Cushioned. Durable. Adventurous. With a remarkable weight-to-cushion ratio, the Kaha 2 GORE-TEX delivers peak performance with peak plushness. Updated with a HUBBLE heel with SwallowTail geometry, this durable hiker features Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug for increased ground contact. Consciously crafted, this trailblazing silhouette employs GORE-TEX footwear fabric with recycled textile.
Cushioned. Durable. Adventurous. With a remarkable weight-to-cushion ratio, the Kaha 2 GORE-TEX delivers peak performance with peak plushness. Updated with a HUBBLE heel with SwallowTail geometry, this durable hiker features Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug for increased ground contact. Consciously crafted, this trailblazing silhouette employs GORE-TEX footwear fabric with recycled textile.
Cushioned. Durable. Adventurous. With a remarkable weight-to-cushion ratio, the Kaha 2 GORE-TEX delivers peak performance with peak plushness. Updated with a HUBBLE heel with SwallowTail geometry, this durable hiker features Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug for increased ground contact. Consciously crafted, this trailblazing silhouette employs GORE-TEX footwear fabric with recycled textile.
Cushioned. Durable. Adventurous. With a remarkable weight-to-cushion ratio, the Kaha 2 GORE-TEX delivers peak performance with peak plushness. Updated with a HUBBLE heel with SwallowTail geometry, this durable hiker features Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug for increased ground contact. Consciously crafted, this trailblazing silhouette employs GORE-TEX footwear fabric with recycled textile.
Last updated at 05/06/2025 22:27:00
originally posted on hoka.com
Clearly this boot is well constructed, and because I have run in Bondis and Speedgoats for over 10 years without an issue, and wear Ora Primos in the OR for 12+ hour shifts, I thought that the negative reviews of these were probably a little blown out of proportion.Then I broke them in over a week and went on a 6 mile hike. Initially they felt fine, but I did notice less support than my Keens give me, and by mile 4 I could feel the blisters starting.I wear Balega socks and regularly do hikes that are 6+ miles and often with 3000ft plus elevation changes.Had multiple pairs of Keens and never had an issue, but I had to return these.Soles felt nicely firm for rock/boulders and traction felt competent.I did not test if they were waterproof.I love all my other ... MoreClearly this boot is well constructed, and because I have run in Bondis and Speedgoats for over 10 years without an issue, and wear Ora Primos in the OR for 12+ hour shifts, I thought that the negative reviews of these were probably a little blown out of proportion.Then I broke them in over a week and went on a 6 mile hike. Initially they felt fine, but I did notice less support than my Keens give me, and by mile 4 I could feel the blisters starting.I wear Balega socks and regularly do hikes that are 6+ miles and often with 3000ft plus elevation changes.Had multiple pairs of Keens and never had an issue, but I had to return these.Soles felt nicely firm for rock/boulders and traction felt competent.I did not test if they were waterproof.I love all my other Hokas, and have no doubt these are great boots for some, just not me.Definitely take them for a test hike before you commit to them.Hoka made the return extremely easy and I am very appreciative of that.Bondis, Cliftons, Speedgoats, and Ora Primo are the greatest shoes I have ever had; wish the boots were too.
originally posted on hoka.com
I own two pairs of Anacapa Mid GTX and decided to give the Kaha 2 GTX a try. Upon arrival of my new boots, the first thing I noticed is its girth--way bulkier than the Anacapa--but I like its chunky look. Placing the ordered size 11.0 Kaha 2 GTX sole to sole with one of my size 11.5 Anacapa Mid GTX, I noted that the [outside] length to be identical. And placing my feet therein reaffirmed the equal sizing to be true. My size 11.0 Kaha fits identical to my size 11.5 Anacapa, with exception that the Kaha fits wider, so keep that in mind when sizing.Lacing up for the first time immediately revealed what other reviewers have shared: If one laces using the top eye hooks, the laces will in short time work their way off the tongue and onto your socks. Yep, I can confirm a ... MoreI own two pairs of Anacapa Mid GTX and decided to give the Kaha 2 GTX a try. Upon arrival of my new boots, the first thing I noticed is its girth--way bulkier than the Anacapa--but I like its chunky look. Placing the ordered size 11.0 Kaha 2 GTX sole to sole with one of my size 11.5 Anacapa Mid GTX, I noted that the [outside] length to be identical. And placing my feet therein reaffirmed the equal sizing to be true. My size 11.0 Kaha fits identical to my size 11.5 Anacapa, with exception that the Kaha fits wider, so keep that in mind when sizing.Lacing up for the first time immediately revealed what other reviewers have shared: If one laces using the top eye hooks, the laces will in short time work their way off the tongue and onto your socks. Yep, I can confirm a design defect in that the tongue is too short to accommodate lacing through the top eye hooks. But I find the boots to be comfortable when lacing without using the top eye hooks--comfortable, that is, for casual wear, but not for hiking. Without using the top eye hooks, the boot is simply not stable enough for the rigors of hiking. Hopefully Hoka with see the error in its ways and design the next generation of Kaha with a longer tongue.Bottom line: Buy this boot for comfortable, casual wear, and not for hiking. Replace the 72" laces with color-matching 60" laces, lace up without using the top eye hooks, and no one will be the wiser as your pants will cover the "defect."
