After teaming up with New Balance on a pair of vintage-inspired 990v3 shoes, Bodega taps into industry newcomer Hoka One One to revamp both the sneakers and slides. The shoes combine the store’s streetwear heritage with Hoka’s performance features, making for a fashionable and functional collection.
Since last year, footwear and gear originally intended for outdoor activities like hiking, climbing or running – as is the case with Hoka One One and its popular competitor Salomon – have taken on new life in streetwear. With people looking for stylish yet comfortable options for life after quarantine, fitness trainers have become the culmination of exclusive collaborations: Last year, Hoka teamed up with Korean streetwear brand thisisneverthat to create a beefy yet aesthetically pleasing sneaker alongside gorp-approved apparel. Still, Hoka’s collaboration with Bodega is perhaps its biggest step up in streetwear – and judging by the shoes the duo have created, the partnership won’t be its last.
Exploratory Streetwear — Keeping things simple, the collection includes the Hoka Kaha Low GTX sneaker and the Ora recovery slide, two silhouettes that don’t necessarily fit Bodega’s hypebeast audience. Both shoes come with subtle updates like new hues and additional lace options, but stay true to their original designs, complete with Hoka cushioning.
A special “Martini Olive” color dresses the Kaha Low and Ora Slide, helping to wrap both shoes in earth tones. GORE-TEX and a grippy Vibram outsole add to the beefy trail sneaker’s durability, while suede uppers imply a more streetwear feel – in fact, hiking in the Kaha Low might damage or stain the leather. Pops of hot pink, blue, and yellow on the tongue and laces stand out against the otherwise neutral shoe.
The Ora Slide, on the other hand, features an all-rubber base that may be better suited to campgrounds or post-workout wear. The stains all over the sandal make it look like it’s already been covered in mud, so wearers are free to slip the slide on carelessly – honestly, as all slides should be.
Coming soon – Sneakerheads and outdoor enthusiasts will have two chances to purchase the co-branded shoes: the shoes will initially release on March 25 on Bodega’s website, and more will be available on April 1 on Hoka’s website. Additional pairs will be in stock at the streetwear boutique’s Boston and Los Angeles stores, with the Kaha Low GTX priced at $225 and the Ora Slide priced at $60. Without hype overload, the shoes shouldn’t be too difficult to acquire.