The first thing you’ll notice about HOKA ONE ONE’s new lightweight hikers is the wide, extended heel base. A decade after raising eyebrows with its trail running shoes, the brand set its sights on making hiking more comfortable.
The first HOKA trail running shoes brushed aside the minimalist trend with cushy designs inspired by downhill biking and powder skiing. Now, it’s introducing a hiking boot built from that same back-to-the-drawing-board approach.
HOKA has a range of hiking shoes and boots, but these are different, thanks to recent changes in materials and assembly technologies. The brand’s designers feel they’ve designed a lightweight boot that prioritizes stability and cushion without sacrificing performance.
Check out the HOKA TenNine Hike GTXWe talked to the HOKA product team to better understand the intent behind this eye-catching new take on hiking boots. In short, their goal was to make hiking a better experience.
Specifically, one of the major pain points for hikers is downhills. Downhills often come after long climbs, and thus the descent happens on tired legs. This adds stress on the knees and ankles while walking downhill — a well-documented aspect of hiking.
That’s why HOKA built the TenNine’s heel to catch and cushion the landing of each step while providing a wider base for more stability in the ankle and up the leg.
Likewise, to make uphills easier and more comfortable, designers point to the stability and energy transfer of the rockered sole — designed for softer landings that propel the foot forward.
HOKA TenNine Hiker: Get to Know the Hubble Heel
Why is it so big? Its width is for greater stability. The swallowtail extension behind the shoe works to cushion and propel the footstrike forward.
Look carefully; there’s a notch in the swallowtail that creates different sides to the heel. This design aims to give the sole more flex and independent movement as it walks over uneven terrain. From there, HOKA’s customary rockered sole works to propel hikers forward (heel to toe) without engaging the muscles used for lateral stability as much.
The idea, designers say, is to create cushioning for both comfort and longevity. That’s how HOKA intends to make hiking more enjoyable.
HOKA TenNine Hike GTX
But take note, the bigger profile doesn’t translate to a heavyweight boot. The men’s boot weighs in under 18 ounces. For years, HOKA designers sought to create a larger boot with less weight without sacrificing performance. Only through recent innovations in materials have they found that possible.
Less Obvious Details
HOKA TenNine Hike GTX Specs
- Geometry: 33mm heel/29mm forefoot (M); 30mm/26mm (W)
- Weight: 17.8 oz. (M); 14.7 oz. (W)
- Upper: GORE-TEX Leaf bootie, mesh liner
- Midsole: EVA foam
- Outsole: Vibram Litebase with Megagrip traction
- Lugs: 5mm
- Price: $250