About Hoka
Hoka (stylized as HOKA, formerly Hoka One One) is a globally recognized sportswear and footwear company founded in France in 2009 by former Salomon employees Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard. The brand was acquired by Deckers Brands in 2013 and is now headquartered in Goleta, California.
Hoka initially gained attention by going against the prevailing “minimalist” running shoe trend. They developed shoes with oversized midsoles and enhanced cushioning, quickly earning the moniker “maximalist” shoes. This focus on maximum cushion and protection without excessive weight made them a favorite among ultramarathon runners before expanding in popularity to road runners, fitness enthusiasts, and even the fashion-conscious due to the rise of the “athleisure” trend.
The name Hoka comes from a Māori phrase meaning “to fly over the earth,” which embodies the brand’s commitment to creating a smooth, soft, and efficient running experience.
Hoka Affiliate Program Overview
The Hoka Affiliate Program, often managed through the Deckers Outdoor Affiliate Program, is an opportunity for partners to earn commission by promoting Hoka’s entire line of footwear and apparel. It is a straight-forward way for affiliates, especially those in the running, fitness, and lifestyle niches, to monetize their audience’s interest in high-performance and cushioned footwear.
| Factor | Description |
| Industry | Sportswear, Footwear, Athletic Apparel, Fitness, Lifestyle |
| Product Type | Physical (Running Shoes, Trail Shoes, Hiking Boots, Apparel, Accessories) |
| Affiliate Program Type | Cost Per Sale (CPS) |
Hoka Affiliate Program Offers
The program’s specifics can vary slightly depending on the network and country, but generally, Hoka offers the standard tools and acceptable traffic terms common in the industry.
| Factor | Details |
| Promotional Materials | High-performing creatives (banners, ads), dedicated affiliate program staff, performance tracking and reporting, daily updated product datafeed. |
| Affiliate Cookie Duration | Varies, commonly 7 days or 30 days depending on the network (e.g., 30 days via FlexOffers, 7 days via Commission Factory). |
| Accepted Traffic Source | Generally: Websites, Blogs, Content Sites, Social Media (TikTok, Instagram, YouTube), Email Marketing (check network-specific terms). |
| Accepted Countries | The program is globally available but often segmented by region/network (e.g., US, Canada, UK, DE, AU, etc., often managed regionally). |
| Explicit Content | Not accepted (Standard industry exclusion). |
| Religious or political content | Not accepted (Standard industry exclusion). |
Hoka Affiliate Commissions & Payments
The commission structure can be tiered or flat and may vary based on the specific affiliate network and region.
| Factor | Details |
| MLM (Multi-Level Marketing) | No (It is a standard affiliate program, not an MLM scheme). |
| Commission Rate | Varies, typically 3% to 14% per sale. |
| Commission Structure | Percentage of Sale. Often tiered or differentiated: e.g., 3-14% on all products, or sometimes 5% on full-priced items and 3% on sale items (outlet items often ineligible). |
| Payout Frequency | Varies by the affiliate network (e.g., monthly). |
| Payout Methods | Varies by the affiliate network (e.g., direct deposit, PayPal, or check through networks like Rakuten Advertising, Commission Factory, or FlexOffers). |
| Minimum Payout | Varies by the affiliate network (e.g., minimum thresholds set by Rakuten or other platforms). |
Suitable Affiliates for Hoka Affiliate
The Hoka affiliate program is best suited for individuals or platforms that align with the brand’s core values of movement, performance, fitness, and active lifestyle.
| Affiliate Type | Suitability | Rationale |
| Bloggers | High | Ideal for writing detailed product reviews, “best of” lists (e.g., Best Running Shoes for Marathoners), and comparisons. |
| TikTokers | High | Great for short-form video reviews, “What I Wear” content, aesthetic running/fitness videos, and quick product demonstrations. |
| KOC (Key Opinion Consumer) | High | Their genuine, relatable user experience reviews resonate highly with potential buyers, especially for a technical product like footwear. |
| KOL / Influencers / YouTubers | High | Excellent for in-depth video reviews, comparison tests, “day in the life” content, vlogs on training, and showcasing the shoes’ performance on various terrains. |
| Video Editors | Medium | While they may not be the primary promoters, they are vital for content creators (YouTubers/Influencers) who need professional, high-quality content to drive conversions. |
| Livestreamers | Medium/High | Can conduct live Q&A sessions, try-on hauls, or discuss their gear while training/hiking, offering immediate engagement and affiliate link clicks. |
Hoka Affiliate Software
Hoka, as a brand owned by Deckers Brands, does not typically use in-house affiliate management software. Instead, they leverage major third-party affiliate networks to manage their program across different regions.
Hoka’s affiliate program is commonly managed on networks like:
- Rakuten Advertising (often for the Deckers Outdoor Affiliate Program).
- Commission Factory (often for the AU/APAC market).
- FlexOffers (acting as an intermediary for various regions like DE, CA, UK).
- AWIN (mentioned as a network partner).
3 Alternatives for Hoka Affiliate Program
Hoka’s key competitors in the running and athletic footwear space also offer affiliate programs. Here are three strong alternatives: On Running (On), Lululemon, and Nike.
Comparison Table
| Factor | Hoka Affiliate Program | On Running (On) Affiliate Program (Alternative 1) | Lululemon Affiliate Program (Alternative 2) | Nike Affiliate Program (Alternative 3) |
| Primary Products | Running Shoes, Trail Shoes, Apparel | Running Shoes (CloudTec), Apparel | Athletic Apparel, Yoga Gear, Accessories | Footwear, Apparel, Equipment |
| Average Bill | High (Running shoes often $130 – $200+) | High (Premium pricing, shoes often $130 – $200+) | High (Premium pricing for apparel) | Medium to High (Vast range of products) |
| Entry Fees | None (Free to join via networks) | None | None | None |
| Withdrawal Threshold | Varies by Network (e.g., Rakuten, AWIN, etc.) | Varies by Network (e.g., Partnerize) | Varies by Network (e.g., Rakuten) | Varies by Network (e.g., Rakuten) |
| Payment Frequency | Varies by Network (e.g., Monthly) | Varies by Network | Varies by Network | Varies by Network |
| Commission | 3% – 14% (Varies by product type/network) | Varies, typically 8-10% (Often country-specific) | Varies, typically 5% – 10% | Varies, typically 3% – 10% (Often lower due to brand recognition) |
| Conversion | High (Strong niche reputation, but specific design is not for everyone) | High (Strong brand appeal, high performance/style) | Very High (Extremely strong brand loyalty and wide demographic appeal) | Very High (Global brand dominance and trust) |
| Marketing Materials | Dedicated creative, product datafeed, dedicated affiliate support. | Banners, text links, high-quality images. | Extensive visual assets, product datafeed, newsletters. | Access to world-class brand assets, promotions, and deals. |
