I gotta say, the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX is one impressive hiking shoe. The waterproof nubuck leather and GORE-TEX fabric make it perfect for any adventure, rain, or shine. But what really sets it apart is the HUBBLE heel with SwallowTail geometry, giving you unmatched cushioning and support on even the toughest terrain.
And with Vibram Megagrip rubber and 5mm lugs Traction Lug, you’ll have no problem staying sure-footed.
Plus, the fact that it’s consciously crafted with recycled materials just makes me feel good about wearing them.
Overall, these shoes are a game-changer for any serious hiker looking for peak performance and plushness all in one.
Who Should Buy Hoka Kaha 2 GTX?
If you’re looking for a waterproof boot that’s easy to break in and offers great arch support, then the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX is a great choice. It’s lightweight and provides excellent balance, making it perfect for extended hikes. Plus, its versatile design means it can be worn both on the trail and around the house. So if you have your heart set on a rugged yet comfortable hiking boot, don’t hesitate to check out the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX.
Who Should Not Buy Hoka Kaha 2 GTX?
If you’re looking for a lightweight hiking shoe, the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX might not be the best choice for you. This sturdy and waterproof footwear is designed to provide maximum support and protection on rugged terrain, making it ideal for more serious hikers who need that extra bit of durability. So if you don’t plan on tackling tough trails or long treks, you may want to look into something lighter.
Rating Breakdown
Comfort – 7.0
Build quality – 8.0
Upper – 7.0
Sole unit – 8.0
Landing – 8.0
Transition – 8.0
Toe-off – 8.0
Traction – 8.0
Durability – 8.0
Value / Price – 6.0
Facts/Spec
Size/Fit
Cushioning & Ride
Usage
First Impression
Hey there! So, I recently got my hands on the Kaha 2 GTX hiking shoes and let me tell you, my first impression was pretty amazing.
The unboxing experience itself was great – the shoes looked even better in person than they did online. And as soon as I slipped them on, I knew they were going to be comfortable.
But it wasn’t until I actually hit the trails that I realized just how impressive these shoes are. They felt incredibly lightweight, yet still provided a ton of cushioning and support.
Over the course of five days, I put them through their paces on a variety of different terrains and they held up beautifully. The Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug really made a difference in terms of stability and grip, especially when things got a little slippery.
Overall, I have to say that my first impression of the Kaha 2 GTX hiking shoes was extremely positive. Not only do they look great, but they’re also incredibly functional and comfortable. I can definitely see myself using these for many hikes to come.
Upper Mesh
The upper mesh of the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX hiking boot is quite durable and breathable. I appreciated how it allowed my feet to stay cool during long treks, while also protecting against debris and rocks on the trail.
The material felt sturdy and held up well, even in wet conditions. Additionally, the mesh design gave the boot a sleek look that I found appealing. Overall, I was impressed with the quality and functionality of the upper mesh on these boots.
Sole Unit
The sole units of the Kaha 2 are a game-changer! The CMEVA midsole and Hubble heel with swallowtail design make for an incredibly stable base underfoot that allowed me to take on even the toughest trails. Plus, the meta-rocker technology only adds to this shoe’s stability.
I loved how the extended swallowtail design and wide base gave me extra confidence while hiking. And let’s not forget about the rigid ankle shaft which prevented any risk of rolling my ankle. All in all, these sole units are top-notch and made for a seriously impressive hiking boot.
Complete Lab-specs Overview
| Hoka Kaha 2 GTX | Points |
| Weight (g) | 476 |
| Drop (mm) | 6 |
| Flexibility of the shoe (N) | 68 |
| Flexibility of the shoe (Freezer 20 min) (N) | 78 |
| Flexibility of the shoe (% of change) | 14.7 |
| Longitudinal flexibility (1-5 scale, 5 being the stiffest) | 3 |
| Torsional flexibility (1-5 scale, 5 being the stiffest) | 3 |
| Upper | |
| Thickness – Tongue (mm) | 6 |
| Width Upper – Forefoot (mm) | 105 |
| Width Upper – Heel (mm) | 90 |
| Flexibility of the heel counter (1-5 scale, 5 being the stiffest) | 4 |
| Tongue: gusset type | Full |
| Heel: pull tab | Yes |
| Midsole | |
| Width Midsole – Forefoot (mm) | 107 |
| Width Midsole – Heel (mm) | 92 |
| Stack – Forefoot with insole (mm) | 34 |
| Stack – Heel with insole (mm) | 40 |
| Durometer Midsole Heel (Room temperature) (HA) | 69 |
| Durometer Midsole – Heel (Freezer 20 minutes) | 71 |
| Durometer Midsole – Heel (% of change) (TEST) | 2.9 |
| Outsole | |
| Outsole thickness (Heel) (mm) | 30 |
| Durometer Outsole Heel (Room temperature) (HC) | 74 |
| Insole | |
| Insole Heel Thickness (mm) | 10 |
| Insole: removable | Yes |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX All Gender hiking boots are a fantastic choice for anyone looking to hit the trails with confidence and comfort. With their stable cushioned base and swallowtail design, you can tackle even the most technical terrain without fear of slipping or losing your footing.
The leather and Gore-Tex materials make these boots both high-quality and durable, so they’ll last through many adventures to come. While they may not breathe as well as other options due to their waterproof technology, they’re still an excellent option for keeping your feet dry during extended periods in the backcountry.
Overall, I highly recommend giving the Kaha 2 a try if you’re in need of reliable hiking boots.