originally posted on hoka.com
I just got my Kaha 2 GTX and I wrote a bad review that they were painful on my ankle Bones and were not cushy. I tried them this morning and the painful ankle pain is barely felt this morning. The cushioning is also getting better, I think wearing them with get better whenever your walking on hot pavement or rock. Being in a box and in air conditioning since they were made, the sole material was really stiff until you can wear them and the sole material gets a workout making the sole material flexible and squishy under your feet. The more I wear them in Honolulu's sun and heat they change walking around in the sun and the hot black pavement. Being in air conditioning they must have been too cold for the sole's to be squishy and comfortable. I am worried if they will ... MoreI just got my Kaha 2 GTX and I wrote a bad review that they were painful on my ankle Bones and were not cushy. I tried them this morning and the painful ankle pain is barely felt this morning. The cushioning is also getting better, I think wearing them with get better whenever your walking on hot pavement or rock. Being in a box and in air conditioning since they were made, the sole material was really stiff until you can wear them and the sole material gets a workout making the sole material flexible and squishy under your feet. The more I wear them in Honolulu's sun and heat they change walking around in the sun and the hot black pavement. Being in air conditioning they must have been too cold for the sole's to be squishy and comfortable. I am worried if they will get really hard in cold temperatures. I just hope wearing them won't do that when I first wore them. I will make sure I rewrite my review after I've been wearing them most of the time but not all the time. I bought them for the PCT trail for next spring and I'm looking at several other shoes and boots that Hoka makes
Clearly this boot is well constructed, and because I have run in Bondis and Speedgoats for over 10 years without an issue, and wear Ora Primos in the OR for 12+ hour shifts, I thought that the negative reviews of these were probably a little blown out of proportion.Then I broke them in over a week and went on a 6 mile hike. Initially they felt fine, but I did notice less support than my Keens give me, and by mile 4 I could feel the blisters starting.I wear Balega socks and regularly do hikes that are 6+ miles and often with 3000ft plus elevation changes.Had multiple pairs of Keens and never had an issue, but I had to return these.Soles felt nicely firm for rock/boulders and traction felt competent.I did not test if they were waterproof.I love all my other ... MoreClearly this boot is well constructed, and because I have run in Bondis and Speedgoats for over 10 years without an issue, and wear Ora Primos in the OR for 12+ hour shifts, I thought that the negative reviews of these were probably a little blown out of proportion.Then I broke them in over a week and went on a 6 mile hike. Initially they felt fine, but I did notice less support than my Keens give me, and by mile 4 I could feel the blisters starting.I wear Balega socks and regularly do hikes that are 6+ miles and often with 3000ft plus elevation changes.Had multiple pairs of Keens and never had an issue, but I had to return these.Soles felt nicely firm for rock/boulders and traction felt competent.I did not test if they were waterproof.I love all my other Hokas, and have no doubt these are great boots for some, just not me.Definitely take them for a test hike before you commit to them.Hoka made the return extremely easy and I am very appreciative of that.Bondis, Cliftons, Speedgoats, and Ora Primo are the greatest shoes I have ever had; wish the boots were too.
