With a remarkable weight-to-cushion ratio, the Kaha 2 GTX 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. | Features. Leather Working Group Gold-rated waterproof nubuck leather. GORE-TEX footwear fabric with 71% recycled polyester face fabric. Dual-density CMEVA midsole with HUBBLE heel and SwallowTail. Late stage MetaRocker with integrated flex grooves. Vibram Megagrip rubber with Traction Lug. 5mm lugs. Quick-lace metal top hooks. Abrasion resistant toecap and heel. Waterproof membrane bootie construction. Anatomical Achilles construction with heel pull tab. Topically applied PFC-free water repellency treatment. Rubberized EVA midsole. Molded PU sockliner with 50% soybean oil. 51% Recycled polyester quarter mesh and tongue mesh. 80% Recycled polyester lining mesh. 100% recycled polyester laces (excluding aglet). 80% Recycled polyester strobel board.
With a remarkable weight-to-cushion ratio, the Kaha 2 GTX 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. | Features. Leather Working Group Gold-rated waterproof nubuck leather. GORE-TEX footwear fabric with 71% recycled polyester face fabric. Dual-density CMEVA midsole with HUBBLE heel and SwallowTail. Late stage MetaRocker with integrated flex grooves. Vibram Megagrip rubber with Traction Lug. 5mm lugs. Quick-lace metal top hooks. Abrasion resistant toecap and heel. Waterproof membrane bootie construction. Anatomical Achilles construction with heel pull tab. Topically applied PFC-free water repellency treatment. Rubberized EVA midsole. Molded PU sockliner with 50% soybean oil. 51% Recycled polyester quarter mesh and tongue mesh. 80% Recycled polyester lining mesh. 100% recycled polyester laces (excluding aglet). 80% Recycled polyester strobel board.
With a remarkable weight-to-cushion ratio, the Kaha 2 GTX 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. | Features. Leather Working Group Gold-rated waterproof nubuck leather. GORE-TEX footwear fabric with 71% recycled polyester face fabric. Dual-density CMEVA midsole with HUBBLE heel and SwallowTail. Late stage MetaRocker with integrated flex grooves. Vibram Megagrip rubber with Traction Lug. 5mm lugs. Quick-lace metal top hooks. Abrasion resistant toecap and heel. Waterproof membrane bootie construction. Anatomical Achilles construction with heel pull tab. Topically applied PFC-free water repellency treatment. Rubberized EVA midsole. Molded PU sockliner with 50% soybean oil. 51% Recycled polyester quarter mesh and tongue mesh. 80% Recycled polyester lining mesh. 100% recycled polyester laces (excluding aglet). 80% Recycled polyester strobel board.
With a remarkable weight-to-cushion ratio, the Kaha 2 GTX 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. | Features. Leather Working Group Gold-rated waterproof nubuck leather. GORE-TEX footwear fabric with 71% recycled polyester face fabric. Dual-density CMEVA midsole with HUBBLE heel and SwallowTail. Late stage MetaRocker with integrated flex grooves. Vibram Megagrip rubber with Traction Lug. 5mm lugs. Quick-lace metal top hooks. Abrasion resistant toecap and heel. Waterproof membrane bootie construction. Anatomical Achilles construction with heel pull tab. Topically applied PFC-free water repellency treatment. Rubberized EVA midsole. Molded PU sockliner with 50% soybean oil. 51% Recycled polyester quarter mesh and tongue mesh. 80% Recycled polyester lining mesh. 100% recycled polyester laces (excluding aglet). 80% Recycled polyester strobel board.
