Yes, Hoka, a long-established brand in the active and aspiring athletes’ market, has recently (24th of April 2023) launched its first ever collection designed specifically for kids: the Youth Collection.
Featuring three distinct styles inspired by their adult line, the shoes are tailored to meet the unique shape and needs of children’s feet with features such as quick toggle laces and gusseted tongues.
The prices range from $50 to $110 and sizes from 3.5Y to 7Y, giving kids the opportunity to choose their own adventure.
While they offer a range of running shoes for adults, they also decided to releases shoes for Kids with a tagline of Kids Possible “WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF KID POSSIBLE”.
Let’s explore all aspects of Hoka’s Kid’s Shoes including how they differ from other kid’s shoes available on the market as well as provide an overview of availability and features.
Kids’ Shoes Offered by Hoka
Hoka currently Offers 3 Models of Shoes for Kids
- Hoka’s Ora Recovery Slide 3: Slip-on sandal designed with stability and support
- Clifton 9: lightweight neutral running sneaker
- Speedgoat 5: a trail shoe equipped with durable lugs
Let’s jump on the quick review of these three models and see what are they offering.
Kid’s Hoka Ora Recovery Slide 3: For Recovery
Constructed with 20% sugarcane for eco-friendliness and a dual-density EVA midsole, the ORA Recovery Slide 3 Youth Sandal provides cushioned comfort, durable traction, and moderate stability to ensure an enjoyable ride.
The J-Frame technology prevents overpronation while the Wide Base and Active Foot Frame provide additional stability. The low-profile cushion bed allows for lightweight push-offs while the higher bed of soft cushion absorbs impact for a forgiving ride.
The ORA Recovery Slide 3 Youth Sandal is designed to be neutral with a heel-to-toe drop of 5.70mm and is currently sold out but available on HOKA’s waitlist.
Pros:
- Eco friendly material used in construction
- Provides cushioned comfort & durable traction
- Moderate stability & prevents overpronation
- Neutral design & efficient push offs
- Absorbs impacts providing a forgiving ride
Cons:
Kid’s Hoka Clifton 9: For future milers and marathoners alike
The Clifton 9 Youth Max Cushioned Running Shoe provides kids with comfort and performance, combining 30% sugarcane in the midsole with a 31% recycled yarn upper for eco-friendliness.
With J-Frame technology to prevent excessive inward roll, it offers stability from its wide base and Active Foot Frame, as well as moderate stability for neutral gaits. The cushion bed is low-profile yet firmer for efficient push-off, while providing protective cushioning during toe-off.
This Running Shoe has a heel-to-toe drop of 5.90 and is available in neutral, moderate, or stable options depending on the wearer’s preferences.
It also features a higher cushion bed that is forgiving on impact and ride. This shoe is light and plush for everyday play and designed to help future milers and marathoners reach their goals.
Pros:
- Provides comfort & performance
- Features stability & protective cushioning
- Light & plush for everyday play
Cons:
- Not suitable for extreme runners
Kid’s Hoka Speedgoat 5: For Trail Running and Hiking
With a heel-to-toe drop of 7.70, the Speedgoat 5 Youth Max Cushioned Running Shoe provides an ideal mixture of cushioning and stability for trail running, featuring ultralight 30% sugarcane midsole and durable lugs for adjustments on the fly.
The Woven mesh upper is made with 21% recycled PET yarns and comes with J-Frame technology designed to prevent excessive inward roll. Additionally, the wide base and Active Foot Frame provide moderate stability while the low profile cushion bed offers efficient push-off.
The shoe also features a symmetrical bed of cushion that allows support without additional prescriptive technologies as well as higher bed of soft cushion for a forgiving impact and ride. All these features make it the perfect running option for kids who are looking for a neutral shoe with moderate stability.
