Hoka One One is a famous name in the sneaker industry, especially when it comes to running shoes.
Their running shoes are versatile, durable, and, most importantly, incredibly comfortable all year round. They seem to get almost everything right, except for one thing—the price.
With an average price tag of $120 to $220 per pair, it is quite natural to wonder, Why do Hoka shoes cost so much? And what’s the actual reason for such prices?
Well, that is exactly what we are breaking down in today’s article. So, let’s find out together.
Contents
Factors Behind Why Are Hoka Shoes So Expensive?
No brand raises prices just for the sake of profits. There are always many critical factors behind the scenes that make the brand raise their average price tags.
So blaming a brand without first considering their essential pricing factor would be absurd.
And for those of you who’re interested in learning about those factors, here are a few.
Niche Market
A niche market, or highly targeted buyer base, is perhaps the biggest reason behind Hoka’s high prices.
Listen, Hoka doesn’t make footwear for just anyone. They specifically target the market of serious runners and athletes. In simple words, Hoka only targets those who are willing to invest in high-quality footwear for better performance and injury prevention.
And to do that, they create premium footwear with better cushioning foams, foot frames, and support technologies to help athletes achieve and meet their true potential.
For such a premium product, you can’t expect it to be cheap. Quality comes at a cost, and for those who seek the best, they simply have to pay more.
Perfection In Manufacturing Footwear
Hoka works perfectly, from design to manufacturing.
Remember, Hoka isn’t just a brand that solely focuses on trends or colors; instead, they focus on uplifting quality as well. Throughout their entire shoe line, they’ll promise comfort, durability, and performance.
They have their own core principles when designing their shoes, like adding extra EVA cushioning to absorb impact, using lightweight materials for breathability, and creating a wide rocker sole to maintain momentum for a softer and smoother ride.
This careful balance of comfort and support does not come easy. It takes a lot of hard work from manufacturers to produce such high standards while aligning with the specific needs of serious runners. This makes Hoka shoes more expensive.
Design And Appearence
Apart from quality shoe production, Hoka also spends a good chunk of money on the shoe appearance.
To just add extra visual attraction to their shoes, Hoka pays generously to their designers. According to recent data, HOKA’s average base salary for a footwear designer is $74,000 annually. (Source; Glassdoor.com)
With design, there’s visual appeal, and for that, Hoka shoes offer a variety of fun color options, including both cool and warm tones. These extra colors capture attention, and for those who love expressing their personal style, this is a big draw.
To put it another way, they design their shoes in a way that appeals to a wide range of tastes. And, in the market, these small details set them apart. Their shoes are therefore more expensive as a result.
Related Article: Are Hoka Shoe Good Pickleball?
Sustainability
Hoka One One believes in working for the betterment of all endeavors. This is why they have a deeper focus on conducting business with great respect for human rights, ethical labor standards, environmentally conscious practices and anti-corruption.
To perform all these tasks better, HOKA joined the United National Global Compact (UNGC) in 2016. The UNGC is the world’s most extensive corporate sustainability initiative.
For the past few years, Hoka has been working under their initiatives and has successfully shown them their progress in the categories of material selection, water conservation, waste management, human rights and many more.
Now, Hoka needs money to reach their environmental goals. To get this, they need help from their customers. Therefore, they have decided to increase their prices.
Collaborations and Marketing
The last factor affecting the price is marketing and collaborating with famous people.
Hoka spends a lot of money on advertising. They do it to raise awareness of their products. They use Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to engage with customers and to generate hype for their newer products.
Similarly, Hoka sponsors events like marathons and races to maintain their reputation. They also endorse top athletes like Jim Walmsley, Camille Herron, Patrick Reagan, and Sage Canaday to show their brand is trusted.
Nowadays, these strategies require substantial investments, which forces the brand to increase the price of their products.
Related Article: Why are Asics Shoes So Expensive?
Final Words: Are Hoka One One Shoes Worth Attention?
Yes! They do. Personally, I’m a fan of Hoka One One shoes, whether I’m taking casual walks or going for a jog. They’re incredibly comfortable, especially during longer sessions. Compared to my other sneakers (ahem… Asics), the quality is noticeably superior. Sure, they come with a bit of a higher price, but you really do get what you pay for in terms of durability and comfort.
As for the design, I’ll admit they’re not the most conventionally attractive shoes out there. You’re not going to get a lot of compliments. I would say they’re more functional than fashionable. But I believe serious runners like to prioritize performance over looks, right?
So, yeah! Hoka shoes are a reliable choice that you can go with. For me, if I ever need another pair of running or trail shoes, I’ll be saving up for another pair of Hoka One Ones.
FAQ
Is HOKA a global brand?
Yes, HOKA is a global brand. Their presence is now all over the world. From North America to Europe and Asia to Australia, you’ll easily find them running their businesses.
They started their journey in France and then they grew significantly and now have a strong reputation for high-quality, innovative running shoes.
HOKA’s distribution network is as impressive as their shoes. With major retailers and online platforms in their corner, their shoes are always within reach. They’ve nailed it, becoming a premium global brand with a reputation that’s hard to beat.
Are Hoka shoes made in the USA?
No, Hoka shoes are not made in the USA. Their shoes are primarily manufactured in China and Vietnam.
So, while HOKA One One is a global brand with a strong presence in the American market, its production in America hasn’t been seen.
Are HOKA sneakers expensive?
Yes! HOKA sneakers are a bit more expensive than many other brands. And it’s because of their commitment to quality. They prioritize creating the best footwear for runners and athletes.
For that, they bring in top-quality materials, advanced technology, and rigorous research and development processes, which give their shoes superior cushioning, great support, and unmatchable durability.
This is the reason why many customers see Hoka shoes as a good investment in performance and comfort, despite the higher price.
