HOKA (formerly "Hoka One One") specializes in max-cushion running shoes. However, the brand has also released a few boots and shoes specifically made for hikers. Over the past five years, I've hiked more than 1000 miles in HOKA hiking shoes, hiking boots, and trail running shoes. Plus, I'm an outdoor industry professional who's completed many hours of HOKA brand training and passed the brand's certification tests. My HOKA brand review weighs the brand's pros and cons from a hiker's perspective and recommend the best Hokas for hikers based on my personal experience testing and reviewing the HOKA Speedgoat, Anacapa, Trail Code, and Kaha series.
Day hiking Acadia National Park in the Hoka Speedgoat
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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 since 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. However, 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.
Comparing the old HOKA Speedgoat 4 vs new Speedgoat 6
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. Hoka hiking boots, for example, weigh about a half-pound less per pair than the average hiking boot. HOKA hiking shoes and trail running shoes weigh even less. That makes Hokas popular with fast hikers who carry light packs and casual hikers who prefer lightweight 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 line 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.
Best HOKAS 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 new HOKA Speedgoat 6 isn't as soft as previous Speedgoats (to improve durability), but it's still quite cushy by trail runner standards. Plus, that thick-but-light EVA foam also makes this shoe more supportive than you'd think. I've tested and reviewed both the Speedgoat 4 and Speedgoat 6 and liked both of them for day hiking. The Goat's traction stands out, thanks to Vibram Megagrip rubber and relatively deep lugs—a good combination for rock and steeper terrain. 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.
For more, see my full HOKA Speedgoat 6 review
Best Fit
standard feet,
available in wide
Best Match
fast hikers, thru-hikers, day hikers, max cushion fans
Men's HOKA Speedgoat 6
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Women's HOKA Speedgoat 6
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HOKA ANACAPA LOW
Best HOKA Hiking Shoe
Main Benefits:
First released in 2021, the Anacapa Low is the first HOKA hiking shoe. As much as hikers like the Speedgoat trail running shoe (above), its made for runners, not hikers. The low-cut Anacapa is lightweight with max cushion—like HOKA running shoes—with sturdier uppers and more durable foam for better hiking performance. HOKA afficionados will recognize the Anacapa 2 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. Hikers can choose between two different Anacapas: the "GTX" features waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX, and the non-waterproof "Breeze" is lighter and cooler on your feet.
Best Fit
standard feet (no wide sizes)
Best Match
day hikes
Men's HOKA Anacapa 2 Low
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Women's HOKA Anacapa 2 Low
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HOKA TRAIL CODE GTX
Cozy HOKA Hiking Sneaker
Main Benefits:
New in 2023, the Trail Code GTX is a lightweight mid-cut with a more casual build than other HOKA hiking shoes. 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 (below). For me, the Trail Code edges its sibling in comfort since it has a roomier fit and softer ride, but the Anacapa is HOKA's more durable and protective day hiker. If you have wider feet or want the cushiest HOKA hiking boot, I recommend the Trail Code for urban trails and easy to moderate day hikes.
For more, please see my full HOKA Trail Code review.
Best Fit
standard to slightly wide feet
Best Match
casual hikes, day hikes
Men's HOKA Trail Code
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Women's HOKA Trail Code
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HOKA ANACAPA 2 MID
Best HOKA Day Hiking Boot
Main Benefits:
The Anacapa 2 is the boot that HOKA recommends most to day hikers. With firmer foam midsoles and sturdier leather and synthetic uppers, it's more durable and protective than the Hokas above. Plus, the Vibram outsoles and optional GORE-TEX waterproofing equip this boot for tougher trails in spite of its lightweight build. The HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid is clearly one of the best lightweight hiking boots—and also one of the most cushioned hiking boots available. This boot fits true to size but runs narrower in the toes than the HOKA Speedgoat or Trail Code. Like the low-cut Anacapa hiking shoe, the mid-cut Anacapa hiking boot is available in a GTX (GORE-TEX) or Breeze (non-waterproof) version. If you're a day hiker looking for a max cushion HOKA hiking boot, the Anacapa 2 Mid should be option number one.
For more, see my full HOKA Anacapa Mid review
Best Fit
standard to slightly narrow
Best Match
day hikes
Men's HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid
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Women's HOKA Ancapa 2 Mid
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HOKA KAHA 3 GTX
Best HOKA Backpacking Boot
Main Benefits:
The HOKA Kaha 3 is the brand's best backpacking boot.T Updated in 2025, the Kaha 3 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. It 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 HOKA Kaha 3 is a comfort splurge for backpackers 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.
Best Fit
standard feet
Best Match
backpackers, comfort sluts
Men's HOKA Kaha 3
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Women's HOKA Kaha 3
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HOKA hiking shoes & boots: 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 hikers who prefer lightweight and well-cushioned footwear. The HOKA Speedgoat stands out as one of the best trail running shoes for hikers, and the Anacapa Low is the best HOKA hiking shoe. Bootwise, hikers can choose from three cushy hiking boots made for different end uses: the Trail Code (casual hikers), Anacapa Mid (day hikers), and Kaha (backpackers). This isn't the best brand for traditional hiking boots and shoes. However, HOKA has nearly cornered the market on the max cushion niche and makes a lot of sense of hikers who priortize weight savings and comfort.
Conclusion
Testing the 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.
