Hoka One One has grown to become one of the most popular athletic footwear brands. It’s among those fewer brands that developed into a big running business quite quickly.
However, it’s odd to see that their prices are a bit out of place. On average, they charge $120 to $220 for their normal shoe models. For the performance model, the price goes even higher.
These prices are way above what consumers expect to pay. So, I am on the lookout for why Hoka shoes cost so much and whether they are worth buying. Scroll on to find more.
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Factors Behind Why Are Hoka Shoes So Expensive?
To the best of my knowledge, each brand modifies its prices based on a few essential factors. These factors influence production, sales, and thus pricing. So blaming a brand without first considering their essential pricing factor would be absurd.
Therefore, I decided to blog about a few of those factors. Reading these factors will let you know whether Hoka One One is demanding the right price or simply asking for whatever numbers come to mind.
Niche Market
The first and most likely cause of their high prices is their niche market.
Hoka One One targets a specific market of serious runners and athletes. They make products that are highly specific and top-notch. In simple words, Hoka only targets those who are willing to invest in high-quality footwear for better performance and injury prevention.
They focus on creating premium sport-specific products for activities like basketball, tennis, marathons, etc. And for such a premium product, you can’t expect it to be cheap. You have to pay an extra price to enjoy the high quality and dedication that go into making those shoes.
Design And Appearence
Next is the design and appearance of their shoes.
To bring better comfort and 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)
Remember, it’s just a baseline salary; it can go up with the experience of the designer. So, yeah! It’s a good amount of money if you understand. And this is one factor in their high prices.
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.
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Prioritizing Quality
Another reason behind Hoka’s higher price is their high-quality footwear.
Hoka One One isn’t just a brand that focuses on bold designs and vibrant colors; instead, they show dedication to maintaining quality as well. Throughout their entire shoe line, you’ll find comfort, durability, and performance.
I have used their Solimar shoes for gym workouts, and they have held up well against tearing. Also, they are pretty comfy as well. I still have that pair with me. They go great with my workouts.
So, from a personal perspective, I see that their shoes are reliable. And it’s because the uppers and soles are made of high-quality materials.
As for the production of shoe uppers, Hoka uses thin fabric and mesh that promotes air circulation and moisture control. With the help of these, your feet stay dry during the run and the gym session.
Similarly, in the midsole, they incorporate proprietary foam that adds good comfort. And for outsoles, they use TPU. TPU plastic material outlasts natural rubber by more than five times due to its superior wear resistance.
Now, these materials are fairly available, but making them better in terms of quality and aligning them with specific customer requirements increases labor costs. Hence, their shoes become more and more expensive.
Related Article: Why are Asics Shoes So Expensive?
Focus on Environmental Responsibilities
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.
Marketing And Collaborations
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.
Must See: Why are New Balance Shoes So Expensive?
Final Thought: Are Hoka One One Shoes Worth Buying?
Yes! They do. Personally, I’m a fan of Hoka One One shoes, whether I’m hitting the gym 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.