I own two pairs of Anacapa Mid GTX and decided to give the Kaha 2 GTX a try. Upon arrival of my new boots, the first thing I noticed is its girth--way bulkier than the Anacapa--but I like its chunky look. Placing the ordered size 11.0 Kaha 2 GTX sole to sole with one of my size 11.5 Anacapa Mid GTX, I noted that the [outside] length to be identical. And placing my feet therein reaffirmed the equal sizing to be true. My size 11.0 Kaha fits identical to my size 11.5 Anacapa, with exception that the Kaha fits wider, so keep that in mind when sizing.Lacing up for the first time immediately revealed what other reviewers have shared: If one laces using the top eye hooks, the laces will in short time work their way off the tongue and onto your socks. Yep, I can confirm a ... MoreI own two pairs of Anacapa Mid GTX and decided to give the Kaha 2 GTX a try. Upon arrival of my new boots, the first thing I noticed is its girth--way bulkier than the Anacapa--but I like its chunky look. Placing the ordered size 11.0 Kaha 2 GTX sole to sole with one of my size 11.5 Anacapa Mid GTX, I noted that the [outside] length to be identical. And placing my feet therein reaffirmed the equal sizing to be true. My size 11.0 Kaha fits identical to my size 11.5 Anacapa, with exception that the Kaha fits wider, so keep that in mind when sizing.Lacing up for the first time immediately revealed what other reviewers have shared: If one laces using the top eye hooks, the laces will in short time work their way off the tongue and onto your socks. Yep, I can confirm a design defect in that the tongue is too short to accommodate lacing through the top eye hooks. But I find the boots to be comfortable when lacing without using the top eye hooks--comfortable, that is, for casual wear, but not for hiking. Without using the top eye hooks, the boot is simply not stable enough for the rigors of hiking. Hopefully Hoka with see the error in its ways and design the next generation of Kaha with a longer tongue.Bottom line: Buy this boot for comfortable, casual wear, and not for hiking. Replace the 72" laces with color-matching 60" laces, lace up without using the top eye hooks, and no one will be the wiser as your pants will cover the "defect."
I just got my Kaha 2 GTX and I wrote a bad review that they were painful on my ankle Bones and were not cushy. I tried them this morning and the painful ankle pain is barely felt this morning. The cushioning is also getting better, I think wearing them with get better whenever your walking on hot pavement or rock. Being in a box and in air conditioning since they were made, the sole material was really stiff until you can wear them and the sole material gets a workout making the sole material flexible and squishy under your feet. The more I wear them in Honolulu's sun and heat they change walking around in the sun and the hot black pavement. Being in air conditioning they must have been too cold for the sole's to be squishy and comfortable. I am worried if they will ... MoreI just got my Kaha 2 GTX and I wrote a bad review that they were painful on my ankle Bones and were not cushy. I tried them this morning and the painful ankle pain is barely felt this morning. The cushioning is also getting better, I think wearing them with get better whenever your walking on hot pavement or rock. Being in a box and in air conditioning since they were made, the sole material was really stiff until you can wear them and the sole material gets a workout making the sole material flexible and squishy under your feet. The more I wear them in Honolulu's sun and heat they change walking around in the sun and the hot black pavement. Being in air conditioning they must have been too cold for the sole's to be squishy and comfortable. I am worried if they will get really hard in cold temperatures. I just hope wearing them won't do that when I first wore them. I will make sure I rewrite my review after I've been wearing them most of the time but not all the time. I bought them for the PCT trail for next spring and I'm looking at several other shoes and boots that Hoka makes
At 66 Male 6ft3in and 255lbs l have developed hard to fit feet. After 35 years in sandals and barefoot in SE FL my feet have spread and are almost a 3/4 size different between feet. I mostly do 4 to 7 mile hikes and some backpacking now in the Red River Gorge Ky. After buying and trying several different manufacturers hiking boots. These Hoka KAHA 2 GTX boots are the best fitting and most comfortable iv ever used. My next pair would br my LOWA Camino's in a size M 13 for super hard core hiking/backpacking. What led me to these Hoka's was that I have a pair of Hoka Clifton's in a size M 12W, BEST ever for walking/ jogging. They lead me to try the KAHA'S in my search for a really comfortable hiking boot. Customer service was great answering my questions about which of ... MoreAt 66 Male 6ft3in and 255lbs l have developed hard to fit feet. After 35 years in sandals and barefoot in SE FL my feet have spread and are almost a 3/4 size different between feet. I mostly do 4 to 7 mile hikes and some backpacking now in the Red River Gorge Ky. After buying and trying several different manufacturers hiking boots. These Hoka KAHA 2 GTX boots are the best fitting and most comfortable iv ever used. My next pair would br my LOWA Camino's in a size M 13 for super hard core hiking/backpacking. What led me to these Hoka's was that I have a pair of Hoka Clifton's in a size M 12W, BEST ever for walking/ jogging. They lead me to try the KAHA'S in my search for a really comfortable hiking boot. Customer service was great answering my questions about which of their boots would fit similar to my Clifton's since none of their hiking boots came in a M 12.5W. They recommended the M 12.5 Kaha which has the widest toe box of their hiking boots. And the rest is history, as they say. There still is longevity and real time waterproofness, but from the high quality of the boots I feel they should pass these tests tooNot a paid endorsement.
