As I am plotting my return to running I have been checking out races, and I have also decided on some running shoe retail therapy! I have been intrigued by the Hoka One One for a while now. I went onto Running Warehouse the other day and took the plunge! I bought the bad boys you see in the pic above–the Hoka One One Kailua Tarmac.
Overview
Pronounced ho-ka-oh-nay-oh-nay, these funky looking shoes offer a light-weight cushioned ride with about a 5-6 mm heel to toe drop. The shoe’s Meta-rocker helps to ensure running economy and correct foot roll during your gait cycle. I am so curious if this will be the case when I get to test them out! They are a great neutral and lightweight performance shoe. The heel looks like it would be heavy, but it is deceivingly light! In fact, the Hoka One One Kailua Tarmac weighs in at 9 oz for the women’s version.
Heel-to-Toe Drop
I really like the lower heel-to-toe drop (I transitioned to the Altra Intuition a long time ago) of just 5 mm. Some believe that shoes with a lower heel-to-toe drop help produce a more efficient and natural running stride. The lower or zero drop is sometimes paired with a more minimalist shoe, though with Hokas this isn’t the case.
Race Lace System
Right out of the box, I noticed the Hoka Race Lace System (RLS), and I swear I will never go back to laces I have to tie. On the Kailuas, you just pull to the desired tightness, lock it, and weaver it through your shoe laces. It works so well, and no more stopping to tie my shoes on the run! The water drainage system on this pair of shoes is also a bonus, especially if you love running in the rain, triathlons, or trail running.
Other Hoka One One Benefits
I have heard a lot of positive reviews of the Hoka One One line from fellow runner friends. One of my ultra runner buddies swears that his knee pain disappeared after switching over completely to Hokas. I have also heard that you can put a lot of miles on these shoes before replacement, a sentiment echoed by other Hoka wearers. I will admit that they do look a little funny, but if they work, I’m all in!
Has anyone out there run in them yet–thoughts??
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