Forget sneakers designed to feel like you're barefoot. These chunky, bulky running shoes with oversized outsoles are flying off the shelves.
Hoka, which started in 2009 in France as a running shoe for hardcore marathoners, is growing rapidly with casual runners, hikers and weightlifters. The brand, which hawks $125-and-up ultra-cushioned shoes, has also become something of a fashion symbol outside of exercise. Hoka is appealing to consumers looking for everyday walking shoes, and it’s been spotted on celebrities, including Gwyneth Paltrow and Emily Ratajkowski. “This is the antithesis of minimalist sneakers.
At the time, so-called minimalist sneakers were gaining in popularity. In 2005, Nike launched its Nike Free line, which set off a wave of similar versions from rivals. “There were a lot of brands trying to emulate that look,” said Jay Sole, a retail analyst at UBS. “There wasn’t anyone doing what Hoka was doing.” But Hoka carved out a niche in specialty running shops.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why gas prices are surging this month | CNN BusinessNormally, prices at the gas pump drift lower during the dead of winter as lousy weather keeps Americans off the roads. But something unusual is happening this year: Gas prices are rocketing higher.
Read more »
First on CNN: Biden administration to strengthen Obamacare contraceptive mandate in proposed rule | CNN PoliticsThe Biden administration wants to make it easier for women to access birth control at no cost under the Affordable Care Act, reversing Trump-era rules that weakened the law’s contraceptive mandate for employer-provided health insurance plans.
Read more »
ASML says 'rules are being finalized' on chip export controls to China | CNN BusinessSML, a Dutch maker of semiconductor equipment, says “rules are being finalized” on export controls -- amid reports that the Netherlands and Japan have joined the United States in restricting sales of some computer chip machinery to China.
Read more »
'Attack on India:' Adani slams US short seller over fraud allegations | CNN BusinessAdani Group has published a detailed rebuttal running to more than 400 pages against allegations of fraud made by a US investment firm, calling the short seller's investigation of the ports-to-power conglomerate 'a calculated attack on India.'
Read more »
French workers bring Paris to a standstill in second mass strike over pension reforms | CNN BusinessFrench schools and transportation networks were heavily disrupted Tuesday for the second time this month, as unions staged another mass strike against government plans to raise the retirement age for most workers.
Read more »
Norway discovers huge trove of metals, minerals and rare earths on its seabed | CNN BusinessA Norwegian study has found a 'substantial' amount of metals and minerals ranging from copper to rare earths on the seabed of its extended continental shelf, authorities said on Friday in their first official estimates.
Read more »