The Hoka Kahas powered me through all 100 miles of the Wonderland trail! I had serious doubts about using a high stack, softish boot, with minimal tread, but I decided to take a chance because I needed some relief for my old bones from carrying a heavy backpack up/down mountains. They actually proved to be VERY stable, not squishy at all, while eating up jagged rocks. The wide base was awesome. The flared heel allowed me bounce down hills. My feet loved them at the end of each day. The tread held up well, even on stretches of sharp volcanic rock, but granted most of the wonderland is a dirt path. I would say these are 300-500 miles boots depending on your weight and terrain. I am 6foot, 205 lbs and carry a 30lbs pack. The leather was protective and solid.
My mom bought these shoes for my boyfriend for Christmas. He had a pair of boots that were on their last legs that he wanted to wear out. These shoes sat in the box for about a year untouched before he was ready for them. Not even 10 hikes in, (around 50 miles total) the traction has started to peel of the sole. Like straight up falling off. The boots were comfortable for him and came highly recommended, but the quality was terrible. We think it was an issue with the adhesive that was used. He has tried to superglue the traction back on since we reached out to Hoka twice and have not had any response. He just bought another brand of boots that will hopefuly have less issues. I have made sure to share this story with people in the market for hiking boots and told ... MoreMy mom bought these shoes for my boyfriend for Christmas. He had a pair of boots that were on their last legs that he wanted to wear out. These shoes sat in the box for about a year untouched before he was ready for them. Not even 10 hikes in, (around 50 miles total) the traction has started to peel of the sole. Like straight up falling off. The boots were comfortable for him and came highly recommended, but the quality was terrible. We think it was an issue with the adhesive that was used. He has tried to superglue the traction back on since we reached out to Hoka twice and have not had any response. He just bought another brand of boots that will hopefuly have less issues. I have made sure to share this story with people in the market for hiking boots and told them not to spend the money on Hokas as they will fall apart within 6 months.
I needed a new set of boots for a work trip in Whistler where I would be standing outdoors in rainy, snowy, wet conditions for 9 days. After an achilles and a few other injuries including broken bones and strained tendons, shoe/boot comfort is truly paramount to my purchases, and for context, I wear Hoka Bondi 7s basically 100% of the time. The Bondi 7 gives me so much comfort, I bought 5 new pair when I saw they would be discontinued, so you could call me a superfan of the shoe.I was skeptical any boot could as comfy as my Bondis, but the Kaha 2 GTX felt amazing out of the box. I use special insoles which slipped right in, and I felt no break in period for the Kahas. Immediately I could tell the boot runs warm - likely due to the goretex - which isn't a big deal ... MoreI needed a new set of boots for a work trip in Whistler where I would be standing outdoors in rainy, snowy, wet conditions for 9 days. After an achilles and a few other injuries including broken bones and strained tendons, shoe/boot comfort is truly paramount to my purchases, and for context, I wear Hoka Bondi 7s basically 100% of the time. The Bondi 7 gives me so much comfort, I bought 5 new pair when I saw they would be discontinued, so you could call me a superfan of the shoe.I was skeptical any boot could as comfy as my Bondis, but the Kaha 2 GTX felt amazing out of the box. I use special insoles which slipped right in, and I felt no break in period for the Kahas. Immediately I could tell the boot runs warm - likely due to the goretex - which isn't a big deal for me because my feet are usually cold. Take note for those who constantly run hot though as I don't believe these would work as well for you.After wearing the Kahas for ~12 hours a day, standing or walking in cold and slushy environments in 20-30 degree F temps, I can confidently say I absolutely love these kicks. They have stiff soles (important for my injuries), great arch support, fantastic ankle support (worked very well for hiking on slippery and sharp British Columbia rocks), and kept my feet warm with just basic Smartwool hiking socks. I actually liked them so much I wore them to the airport and on my long flight home instead of the Bondis in my backpack.As a side note, I actually think they are a very attractive boot and don't scream HOKA like the running shoes. I bought the duffel bag/radiant yellow colorway and think they go nicely a wide array of attire. I even slipped into an extremely fancy cocktail party in Whistler wearing these boots, some nice looking Kuhl slacks, and a flannel button down. No one kicked me out - at least not for what I was wearing!