Last updated at 03/21/2026 16:39:59
Hoka One One Men Kaha 2 GTX Gore-Tex Castlerock Harbor Mist 12
Delivery $82.72
originally posted on hoka.com
With very little to frown upon, this Hoka boot is an AMAZING boot. First of all, I'm a 6' and 280 LBS. of long bearded, big bellied, fresh air breathing, goofy hiker and these boots treat my ankles and knees like they deserve. Boy oh boy did I need these, from their form that naturally corrects your gate into a smooth rolling motion to the shock resistant and fatigue reducing sole and midsole, these boots made me gain an extra 3 hours of hiking on average. I know, why use time? Well for big folks like myself, we're always worried of knee, joint, back fatigue after strenuous activity. These boots made me feel like my joints got a bath in WD40 and Redbull energy. One of my favorite features is the easy-on slip on shape it has. (which not many people mentioned here). ... MoreWith very little to frown upon, this Hoka boot is an AMAZING boot. First of all, I'm a 6' and 280 LBS. of long bearded, big bellied, fresh air breathing, goofy hiker and these boots treat my ankles and knees like they deserve. Boy oh boy did I need these, from their form that naturally corrects your gate into a smooth rolling motion to the shock resistant and fatigue reducing sole and midsole, these boots made me gain an extra 3 hours of hiking on average. I know, why use time? Well for big folks like myself, we're always worried of knee, joint, back fatigue after strenuous activity. These boots made me feel like my joints got a bath in WD40 and Redbull energy. One of my favorite features is the easy-on slip on shape it has. (which not many people mentioned here). When untied to the lace hooks the boot is open and wed enough to easily step into them without the boots getting squished or malformed. What is also great is that when the laces are in their hooks, they don't come untied. I took these boots for a good 25 mile hike across mud, dirt, loose rocks, wet rocks, and paved paths which all felt the same under my feet. I was definitely being held in place and not once did I feel like I was going to loose my footing. The only think I would improve would be the tongue being formed slightly differently as it is somewhat cumbersome when tied up.
originally posted on REI
I bought the Hoka Men's Kaha 2 GTX "Hiking Boots" on the basis of my great experiences with my everyday Hoka walking/hiking shoes, which have been wonderful. The boots though have been a big disappointment. The good features first: they are just as comfortable as the shoes up to where the boot top begins. The Vibram soles are fantastic - good combination of cushioning, stability, and grip on slippery surfaces. Things go wrong about five inches from the ground where the shoe becomes a boot. Others have already noted that the tongue is about 3/4" too short, making the uppermost lacing lugs difficult to use because the laces tend to ride up over the top of the tongue. Because of this, I lace them only as far as the second lugs from the top, which are 1 1/2" from the ... MoreI bought the Hoka Men's Kaha 2 GTX "Hiking Boots" on the basis of my great experiences with my everyday Hoka walking/hiking shoes, which have been wonderful. The boots though have been a big disappointment. The good features first: they are just as comfortable as the shoes up to where the boot top begins. The Vibram soles are fantastic - good combination of cushioning, stability, and grip on slippery surfaces. Things go wrong about five inches from the ground where the shoe becomes a boot. Others have already noted that the tongue is about 3/4" too short, making the uppermost lacing lugs difficult to use because the laces tend to ride up over the top of the tongue. Because of this, I lace them only as far as the second lugs from the top, which are 1 1/2" from the top of the boot. The most serious problem is the poor construction of the tongue itself. First, the tongue is too narrow, and the gusset that connects the boot to the tongue to keep out snow and water only extends 5" from the ground. If you're hiking in deep snow or hard rain, you will likely get snow or water coming in between the boot sides and the skinny tongue, above the insufficient gusset. The narrow tongue doesn't seal the boot against the elements as much as I'd like it to. The tongue is also thin and flimsy, with only a narrow, sort of triangular piece of nubuck on its outer surface. That piece of nubuck is 2" tall and 1" wide at bottom, widening to 2 1/4" at the top. If I lace the boots reasonably snug, the laces dig into my ankles, especially when hiking uphill. Loosening the laces considerably relieves this pressure and discomfort, but makes the boot top more floppy. These boots are simply not made for hiking on hilly trails or in deep snow. It feels and looks like Hoka rushed these boots into production without field-testing them. I really hope they will re-design the boot tops so they function the way good hiking boots should.
