HOKA hiking shoes are a worth a look. The brand is known best for its max cushion running shoes. But HOKA makes 3 hiking shoes and at least one trail running shoe that can be solid for hiking. As the former footwear manager at Appalachian Outdoors, I've tested or sold almost every HOKA for hikers. This HOKA hiking shoe guide recommends who should buy the low-cut HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX, Kaha 3 Low GTX, Transport 2 GTX, and Speedgoat 7 trail shoes.
If you prefer a midcut to a lowcut, see my guide to HOKA hiking boots.
Hiking Acadia National Park (Maine) in the HOKA Speedgoat
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Best Hoka Shoes for Hikers
The best HOKA hiking shoes are the HOKA Kaha 3 Low GTX and HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX. If you're a casual hiker, the HOKA Transport 2 is the best HOKA for everyday use. The Speedgoat 7 is a trail-running shoe—not a true hiking shoe—but it's arguably the best trail running shoe for hikers.
HOKA ANACAPA 2 LOW GTX
Best HOKA Hiking Shoe for Day Hikes
Main Benefits:
The Anacapa Low is the first HOKA hiking shoe. I've hiked hundreds of miles in the light and cushy Anacapa, with adds some leather uppers and more durable foam for better hiking performance than HOKA trail running shoes. The Vibram outsoles handle mixed mountain terrain well, too. The Anacapa 2 isn't as soft or comfortable as the Kaha 3 below, but it's lighter and more athletic, which makes it the best HOKA hiking shoe for day hikes.
Best Fit
standard feet (no wide sizes)
Best Match
day hikes
Men's HOKA Anacapa Low
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Women's HOKA Anacapa Low
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HOKA KAHA 3 LOW GTX
Cushiest HOKA Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
If you're looking for the cushiest HOKA hiking shoe, check out the Kaha 3 Low GTX. The low-cut version of HOKA's backpacking boot has thicker cushioning and softer cushioning than the other shoes on this list. It's also a serious hiking shoe with leather uppers, waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX, and Vibram Megagrip rubber. I've backpacked more than 100 miles in the mid-cut Kaha. If you're a sucker for cushion—or will be on your feet all day—the HOKA Kaha 3 Low GTX is probably the best HOKA hiking shoe for you.
Best Fit
standard fit
size up (runs small)
Best Match
comfort-oriented hikers, all-day or multi-day hikes
Men's HOKA Kaha 3 Low GTX
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Women's HOKA Kaha 3 Low GTX
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HOKA SPEEDGOAT 7
Best HOKA Trail Running Shoe for Hikers
Main Benefits:
- Available in standard wide sizes
I've personally hiked in four different versions of the HOKA Speedgoat—a max cushion trail running shoe that's popular with hikers. The Speedgoat 7 is a Hiking Feet Favorite because it's lightweight yet supportive, thanks to the thick foam which cushions every step on the trail. I've also found this shoe's Vibram Megagrip soles to provide solid traction on most types of trails, including mountain hikes. HOKA also offers the Speedgoat in wide sizes (good for me) and in GORE-TEX waterproofing (GTX version). Even though it's a trail running shoe, the Speedgoat 7 gets my vote as the best HOKA hiking shoe.
Best Fit
standard feet,
available in wide
Best Match
fast hikers, thru-hikers, day hikers, max cushion fans
Men's HOKA Speedgoat 7
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Women's HOKA Speedgoat 7
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HOKA TRANSPORT 2
Casual HOKA Shoe for Easy Hikes
Main Benefits:
HOKA designed the Transport 2 for more casual uses—walking the dog, strolling a city trail, working on your feet. In other words, this isn't a hardcore hiking shoe. But it's still a HOKA with max cushion, low heel-to-toe drop, and Vibram outsoles for durable tread. If you're a walker or casual hiker who mostly sticks to urban trails, the HOKA Transport 2 may be your best hiking shoe. It's also a great casual shoe for those who work on their feet all day.
Best Fit
standard
Best Match
easy trails, cities, casual wear
Men's HOKA Transport 2
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Women's HOKA Transport 2
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Should you buy HOKA Hiking Shoes?
If you prefer hiking shoes with heaps of cushioning, you should probably start with HOKA hiking shoes. The shoes above feature max cushion midsoles for comfort. Plus, HOKA sources premium waterproofing (GORE-TEX) and traction (Vibram outsoles) for its hiking shoes and trail running shoes.
If you are feeling any of these HOKA hiking shoes, please consider purchasing them through the affiliate links above. This helps me keep hikingfeet.com alive—and may earn me small (but much needed) commissions from the sellers (at no added cost to you).
