Hoka One One Clifton picked as shoe of the year

As a newcomer to the running market, Hoka One One is already making a splash with their maximal cushioning shoes.

This week the Independent Running Retailers Association selected the popular Clifton as their Shoe of the Year. At 218 g, the shoe is fairly light, but it doesn’t skimp on comfort, something the company has come to be known for.

“A distinction of this magnitude is amplified for us knowing it is coming directly from our retail family,” said Jim Van Din, Hoka One One’s president. “The level of knowledge and respect independent retailers have makes this award extra special for us.”

The retailers met this week to select the shoe at The Running Event, an annual trade conference in Austin, Texas.

Hoka One One has been making a push into the elite track market also, signing Olympic 1,500m silver-medallist Leo Manzano to a shoe contract, along with other professional athletes.