Three to four lap specialist Leo Manzano signed a legitimate endorsement deal yesterday with Hoka One One, and not the fake one he turned down with women's running company Oiselle as reported by letsun on April fools.
Still, the deal signed by Kara Goucher (with Oiselle) last week and Manzano's deal yesterday have more in common than not. Both companies are start-ups and relative unknowns, fresh from signing their biggest name athlete.
Unlike Oiselle, which does not make shoes, Hoka One One specializes in them. Their trademark trainer is almost Skecher-like in its support. It focuses on cushioning and natural foot motion. Design-wise, it follows the neon color scheme favored by most of today's shoes.
Despite winning a silver medal in the 1,500 meters at the 2012 London Olympics, Manzano has been without a sponsor for the last 16 months. Picking up Hoka One One was a huge relief.
"Having Hoka on my side has really relieved a lot of stress on my part and now I can just focus on what matters - my training. This is a big confidence boost. I know that now I can really work to my full potential," said Manzano "My goals (for 2014) are to break my prs in the 1500, 800 and the mile. I'm excited."
Whether by necessity or truth (or some combination of the two), Manzano commented on the positive effects of adding new brands to the sport.
"I think Hoka is going to bring a lot into the sport. They have very high values. They care about their athletes and their employees and I just think that's phenomenal. I think we have a lot of values in the same sense," said Manzano. "I think it's good for the sport (to have more brands sponsoring elite runners). Competition makes you better."
