Nuestra conclusión

La verdad es que parece que HOKA lo ha puesto todo al máximo en las Kaha 2 Low GTX, convirtiéndolas en una de las zapatillas de senderismo más amortiguadas, cómodas y llenas de sujeción del mercado. De hecho, son básicamente una versión de caña baja de las otras Kaha, unas botas de trekking de la marca, y están diseñadas sobre la misma plataforma robusta. Esto hizo que estuviésemos listos para enfrentarnos a kilómetros y kilómetros de aventuras con una mochila pesada a las espaldas. Eso sí, si necesitas unas zapatillas para cualquier cosa que no sea una ruta de varios días, igual las Kaha son demasiado para ti.

Pros

  • Un montón de amortiguación bajo los pies
  • Muy cómodas
  • Muy estables
  • El pie no se mueve de su sitio
  • Muy duraderas
  • Buen agarre en distintos terrenos
  • Upper impermeable

Contras

  • Caras para ser de caña baja
  • La mediasuela se vuelve más firme con el frío
  • Mucho más pesadas que la media

Veredicto de los usuarios

67
Malas

Who should buy

Having tested the HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX in and out, we found that it is primed for hikers who:

  • go on long hikes and multi-day backpacking adventures on moderate terrain with a load up to 30 lbs (14 kg); if more, consider the HOKA Kaha 2 GTX boot.
  • seek maximum underfoot cushioning and isolation from the trail
  • rely on extra wide platforms for added support
  • are willing to pay the premium price for excellent durability and high-quality materials

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX review

Who should NOT buy

The hefty weight of this HOKA shoe can be a real mood killer for those who prioritise lightness in their hiking gear. If you need a shoe for day hikes and weekend trips, the lighter HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX (14.1 oz/400g) is more than enough. And it is considerably cheaper!

And if you do need a shoe for multi-day objectives with a heavier pack, take a look at the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX among other options in our guide on the best backpacking shoes.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX lab test

Amortiguación

Altura de la suela en la zona del talón

HOKA is synonymous with thick-foamed platforms and bottomless cushioning but the Kaha 2 Low GTX is by far the brand's most platformy hiking shoe, together with the Skyline-Float X.

Measuring its heel stack with a digital caliper, we got a towering height of 38.0 mm. It is notably thicker than the category average and also exceeds another generously cushioned HOKA shoe (the Anacapa 2 Low GTX) by 2 mm.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Heel stack

Built on the same platform as its mid-cut backpacking counterpart, the Kaha 2 Low devours every trail obstacle and keeps the foot protected from all the bumps, roots, and rocks. It also provides the most luxurious impact protection for long-distances hikes and multi-day adventures with a heavy backpack.

Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 38.0 mm
Media 32.7 mm
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
22.0 mm
Altura de la suela en la zona del talón
39.4 mm

Altura de la suela en el antepié

But the shoe's generous cushioning is not just limited to the heel area. Our caliper showed a whopping forefoot stack of 29.5 mm which is one of the tallest you can ever get in a hiking shoe!

That way, the Kaha 2 Low keeps the ball of foot and the toe joints safely isolated from the trail but you do pay with little-to-no ground feel. And while it's great on moderate terrain, it can make the shoe dangerously clunky on the more technical routes where the price for a misstep is higher.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Forefoot stack
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 29.5 mm
Media 22.0 mm
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
10.7 mm
Altura de la suela en el antepié
31.0 mm

Drop

Based on our caliper measurements above, the Kaha 2 Low GTX has a traditional heel-to-toe drop of 8.5 mm.

In this offset, your heel sits slightly higher above the toes, making heel landings safer and cushier as you carry a heavy load. It also helps to ease the stress on the Achilles and calves.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Drop
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 8.5 mm
Media 10.7 mm
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.0 mm

Suavidad de la mediasuela

In addition to being very abundant, the shoe's cushioning also has a pleasantly soft feel to it. However, we wouldn't describe it as squishmellowy plush.

The Kaha 2 Low GTX features a dual-density midsole in which a softer (top) foam is complemented by a firmer (bottom) carrier foam. Pressing our Shore A durometer against the former, we got a below-average reading of 23.0 HA. That is 20% softer than average.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Midsole softness

That way, you get a cozier experience directly underfoot but feel more stable closer to the ground. Overall, this HOKA shoe offers a balanced ride which is a bit more comfort-oriented than other hikig shoes.

Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 23.0 HA
Media 27.1 HA
Utilizamos la media de cuatro pruebas. La foto muestra una de esas pruebas.
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
13.5 HA
Suavidad de la mediasuela (de blanda a firme)
39.0 HA

Suavidad de la espuma secundaria

Measuring the shoe's firmer foam layer, our durometer returned a very high reading of 38.0 HA. So it is, in fact, 65% denser than the primary compound.

It helps to keep the squishiness under control and adds surefootedness to the ride.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Secondary foam softness
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 38.0 HA
Media 28.8 HA
Utilizamos la media de cuatro pruebas. La foto muestra una de esas pruebas.
En comparación con 5 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
18.0 HA
Suavidad de la espuma secundaria (de blanda a firme)
38.5 HA

Rigidez de la mediasuela en frío (%)

Because it is a warm and waterproof shoe, you are likely to consider this HOKA shoe for the cold season. And if that's the case, we must warn you that the Kaha 2 Low's soft goodness becomes less squishy and friendly when the mercury drops.

After keeping the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes, we repeated the durometer measurement and discovered that its primary foam when from moderately soft to firm (29.0 HA). With a 26% increase in firmness, this shoe can feel less cushy and friendly after long hours of hiking or sitting in the cold.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Midsole softness in cold (%)
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 26%
Media 18%
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
7%
Rigidez de la mediasuela en frío
29%

Grosor de la plantilla

The HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX features a well-padded foam insole which showed a solid thickness of 5.4 mm on our caliper. It complements the shoe's exceptionally well-cushioned ride with a pleasant step-in feel and an extra buffer against foot fatigue.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Insole thickness
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 5.4 mm
Media 5.3 mm
En comparación con 32 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
2.6 mm
Grosor de la plantilla
8.6 mm

Rocker

Like many other HOKA designs, the Kaha 2 Low GTX features a moderate toe rocker (or toe spring) in the front and a SwallowTail Heel in the back.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Rocker

We love this combo for the amazingly smooth heel-to-toe transitions it provides.

The only knock we have on the shoe's flared heel shape is that it tends to get caught in between rocks limiting the shoe's maneuverability on technical terrain.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX swallow tail

Tallaje y ajuste

Talla

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Anchura / Ajuste

The HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX is only available in a standard width but it offers a proper medium fit for most hikers.

Measuring the shoe's gel mold with a caliper, we got a regular width of 92.2 mm in its widest part. Even though it is a smidge narrower than average, it still falls into the medium range.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Width / Fit
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 92.2 mm
Media 94.1 mm
En comparación con 27 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
90.0 mm
Anchura / Ajuste
99.9 mm

Anchura de la parte delantera

There is no aggressive toebox tapering in the Kaha 2 Low either. Showing 72.3 mm of width in the big toe area, the toebox shape of this HOKA shoe is on par with the average.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Toebox width
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 72.3 mm
Media 72.5 mm
En comparación con 27 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
67.3 mm
Anchura de la parte delantera
80.5 mm

Altura de la parte delantera

Even with a large protective overlay on top of its toebox, the Kaha 2 Low showed a decent toebox height of 28.1 mm offering enough wiggle room above the toes.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Toebox height

We have no concerns about developing hot spots, blisters, or black toenails in this HOKA shoe.

Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 28.1 mm
Media 28.0 mm
En comparación con 27 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
24.2 mm
Altura de la parte delantera
35.4 mm

Estabilidad

Prueba de estabilidad lateral

Choosing the HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX means that stability is going to be the least of your worries on the trail. Even if it's a high-mileage backpacking objective, you can count on the Kaha 2 Low for a solid footing.

Rigidez torsional

The shoe's stout construction generates a ton of torsional rigidity even in the absence of a stiff shank inside the midsole. Testing its stiffness in our manual test revealed just how immune the Kaha 2 Low is to twisting. On a 1-5 stiffness scale, that's a clear 5/5.

This hiking shohe characteristic is essential for those who seek minimum foot wobbles on the trail as it prevents the foot from overworking under heavy load. This is particlurlay important for hikers with overpronation who seek better arch support.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX arch support

Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 5
Media 3.7
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
1
Rigidez torsional
5

Rigidez del contrafuerte del talón

We were surprised to see such a structured and beefy heel counter on a hiking shoe!

