How to Choose Hiking Boots

Cushier and more durable than before, the men's HOKA Kaha 3 Low GTX hiking shoes are in it for the long haul whether you're gearing up for a day hike or multiday expedition.
$22
10% Reward
on this and every eligible full-price item*
+
$30
Bonus Card
valid for 60 days after joining*
=
$52
Value
Keep shopping
Imported.
View the HOKA Kaha Product LineView all HOKA Men's Hiking ShoesBest Use | Hiking |
---|---|
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | Leather Working Group Gold-rated waterproof nubuck leather |
Upper | Main: leather and GORE-TEX Invisible Fit footwear fabric with 71% recycled polyester face; quarter/tongue/lining: 100% recycled polyester mesh |
Lining | 100% textile |
Midsole | EVA (30% sugarcane EVA) |
Outsole | Vibram Megagrip 100% rubber |
Weight (Pair) | 2 lbs. 2.3 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14 Wide | 15 | 15 Wide | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Men's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.6 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14 Wide | 15 | 15 Wide |
UK | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 13.5 | 14.5 | 14.5 |
EU | 37.3 | 38 | 38.6 | 39.3 | 40 | 40.6 | 41.3 | 42 | 42.6 | 43.3 | 44 | 44.6 | 45.3 | 46 | 46.6 | 47.3 | 48 | 48.6 | 49.3 | 49.3 | 50.6 | 50.6 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.06 | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.56 | 9.7 | 9.875 | 10.1 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.5 | 10.7 | 10.9 | 11.1 | 11.2 | 11.375 | 11.6 | 11.7 | 11.9 | 12 | 12 | 12.4 | 12.4 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I wanted to give the New Kaha 3 low hiking shoe a 5, but due to its snug fit in the toe, I thought scoring it a 4 would provide appropriate guidance. Since REI didn't have the low version in the store, I had to order them for home delivery. That process was great, only a few days to have them delivered and I was kept updated through out the delivery process. When I received my usual size 10, I wore them around the house and out running errands, they were noticeably small and tight in the toe area. Too uncomfortable to even attempt a hike. I went back to the store and discussed the situation and tried on the 10.5 in the high version. They seem to fit better, so I re-ordered the low version in the 10.5. The instore return and the new delivery went great, REI staff are knowledgeable and helpful. I've had the new larger size for a week now and have done two hikes. One on paved/groomed paths, the second was off road in snow and ice. The shoes performed great! Comfortable, solid under foot, adjustable options on the laces to make them as secure or a loose as you want. The Vibram "mega grip" sole and Gore Tex waterproof worked great! I have less noticeable pain in my feet after these two hikes than I have in other reputable brand hiking shoes. The HOKA mid sole has enough structure to keep things stable, but also soft enough to cushion your heal strikes. I look forward to many hikes in the new Kaha 3's.
Hoka shoes do not have a seamless transition from shoe tongue to the sides and require both hands to put on the shoes. With these leather, heavier hiking shoes it is cumbersome and an easy way to get snow/dirt inside the shoes. Too expensive to have these short comings.
I have worn the Hoka Kaha 2 Low GTX Men's Size 12 for over two years. This time period includes two pair of these excellent shoes, which I rate as a 5. I have also worn the high-top version for backpacking, and rate it a 5 as well. In each of these, I use the Sole insole product; the insoles which come with the shoe as-is, are insufficient to meet my requirements (the as-is insoles cause plantar fasciitis; the Sole insoles are wonderful, and I can walk and hike for well over ten miles without discomfort [age 70]). The Kaha 3 does not meet the standards set by Kaha 2. The width is slightly narrower. The comfort in the rear heal area is slightly tighter, to the point of abrasion. The materials especially in the heel are slightly less generous. Most important, the room in the toe box is more than slightly less -- in particular, the room above the toes. Size 12, in terms of length, is still size 12 in the Kaha 3 as compared to the Kaha 2. So, my toes don't get jammed; but as I say, the room atop the toes is constrained, and would have caused blisters after a full day's hike.