@ 64, my foot was rebuilt due to an age-old birth defect vs an adolescent sprinting injury. Post surgery, I followed the surgeon's instructions to the best of my anility. The rebuilt ankle went from 6 months of recasts, to pneumatic plastic therapy boot for a month. Finally to a velcro pressure wrapped ankle brace to this hiking boot. The foot was new to walking correctly with maximum support. After months of research & trying on different size 13-DD, this was the boot for maximum support & ease of use. Almost all other pairs of boots & shoes will be donated due to improper fit & wear. After two weeks of trial & error lacing methods, both boots are comfortable to wear. Due to surgery, left foot was fused successfully with hardware & cadaver bone, never to run or ... More@ 64, my foot was rebuilt due to an age-old birth defect vs an adolescent sprinting injury. Post surgery, I followed the surgeon's instructions to the best of my anility. The rebuilt ankle went from 6 months of recasts, to pneumatic plastic therapy boot for a month. Finally to a velcro pressure wrapped ankle brace to this hiking boot. The foot was new to walking correctly with maximum support. After months of research & trying on different size 13-DD, this was the boot for maximum support & ease of use. Almost all other pairs of boots & shoes will be donated due to improper fit & wear. After two weeks of trial & error lacing methods, both boots are comfortable to wear. Due to surgery, left foot was fused successfully with hardware & cadaver bone, never to run or jump on that foot again, but able to swim, walk and bicycle!
As a motorcycle safety RiderCoach, I am on my feet in a hot parking lot from 6 to 12 hours a day. Requirements of the job include wearing over-the-ankle footwear, and I am always prepared for rain, too. Hence, a good quality, lightweight, waterproof, high top sneaker makes the most sense. I had very high hopes for the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX, and wore them for two months-more than 150,000 steps according to my fitbit. First, I should say that they are not made for motorcycling, so immediately the upper left toe stitching (where the shifter meets the toe) gave way. No biggie...I was going to add some Gorilla glue there. But the bigger problem was the fit. All would have been well if it were not for a strange narrow high fit in the outter part of the mid-foot. My feet have ... MoreAs a motorcycle safety RiderCoach, I am on my feet in a hot parking lot from 6 to 12 hours a day. Requirements of the job include wearing over-the-ankle footwear, and I am always prepared for rain, too. Hence, a good quality, lightweight, waterproof, high top sneaker makes the most sense. I had very high hopes for the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX, and wore them for two months-more than 150,000 steps according to my fitbit. First, I should say that they are not made for motorcycling, so immediately the upper left toe stitching (where the shifter meets the toe) gave way. No biggie...I was going to add some Gorilla glue there. But the bigger problem was the fit. All would have been well if it were not for a strange narrow high fit in the outter part of the mid-foot. My feet have ached from many different shoes and boots, but never ever in this area before.It's unfortunate, because everything else about the Kaha 2 GTX met my expectations. They are waterproof, lightweight, and have excellent traction. Even the Harbor Mist/Castle Rock color combo, which matches Harley-Davidson's orange accents perfectly.By the way, I ended up returning my first pair because it was a half size too small. So I recommend sizing up from your usual size.
I've been happy with every other Hoka I've purchased, which is several, but I'm wondering about this one. I got it for hiking, and took it out walking to get some break in. While they felt good initially, there is a seam on the left shoe upper that irritates my ankle severely. By the time I went 3 miles I could barely walk. I tried to wear it again the next day but it was too painful from residual rubbing that I came back after a couple of hundred yards. It looks nice. I want to like the shoe but we'll see how it goes. I waited a week and wore it around the house without too much difficulty, but I'm very concerned with any longer walking/hiking for now. I was a little disappointed I couldn't use it on my 3 days of hiking around Capitol Reef. The other surprise was ... MoreI've been happy with every other Hoka I've purchased, which is several, but I'm wondering about this one. I got it for hiking, and took it out walking to get some break in. While they felt good initially, there is a seam on the left shoe upper that irritates my ankle severely. By the time I went 3 miles I could barely walk. I tried to wear it again the next day but it was too painful from residual rubbing that I came back after a couple of hundred yards. It looks nice. I want to like the shoe but we'll see how it goes. I waited a week and wore it around the house without too much difficulty, but I'm very concerned with any longer walking/hiking for now. I was a little disappointed I couldn't use it on my 3 days of hiking around Capitol Reef. The other surprise was that the tongue was short enough that top lace just barely hits it and sometimes it will move above the tongue. I've seen this on cheaper shoes before but not on Hoka's. This just seems like reducing quality to save a centimeter of fabric, which is concerning given it is the most expensive pair I have ever purchased.