Its back portion didn't yield to our push-and-squeeze at all while its sidewalls showed just a little give, raising the shoe's heel counter stiffness to 4/5. Not to mention all that puffy collar padding which locked our heels and ankles very securely in place.

We also found its elf collar design beneficial for hiking downhill as it prevented the shoe edges from digging into the Achilles.

Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 4
Media 3.6
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
1
Rigidez del contrafuerte del talón
5

Anchura de la mediasuela - antepié

The chunky platforms of HOKA shoes provide some of the most planted hiking experiences. And this is exactly what you can expect from the Kaha 2 Low GTX too.

Even though you don't need a caliper to see just how broad its midsole is, it is our job to let you know how it stacks up against the competiion.

Showing 112.8 mm in the widest part of the forefoot, the Kaha 2 is not that much wider than the average but its heel width makes all the difference...

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Midsole width - forefoot
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 112.8 mm
Media 111.1 mm
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
103.0 mm
Anchura de la mediasuela - antepié
117.6 mm

Anchura de la mediasuela - talón

With a whopping caliper reading of 106.3 mm, the HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX beats all records and becomes the widest hiking shoe heel in our catalog! In fact, it is just as wide as the Kaha boot!

It is the broadest landing area you could possibly imagine in an outdoor shoe and it made us feel exceptionally surefooted.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Midsole width - heel
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 106.3 mm
Media 87.9 mm
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
79.2 mm
Anchura de la mediasuela - talón
106.3 mm

Flexibilidad / Rigidez

Nuevo

It only makes sense that such a burly high-stacked shoe doesn't bend so easily in the forefoot. So don't expect much agility or maneuverability in the Kaha 2 Low GTX.

Putting the shoe through our flexibility testing machine, we discovered that it takes 35% more force to bend it by 30 degrees compared to an average hiking shoe. That makes it one of the stiffest options not only torsionally (side-to-side flexi) but also longitudinally (forward flex).

On the bright side, you get the benefit of a more stable and structured underfoot experience.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Flexibility / Stiffness
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 24.8N
Media 18.3N
En comparación con 24 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
11.2N
Flexibilidad <> Rigidez
29.0N

Peso

But now let's talk about the price you have to pay for all that cushioned and stable goodness...and that's shoe's weight.

The HOKA Laha 2 Low GTX is a real whale on the scale at 16.8 oz (476g) in a men's US size 9. It is one of the heaviest hiking shoes we've ever tested in the lab and is even on par with some hiking boots!

As much stability and impact protection as those extra pounds provide, they also contribute to faster foot and leg fatigue on those long-haul adventures. If you want a similar HOKA option that weighs 2.7 oz (77g)! less, do consider the Anacapa 2 Low GTX.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Weight
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 16.8 oz (476g)
Media 13.3 oz (378g)
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
11.0 oz (312g)
Peso
17.1 oz (486g)

Transpirabilidad

We believe that the HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX has all it takes to become your next winter hiking shoe.

Its solid leather upper already makes the shoe warm and protective as is but the Gore-Tex waterproofing membrane inside it amplifies that weatherproofing.

Not even a tiny streak of vapor managed to escape through the shoe's airtight toebox lowering its breathability score to 1/5.

It's not your summer-ready shoe but if you need one, we highly recommend the HOKA Skyline-Float X among other breathable options.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Breathability Microscope test
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 1
Media 2.4
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
1
Transpirabilidad
5

Waterproofing

The Kaha 2 Low GTX is only available in a waterproof version and relies on the world-famous Gore-Tex lining to provide top-notch protection from rains, puddles, and wet grass.

But please keep in mind that the shoe's flood level is at the ankle and if the water gets inside, you're left with a swampy in-shoe experience until the end of the hike. For deeper creeks, river crossings, and downpours, please consider the HOKA Kaha 2 GTX boot.

Durabilidad

Durabilidad de la parte delantera

We are amazed at how the Kaha 2 Low GTX's leather upper can take a beating with no significant wear and tear!

