Gear Review: Hoka Kaha 2 GTX & Hoka merino Blend Crew Socks
Review by: Melissa Smith
As we head into sunny and breezy east coast springs, it's finally time for me to get back out on the trail and enjoy walking in the lush forest of Pennsylvania. I have spent a few weeks testing out both the Hoka Merino Blend Crew Socks and accompanying Hoka Kaha 2 GTX. As a team, both pieces are killer on the trail, and are making me more excited than ever for a spring and summer full of long hikes along the East Coast
Circumstances of the Review: I tested this gear on multiple day hikes in Pennsylvania on both dry and wet winter days. I took both pieces out on flat, grassy areas and steep, rocky hills alike.
About the Brand: Hoka is a vibrant, optimistic athletics company who believes that whatever you are doing outside – hiking, walking, running, playing – all are about more than just movement. It’s about finding yourself and losing yourself. Hoka holds a stand out role in the world of athletics for the personality and charisma they build into their products.
Hoka Merino Blend Crew Sock
Hoka Merino Blend Crew Sock
Hoka Merino Blend Crew Sock
MSRP: $20.00
Material: 34% merino wool, 34% acrylic, 30% nylon, 2% lycra elastane
Features:
Form-fitting
Lightweight construction
Wool Blend
What We Loved About These Socks
The Hoka Merino Blend Crew Sock is the perfect lightweight sock for long days spent on trail. The socks are lightweight, form fitted, and allow you to move comfortably through both harsh elements or an easier walk outside. The merino wool blend allows for breathability and comfort, and – thanks to the versatility of merino wool – is the ideal sock for both summer and winter days alike. Our testers traveled through everything from sun, rain, snow, and mud, and stayed comfortable and dry throughout the review period.
The beauty of this sock is that it is designed to allow hikers to move through hot weather without overheating. The high rise length of the sock allows for you to pair these guys with boots or sneakers, and keeps ankles covered in tick-prone areas or sharp underbrush. These socks are cozy, dry, comfortable and well worth the purchase.
What We Think Could Be Better
I personally felt a little stuffy in these socks. While I was able to move super comfortably and loved the feel of the material, I felt like my foot was a little “stuffy” and didn’t have a lot of ability to breathe. This was something I felt even after taking off my shoes and just spending time in the socks. Overall, the sock is comfortable and warm, I just wish the breathability was a little better.
Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
Hoka Kaha 2 GTX
MSRP: $240.00
Material: GORE-TEX made with recycled textile. Dual-density compression-molded foam midsole with HUBBLE® heel and SwallowTail™
Features:
Quick-lace metal top hooks
Abrasion resistant toecap and heel
Waterproof
Light as air!
What We Loved About These Shoes
The lightweight and flexible Kaha 2 GTX worked as the perfect shoe for long days in the woods. These vibrant boots are cushioned enough to support hikers on high impact journeys and light enough to keep you moving without feeling weighed down. I took these shoes through mud, rocks, wet terrain, slippery surfaces and elevated trails, and truly felt like I was walking on air!
One of our favorite features of the Kaha 2 is the waterproof membrane around the exterior of the shoe. I actually took these boots out in heavy rain and was completely dry after I returned. This bonus, plus the incredible traction on the shoe ,allows for adventurers to move easily through any kind of weather and keep out any unwanted water.
The boots are slick, comfortable and resilient – and also environmentally friendly by using materials such as recycled textiles and Hoka’s one-of-a-kind liner made with 50% soybean oil. Hoka offers these boots in multiple vibrant and unique color options, and our testers had a hard time choosing their favorite model in the line.
What We Think Could Be Better
While these boots have been amazing, I did feel like the laces untied quite easily. This isn’t the biggest deal as it was easy to re-tie the boot while hiking, but replacing out with more reliable laces would be the only thing we’d change!
Overall Value
These socks and shoes are both completely worth the purchase. Coming in at $20, the Hoka Merino Blend Crew Sock completely exceeded expectations and are about average for the cost of similar merino hiking socks. Comfort and dryness are so important on long journeys and these socks are the perfect pair for a summer spent outside! Not to mention, they were just the cherry on top of the amazing Hoka Kaha 2 GTX that literally had me walking on air. Absolutely worth every penny. The shoes – coming at $240 – paired with the crew socks brings you out to a total price of $260 for a beautiful, flexible, and comfortable set up.
Happy hiking!
*These items were donated for purpose of review.