originally posted on REI
I was looking for a boot that would replace my older boot that I used for fishing and hiking to my fishing spots. Read the reviews and some made me leery but decided to buy it anyhow. Man, are these boots comfortable. I used them hiking across rocks, some ice, and snow. They were great and very comfortable. Stepped in some water as well and my feet stayed dry. The large sole construction, outer and midsole really made these boots feel like a comfortable tennis/basketball shoe, rather than a traditional boot. Toe box was comfy and these seem to be a true to size fitting boot. No break-in was needed and they were comfortable out of the box and my feet were not sore after a full day in the boots.I’m thinking of buying another pair, just so I can have them once my new ... MoreI was looking for a boot that would replace my older boot that I used for fishing and hiking to my fishing spots. Read the reviews and some made me leery but decided to buy it anyhow. Man, are these boots comfortable. I used them hiking across rocks, some ice, and snow. They were great and very comfortable. Stepped in some water as well and my feet stayed dry. The large sole construction, outer and midsole really made these boots feel like a comfortable tennis/basketball shoe, rather than a traditional boot. Toe box was comfy and these seem to be a true to size fitting boot. No break-in was needed and they were comfortable out of the box and my feet were not sore after a full day in the boots.I’m thinking of buying another pair, just so I can have them once my new pair needs to be replaced.I can see what some are saying about the tongue being a bit short, but really, I didn’t have an issue with them at all. If you are on the fence like I was, don’t be. These are great boots, and my feet thanks them for it. 3 days fishing, and on my feet most of the time… Absolutely wonderful boot.
| Colorway | CASTLEROCK / HARBOR MIST |
| Fit | Normal |
Hoka One One Men Kaha 2 GTX Gore-Tex Castlerock Harbor Mist 12
Delivery $82.72
With very little to frown upon, this Hoka boot is an AMAZING boot. First of all, I'm a 6' and 280 LBS. of long bearded, big bellied, fresh air breathing, goofy hiker and these boots treat my ankles and knees like they deserve. Boy oh boy did I need these, from their form that naturally corrects your gate into a smooth rolling motion to the shock resistant and fatigue reducing sole and midsole, these boots made me gain an extra 3 hours of hiking on average. I know, why use time? Well for big folks like myself, we're always worried of knee, joint, back fatigue after strenuous activity. These boots made me feel like my joints got a bath in WD40 and Redbull energy. One of my favorite features is the easy-on slip on shape it has. (which not many people mentioned here). ... MoreWith very little to frown upon, this Hoka boot is an AMAZING boot. First of all, I'm a 6' and 280 LBS. of long bearded, big bellied, fresh air breathing, goofy hiker and these boots treat my ankles and knees like they deserve. Boy oh boy did I need these, from their form that naturally corrects your gate into a smooth rolling motion to the shock resistant and fatigue reducing sole and midsole, these boots made me gain an extra 3 hours of hiking on average. I know, why use time? Well for big folks like myself, we're always worried of knee, joint, back fatigue after strenuous activity. These boots made me feel like my joints got a bath in WD40 and Redbull energy. One of my favorite features is the easy-on slip on shape it has. (which not many people mentioned here). When untied to the lace hooks the boot is open and wed enough to easily step into them without the boots getting squished or malformed. What is also great is that when the laces are in their hooks, they don't come untied. I took these boots for a good 25 mile hike across mud, dirt, loose rocks, wet rocks, and paved paths which all felt the same under my feet. I was definitely being held in place and not once did I feel like I was going to loose my footing. The only think I would improve would be the tongue being formed slightly differently as it is somewhat cumbersome when tied up.
