HOKA  Kaha 3 GTX Hiking Boots - Men's

Comfortable boot that’s a nice cross between shoe and sturdy boot. It strikes a balance—much more cushion and comfort than normal hiking boot, but a little less grip that I like on the trail. I found the boot to run about 1/2 size small, so you may want to order up a size. I didn’t get to test how waterproof the boot was (dry summer), but from experiments I the sink it seems adequate. Overall a decent option if you want to pamper those feet…or if you are at the age where you need a little more spring in your step.

Spent a few weekends putting these boots to the test. From general hiking to a little wet wading fly fishing, they were excellent. Would definitely recommend these to anyone looking for a running shoe feel with support of a hiking boot. Tread is great as well and they are super supportive. Definitely size up as my 10.5 fit more like a 10, but that is common with Hoka. Plus, they added a half in to my height!!!

Just returned from a 10 mile hike through forest, rock, rain and elevation. I was the only person in the group who didn't slip even once. Amazing support and comfort even on descent. I thought they were pricey before the hike, but now know they are worth every penny.

I bought these five months ago as my first pair of Hoka Hiking boots. I put approximately 160-170 miles on them. I only do short 4 mile hikes. They were very cushioned, at first, and the shock absorption was good, for a bigger heavier person such as myself. After about two months, I needed to put in thick, aftermarket cushioned insoles because the cushion was getting compressed and not rebounding as it should. I could start to feel some stones under my feet. Even now when I wear them, there are still pressure points at my ankles and toes. The waterproofing worked really well up until about a month ago, then it failed. I have many pairs of hiking boots, most with gortex and I've never worn a hole in the gortex in any pair before, until these. These boots are not very sturdy. The word I would use is "floppy." I went for an 8 mile hike in them and my feet and ankles hurt like never before. They're definitely not made for long distances carrying any decent amount of weight. And finally, the lugs need to be twice as thick for better traction and they could use a heel brake.

I’ve been using this in the heat of a Texas summer and it has been a challenge. I’ll put what I like first. These have the plush midsole that one would expect from a Hoka product and are very comfortable for standing and relatively flat walking or hiking. I haven’t been able to put a ton of miles on them but in the 30 or so miles I do have, they still look like day one boots. The laces are very long to allow for many tying styles and I didn’t have any issues with them slipping. I did not try them wet though so that may vary. The toe guard is sturdy. I intentionally kicked rocks (totally not that I’m clumsy) and the shoes absorbed that hit. The vibram mega grip is peerless. It’s the best grip and wears well for me. The heel counter was comfortable. Oh almost forgot. The upper lace system is quite deep and you can pass the laces through twice in the same one if you want to do so to use up excess lacing. What I was meh on. I didn’t get a colorway choice and these all black aren’t really my style. The footbeds are pretty blah. For any serious hiker or backpacker I’d expect those to be swapped out. Now what I didn’t love. These boots are so HOT. All black boots in the TX summer sun was bad but these are goretex and thick material and don’t breath at all. I hate hot feet and these were baking me. On longer hikes I was very uncomfortable and would gladly trade the waterproofing for better breathing. This heat might be a bonus in the winter but I can’t say on that. Most important negative though for me is I never felt like I got a good foot lockdown without cutting odd foot circulation. I have a low volume foot and this boot is just too big. I wear size 13 and probably would need to size up to 14 with how much sliding my foot would do. On a decent decline my toes were just jammed up against the toe box. In the pictures I point to the lacing I normally expect to lock a foot down. I couldn’t get the forefoot to help in lockdown due to too high of a volume and the ankle laces did all the work. They then cut off my blood flow and it hurt. Going uphill would tighten that joint even further. For me I don’t see these getting substantial use in rigorous hiking or backpacking where I really need good foot lock down and temperature/sweat management. For more casual use these are nice but good lord the price. That’s crazy.

I loved my original Kaha GTX boots and had a total of 8 pairs. I hike a lot... Additionally, I did not care for the heel build on the Kaha 2's and so kept finding and buying Kaha GTX for the run of the 2's. Now the 3 is out and I am back in my happy place. In fact the 3's are everything that was great about the GTX but maybe a touch more heavy duty (certainly the lace hooks feel industrial strength). As ever, Kahas feel like a whole different world as far as comfort is concerned when compared to anything else I have tried. You can put them on right out of the box and hit the trails. (perhaps not too far on the first one.). I don't have wide feet and they fit me like a dream. I'll let those with wide feet opine on their experience. This an easy boot to wear all day, whether hiking the trails or the malls. Ankle support is stellar, cushioning sublime. You should at least add them to the mix you're considering. Personally, I won't wear anything else.

This is my third pair of Hoka hiking boots, I bought my first pair at REI back in I think 2021 and can easily say these are the most comfortable and durable boots I’ve ever owned. Im now 67 and my Hokas have carried me along the tails of the AT and on all day hikes through the streets of New York City with comfort and at my age that’s is a major accomplishment. I have yet to throw out any of my Hoka boots, even with very little tread left I find my oldest are still great for walks around town. Hiking has been a big part of most of my life so I would hope at my age that would lend some credibility to my review. My hope is that the makers of Hoka boots will continue to keep the quality that I’ve come to love and expect.

Incredibly comfortable and the new outsole appears to be much more durable as there is significantly more Vibram. Also love the new aesthetic and a tougher toe box. For those coming from the Kaha 2, just be aware you will likely need to size up half a size as the toe box does appear to be a little narrower in this version. I found a half size up fit perfectly. So excited to put hundreds of miles on these!

This boot appears to be well-made, but it is way too narrow. In fact, I don't see how anybody can wear this boot comfortably at all without already having a narrow foot. I usually wear a size 10, and I went all the way up to an 11.5 in my attempt to gain some extra space for my toes. I put them on out of the box in preparation for a walk around the block, but I couldn't even make it out of the house. I was developing hot spots on both pinky toes within minutes. Unless you have a narrow foot, I'd stay away. Too bad, because it looks like a quality product otherwise.

I loved my Kaha 2 GTX because of the wide toe box (plus of course the incredible waterproofing, cushioned midsole and soft supporting uppers). The Kaha 3 looks almost the same but is tighter around the fore foot and especially the toes. I normally where a 10.5 boot, but this was a problem even in the size 11 I ordered. I don't know why they made this change. Hoka's a known for their comfort and fit around the toes. Luckily, I was able to buy another Kaha 2 and I hope it will last until a (hopefully) improved Kaha 4 comes out. Other than this, the boot looks great as expected.