Hoka OneOne max cushion running shoes

While surfing on the net, I came across these crazy thick-soled running shoes called Hoka OneOne. They certainly do not fit the current barefoot running boom or minimalist shoe trend. On the contrary, these oversized shoes seem to have been cushioned to the max.



Whatever your first impression of Hokas, some serious ultra trail runners actually seem to prefer them.

For example, keep your eyes peeled on what Tor des Géants (330 km) 2010 winner Gross Ulrich was wearing in September: Hoka One One Mafate!



Also world class endurance runner Karl Meltzer relied on Hoka Mafates during his recent 2000 mile epic. This is what he blogged afterwards:

"Hoka One One: I’ve been raving about these shoes since I started running in them at the Zane Grey 50 mile on April 24. I really don’t think I would have completed this run on the Pony Express Trail without them. I had only one blister the entire run, which happened on day 2. The blister location was typical on my pinkie toe. It never caused any discomfort. I just had to give myself a little more room and I was set. The ultimate cushioning of the shoe provided so much protection, and along with shock absorbtion, it’s safe to say it had to save me AT LEAST 25% of total impact. That number is even what I consider a low estimate. The shoes rock! I’ll never change to something else, and the support they give me is mind boggling. If you haven’t tried them…..you are missing out."

Although I haven't seen any Hokas in real life yet, I might give them a try next year.