I knew there was a good reason I was procrastinating ordering a new pair of running shoes. As Hoka runner from just about the beginning this is awesome news.
One of the reasons many didn't like Hoka at the beginning was the design of the upper...
I remember getting my first pair and being embarrassed to wear them to my running group. I did my first run early am in the dark and within 100 yards of leaving the house I was like “fuck, these are amazing. I don’t care who sees me.” Wore them to run group the next day and haven’t looked back since.
Just bought a pair...hope they are just as good as the originals, only I hope the tread lasts longer (it looks like they've updated the materials on the wear patches).
I think they look ok. The citrus/grey one actually looks pretty good, imho. Admittedly I have been running in Hoka for about 18 months now. I know I used to think they looked ugly. I didn't even want to try them at first but I was desperate. When I did I was self conscious about them as well and thought people might stare or do a double take. But I can run now so to me they are beautiful.