Pushing the limits of speed, endurance, and dependability in an unforgiving environment is a balancing act, and HOKA’s Mafate X Hike accomplishes this and more. The cutting edge silhouette combines the best of comfort with a more-than-reliable hiker while built-in RECCO® technology improves the silhouette’s searchability if ever needed by rescuers.
For Packer's latest editorial we took the Mafate X Hike to the trails where Joel Popoteur - founder of Dominguez Corporation - put them to use. During the hike we spoke with Joel to learn about his work and what he does to serve his community.
Shop the Mafate X Hike available online at Packer and read more below to learn about Joel's work with Dominguez Corp.
Photography by Grayson Wise
Can you please provide a introduction about yourself and Dominguez Corp. Why did you start the group and what are your goals with it?
My name is Joel Popoteur, and I’m a guy that loves the outdoors. I started Dominguez Corp. in my Dad’s car wash in the Bronx and I wanted it to represent legacy and representation. I have many interests but these are things I want to shine through my endeavors. I’ve felt like I’ve been someone’s point of reference from skating to climbing to running, and if they see me doing something I want them to know it’s not impossible for them to try.
Everyone is a member in my eyes. Support is just showing up. My friends like Angie Chavez, Trevor Riley, Rob Hued, Bryan Espinal all supported me through everything — the first few meetups it was just us. Other heads from across the world would reach out like the homies from Steep Rock Learning Group and Ben Fenton with Balancing acts. We all live in big cities and aspire people to connect through movement and nature.
I aspire to keep doing this and provide for others. All my meetups are free. People feel inspired to do this for themselves and create their own spaces wherever they are. The goal is for it to be normal to see people like me outside.
Spending time in a global metropolis like NYC, what role does nature play in your—or the group’s—everyday life, and where/how do you find it?
The days are long and dynamic in NYC and going outside feels like gearing up for an excursion, you want to be comfortable and prepared. My commute on bike always feels like a mini adventure bike mission. I find myself in nature as soon as I’m in NYC, it’s a jungle out there!!
What are typical activities with the group? What role does movement play for you?
Typical activities with Dominguez range from climbing to cycling, running, skating, walking and more. Moving the body to quiet the mind is what we all have in common. From the stressors of life from working or personal trauma, getting together to move is something I hold close to my heart.
