Who had “herbal gelato and pulse diagnostics before a 5K” on their 2025 bingo card? Sportswear giant HOKA and Shanghai-based herbal gelato spot Zhong Yao Tang just dropped one of the year’s most unexpected collaborations that blends this and last month’s RADII themes together. The result of their collab? A “Running TCM Doctor” pop-up that’s flipping the script on fitness culture, particularly for China’s health-conscious, experience-hungry youth.

Imagine this: you stroll into a vibrant, HOKA-emblazoned pop-up, not for a quick shoe fitting, but for a traditional pulse check by a TCM expert. Next, you’re handed a limited-edition, TCM-inspired gelato—think unique flavors designed to balance your qi.

With quest-like stamps collected, you receive a personalized health plan, all before lacing up for a community run. It’s a holistic journey that blends ancient Chinese medicinal practices with modern athletic pursuits, wrapped in an engaging, interactive experience.

By Zhong Yao Tang integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine—a cornerstone of Chinese heritage—with the global appeal of HOKA, the partnership creates a unique value proposition. It transforms a routine workout into a discovery of both health and culture, proving that the future of fitness is less about the grind and more about the interconnectedness of body, mind, and even taste buds.

All image via HOKA.