# Collaborative Trail Sneakers HOKA & Nicole McLaughlin Infused the Mafate THREE2 with New Designs By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2023-11-07 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-mafate-three2 References: [isp.page](https://isp.page/news/hoka-introduces-partnership-with-designer-digital-creator-nicole-mclaughlin-to-re-imagine-the-new-mafate-three2-2/)  The [Mafate THREE2](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mafate-three2-2) was just launched by the brand in October and now, [HOKA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mafate-x) is teaming up with designer and digital creator, Nicole McLaughlin to share a collaborative collection. This limited-edition collaboration puts a whimsical spin on the footwear style based on McLaughlin's tongue-in-cheek design language, all the while keeping advanced features like the quick lace system and compression molded EVA midsole. This collaboration also introduces all-new additions like the dirt and water-resistant four-in-one gaiter system with hook and loop attachments and a cinched opening at entry. To help people hit the trails in style, there are also five utility pockets, co-branded labels and a [Velcro](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tag-heuer-carrera-chronograph-x-team-ikuzawa-by-bamford) heel spike. This physical product collaboration is accompanied by a Humans of HOKA film featuring Nicole, as well as campaign imagery captured by Nicole herself. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 75% | Activity: 56% | Freshness: 19% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Collaborative Footwear Collections:** HOKA and Nicole McLaughlin's collaboration infuses the Mafate THREE2 sneakers with unique designs, showcasing the trend of collaborative footwear collections. - **Whimsical Design Language:** McLaughlin's tongue-in-cheek design language applied to the Mafate THREE2 sneakers highlights the trend of incorporating playful and unconventional elements in footwear design. - **Innovative Trail Sneaker Features:** The Mafate THREE2 collaboration introduces new features like a dirt and water-resistant gaiter system, utility pockets, and a Velcro heel spike, reflecting the trend of incorporating advanced functionality in trail sneakers. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Footwear Manufacturing:** The collaboration between HOKA and Nicole McLaughlin in designing the Mafate THREE2 sneakers demonstrates opportunities for innovative partnerships and creative design in the footwear manufacturing industry. - **Fashion Design:** McLaughlin's whimsical design language applied to the Mafate THREE2 sneakers showcases opportunities for incorporating playful and unconventional elements in fashion design. - **Outdoor Recreation Equipment:** The innovative features of the Mafate THREE2 collaboration, such as the dirt and water-resistant gaiter system and utility pockets, present opportunities for incorporating advanced functionality in outdoor recreation equipment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Shrouded Hi-Vis Dynamic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mafate-three2-2.md) - [Trail-Inspired Joint Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mafate-x.md) - [Updated Collaborative Tech Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mafate-speed-2-sneaker.md) - [Maximalist Collaborative Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studioproba.md) - [Stylish Collaborative Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lite-stsfy.md) - [Collaboration Trail-Ready Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unna-x-hoka-speedgoat-2.md) - [Remixed Technical Sneaker Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-and-end.md) - [Collaborative Sustainable Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moclaughlin.md) - [Collaborative Trail-Ready Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mafate-speed-4-lite-stsfy.md)