Pros:
- Lightweight design makes it comfortable to wear all day long
- Durable lugs provide traction on any terrain
- J-Frame technology prevents excessive inward roll
Cons:
Hoka Kids’ Shoe Sizes
| Size | Foot Length (cm) | Foot Length (in) |
|---|---|---|
| 3Youth | 21.5 | 8.46” |
| 3.5Youth | 22 | 8.66” |
| 4Youth | 22.5 | 8.86” |
| 4.5Youth | 23 | 9.06” |
| 5Youth | 23.5 | 9.25” |
| 5.5Youth | 24 | 9.45” |
| 6Youth | 24.5 | 9.65” |
| 6.5Youth | 25 | 9.84” |
| 7Youth | 25.5 | 10.04” |
How are these Hoka’s Kids’ Shoes Differ in terms of Other Kids Shoes
The Hoka Youth Collection features shoes specifically crafted with the unique shape and requirements of children’s feet in mind, offering a level of support not found in other kids’ running shoes and making them worth considering for dedicated athletes or those who are rough on their shoes.
Three styles have been released to date, each designed to accommodate the performance needs of young athletes: the Clifton 9 provides lightweight neutral running comfort; the Speedgoat 5 offers a trail shoe that is rugged yet comfortable; and the Ora Recovery Slide 3 offers stability and support in a slip-on sandal.
All styles come in sizes from 3.5Y to 7Y, featuring custom fits, quick toggle laces, gusseted tongues, sustainably minded materials, and 100% Hoka DNA woven throughout.
Aimed at older elementary schoolers and middle school kids alike, these shoes are more expensive than some other kid’s running shoes but offer enhanced performance capabilities due to their unique design features.
The ultimate goal is to empower young athletes with products tailored for their needs; with new style releases coming soon, Hoka continues to be an innovator in youth footwear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the Hoka Kids’ Shoes last?
The Hoka Youth Collection features three shoe styles designed for athletic kids and crafted with the unique shape and requirements of their feet in mind. All shoes come with durability tests, a break-in period, various sizing options, and shoe care tips to ensure they last as long as possible.
The Clifton 9 is a lightweight neutral running sneaker made with high-abrasion rubber, while the Speedgoat 5 is a trail shoe with durable lugs and quick toggle lace. The Ora Recovery Slide 3 is stable and supportive slip-on sandal that also comes in style variations for more classic franchises.
Ultimately, these shoes are worth considering for dedicated athletes or kids tough on their shoes, offering a level of support not found in random off-the shelf sneakers.
Is there a warranty included with Hoka Kid’s Shoes?
Hoka’s Youth Collection offers a wide range of sizing options for kids, from 3.5Y to 7Y, as well as several style and colour choices. The shoes are designed to provide support and comfort, with a focus on fit and materials that are sustainably minded.
To ensure the longevity of their shoes, Hoka recommends regular maintenance such as cleaning and drying them after each use in order to avoid any deterioration of the material. Hoka provides a warranty with their shoes which covers defects in material or workmanship under normal use for one year from the date of purchase.
Are there any special features or technologies included in Hoka Kid’s Shoes?
Hoka’s Youth Collection features shoes designed with the unique shape and requirements of kids’ feet in mind. The collection includes three models crafted with durable materials, supportive cushioning and comfort levels, eco friendly materials, and style options to suit any aspiring young athlete.
As with its adult products, Hoka’s signature technology is included in the shoes, ensuring the same level of performance and comfort.
The Clifton 9 is a lightweight neutral running sneaker made with high-abrasion rubber; the Speedgoat 5 is a trail shoe with durable lugs and quick toggle lace; and the Ora Recovery Slide 3 is a stable and supportive slip-on sandal.
All three shoes offer a level of support not found in random on-sale sneakers and retail between $50 to $110 USD for sizes ranging from 3.5Y to 7Y.
Conclusion
So, yes hoka makes shoes for kids. These Kids’ shoes are made with the same technology and comfort as their other footwear and only the size has been scaled back.
The Hoka Youth Collection is an exciting new development that provides young athletes with a range of stylish and comfortable shoes. The collection features three distinct styles, each designed to meet the unique needs of kids’ feet.
With quick toggle laces, gusseted tongues and prices ranging from $50 to $110, these shoes offer exceptional value for money.
They are available in sizes 3.5Y to 7Y, ensuring that there is something suitable for everyone in the family. In summary, Hoka’s Kids’ Shoes provide a great choice for those looking for quality footwear specifically made for children.