The Truth about Hoka hiking boots - Kaha 2 GTX

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Intro
00:45 History
03:54 Shoe Info
04:43 Is The Leather Good?
05:22 Upper Puncture Test
05:53 Waterproof Test
06:21 Insole
06:34 Midsole
07:26 What's A Hubble Heel?
09:46 Bar Drop Test
09:58 Outsole
10:42 Cut In Half
11:32 Cut In Half Reveal
11:50 The Outsole Is A True Dual Density
13:16 Is It Worth $240?
13:58 Shoe Ranking
15:04 Outro

#hoka #hikingboots #mensboots #besthikingboots

[HoriaBogdan]

You have to add some Italian, German and Scandinavian brands to your outdoor boots comparison. (La Sportiva, Scarpa, Salewa, Lowa, Hanwag, Lundhags etc)

[unpopularopinions]

I work in a hospital and operating room, and Hoka’s are probably the most popular shoe I see people wearing. Maybe one reason why they still saw growth during Covid.

[russellzauner]

The split heel + diamond cutout = your foot's heel is feeling like it's making better connection with the ground so the transition is less jarring, it separates to guide it down nicely and it's got enough to cushion it while the diamond cutout cradles, flexing, cupping, and allowing midsole expansion on strikes, while better transmitting ground feel data to your own heel.

[joshgonzalez]

As someone who hiked in Hokas for 3 years. They only last 1 season if you go regularly. I still paid for them because nothing was as comfortable especially on the 10 mile trips

[jamesridley]

I've been using a pair of the low top GTX for my mailman shoes and they've put up with a few months of 50+ miles a week on mixed surfaces with a lot of concrete and asphalt. They've been ... actually pretty great. No issues with them and they've been pretty darn comfy. I have very well tested the waterproofing on them and unless I accidentally go too deep into a puddle, my feet have been nice and dry. I'm glad that they performed well for you too!

[DeMart]

Hi Weston, I used to sell Hokas and the rep told us that the swallow tail Is designed to displace energy more efficiently, that if you are going downhill or uneven surfaces it helps keep you sure footed. The rocker in it is designed to move your foot easier heel to toe so your foot isn’t doing all the work they kind of move your feet with you. I’ve asked about the vibram soles and I was told it isn’t fully covered to save on weight and cost, I don’t know how true that is.
I would recommend this boot for long hiking mileage or backpacking as it really keeps your feet feeling fresh even after hiking all day. I use mine for backpacking only and they have been a game changer for me.
Someone else mentioned they don’t last long and they are right: The EVA foams with constant use will only last about 6 months. That is for all shoes that use a lot of EVA. My suggestion don’t use them all the time and rotate different pairs to make them last

[stevedesilets]

I am not sure why I watch these to be honest, but I really like the content.. Straight forward information, backed with some great metrics/tools etc. I never knew how interesting shoe construction is. Great job!

[SAMURAI]

I used the Hoka Kaha on my trek to Everest Base Camp last October. It felt great even if I've only used it a couple of months earlier. Good support and my feet did not hurt after 7-10 miles of daily hiking for 2 weeks. Only problem is that the trims that look sewed in are only glued and started to separate good thing I had superglue with me. Other than that I would recommend this book for light to moderate hiking. Even though I did use it for base camp.

[rustytownetreasures]

50+ year old here, I wore Brooks, still like them, but did buy a pair of hoka, and absolutely love the comfort

[echtogammut]

It's amazing how fast Hoka has grown. I started wearing them after my training coach started using them after being a support runner for an ultra runner (~ 2010). That said for trail hiking or running, I think Solomon and La Sportiva, two of the top brands, but it is very model dependent.

[giarcwoltac]

I absolutely loved mine. Hands down the best hikers I've worn for comfort. Durability, on the other hand, is a different story. Mine have only lasted 9 months. That being said, I contacted Hoka and because this has happened within a year, they are sending me some out as we speak, so I'm impressed on that side. I wore mine a lot. However, I obviously expected more than I got from them in nine months (I really looked after them as well). When I receive my new pair I am going to wear them less and see if I can squeeze more life out of them.

[UnknownUser-rbpd]

When you walk or run, if you have a relatively normal gait, you don't hit the ground with the centre back of the heel but instead hit it towards the outside corner. Then you roll diagonally towards "toe off" which is the big toe. If you examine heel wear on your shoes you'll see the wear pattern is towards the lateral (outside) part of the heel.
I assume the "swallow tail" heel groove controls over-pronation and reduces the amount of inward roll of the foot for the large percentage of the population who roll too far inwards after the heel strike. The dual density EVA along the medial (inside) of the heel will also be used for this purpose.

[chinalatinafilipina]

I just bought these! thank you for explaining the features. I feel better spending money on shoes I wont be able to walk in until next year. Im week 14 post achilles surgery and this brand has changed my life. I wear the tennis shoes and its stable and supporting me during PT.

[Destroyer-Grizzly-BIH]

I have the Kaha One and they were my first Hoka and I fell in love with them. I work in trades and am on my feet moving around all day and these are my go-to’s over a lot of brands that I own.

[haijj]

My Salomon GTX 4d boots are my most comfortable shoe I’ve ever owned, and while I will buy them again, these hokas are next on my list to try out.

[dann]

I've owned these for a year, lots of miles hiked. The waterproof definitely fails in slushy snow and heavy rain. They last for an hour or so and the toe is the first to always go. The lugs on the bottom wear out quicker than I would have wanted. Otherwise these boots have been great. The stride it puts you is really nice and cushion is great as well. I got them for their cushion and they hold up with a heavy ruck sack. Grip is pretty good on terrible rocks and angles. I'd buy again if I could find them on sale. Kaha Gtx > UA HOVR Dawn boot

[dbrandon]

So… I own this exact pair of boots. My biggest problem is finding boots in a size 15. and then finding them in a B width. For me personally this boot is nothing short of amazing! It’s extremely comfortable. I can put my prescription plastic arch supports in and the narrow toe box for me is a perfect fit. Are they worth $240? For me personally yes, but that’s because I wear a size 15. If you didn’t wear a size 15, They are over priced @ $240. They are definitely worth trying if you’ve got the money or if you find them on sale.
Thanks so much for the video. Makes me feel good about my purchase.

[CHICKENBONENOWITSON]

Your videos are really cool, I personally feel like you do a really awesome job breaking down the longevity, history, and other qualities of the shoes

[stevenswann]

Would love to see you cut and review the Merrell MOAB.

[shodack]

My BIL just hiked the Appalachian trail in Hoka sneakers. I've sort of ignored the brand until then, but that definitely sparked my curiosity. Thanks for this topic!