HOKA hiking boots all feature plenty of cushioning. However, HOKA designed each one for different uses. I'm a certified HOKA brand expert who's personally tested each of HOKA's hiking boots (plus a couple discontinued boots no longer on the market). My HOKA hiking boots guide spells out which hikers should choose the midcut HOKA Anacapa 2, HOKA Kaha 3, HOKA Transport Hike, and HOKA Mafate X.
If you're looking for low-cuts, see my guide to HOKA hiking shoes.
Testing the HOKA Mafate X hiking boot in New Mexico
This post includes affiliate links. Hiking Feet may receive a small commission if you click on a link and make a qualifying purchase. That's free for you—and gives you an easy way to support Hiking Feet's free and independent content.
HOKA Hiking Boots in 2026
I've personally tested and reviewed four HOKA hiking boots (Anacapa, Trail Code, Kaha, Mafate X) and completed HOKA training on a fifth (Transport Hike). Here are the 2026 HOKA hiking boots and their recommended uses:
Backpacking Pennsylvania in the HOKA Kaha hiking boot
HOKA Hiking Boot Recommendations
HOKA ANACAPA 2 MID GTX
Best HOKA Hiking Boot for Day Hikers
The Anacapa is the best HOKA hiking boot for day hikers. I've hiked more than 500 miles in the Anacapa—the rare hiking boot that's both lightweight and well cushioned. Its Vibram outsoles and GORE-TEX waterproofing are two more plusses. This isn't the plushest option on this list or the most supportive. However, the Anacapa 2 is a versatile hiking boot that makes the most sense for the average hiker.
Click on the buttons below to see current prices and color options:
Men's HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Women's HOKA Ancapa 2 Mid
Check current price, styles, and colors:
HOKA KAHA 3 GTX
Best HOKA Hiking Boot for Backpackers
Sturdier and softer than the Anacapa 2, the HOKA Kaha 3 is built for backpackers and all-day hikers. I backpacked several tough trails in Pennsylvania in the Kaha. It wears more like a high-top basketball shoe than a backpacking boot, but I found its support good enough for a moderate pack weight. Plus, its cushioning is plusher than the Anacapa—a comfort plus. Due to its weight, the Kaha is better for backpacking than day hiking. But it's one of the cushiest hiking boots on the market, no matter where you wear it.
Click on the buttons below to see current prices and color options:
Men's HOKA Kaha 3
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Women's HOKA Kaha 3
Check current price, styles, and colors:
HOKA Transport Hike GTX Boots
Casual HOKA Hiking Boot
Made for more everyday wear, the Transport is the HOKA hiking boot for casual trails, dog walks, and city parks. There's little support here, but the Transport still features GORE-TEX waterproofing and Vibram outsoles—and, of course, plenty of cushioning. If you mostly hike easy trails or want a lightweight hiking boot to wear from the sidewalk to the summit, the Transport Hike may be the best HOKA hiking boot for your hiking style.
Click on the buttons below to see current prices and color options:
Men's HOKA Transport 2 Mid
Check current price, styles, and colors:
Women's HOKA Transport 2 Mid
Check current price, styles, and colors:
HOKA MAFATE X HIKE
Unisex HOKA Hiking Boot with Extra Cushioning
There's nothing subtle about the HOKA Mafate X Hike. This boot's over-the-top look and super-sized cushioning garnered many comments from passing hikes when I tested it in New Mexico. This isn't only a head-turnng hiking boot, however. The Mafate X Hike features an obscene amount of HOKA's softest cushioning (49/41mm) and a carbon plate for responsiveness and support. If there's no such thing as too much cushioning in your book, the HOKA Mafate X Hike is the most cushioned hiking boot—by far—that I've ever tested and reviewed.
HOKA Mafate X Hike
Check current price, styles, and colors:
hoka hiking boot Faqs
The HOKA Mafate X Hike has the thickest cushioning followed by the HOKA Kaha 3. Both of these boots have HOKA's "Plush" cushioning — the brand's softest midsoles.
The HOKA Kaha 3 is the only HOKA hiking boot designed for backpackers.
The Anacapa 2 Mid GTX is the hiking boot that HOKA specifically designed for day hikes.
The Hoka Anacapa handled Pennsylvania's rocky trails well on my day hikes
Should you buy HOKA hiking boots?
If you prefer well cushioned hiking boots, HOKA hiking boots are a great place to start. HOKA may specialize in running shoes, but I've had solid experiences in the brand's hiking boots, too. This guide should help you figure out which HOKA hiking boot—the Anacapa, Kaha, Transport 2 Hike, of Mafate X Hike—makes the most sense for your hiking style.
If this post helped you figure out which HOKA to buy, please consider purchasing them through the buttons above. That's a free and easy way for you to support Hiking Feet's ad-free, expert content. Cheers!
