Gear Hub: Hoka One One TenNine

When it comes to innovation and improving the sport of running, no other brand does it better, in my opinion, than Hoka One One. They have turned this non-runner, actually self-proclaimed hater of running, into someone who causally runs seven-plus miles and has a weekly interval practice. I owe all of this to the technology. 

The team at Hoka was up to their typical tricks when they designed the TenNine; the TenNine is like no other shoe I have ever seen or tested. The radical design provides an enormous amount of ground cover for stability on any terrain. At first glance, I thought the shoe would make for a clumsy time on the trail. I put them to the test on an aggressive 13-mile “up and over” run in Eagle County. There was no shortage of downed trees and snow at that time. Not only was my balance on point, but the wide foot bed kept me on top of the stiff morning snow — an unexpected bonus.  

Much of what kept me from running before was the joint pain I experienced during and after runs. The TenNine’s unique shape took away my knee and hip pain. On the downhill, the TenNine lived up to the tag line “Time to Fly” —I was cruising at a downhill pace in the high mountains that felt much like flying. 

On the uphill and flats, the TenNine felt like it was a little too much shoe for my running style. The cushion that made for such a comfortable run seemed to take some of my power away during the normal part of the run. 

The TenNine comes with a warning for what the shoe is designed for. Much like my touring and alpine ski boots, the TenNine should be used for specific running or by a specific runner. 

No matter the terrain or your running ability, I recommend turning to Hoka’s extensive line up of shoes for your next purchase.  

The Hoka One One TenNine running shoes are $250. Check them out at hokaoneone.com.