Having exposed it to sandpaper for 12 seconds in our Dremel test, the shoe's nubuck leather just didn't seem to be bothered at all. With just a minor scuff and no loss of structural integrity, we rated its toebox durability with a high score of 4/5. That's what Leather Working Group Gold-Rated leather stands for!

Add a protective toebox overlay and a toe bumper to the equation, and you get a shoe that can sustain sharp vegetation, rock strikes, and stick pokes.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX toe bumper

Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 4
Media 3.7
En comparación con 27 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
1
Durabilidad de la parte delantera
5

Durabilidad del acolchado del talón

Looking at the shoe's interior lining, we found that the Kaha 2 Low uses a highly durable material for its collar too.

This slick fabric fended off the Dremel like it was just a minor nuisance and earned the shoe's heel padding durablity the highest score of 5/5.

With no serious scuffing or tearing, the shoe's interior lining has very promising longevity!

Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 5
Media 3.1
En comparación con 26 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
1
Durabilidad del acolchado del talón
5

Dureza de la suela

Bulit on the exact same platform as the Kaha 2 boot, the HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX features the same durable Vibram outsole as well.

The compound confirmed its hardness with a high durometer measurement of 87.0 HC.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Outsole hardness
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 87.0 HC
Media 85.1 HC
Utilizamos la media de cuatro pruebas. La foto muestra una de esas pruebas.
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
80.5 HC
Dureza de la suela
94.1 HC

Durabilidad de la suela

The shoe's Vibram rubber continued to prove its worth in our highly abrasive Dremel test. With less than a milimeter of damage (0.7 mm to be precise), it outperformed many other hiking shoe outsoles.

Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 0.7 mm
Media 1.0 mm
En comparación con 26 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
0.0 mm
Desgaste de la suela
2.0 mm

Grosor de la suela

HOKA didn't skimp on the amount of rubber either. Our caliper recorded a standard outsole thickness of 2.5 mm in the Kaha 2 Low GTX.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Outsole thickness
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 2.5 mm
Media 2.5 mm
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
1.6 mm
Grosor de la suela
4.0 mm

Varios

Profundidad del dibujo de la suela

With a lug depth of 4.3 mm, the HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX is not much toothier than the average hiking shoe.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Lug depth

It's not your best bet for muddy situations, but we found that it shines on both dry and wet rock slabs as well as mossy logs.

We also found the shoe's heel braking to be very effective on steep descents thanks to the smaller packed lugs in the heel area.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX outsole grip

Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 4.3 mm
Media 4.0 mm
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
2.1 mm
Profundidad del dibujo de la suela
5.0 mm

Precio

The Kaha 2 Low GTX is HOKA's most premium hiking shoe and it comes with a respective price tag.

But having put the shoe through the wringer, we can confirm that it indeed meets the high-set bar with the amount of cushioning, stability, and protection packed into it. It's basically a backpacking boot with a low-cut collar! The shoe also promises excellent longevity with low cost per wear.

However, if you are in serach of a less burly shoe for leisurely and moderate day hikes, there is just no need to invest in the Kaha. The more approachable Anacapa 2 Low GTX is a fantastic option.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Price
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX $220
En comparación con 37 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
€80
Precio
€220

Elementos reflectantes

We found no reflective elements on the Kaha 2 Low GTX in our low-light visibility test.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Reflective elements
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX No

Acolchado de la lengüeta

The Kaha 2 Low GTX offers a very pleasant and padded step-in feel without being an overkill. We measured its tongue thickness at 8.8 m and there is anout the same anount of foam in the collar. Just enough to keep the foot and ankle comfortable all day long.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Tongue padding
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX 8.8 mm
Media 9.9 mm
En comparación con 33 zapatillas de senderismo
Número de zapatillas
5.0 mm
Acolchado de la lengüeta
17.0 mm

Lengüeta: tipo de refuerzo

The shoe's tongue is fully integrated into the upper leaving no gaps on the sides. While this is essential for waterproofing, it also keeps the interiors protected from debris and small pebbles.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Tongue: gusset type
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Ambos lados (completo)

Tirador del talón

The on-and-off is pretty easy in this HOKA shoe thanks to the finger loop and the extended elf collar at the back.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Heel tab
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Tirador circular

Plantilla extraíble

The shoe's insole is removable so have the option to replace it with a custom orthotic.

Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Removable insole
Resultados de las pruebas
Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX