The only brand beating HOKA right now is HOKA. Like, what's better than HOKA's own excellent slip-on sneakers? HOKA's own excellent mule shoes.
HOKA's forthcoming slip-on shoes are a brilliant subversion of the sportswear brand's typical trail-running design cues. These things could've been designed by Salehe Bembury, what with their fat laces, layered mudguard, and meaty ankle opening, except that they're in-line sneakers, which is really wild.
I mean, just look at how HOKA's new mules make for a magnificent mélange of textures. Somehow, only one sneaker blends quilted uppers, bits of rubber, embroidered pull tabs, a grippy midsole — a feast for the eyes!
I'm actually getting some Suicoke vibes here, what with the HOKA mule's beefy closure and easy-on design.
Pretty advanced stuff for an in-line shoe designed by a company best-known for orthopedic runners (and wonderful orthopedic runners, at that).
Even HOKA's own recovery footwear can't quite hold a candle to these next-level slip-ons. Just goes to show that the trail runner market is where you can find all of today's best shoes.
First revealed in-hand by Runner's Highest, the HOKA mules, which are officially called the Ora Primo slip-on, are set to release on December 15 and, as the product imagery confirms, they're a veritable work of art.
Same goes for equally exquisite new HOKA hiker-style shoes revealed alongside the mules, which wear metal eyelets (very hiking boots), gorgeous tonal uppers, and thick Vibram soles.
The complete package is a real sight to behold: these are the best-looking HOKA sneakers since the TOR Ultra line. High praise!
Doubly so considering it's levied at a brand that's knocking out killer shoe after killer shoe. I've sung the praises of HOKA's recent footwear wins and will continue to do so as long as it keeps dishing in-house beauties aplenty, transforming its own footwear designs with an appreciably fashion-forward aesthetic.
Truly, HOKA's in a class of its own.
This article was published on October 19, 2023, and updated on December 15 with official imagery.
