Dropping Soon! Brain Dead x HOKA Hopara

News on this release was first published on August 14, 2023.

Update August 17, 2023: Following the recent teasers, Brain Dead and HOKA have announced their collaborative Hopara will launch on August 22.

Despite their namesake, Los Angeles label Brain Dead are far from creatively catatonic. In fact, the high-octane collective has been one of the most active brands on planet earth in recent years, working with everyone from Oakley to Reebok and ASICS.

Now, it’s time for Brain Dead to turn their attention to HOKA Hopara, the idiosyncratic mountain sandal that is the perfect extension to Brain Dead’s outdoor-led catalogue. Blasted with Brain Dead’s signature gooey, monstrous aesthetic, the colourway is rendered in metallic gold panelling, purple mesh tongues, and cosmic green midsoles.

Previously teased by Brain Dead co-founder Kyle Ng, the Hopara is typically manufactured in synthetic and neoprene materials, with rubberised EVA midsoles. Four millimetre multidirectional lugs also provide all the extra grip you need for your fearless mountaineering.

In terms of Brain Dead branding, the Hopara’s bungee lace system is embroidered with Brain Dead strips, while brand iconography also appears on the heel tabs and side ankle collars.

While we're still waiting for confirmation from the brands, we’re currently expecting the collaboration to land during the second half of 2023.

For more on Brain Dead, head over here to revisit our interview with co-founder, Kyle Ng.