HOKA (formerly known as "Hoka One One") specializes in max-cushion running shoes, hiking shoes, and hiking boots. Hokas have a unique look and feel with their over-the-top midsoles that feel like mini-mattresses underfoot. They're heaven for some hikers. But too much for others. It took me a long time to try them, but I've now hiked more than 1,000 miles in the brand. My HOKA brand review weighs the brand's pros and cons from a hiker's perspective and recommends the Hoka's best trail running shoes, hiking shoes, day hiking boots, and backpacking boots.
Day hiking Acadia National Park in the Hoka Speedgoat 4
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HOKA brand overview
In 2009, former Salomon employees Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud co-founded Hoka One One (pronounced "HO-ka O-nay O-nay")—named after the Māori phrase "to fly." The brand has now simplified its name to just HOKA.
Inspired by fat tire biking, the French company set out to design a running shoe that would let trail runners fly downhill. They invented a running shoe with oversized midsoles and voila—soon had a line of "maximalist" shoes to counter the "minimalist" trend in the running industry. Hoka initially targeted ultra-marathoners with their super-cushioned shoes, but Hokas soon trickled down to other runners, hikers, and people who work on their feet. The founders soon sold the upstart brand to Deckers Outdoor Corporation, a large California company that also owns Teva, UGG, and other brands.
Why are Hokas so popular?
What's the big deal about Hoka? Two things: maximum cushion and minimum weight. If you're looking to hike on massively cushioned trail shoes that weigh less than other brands, Hoka is probably the best brand for you.
Maximum Cushion
More than anything, hikers (and runners) buy Hokas for their cushioning. Each Hoka features thick, cushioned midsoles made of light, cushy foam. Do you like the idea of hiking on mini-mattresses? Do prefer "float" over "feel?? Would you like to hike on more than an inch of soft foam to cushion your feet and absorb shock on the trail? If so, you should probably try Hoka hiking shoes/boots.
Lightweight
Even with those over-sized midsoles, Hokas are clearly lightweight hiking shoes and hiking boots. Hoka hiking boots, for example, weight about a half-pound less per pair than the average hiking and backpacking boots. That makes Hokas popular with fast hikers who carry light packs. They're also popular with casual hikers who prefer lightweight hiking shoes over sturdier, heavier hikers.
HOKA is the best brand for hikers who prefer lightweight trail shoes with max cushioning. I should know—I've personally hiked in the brand's entire trail lineup. The Hoka Speedgoat is one of the best trail running shoes for hiking, and the brand's small lineup of lightweight hiking boots—the Anacapa, Trail Code, and Kaha—stand out as some of the lightest, most comfortable day hiking (Anacapa, Trail Code) and backpacking (Kaha) boots out there. That's why I rank Hoka as one of the best brands for hiking boots and hiking shoes.
However, the brand's funky look and feel aren't for everybody. You'll definitely want to try them on to figure out if you love—or hate—their tall stack height and pronounced rocker. That being said, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better brand if you're looking for lightweight trail running shoes, hiking shoes, or hiking boots with a ton of cushioning. That's Hoka's niche.
Hoka Recommendations for Hikers
Hoka Speedgoat
Best trail running shoe for hikers
Main Benefits:
The Speedgoat is Hoka's most popular trail runner for hikers. Not only that, it's the best selling trail shoe in the U.S.!
The Speedgoat's marshmallowy midsoles not only cushion your feet, but also protect them from rocks and roots— more than most trail runners. Their tacky traction and relatively deep lugs should give you good grip on mixed surfaces. I've worn and reviewed both the Speedgoat 4 and Speedgoat 6 and liked both of them for day hiking. The Speedgoat is a popular choice for thru-hikers (PCT, AT) or day hikers who are into lightweight trail runners. If you're a fan of max cushion, it may not get any better than the HOKA Speedgoat. You also have options between non-waterproof vs GORE-TEX and standard vs wide sizes.
Do you want to know more? Please check out my in depth Hoka Speedgoat review.
