Sustainability has become a core focus for brands in the outdoor and athletic industries, and HOKA is no exception. This activewear company is owned by Deckers Outdoor, and primarily known for their running shoes – although they have a loyal following among hikers, nurses, and fitness enthusiasts. But does HOKA’S sustainability meet the mark?

Long story short: they’ve taken several steps towards creating a more sustainable future – but their efforts face both praise and scrutiny.

On Karma Wallet, we use trusted third party data sources to rate HOKA’s social and environmental performance 2.5 out of 16. Plus, we offer 1.15% cashback when you shop HOKA with your Karma Wallet Card!

Here’s everything you need to know about HOKA’s sustainability – what they’re doing right, where they can improve, and what the future looks like.   

The Good

Sustainable Materials 

HOKA’s “Yes to Less” initiative tackles waste reduction and employs innovative materials for their products. HOKA has been introducing more recycled and bio-based materials into its footwear – and over 99% of their footwear styles include at least one recycled, renewed or naturally sourced material. 

For instance, the HOKA Clifton 8 features a mesh upper made with recycled polyester, reducing dependence on virgin plastic materials.

They’re also veering away from petrol-based plastic. 55% of the polyester fibers in their footwear and 70% of their apparel and accessories will be from renewable or post-consumer resources by 2030.

Waste Reduction

HOKA has made a number of commitments to reduce their consumption by 2030. 

• Offices: Their California and Midwest Distribution Centers will become zero waste by 2024.
• Carbon Emissions: Energy usage for their footwear production will decrease by 25% per shoe by 2030.
• Water Usage: Water usage in HOKA footwear will decrease 20% by 2030.

Carbon Neutrality 

In 2021, Deckers Brands, the parent company of HOKA, announced a commitment to achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030 and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions through science-based targets. 

The company is working on tracking and reducing its carbon footprint across the supply chain, which is crucial as the production of synthetic materials and shoes in general can be highly carbon-intensive.

To keep track of these goals, Decker Brand’s publishes an annual corporate responsibility and sustainability report that dives into the specifics. We love to see transparency there! Check out their most recent report here.

People Commitment

HOKA puts diversity, equity, and inclusion at the forefront of their business. From hiring practices to donations, they go the extra mile both internally and externally.

When it comes to marketing, HOKA has made a commitment to ensure 60% of the people featured in their marketing campaigns are black, indigenous, POC, or LGBTQ+ to increase representation in media.

Their parent company, Decker Brands, has donated $500,000 to organizations that support social and racial justice around the globe. Decker Brands also compensates employees with 24 hours of paid volunteer time per year.

They also partner with a number of nonprofits and partners who share their vision, like Achilles International, HERproject, and Boys and Girls Club. Through their unique partnerships and collaborations, they’re able to further amplify each other’s missions and create greater positive impact.

The Bad

Dependency on Synthetic Materials

While HOKA has made strides in incorporating recycled materials, the majority of its shoes are still made with synthetic materials like EVA foam, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), and rubber, which are derived from non-renewable resources and can take hundreds of years to decompose. 

This is a challenge not just for HOKA but for the entire athletic footwear industry, which relies on these materials for durability, cushioning, and performance.

As of right now, they don’t have a 100% sustainable or biodegradable product line available – although competitors have launched shoes made from 100% natural materials or are working on fully compostable models. While HOKA is improving, it’s not leading the charge in this area.

Slow Pace of Change

While Deckers Brands has set ambitious goals for 2030, the pace of change can feel slow to some environmentally conscious consumers. The company is gradually introducing eco-friendly practices, but with the urgency of climate change and waste issues, there’s a growing demand for faster, more dramatic changes – especially by massive companies like HOKA and Deckers.

Hoka’s Sustainability Score on Karma Wallet 

HOKA has made meaningful strides toward sustainability, but like many companies in the footwear industry, it faces significant challenges. The future of HOKA’s sustainability efforts will depend on innovation, transparency, and consumer engagement.

For now, HOKA’s sustainability story is a work in progress—full of promise but with room for improvement. The brand is taking steps in the right direction, but the path to true sustainability in footwear is long and complex. Hopefully, with continued effort, HOKA can rise to the occasion and help lead the industry toward a more sustainable future.

On Karma Wallet, we rate HOKA’s social and environmental performance 2.5 out of 16. Want to learn more? Explore their company rating profile below!

What do you think about HOKA’s sustainability journey? Let us know in the comments below!