I bought the Hoka Men's Kaha 2 GTX "Hiking Boots" on the basis of my great experiences with my everyday Hoka walking/hiking shoes, which have been wonderful. The boots though have been a big disappointment. The good features first: they are just as comfortable as the shoes up to where the boot top begins. The Vibram soles are fantastic - good combination of cushioning, stability, and grip on slippery surfaces. Things go wrong about five inches from the ground where the shoe becomes a boot. Others have already noted that the tongue is about 3/4" too short, making the uppermost lacing lugs difficult to use because the laces tend to ride up over the top of the tongue. Because of this, I lace them only as far as the second lugs from the top, which are 1 1/2" from the ... MoreI bought the Hoka Men's Kaha 2 GTX "Hiking Boots" on the basis of my great experiences with my everyday Hoka walking/hiking shoes, which have been wonderful. The boots though have been a big disappointment. The good features first: they are just as comfortable as the shoes up to where the boot top begins. The Vibram soles are fantastic - good combination of cushioning, stability, and grip on slippery surfaces. Things go wrong about five inches from the ground where the shoe becomes a boot. Others have already noted that the tongue is about 3/4" too short, making the uppermost lacing lugs difficult to use because the laces tend to ride up over the top of the tongue. Because of this, I lace them only as far as the second lugs from the top, which are 1 1/2" from the top of the boot. The most serious problem is the poor construction of the tongue itself. First, the tongue is too narrow, and the gusset that connects the boot to the tongue to keep out snow and water only extends 5" from the ground. If you're hiking in deep snow or hard rain, you will likely get snow or water coming in between the boot sides and the skinny tongue, above the insufficient gusset. The narrow tongue doesn't seal the boot against the elements as much as I'd like it to. The tongue is also thin and flimsy, with only a narrow, sort of triangular piece of nubuck on its outer surface. That piece of nubuck is 2" tall and 1" wide at bottom, widening to 2 1/4" at the top. If I lace the boots reasonably snug, the laces dig into my ankles, especially when hiking uphill. Loosening the laces considerably relieves this pressure and discomfort, but makes the boot top more floppy. These boots are simply not made for hiking on hilly trails or in deep snow. It feels and looks like Hoka rushed these boots into production without field-testing them. I really hope they will re-design the boot tops so they function the way good hiking boots should.
I was looking for a boot that would replace my older boot that I used for fishing and hiking to my fishing spots. Read the reviews and some made me leery but decided to buy it anyhow. Man, are these boots comfortable. I used them hiking across rocks, some ice, and snow. They were great and very comfortable. Stepped in some water as well and my feet stayed dry. The large sole construction, outer and midsole really made these boots feel like a comfortable tennis/basketball shoe, rather than a traditional boot. Toe box was comfy and these seem to be a true to size fitting boot. No break-in was needed and they were comfortable out of the box and my feet were not sore after a full day in the boots.I’m thinking of buying another pair, just so I can have them once my new ... MoreI was looking for a boot that would replace my older boot that I used for fishing and hiking to my fishing spots. Read the reviews and some made me leery but decided to buy it anyhow. Man, are these boots comfortable. I used them hiking across rocks, some ice, and snow. They were great and very comfortable. Stepped in some water as well and my feet stayed dry. The large sole construction, outer and midsole really made these boots feel like a comfortable tennis/basketball shoe, rather than a traditional boot. Toe box was comfy and these seem to be a true to size fitting boot. No break-in was needed and they were comfortable out of the box and my feet were not sore after a full day in the boots.I’m thinking of buying another pair, just so I can have them once my new pair needs to be replaced.I can see what some are saying about the tongue being a bit short, but really, I didn’t have an issue with them at all. If you are on the fence like I was, don’t be. These are great boots, and my feet thanks them for it. 3 days fishing, and on my feet most of the time… Absolutely wonderful boot.
