HOKA is a performance footwear brand for road running, trail running and hiking. It was born in the French Alps in 2009, when two athletes set out to design a running shoe that made downhill running feel like flying, and its shoes quickly won over elite ultramarathoners. HOKA's site tells its story as part of Deckers Brands, the company that began with a surf flip-flop in Santa Barbara in 1973 and grew into a multi-brand footwear group.
Same category, HQ in USA
ALAltra makes road and trail running shoes built around its FootShape fit, a roomy toe box that lets toes splay, and a zero-to-low drop that balances weight across the foot. Its lineup includes the Vanish Carbon race shoes, Olympus and Experience Wild trail shoes, with FootShape offered in several fit options. Altra is part of VF Corporation, which completed its acquisition in 2018 and still lists it among its brands.
Road and trail running footwear
BLBlack Diamond makes gear and apparel for climbing, skiing, running and hiking, including harnesses such as the Solution, headlamps, shells and climbing clothing. Its heritage traces back to Chouinard Equipment and a backyard anvil and hammer; in 1972 Yvon Chouinard and Tom Frost published the Clean Climbing Manifesto in the Chouinard Equipment catalog.
Sports apparel and footwear
COColumbia Sportswear makes outdoor clothing, outerwear, sportswear, footwear, bags and gear built to handle the weather. Gert Boyle took over the struggling family business in 1970 and turned it into a leading company, and Columbia Sportswear Company is now one of the largest outdoor and active lifestyle apparel and footwear companies in the world, with a portfolio of well-known brands. Columbia Sportswear Company identifies Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, SOREL and prAna as the four primary brands in its outdoor portfolio.
Outdoor apparel and footwear
SMSmartwool makes Merino-wool socks, base layers and outdoor apparel for hiking, running and snow sports. Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, in 1994, it began with Merino ski socks and expanded into a wider clothing range. Its current US privacy policy says Smartwool is a division of VF Outdoor LLC, a VF Corporation subsidiary; the brand also says it works with the New Zealand Merino Company on the ZQRX wool programme.
Sports apparel and footwear
2X2XU is a performance compression brand founded in Australia in 2005 and born from triathlon. It makes compression tights, shorts, long sleeves and recovery tights, plus sports bras and training wear, under the idea of Prepare, Perform, Recover.
Sports apparel and footwear
BRBrooks Running makes running shoes, apparel and accessories for road and trail, including the Ghost and new Ghost Amp road shoes. Its global headquarters is in Seattle next to the Burke-Gilman trail and Lake Union, in a LEED-certified building that also houses the Brooks Trailhead, its only flagship retail store. Brooks has been a standalone operating subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc. since 2012.
Running footwear and apparel
MOMountain Hardwear makes durable technical outdoor equipment and apparel for climbers, mountaineers and outdoor athletes, including down and Gore-Tex jackets. Founded in 1993 and based in Richmond, California, it says its focus has always been "on the mountain, not the masses" and follows an "Everything is Equipment" product principle. For its 30th anniversary in 2023 it launched the limited-edition Reissue capsule, bringing back the Exposure Gore-Tex Parka, Subzero Down Jacket and Windstopper Tech Jacket. Mountain Hardwear is a Columbia Sportswear Company brand, acquired in 2003.
Sports apparel and footwear
NENew Balance makes athletic shoes, sneakers and sportswear for runners, athletes and everyday wear, including signature collections such as the Sydney Levrone collection. It began in 1906 as an arch support company and has grown into a global brand represented by athletes and ambassadors worldwide, describing itself as "a brand with heritage" rather than a heritage brand. New Balance Athletics, Inc. is a privately owned company headquartered in Boston that has stayed independent since 1906.
Running footwear and team sportswear
