The Definitive Guide: 5 Simple Steps To Finally Pronounce 'Hoka' Shoes Correctly

Are you one of the millions of runners, hikers, and comfort-seekers who owns a pair of Hoka shoes but whispers the brand name for fear of getting it wrong? You are not alone. This French-born, globally-dominant footwear company, known for its distinctive maximalist cushioning, has a name that has puzzled consumers for years. As of December 14, 2025, the good news is that the brand has officially simplified its name, making the pronunciation much easier, but the original mystery—and the correct way to say it—still intrigues many.

The confusion stems from the brand’s original, full name, which was a beautiful nod to its high-flying origins. This deep-dive article will not only give you the simple, modern pronunciation but also unlock the fascinating history and the powerful meaning behind the word, ensuring you speak the name of your favorite running shoe with absolute confidence.

The Official Hoka Pronunciation Guide: A 5-Step Breakdown

The good news is that the brand officially shortened its name from "Hoka One One" to simply "Hoka." This change, driven by the desire for simplicity and better brand recognition, eliminated the most difficult part of the original name. Here is the definitive, easy-to-master guide to saying the name of the popular running shoe brand:

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The correct pronunciation of Hoka is: HO-kuh.

• HO: The first syllable is pronounced like the beginning of the word "home" or "hope." It should be a long 'O' sound, not a short 'A' sound like in "hawk" or "hook."
• kuh: The second syllable is a simple, soft 'a' sound, often called a schwa, like the 'a' at the end of "sofa" or "comma."

Phonetic Spelling: /hoʊ.kə/

Here are the five simple steps to lock in the correct pronunciation:

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1. Forget the 'H' Sound: The 'H' is pronounced, but don't let it lead you to a "Hawk-a" or "Hook-a" sound.
2. Emphasize the Long 'O': The key is the first vowel. Say "HO" as in "Hello!"
3. Soften the Second Syllable: The "ka" is soft. Think "kuh."
4. Put It Together: Say "HO-kuh."
5. Avoid Common Mistakes: Do not pronounce it "Hock-a," "Hook-a," or the often-joked-about "Hooker." The correct sound is smooth and rolling: HOH-kuh.

Mastering this simple two-syllable word is your first step to speaking like an insider in the running community, whether you’re discussing the latest Hoka Clifton, the cushioned Hoka Bondi, or the trail-ready Hoka Speedgoat.

The Surprising History and Meaning Behind the Name

To truly understand the brand's identity and its original name, you have to look past the French Alps where it was founded and travel to the Pacific. The name is not French or Latin, but comes from the indigenous language of New Zealand.

The Maori Origin: “To Fly Over the Earth”

The original name, Hoka One One, is derived from the Maori language. The phrase loosely translates to “to fly over the earth.” This meaning perfectly encapsulates the brand's founding mission: to create a shoe that made downhill running feel effortless and fast, giving the runner a sensation of literally flying over the ground.

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This powerful, evocative meaning is the philosophical core of the brand, reflecting the feeling of weightlessness and speed that the maximalist cushioning and unique Meta-Rocker geometry provide. The name is a direct link to the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and comfort.

The Original Full Name: Hoka One One (Oh-nay Oh-nay)

For years, the full brand name was a true tongue-twister for many consumers. The "One One" part of the name was not pronounced "one-one" like the number. Instead, it was pronounced: Oh-nay Oh-nay.

The full, original pronunciation was therefore: HO-kuh Oh-nay Oh-nay.

While the brand has officially truncated the name to just Hoka, understanding the full phrase is essential for appreciating the brand’s depth and topical authority. It is a testament to the founders' vision, born from their passion for trail running and seeking a better way to tackle technical descents.

Hoka Brand Biography: From the French Alps to a Global Phenomenon

The Hoka story is a classic example of disruptive innovation. The brand was not born in a boardroom but on the trails of the French Alps by two passionate athletes who saw a problem and engineered a radical solution.

Founders: Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud

Co-Creator/Director of Advanced Product Development: Christophe Aubonnet

Founded: 2009

Founding Location: Annecy, France (French Alps)

US Headquarters: Richmond, California

Parent Company: Deckers Brands (acquired in 2013)

Initial Concept: To design a shoe that allowed runners to run downhill faster and more comfortably, directly addressing the difficulty of intense ultra-marathon and trail running descents.

Key Innovation: The introduction of maximalist cushioning—a thick, oversized midsole—which stood in stark contrast to the minimalist shoe trend that was popular at the time. This "maximalist shoe trend" is now a global standard.

Founders Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud, both former Salomon employees, sought to create a shoe that offered superior shock absorption without sacrificing stability. They achieved this by increasing the volume of the midsole, creating a soft, protective layer that made running feel less impactful—a sensation perfectly captured by the Maori phrase "to fly over the earth."

Why the Name Change and Why People Still Struggle

The transition from "Hoka One One" to simply "Hoka" was a strategic move to streamline the brand's image and improve consumer accessibility. The "One One" was often mispronounced, ignored, or simply too cumbersome for casual conversation. By dropping the "One One," the brand focused on the one word that was already becoming synonymous with its product: Hoka.

Despite the simplification, people still struggle with the core name for a few key reasons, which also generate natural LSI keywords:

• Vowel Ambiguity: The 'O' is often confused, leading to "Hock-a" (short 'o' sound) or "Hook-a" (a 'u' sound). The correct long 'O' sound (HO-kuh) is the key differentiator.
• Foreign Origin: Because the name is derived from the Maori language, it doesn't follow standard English phonetic rules, making it less intuitive than names like Nike or Adidas.
• Legacy Confusion: Many long-time runners still remember the "Oh-nay Oh-nay" pronunciation, which adds a layer of complexity for newcomers trying to figure out the correct term.

Ultimately, the correct pronunciation—HO-kuh—is the simplest and most accurate way to refer to the brand. By understanding its Maori roots and the recent name change, you are now equipped with the fresh, updated knowledge to discuss your favorite Hoka Carbon X or Hoka Kawana with the confidence of a true running shoe expert.