I love them, and I will keep buying them!I am a tall, 73-year-old woman who doesn't keep being overweight and having foot and joint issues keep me off the trails.Sizing: I bought a men's size 11D. I normally wear a women's 12B, The D width Hokas our narrower than usual and fit the front of my foot great. The heel of the boot is a little wide since women's feet tend to be narrower in the heel, but they work okay. I also wear Sole Support orthodics which fit in the shoe with no problem.Lacing: The shoe has three hooks at the ankle area. The lowest hook, just above the laced area, was so tight the shoe string would not fit in it securely. My husband gently filed off the bump that was causing the problem, and now they lace well. It works better to treat the two toop ... MoreI love them, and I will keep buying them!I am a tall, 73-year-old woman who doesn't keep being overweight and having foot and joint issues keep me off the trails.Sizing: I bought a men's size 11D. I normally wear a women's 12B, The D width Hokas our narrower than usual and fit the front of my foot great. The heel of the boot is a little wide since women's feet tend to be narrower in the heel, but they work okay. I also wear Sole Support orthodics which fit in the shoe with no problem.Lacing: The shoe has three hooks at the ankle area. The lowest hook, just above the laced area, was so tight the shoe string would not fit in it securely. My husband gently filed off the bump that was causing the problem, and now they lace well. It works better to treat the two toop hooks on each side as one hook instead of lacing them separately, but they still support my ankle great.Performance: They are perfect in the western national forests and national parks. They have also been good on problematic Tucson trails. Some trails in the desert southwest have a hard clay base with a loose sand coating that can make it very slippery going down steep mountain trails. I tried a trail that I had given up on after sliding down it in several pairs of boots, and the Hoka's did fine. The traction is great. The other issue in the Southwestern mountains is hiking over rocks so sharp you get foot bruising. The Hoka padding stopped that. What a relief!Water proofing: I haven't worn the boots in water, but since the water proofing only extends 5 1/4 inches (on my size boots), they clearly won't stay dry splashing through water very deep.Caution: Be aware when walking down stairs or driving that the boots are quite a bit wider than your foot and extend about an inch beyond the back of your foot. So long as you don't trip leaving your porch the first time out, it is worth it for the added stability on the trails.
I made this Kaha 2 GTX purchase before I realized that I would probably be better served with a pair of Bondi SR's, which I also purchased on a separate order. I was unable to cancel the order, so I let it ride. My decision was to keep the SR's and return the GTX's. That plan worked for a few days. I had worn the SR's for an entire workweek and literally fell in love with them. The backpain I had been experiencing was gone and I give credit to the shoes for that medical miracle. So, here it is, the weekend and rather than make a trip to the post office to return the GTX's, I put them on and laced them up tight. Wow! What a great fit and what a comfortable feel on my feet. Initially, I stayed on carpet, then migrated to my tile floors, then before I knew it I was ... MoreI made this Kaha 2 GTX purchase before I realized that I would probably be better served with a pair of Bondi SR's, which I also purchased on a separate order. I was unable to cancel the order, so I let it ride. My decision was to keep the SR's and return the GTX's. That plan worked for a few days. I had worn the SR's for an entire workweek and literally fell in love with them. The backpain I had been experiencing was gone and I give credit to the shoes for that medical miracle. So, here it is, the weekend and rather than make a trip to the post office to return the GTX's, I put them on and laced them up tight. Wow! What a great fit and what a comfortable feel on my feet. Initially, I stayed on carpet, then migrated to my tile floors, then before I knew it I was outside the house. By this time my desire to return them was gone and now I have two pair of Hoka's and I am happy things turned out the way they did.My first thoughts were, this is a lot of money to pay for shoes, but my comeback thought was, yes, but you got what you paid for, which instantly canceled out the first thought. So, there's my justification for buying two pair of Hoka's, and I'm sticking with it.I hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine.
I have owned many manufactures of hiking boots for 50 plus years so have some background. The Kaha 2 GTX boot has pros and cons. They are very light and take little time to break in, fit is accurate and comfortable to my mens 14D feet. The heel is a little wider than say Solomons, and toe box about the same. The Vibram soles have great sticky compound for traction, we will see how long they last. The Hubble heel and Swallow tail is nice, don't notice the shape when walking and would think it distributes the loads better. The general overall construction seems ok for a light weight hiking boot, like many have said, best suited for groomed trails due to light weight upper and mediocre collar support. The cons: GORTEX, please make a non Gortex option, I live in the ... MoreI have owned many manufactures of hiking boots for 50 plus years so have some background. The Kaha 2 GTX boot has pros and cons. They are very light and take little time to break in, fit is accurate and comfortable to my mens 14D feet. The heel is a little wider than say Solomons, and toe box about the same. The Vibram soles have great sticky compound for traction, we will see how long they last. The Hubble heel and Swallow tail is nice, don't notice the shape when walking and would think it distributes the loads better. The general overall construction seems ok for a light weight hiking boot, like many have said, best suited for groomed trails due to light weight upper and mediocre collar support. The cons: GORTEX, please make a non Gortex option, I live in the desert and don't want the added heat gortex adds. The tongue is poorly engineered, too short, not gusseted to top and too narrow at 3rd eyelet from the top which can cause a hot spot. The collar doesn't support ankle well, could have more padding inside at top. Overall seems expensive for what you get. The reason I bought these was I was hoping for plush cushioning closer to Bondi 7 which I LOVE but they are not. I get it they are hiking boots, but don't expect too much here. To be fair, I have a surgically repaired foot that needs all the cushion I can get and was hoping for more. The Kaha 2 GTX is the softest hiking boots I have found but not close to the Bondi 7 in cush or as heavy duty a boot construction compared to their competition.
