With a thick and exaggerated sole that juts inches behind the shoe鈥檚 heel, the is a radical rethinking of the hiking shoe. And that makes sense for a shoe made by , the disruptive brand that singlehandedly turned running-shoe design on its head a decade ago by challenging assumptions about cushioning and performance. You probably have (at least) two questions: What is HOKA thinking? And how does it perform?聽We rang up the product team to find out.
Stability in All Conditions
The TenNine鈥檚 most immediately apparent design feature, its aft-protruding sole, is also its most important. 鈥淲ith hiking, we are where we were with running back in 2009,鈥 says Thibaut Poupard,聽senior manager of product innovation at HOKA. 鈥淣ew chemistry and technology are allowing us to go wider and longer for more stability.鈥 The theory is simple: with more connection to the earth comes more stability鈥攕omething the TenNine鈥檚 elongated Hubble庐 heel and midsole geometry offer in spades. The shoe鈥檚 increased ground contact also provides best-in-class traction, particularly on downhills.
The Conscious Hiker Challenge
Check off our hiking challenges, share them with your friends, and enter to win a new pair of TenNine Hike GTX's and up to $200 worth in apparel from HOKA ONE ONE.
Comfort for Lasting Performance
Like HOKA聽running shoes, the TenNine Hike GTX relies on an ample serving of the company鈥檚 proprietary midsole EVA foam cushioning, which when combined with the Hubble庐 heel produces a cloudlike experience for hikers. 鈥淭o further increase flex,鈥 says Matt Head, HOKA聽design director, 鈥渨e added the swallowtail cutout in the rear of the heel.鈥 On the trail, this works almost like independent suspension. The right side of the shoe can deal with a rock, while the left side stays more planted on the trail, reducing strain on the wearer鈥檚 ankle. The exaggerated heel and wedge of the foam midsole further reduce impact on the hiker鈥檚 joints by pushing the leg into a natural bend, transferring impact forces off the knee joint and onto muscles.
Added bonus: the TenNine Hike GTX was designed to reduce environmental聽impact, too. Recycled materials and textiles are used everywhere possible, from the聽integrated waterproof membrane聽(71 percent聽post-consumer recycled materials; more on that below)聽to the shoe's聽lining,聽laces, and even the heel pull (100 percent聽recycled polyester).
Easy Fit
Your eyes may be drawn first to the TenNine鈥檚 unique lowers, but your feet will immediately notice its running-shoe fit. 鈥淭he uppers instantly adapt to a variety of feet,鈥 says Head. Compared to traditional hiking-boot leather, the TenNine鈥檚 mesh uppers virtually eliminate the standard break-in period. But that benefit extends past your first few hikes in these shoes to include seasonal adaptability: whether you鈥檙e wearing lightweight summer socks or heavy winter socks, just lace them up and go.
All-Weather Protection and Traction
The TenNine foot protection isn鈥檛 limited to its cushioned, super-stable midsole. HOKA聽designers kept variable weather and trail conditions in mind too, employing Gore-Tex Leaf bootie construction to wrap hikers鈥 feet in a waterproof-breathable membrane that keeps moisture out and lets perspiration escape.聽Additionally, hearty Vibram Megagrip lugs, spread across the shoe鈥檚 vast contact patch, ensure traction across wet, dry, frozen, and muddy trails.
A Superior Strength-to-Weight Ratio
鈥淥ur goal was to change the hiking experience by bringing what we鈥檝e learned from ten years in the running category to the trail,鈥 Head says. The result is a shoe that provides the protection, fit, and durability of a hiking boot with the flexibility and lightweight feel of a trail runner. The combination means less fatigue on the trail鈥攁nd the prospect of more energy to cover more ground. 鈥淎 hiker is on their feet all day, encountering different terrain with every step,鈥 Head says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not about speed. It鈥檚 about hiking forever.鈥
HOKA ONE ONE庐 produces premium performance footwear and apparel for athletes of all types. Born in the mountains, HOKA shoes are designed to make movement feel easier and provide a one-of-a-kind experience with enhanced cushioning and a uniquely smooth ride; today, HOKA鈥檚 footwear and apparel lines have grown to meet the running, walking, fitness and outdoor needs of a wide variety of users. With a bold and unexpected approach, HOKA empowers athletes of all levels to feel like they can fly. For more information, visit聽聽or follow聽听#罢颈尘别罢辞贵濒测.