HOKA's Chunky New Mules Are All Foam, No Runner
HOKA outdid itself in late 2023 with the release of its beautifully crafted Ora Primo mule. Part clog, mostly sneaker, the instantly sold-out mule was a wonder to behold (and wear).
Now, HOKA is releasing another killer slip-on shoe, its Ora Recovery Mule, and just like the trail slip-on sneakers before it — including HOKA's laceless Restore TC shoe — it’s sporty, stylish, and supremely comfortable.
In the vein of HOKA’s Ora Recovery Slide and Flip sandals, the Ora Recovery Mule is designed for ultimate comfort, made apparent by its hefty sole and pliable, breathable upper. It even sports a removeable insole that the wearer can replace with something even softer.
Wearing black, creamy white, and mustard yellow colorways, HOKA's Ora Recovery Mule just looks darn pretty, too.
HOKA's new Ora Recovery Mule also have the same futuristic silhouette as the 1017 ALYX 9SM x Nike slides, with just as much orthopedic tech and comparable curb appeal.
And, it must be said, HOKA's latest squishy sandal bear more than a passing resemblance to adidas YEEZY's Foam Runners.
Yes, everyone and their grandma shouts out the Foam Runner whenever a squishy foam clog hits the streets but this one does have at least some shades of the YEEZY original.
At least, unlike Jordan Brand and its chunky new clogs, HOKA's got the good sense to not actually call its shoe a "foam runner."
Anyways, ample credit will always be due to Crocs, at least in terms of the foam clog space.
Though you could make the argument that it's effectively competing against more sporty imprints like the cushion kings at Oofos, Crocs is iterating more visibly and, arguably, more effectively than any of its recovery peers due to high-vis collabs and fashion-forward shoes.
The craze for Crocs' signature meaty Clog and many stylish mutations has inspired footwear brands from all over the spectrum to hop on the clog slash mule train.
Heck, Crocs already went kinda HOKA itself, it's about time that HOKA repaid the favor. Anyways, no international release date has been clarified for the Ora Recovery Mule but it's already available at select retailers, including HOKA's Taiwanese stores.
