RIP Rapa Nui

As we compile, tabulate, and ready our end of the year “Best Of 2014” lists, I take a few minutes to say goodbye to one of my favorite shoes of all time: the Hoka Rapa Nui 2 Trail.  It is being discontinued after just over a year on the shelf.

It was about this time last year that the shop was abuzz with the early release of the Hoka Rapa Nui.  It was then, and remains still, our largest single footwear order.  We had a Rapa Nui launch party–our first ever “shoe release” gathering.  Chris and I were trying to dial in our “Rapa Nui Raps,” and we planned to have a catchy rap contest.

Well, the launch party was a bust–our local sales rep Mike being one of the only people to come to the shop during the extended hours.  The rap contest never took shape either–Chris and I weren’t as creative as we thought.

Sales weren’t nearly as abundant as I had hoped–how could they be?  High expectations never help…just ask fellow Rapa Nui wearer, James Varner of Rainshadow Running, about RG3.

But this shoe was so close to a success; so close! It deserves another shot.  There should have been a Rapa Nui 3, and here’s how it should have been different:

1. the insole liner that came with the Rapa was easily the worst insole I’ve ever seen packaged with a specialty running shoe.  Myself and most others traded this insole for Hoka’s standard insole that comes with most of their other shoes.  The fit was much better–preventing rubbing around the ankle bones–and it added a bit more cushion.  Thus the Rapa3 should have came with the standard Hoka liners.
2. the Rapa was a bit too narrow in the toe-box; if it was as roomy as the Stinson, there probably would be a Rapa3.
3. the upper material was too stiff, creasing and crunching into the top of most feet.  A small change to the fabric and this would not have been an issue.

(Most people would add a #4 here: Make the Rapa Nui 3 softer!  But I bet those folks did not try the Fall 2014 colors of the Rapa Nui 2.  They were much softer than the Spring colors.)

Not that they asked for it, but there it is, Hoka: a recipe for a solid best-seller: the Hoka Rapa Nui 3 Trail.

I am aware (and excited) about all the new products Hoka has coming out.  A Speedgoat Trail shoe!!  Are you kidding me?!? And the REI ATR…or I think it’s technically called the Challenger ATR.  Not to mention this year’s Mafate Speed, which isn’t too far off from the Rapa Nui.  But just because there are lots of options for the future doesn’t mean I can’t give a farewell toast to my trusty kicks:

Rest in peace, Rapa Nui!!