HOKA Hopara 2 Evaluate | CleverHiker

Backside Line

The HOKA Hopara 2 is the right mix of sneaker and sandal. Not like typical water sneakers, these waterproof and protecting footwear is designed to handle rocky paths and steep descents simply as successfully as they navigate muddy trails and stream crossings. That includes HOKA’s distinctive chunky midsole, the Hopara 2 meets the wants of hikers in search of higher assist and cushioning in comparison with customary mountaineering sandals.

The sturdy midsole and sneaker-inspired higher improve their suitability for rock-hopping whereas stopping most path particles from coming into.In our testing, these carried out exceptionally effectively on most path situations, akin to dry filth, gravel, and naked rock.

Nonetheless, that they had issue offering traction on extraordinarily silty surfaces. Additionally, whereas we actually respect the spacious footbed and toe field, they is probably not appropriate for hikers with slim ft. Regardless of these minor drawbacks, the Hopara 2s firmly secured a spot in our checklist of top-performing mountaineering sandals after evaluating them throughout numerous path surfaces.

How We Examined

We’ve worn the HOKA Hopara 2s for over 20 miles, traversing forest highway walks, single-track trails, and highway runs by the mountains. Whereas sporting them, we frequently assess their efficiency in six key areas: consolation, stability, traction, sturdiness, weight and packability, and ease of use.

Consolation

Total, these sneakers felt extremely snug and really bouncy, offering a number of vitality return, which makes them wonderful for faster-paced path actions akin to fast hikes, jogs, and path runs. The midsole is considerably stiff, positively extra so than a typical path shoe or what could be thought of an “strategy shoe” (i.e., gentle hikers or path runners). Nonetheless, that didn’t trouble us, even when working downhill. 

Throughout our preliminary break-in interval, we observed a little bit of a sizzling spot beginning to seem after about two miles with socks on. No blisters fashioned after the following 6+ miles on the identical day, even with a number of of these miles being sockless. We had been grateful to find that the ankle collar of the sneakers didn’t irritate our pores and skin in any respect; it’s really fairly smooth and versatile. We additionally skilled no points with the open space on the heel inflicting sizzling spots or abrasions. 

Carrying comparatively thick socks (Darn Powerful mid-cushion mountaineering socks), our tester, who has pretty impartial ft, discovered the shoe width good. The toe field and forefoot felt roomy, but not overly spacious. Our toes had ample room throughout downhill segments, even whereas working. We observed they felt a bit free with out socks, and the adjustment mechanism didn’t present a cosy match. People with narrower ft might not have an excellent expertise with the Hopara 2s.

Stability

This isn’t a minimalist shoe, that’s for certain. The midsole is thick and has a 5-millimeter heel-to-toe drop. Regardless that the midsole is thick (particularly for a sandal), it isn’t plush. It’s fairly exhausting, really, and doesn’t take in a lot shock in any respect. The upside is that this stiff midsole is bouncy and gives wonderful vitality return, which could possibly be helpful for people who typically really feel just like the terrain is a magnet to their ft. 

Don’t mistake bounciness for instability, although: we discovered these to deal with quite a lot of terrain very effectively. We took them over gravel, scree, giant rocks, filth, and grass, and we didn’t as soon as encounter a scarcity of rigidity or over-plushness. 

Because of the thicker midsole and full higher, the Hopara 2 positively feels extra like a sneaker than a sandal, which could be a optimistic attribute in sure situations. As an example, we consider these are a wonderful choice for hotter climate and extra rugged mountaineering {that a} typical sandal can’t deal with. Moreover, due to their sneaker-like construction, our ankles really feel rather more steady in these than in conventional mountaineering sandals.

Traction

The Hoka Hopara 2 excelled at average angles on dry filth, grassy areas, and naked rock. Nonetheless, throughout our testing, we took them up scree slopes the place they didn’t carry out effectively.