Hoka One One Anacapa Low
Best Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
Hoka is first and foremost a running shoe brand. In 2021, however, they released their first shoe for hikers, the Anacapa Low.
Like all Hokas, the low-cut Anacapa is lightweight with maximum cushion. However, Hoka firmed up the Anacapa's cushioned midsoles for better durability and hiking performance. Hoka afficionados will recognize the Anacapa is not quite as soft underfoot as the Speedgoat above or Kaha below. Still, it has heaps more cushioning than other lightweight hiking shoes (which typically skimp on cushion to cut weight). The Vibram outsoles are another plus. Their tread is soft enough for good grip on solid rock but also features some aggressive, v-shaped climbing and braking lugs that can dig into loose surfaces. It's one of the best lightweight hiking shoes.
Hoka Trail Code GTX
Best Day-Hiking Boot
Main Benefits:
New in 2023, the Trail Code GTX is a lightweight hiking boot with a sneaker-like look and feel. Cushy and casual, it's lighter and softer underfoot than other lightweight hiking boots (which often skimp on cushion to cut weight). It's designed for fast-and-light hikers and more casual hikers, but the Trail Code can also handle harder hikes, thanks to its premium Vibram outsoles and waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX construction. I've hiked in both the HOKA Trail Code and the HOKA Anacapa Mid. For me, the Trail Code edges its (also good) sibling for day hikes since it has a roomier fit and softer ride.
For more on the new Trail Code GTX, please check out my in depth review.
Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
Best Backpacking Boot
Main Benefits:
While the Trail Code and Anacapa Mid are Hoka's best day hiking boots, the Hoka Kaha 2 is its best backpacking boot.
The Kaha is made for indulgent hikers who want to spoil their hiking feet with plush cushioning and a lighter, more sneaker-like build than traditional backpacking boots. The men's and women's Kaha 2 not only has crazy cushion, GORE-TEX waterproofing, and Vibram outsoles for excellent footing. It also gives hikers plenty of support, thanks to that thick cushioning, which firms up your base without weighing you down. I've day hiked in the Kaha, but its weight savings stands out more if you primarily wear it as a backpacking boot. The Kaha 2 would be a splurge for hikers who can pay a premium for on-trail performance and best-in-class cushioning.
For a more in depth review, please check out my Hoka Kaha 2 GTX review.
Hoka hiking shoes: pros vs. cons
Hoka has done a great job of defining its niche and locking down that max cushion market. It should be pretty easy to figure out if Hokas match your hiking style and your personal preferences. Still, it doesn't hurt to lay out the brand's pros and cons for people who may be considering Hokas for hiking and backpacking:
Overall Recommendation:
Hoka is clearly one of the best brands for men and women who hike. However, no brand works for everybody. Hoka clearly targets fast-and-light hikers with their lightweight trail shoes as well as hikers who want a ton of cushioning and more "float" than "feel." (It's also a killer brand for people who work on their feet.) Hoka is not a good brand for brown leather boot fans or for hikers who prefer heavier hiking boots or firmer hiking shoes that let them feel the trail under their feet.
Best Fit
standard to wide feet—standard fit is slightly roomy,
best-sellers (e.g. Speedgoat) available in wide
Best Match
max cushion fans,
ultra-light backpackers,
day hikers,
everyday comfort
Conclusion
Testing the new Hoka Kaha 2 on Pennsylvania's Black Forest Trail
Do you feel smarter about Hoka? I hope so. And I hope this brand review also helped you figure out if Hokas might be a good match for you. It’s a fun brand, and an impressive one, too. But it may or may not match up with your personal preferences or the kinds of hiking you do.
If you are feeling any of these Hoka hiking shoes and boots, 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).
If you’re not sure about Hokas’ unique look and feel, make sure you check out my brand recommendations and other brand reviews. For more recommendations, you can also browse my curated lists of the best hiking boots, best hiking shoes, and best trail runners for hikers. There’s a great chance that you’ll find your next favorite hiking shoe or hiking boot somewhere on this website.
