and lite! I did not feel the ground, but in a good way as it was like running in clouds. It did wonders for my plantar fasciitis!!
The funny thing was that the more I ran, the more I liked it. In the beginning some friends could not believe I was wearing Hoka One One. Spaceman shoes they derisively called them. However, a couple of Marathon PR’s later; the ugly ducklings started to get popular! The Hoka Clifton came and it was the talk of the town by it being 7oz with so much cushion that made the Saucony Kinvara look like a sandal. The Hoka Huaka showed that they can bring a cushion responsive shoe in the same level as Brooks and it was a game changer in the running shoe world as brands like Asics, Saucony, and Brooks started getting in the max cushion trend. Hoka has become a player in the running shoe market appearing more and more in magazines such as Runner’s World and in YouTube video reviews as Ginger Runner. More models like the Hoka Vanquish 2 and future models as the racing flats, Tracer and Clayton are coming strong to play.
In other words this relationship is going for the long hall and there is no signs of breaking up! Hoka and I are going steady!!”
Thank you Jorge, I was an Asics lover for years, ran my first marathons with them. It wasn’t until I met Jorge that he made me try Brooks and I thought they were great, I still use them. But then we both found HOKA and since that day we can say we are HOOKED on HOKA. It was like finding your Soul Mate.
Fall in love with your shoes, I promise they will help you get to the finish line!
This post is not a paid advertisement or sponsored by Hoka
liliana says
i like so much, I wanted one pair