These were the first Hokas I've ever worn, and I know many people who swear by the brand due to the comfort of their Bondis and Cliftons...so, considering that these Kaha boots are a very different design, I'm not going to reject the brand completely.For me, the Kaha boots didn't work out. I purchased them with the intention of walking long distances over varied terrain (city pavement, dirt trails, etc) in wet or snowy conditions. I live in a northern climate and I generally walk as my primary form of transportation.The Kahas were good in rain & puddles, so that's a plus! Feet stayed dry. However, each time I tried to walk more than two miles at a stretch, my feet started KILLING me. It was so bad, I couldn't wait to tear these boots off my feet immediately. I ... MoreThese were the first Hokas I've ever worn, and I know many people who swear by the brand due to the comfort of their Bondis and Cliftons...so, considering that these Kaha boots are a very different design, I'm not going to reject the brand completely.For me, the Kaha boots didn't work out. I purchased them with the intention of walking long distances over varied terrain (city pavement, dirt trails, etc) in wet or snowy conditions. I live in a northern climate and I generally walk as my primary form of transportation.The Kahas were good in rain & puddles, so that's a plus! Feet stayed dry. However, each time I tried to walk more than two miles at a stretch, my feet started KILLING me. It was so bad, I couldn't wait to tear these boots off my feet immediately. I wear merino compression socks with my shoes and I am someone who can generally wear any shoe for long distances without pain... except for these. Bummer. I had to return them. There were no issues with getting a full refund within 30 days of purchase, as advertised by Hoka.
I work as a professional backpacking guide during the summer and winter months. I recently upgraded to these boots from the original Kahas. My original Kaha boots lasted two seasons. For most that would be a red flag only lasting 2 seasons, but remember I work as a guide and my boots see much more use than the average person's.I have plantar fasciitis and normally need insoles in all my shoes except for all of my Hokas, these included. I wore these straight out of the box and guided a 3 day trip in Yosemite. Having not previously broken them in, I was worried about blisters. These boots were so comfortable and supportive. I didn't have any foot issues and even my foot fatigue was less than it usually would be.My one gripe with the old Kahas were they were not as ... MoreI work as a professional backpacking guide during the summer and winter months. I recently upgraded to these boots from the original Kahas. My original Kaha boots lasted two seasons. For most that would be a red flag only lasting 2 seasons, but remember I work as a guide and my boots see much more use than the average person's.I have plantar fasciitis and normally need insoles in all my shoes except for all of my Hokas, these included. I wore these straight out of the box and guided a 3 day trip in Yosemite. Having not previously broken them in, I was worried about blisters. These boots were so comfortable and supportive. I didn't have any foot issues and even my foot fatigue was less than it usually would be.My one gripe with the old Kahas were they were not as waterproof as I expected in the snow despite being advertised as such. I have yet to test the new Kaha2 in wet conditions, but I'm optimistic.
