With Its Ultra-Chunky Shape, adidas’ New Adistar Has a HOKA-Esque Appeal

Is it just me, or does the adidas Adistar HRMNY look a little familiar? And by familiar, I mean: does it look like a HOKA shoe?

An all-new model, expected to hit shop floors later this year, the Adistar HRMNY comes with an overly chunky profile paired with outdoorsy detailing — a recipe often deployed by HOKA for its notoriously bulky trail shoes. But the similarities don’t end there.

Place a photo of HOKA’s classic Stinson Evo Model next to adidas’ chunky Adistar, and more similarities emerge: the curved line running along the sole unit, the leather toe box contrasting its mesh body, the curved overlays on the front of the shoe… it’s all very similar.

Now, I’m not saying that this is a direct copy, however, the resemblance is noticeable. And that is really just a testament to how popular the distinct bulky shape of HOKA sneakers has become.

The trail-running brand has not only grown to become a leader in running footwear in its short 16-year history, converting runners to embrace its outlandishly XXL shoes, but it’s also become unintentionally fashionable. And as HOKA’s stock has continued to rise, other brands are taking note.

Brands as disparate as the membership-only warehouse retailer COSTCO and the foam clog specialists Crocs have all been muscling in on the action, seemingly taking cues from HOKA’s designs. Meanwhile fellow sportswear giants, such as Nike and New Balance, have also been seen adding a HOKA-esque flavor to their footwear. 

The frequency with which shoes are being released that are evocative of HOKA sneakers is added proof of the brand's recent winning streak, signaling the size of the shockwaves that its distinctly oversized shoes are sending through the footwear market. After all, imitation is the highest form of flattery.

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