HOKA, the running and walking shoe brand, kicks off 2024 with the launch of a new iconic competition model, a full clothing collection landing in Israel, new fashion designs, and a variety of road, trail, and hiking shoes.
Established 15 years ago, HOKA celebrates a decade in Israel, marking a successful year with significant penetration into the Israeli market. The year 2023 witnessed growth and expansion for the brand both commercially and consumer-wise. New models were launched targeting broader audiences, including CLIFTON 9, hiking shoes, fashion shoes, competition shoes like ROCKET X2, exposing HOKA to new demographics.
Meir Kanner, CEO of HOKA Israel, remarks on the substantial growth the brand has experienced globally and locally. In the last nine months of the fiscal year, HOKA's global revenues increased by 25% compared to the previous year, with exceptional growth performance in the third quarter of 2023. As HOKA continues to evolve, the primary focus remains on staying a leading brand in running and walking shoes, offering innovative and diverse performance shoes for road, trail, and hiking while bringing the HOKA experience to lifestyle consumers, maintaining the brand's values.
A study conducted by HOKA Israel in 2023 showed a significant strengthening in brand assets, awareness, and positive perception among both general and athletic populations compared to 2022. The research, involving two populations, assessed brand HOKA and its competitors, showing improvement in all examined parameters compared to 2022 and also against competitors.
"There's a noticeable improvement in HOKA's brand status in Israel - an increase in aided and unaided awareness, preference for the brand, and willingness to purchase HOKA shoes," says Galit Biranboim-Nevon, Marketing Manager at HOKA Israel. "This indicates a substantial enhancement in brand awareness and positive perception in 2023, as evidenced by significant sales growth. The research also showed a significant improvement in HOKA's brand status compared to competitors in the category."
HOKA starts 2024 with technological and design innovations, introducing new products alongside leading and winning models in new colors. This year, iconic models like BONDI 8, CLIFTON 9, CHALLENGER 7, and others are refreshed in bold colors, suitable for various walking, running, competition, and training needs.
In 2024, HOKA will launch new models in Israel in key categories from the realms of trail, hiking, fashion, and competition. The first model announced for 2024 was ARAHI 7, followed by the launch of CIELO X1, a model introduced for the first time in Israel and worldwide.
Next Generation Running Shoes - CIELO X1 HOKA continues to develop a range of shoes allowing amateur and professional athletes to achieve their goals. We are proud to introduce the CIELO X1, the next generation of running shoes, HOKA's fresh innovation to its approved lineup of road running shoes endorsed by the World Athletics Federation. It's an ultra-light, fast, and beautifully designed racing shoe, introducing a new technological creation that will propel runners to their speed peaks and new records.
The shoe is designed for the fastest runners and those aiming for top speeds, with design elements supporting stability and control at high speeds, providing confidence to runners: dynamic cuts in the sole for weight savings, equipped with a double-winged carbon plate integrated between two flexible and lightweight PEBA layers. Additionally, the shoe features a speed-focused rocker pattern, with a knit and breathable upper and a sock-like and embracing tongue.
Meir Kanner, CEO of New Ran Israel, HOKA's importer: "During July - August 2024, the Olympics will take place in Paris, and it's no coincidence that we are launching the Cielo X1 model tailored for the fastest runners and those competing in global competitions, notably the Olympics. HOKA's elite athletes have tested and demonstrated excellent performance with the new model. I am eagerly looking forward to the launch of Cielo X1 in Israel, to give everyone the opportunity to experience it."
Next month, the iconic model - Cielo X1, will be available in Israel in a limited edition. HOKA Israel invites you to sign up to be the first to receive updates when the model lands in Israel and is available for purchase. To register for updates, click here.
The model is unisex. Women's size range: 5.5 US - 13 US, Men's size range: 6.5 US - 14 US.