The HOKA Velocity Idler bought out shortly after its preliminary launch on January 31, 2025, however on Could 23, HOKA launched a brand new colour, Asphalt/Ember, which additionally rapidly bought out.
For followers of the distinctive loafer-gone-running footwear, it appears ardour has turned to rage as pissed off followers unable to purchase the footwear write one-star critiques on the HOKA Velocity Idler product web page.
One-star reviewers, like Josh from Colorado Springs, complained that the footwear are “inconceivable to purchase.” Though a publication subscriber, Josh wrote he “acquired zero notifications in e-mail, (and) now solely dimension 5 are in inventory.”
What’s driving this obsession with a singular, some would possibly say weird, working shoe-loafer hybrid? Let’s look at the design and buzz across the Velocity Idler to search out out.
Meet the ‘Velocity Idler’
New Stability technically set the development in September 2024 with the primary launch of a sneaker-loafer, the 1906L. The 1906L additionally seems to be bought out on the corporate’s U.S. web site.
New Stability calls the 1906 a “juxtaposition of sneakers and extra formal apparel.” And given the looks, we will’t argue with the evaluation. An open-holed mesh higher, “curvilinear artificial overlays,” and form of a traditional penny idler power the mind to blur dresswear with the working observe.
Enter HOKA. The Velocity Idler maintains the “iconic tooling” of the Speedgoat 5 just like the Vibram Megagrip outsole however with a “customized pace tassel.” How the tassel helps with pace stays unclear. It pairs opulent leather-based and suede with reflective piping and a suede mudguard, hinting that this try at metropolis type can be ostensibly for sports activities.
HOKA has but to substantiate the Velocity Idler’s suitability for working after we reached out. We’re skeptical.
The corporate’s web site said the HOKA Velocity Loafers goal to mix “traditional type with a HOKA twist.” Customers have lengthy craved extra snug but trendy athletic put on. First it was athleisure; now it’s loafers you’ll be able to perhaps run in.
Runner’s World known as the HOKA loafer-shoe “its most unhinged shoe but.”
In a client assessment, Magilla66 wrote, “I truly just like the design.”
Shopper Buzz, Availability Backlash
The loafer-cum-sneaker appeared promising, but HOKA Velocity Idler critiques fall into two extremes: 5 stars or one.
Seattle reviewer Dealz4Miles gave 5 stars, writing, “The opposite boys on the buying and selling desk won’t ever catch me now!”
Jhonny from San Francisco’s Castro District additionally wrote a five-star assessment: “These footwear don’t simply assist your ft — they improve your circulation such as you’re coaching for the Olympics. Then, as a result of why not, I flew enterprise class in these dangerous boys after breezing by TSA PreCheck.”
One other buyer, Magilla66, wrote, “23,000-some folks have seen this shoe like I’ve, solely to find you carry these in a really SMALL foot dimension.”
One other enthusiastic would-be buyer wrote, “PLAYING GAMES WITH SPEED LOAFER!!! Why do you proceed to tease and play video games about (a) by no means obtainable product corresponding to this? It’s by no means obtainable along with your claims of getting on a by no means ending waitlist.”
Appears to be like like ordering the HOKA pace idler feels much less like a business-to-consumer transaction. It’s extra like relationship. And HOKA by no means calls.
A spokesperson from HOKA instructed GearJunkie, “Whereas there’s no official plans to launch extra iterations of the Velocity Idler simply but, we will say there will likely be comparable thrilling drops from HOKA on the approach to life facet of the mainline providing that may have audiences simply as shocked and delighted!”
It’s clear that the largest hurdle for this progressive shoe to catch on as a development is that it’s all the time bought out.
