The HOKA Kaha 2 GTX is a plush hiking boot that Hoka recommends for backpacking. (The Anacapa Mid GTX is their recommended day-hiking boot.) Currently retailing for $240, this plush backpacking boot features the brand's legendary blend of light weight and maximum cushion, plus its signature rocker shape that helps roll your feet into the next step.
Outdoor Gear Lab called the original Kaha "the most luxuriously comfortable hiking boot that we have had the pleasure of testing." HOKA updated this boot in 2022 with the Kaha 2. The new Kaha 2 looks similar to the original Sky Kaha. The main differences are that the new boot has added (1) an extended heel for better support on descents and (2) more recycled materials for a better environmental footprint. Otherwise, it seems as if the Kaha hasn't changed too much.
However, I wanted to check out the updates first-hand with this HOKA Sky Kaha 2 review.
Hoka Kaha 2 Review
Testing the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX hiking boot on the Black Forest Trail
My Hoka Kaha 2 GTX review is an independent review based on a series of hikes and a backpacking trip that I hand-picked to test the new Kaha 2. This included a soggy backpacking loop around Black Moshannon State Park, day hikes along the Standing Stone and Mid-State Trails in Pennsylvania, and a 17-mile brawler of a day hike on the Black Forest Trail with almost 5000 feet of elevation gain. I purchased my own pair of the new Kaha 2 GTX hiking boots for this review to judge its support, weight, fit, comfort, weather protection, traction, and overall value.
Hoka Kaha II GTX has enough support for backpacking
Support
The Kaha 2 has good support for a lightweight hiking boot. It lacks the stiff stability shank or chassis of most backpacking boots. However, Hoka's foam midsoles are so thick that they provide plenty of support. Their stability is good, too, since hikers' feet sink down into those midsoles like a driver sitting low in bucket seats. There's only a slight flex at the forefoot and decent torsional rigidity, even though the boot is super-soft and cushy. That adds up to good stability and support. If you're more worried about support than anything else, you might want to go with a more traditional backpacking boot. However, its impressive how much support the Kaha provides for such a light hiking and backpacking boot.
Weight
My men's size 12 [large size] weighs 2lb 11oz. That's average for a mid-duty hiking boot in my size—and light for a backpacking boot. For comparison, they're almost a half-pound lighter than my Salomon Quests, which are considered nimble backpacking boots. If you're looking for a lightweight backpacking boot, this is one of your best options (along with La Sportiva's Nucleo High II GTX, which is a little lighter).
Fit
The Kaha 2 is not built around Hokas's wide last, but the boot has a generous fit that may be roomy enough for some people with wide feet. That added room accommodates swelling and leaves more room in the toes than most brands. If you have narrow feet, you should not size up as much as you normally do for hiking boots. If you have wide feet, you may or may not be able to wear the new Kaha 2, even though they're technically not a wide. I normally buy wide sizes, for example, but I get an okay fit in the standard-sized Hoka Kaha 2.
Thick EVA foam midsoles add up to extreme cushioning
Comfort
Comfort has a lot to do with fit and personal preferences. The Kaha 2 has plusher cushioning than any backpacking boots I've worn. If you prefer a lot of cushioning to a firmer feel, you'll probably love the Hoka Kaha 2. This boot wears more like a basketball high-top than a traditional hiking and backpacking boot. Most people will find this boot super-comfortable, thanks to those super-sized midsoles.
Two cautions, though:
(1) Not everybody likes the rocker. I no longer notice that subtle roll into the my next step... but some people might find that rotation uncomfortable or unnecessary.
(2) My Achilles tendons get sore in the Hoka Kaha 2 (and Hoka Anacapa 2)—probably due to Hoka's Anatomical Achilles Construction. This is probably a function of my poor physiology. (I inherited messed up feet and ankles from my dad.) I haven't heard widespread complaints about Achilles soreness— although one other Gearhead buddy had similar discomfort—and assume this is more about my messed up body than any issue with the Kaha 2.
Mid-cut ankle cuffs + GORE-TEX = weather protection
Weather Protection
PLUS
The "GTX" in this boot's name stands for GORE-TEX, which is still the industry standard for waterproofing. GORE is durably waterproof and breathable (in spite of what many bloggers claim). With a high stack height, mid-cut ankle collars, and a GORE-TEX membrane, the Kaha 2 GTX should keep out plenty of rain, mud, and snow. My feet stayed dry on a soggy, 11-mile hike on the Moss-Hanne Trail through rain, mud, puddles, wet grass, and blueberry bogs. For me, the breathability was as good as could be expected on a hard, all-day hike on the Black Forest Trail in hot summer weather. It will be even more comfortable in cooler weather, which facilitates better breathability.
Vibram Megagrip outsoles on the women's Kaha 2
Traction
PLUS
The Hoka Kaha 2 features Vibram Megagrip — widely considered the best rubber outsoles for hiking. The soft rubber has good grip on rock while the lugs are aggressive and widely spaced for dirt, mud, and snow traction. Overall, this is a really nice outsole for traction on a range of trails. I had no traction issues hiking some of Pennsylvania's toughest trails in the Kaha 2.
Fall color day hike in the Hoka Kaha II GTX hiking boot
Value
AVERAGE
Retailing for $240, the Hoka Kaha 2 is not cheap. But that's now the going rate for backpacking boots. The Kaha 2 is priced in between two backpacking boots I recommend— the Salomon Quest ($230) and Lowa Renegade ($245). The Kaha is not as sturdy as those two backpacking boots, but its cushioning blows them both away. Let's call it an average value— a price that's worth it for hikers who are more focused on comfort than on support or budget.
See available sizes, colors, and options:
Conclusion: Hoka Kaha 2 Review
My Hoka Kaha 2 Review is a positive one. For me, the Pros clearly outweigh the Cons:
Overall Recommendation:
The Kaha 2 GTX could be a great choice for hikers who want a plush boot with an outstanding cushion to weight ratio. That's HOKA's strength—learn more in my HOKA brand review. Due to its weight and price, it's a better buy for backpackers than day hikers. It's not a traditional backpacking boot, but it's more supportive than you'd think for the weight. And the super-sized midsoles stand out for their cushioning. Based on online reviews, many people who work on their feet all day also love the Hoka Kaha 2 for its cushioning and support.
In my view, these are the best fits and best matches for the new Kaha 2:
best fit
standard-sized feet
best match
backpacking
Does the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX seem like your sort of hiking and backpacking boot? If so, please consider picking up your pair through the affiliate links above and below. Hiking Feet may receive a small commission from the retailer (at no cost to you). Those commissions aren’t much. But they fund this site (and compensate me for the hundreds of unpaid hours I spent creating free content to help you buy the right hiking boots for you). If this site hooked you up, please consider hooking me up, too. (Or at least hit that like or share button below.) Thanks, I appreciate it!