I was about to buy a similar Salomon boot for about $80 less. I decided to try the Hoka and see if it was worth the $80 bucks more. I put one on each foot and walked around. I took the Salomon off and put the other Hoka on and threw my old boots in the box. Night and day difference. Time will tell on the long term as I intend on wearing these daily. I do have a heavier Salomon boot for when I backpack my camera gear. I'm 240lbs plus a very heavy pack and wanted the ankle support for rocky terrain. But to be honest, I'm loving the Hoka's so much that I may try them with a backpack. The better boot though for stability when I'm packing most likely will be the Salomon's. The Hoka's are plush and may be too soft for that. I also love the lower back, I tried on several ... MoreI was about to buy a similar Salomon boot for about $80 less. I decided to try the Hoka and see if it was worth the $80 bucks more. I put one on each foot and walked around. I took the Salomon off and put the other Hoka on and threw my old boots in the box. Night and day difference. Time will tell on the long term as I intend on wearing these daily. I do have a heavier Salomon boot for when I backpack my camera gear. I'm 240lbs plus a very heavy pack and wanted the ankle support for rocky terrain. But to be honest, I'm loving the Hoka's so much that I may try them with a backpack. The better boot though for stability when I'm packing most likely will be the Salomon's. The Hoka's are plush and may be too soft for that. I also love the lower back, I tried on several of the hiking shoes and even though they were comfortable, I find that I prefer the 3/4 ankle shoes/boots as I feel more stable. The optional lace holes may also provide a more stable feel as well if you have a narrow / wide foot. The 12 felt perfect, I'm normally an 11.5, but a 12 in the Salomon's and also the Hoka's. I did try the 12.5 (rare size) and It was too big. The price is steep and hopefully they last me a while. Sometimes the plush shoes wear out the fastest. For the people who say this is a hard shoe, I'm confused.....I'm retired military and wore combat boots for 20+ from Danner/Matahorn and many more and after retiring I've used cheap and expensive boots for hiking, walking etc. This is without a doubt the lightest softest boot I've walked in. Maybe there is some other brand I have yet to find that is softer or close. This is my first pair of Hoka's and I'm probably late to the Hoka party and just excited about how soft they are. :) Oh, I also have a titanium rod and screws in my left leg and pretty bad arthritis in my knees and back and neck herniations....lol. Military was hard on my body I guess. So the plush feel is really welcomed. :)
As a 6' tall backpacking female who wears a size 13 woman's shoe, I am typically forced to the men's department, since manufacturers seem to think all women are 5'7" or shorter with feet that max out at size 11. I have been hiking in Hokas since first discovering the Evo Mafate 2 a year and a half ago, and they are magnificent! First thing I noticed is the shoe was surprisingly narrow for a men's shoe, which worked out to my advantage. Hiked dozens of rugged, rocky mountainous trails in these cushy delights only to arrive in camp with happy feet. However, as fate would have it, Hoka 'improved' this shoe by combining it with another model, which, imo, smacks of Altra Lone Peaks, which are aweful--too wide, zero structure/no support, and the sole compresses too much ... MoreAs a 6' tall backpacking female who wears a size 13 woman's shoe, I am typically forced to the men's department, since manufacturers seem to think all women are 5'7" or shorter with feet that max out at size 11. I have been hiking in Hokas since first discovering the Evo Mafate 2 a year and a half ago, and they are magnificent! First thing I noticed is the shoe was surprisingly narrow for a men's shoe, which worked out to my advantage. Hiked dozens of rugged, rocky mountainous trails in these cushy delights only to arrive in camp with happy feet. However, as fate would have it, Hoka 'improved' this shoe by combining it with another model, which, imo, smacks of Altra Lone Peaks, which are aweful--too wide, zero structure/no support, and the sole compresses too much so you feel every rock. I digress. Back to this boot. I ordered my usual hiking size (I size up .5) and was so excited to try this shoe. It was enormous--way too wide, and the inside of the boot had no cushion--felt like walking on marble floors in leather-soled loafers. Sadly, they went back. After much consideration, I'm ordering another pair in my regular shoe size. I will add an insert this time and see if it will work to fill up the extra volume and provide a little softness. Fingers crossed. I really hope this is it. (btw, my feet are fairly wide by women's shoe standards, so men's shoe sizes are usually not too wide.)
| Colorway | CASTLEROCK / HARBOR MIST |
| Fit | Normal |