Descending a brief however steep scree face, our tester ended up having to scoot on her butt and use her fingers for stability. We had been considerably stunned, because the outsole lugs are comparatively deep and the tread sample is powerful—much like that of a path working shoe. This left us questioning if the dearth of traction was because of the outsole materials, which feels extra plasticky than rubbery. 

Sturdiness

After greater than 15 miles of use, we consider the Hoka Hopara 2 can be among the many most sturdy mountaineering sandals we’ve tried. The mesh higher is sort of versatile whereas being tightly woven—virtually plasticky, much like the midsole. 

The midsole and outsole are robust, making it troublesome to flex and prolong the shoe along with your fingers absolutely. Whereas this is probably not thought of a optimistic trait in each context, it contributes to the shoe’s sturdiness. 

Whereas we haven’t observed any points but, we might see the smooth, stretchy knit part of the higher (ankle collar space) fraying or shedding its elasticity over time. It’s manufactured from a softer woven materials and is just barely elastic, which raises issues once we take into account stretching the ankle collar to slide the sneakers on every time.

Weight & Packability

At 20.8 ounces for the pair, the Hopara 2 is among the many heaviest mountaineering sandals we’ve ever worn—don’t even trouble packing these as a second pair of sneakers. That mentioned, we’re not completely certain we will label this as a transparent unfavorable, on condition that the Hopara 2 is a hybrid sneaker-sandal. It’s cheap to count on that they’re heavier than conventional mountaineering sandals. 

In a approach, we will view this as a optimistic side, because it suggests that you just don’t have to pack a pair of sandals. What we imply is, these are well-suited for rugged mountaineering and water crossings, permitting you to put on only one pair and forgo the necessity for extra sandals, probably saving weight ultimately.

Ease of Use

For essentially the most half, the Hopara is simple to get on and off. Our tester struggled a bit with the quick-lace mechanism: the toggle received caught a few occasions. It is advisable press the perimeters of the toggle in a selected approach for the mechanism to function easily. The Velcro strap on the heel is straightforward to make use of and likewise facilitates sliding the sneakers on and off simply.

One essential factor to notice: We don’t suggest these for very silty terrain. Our tester took these up a brief scramble that consisted principally of a sandy floor with free, small rocks. Many filth particles and a number of other small pebbles ended up within the sneakers, and since they’re in contrast to conventional sandals, she couldn’t simply shake her foot round to dislodge the pebbles. She needed to take the sneakers off to dump them out. With socks, this isn’t a problem, but it surely turns into relatively annoying when sporting the Hopara 2s with out socks.`

Ought to You Purchase the HOKA Hopara 2?

The HOKA Hopara 2 is a strong selection for hikers in search of an all-in-one shoe appropriate for wet-weather hikes or water crossings. The hybrid design of those sneakers eliminates the necessity to carry a pair of mountaineering sandals and swap out of mountaineering sneakers for moist sections.

The Hopara 2s additionally provide a wonderful path working expertise in heat situations. Even with socks, they permit the ft to breathe greater than typical path trainers whereas offering the identical stage of safety for the toes and soles. Though they’re not cheap, they will successfully change two pairs of sneakers (sandals and tennis sneakers), making them a terrific worth. 

What Different Girls’s Mountain climbing Sandals Ought to You Take into account?

The Hopara 2 could also be a distinct segment mountaineering sandal, however in the event you’re into it, there are some comparable choices price contemplating. 

Eager Newport H2 Evaluate: Just like the Hopara 2s, which supply full toe safety and a sneaker-like really feel, the Eager Newport H2s might higher go well with narrower ft as a consequence of their slender footbed and tapered toe field.

Eager Rose Evaluate: One other comparable choose from Eager, the Rose sandals are barely decrease profile and have a extra sandal-like—versus sneaker-like—midsole. They nonetheless present a safe match and complete toe safety.

Ecco Yucatan Evaluate: The Yucatan Eccos present the same midsole really feel to the Hopara 2s, as they’re inflexible and durable, and provide a safe sensation, due to the sandal’s higher that cradles the skin of the foot. Nonetheless, they’re open-toe, so that you lose that safety (however achieve freedom in your piggies.)