Best/Worst Shoes!
The best/worst hiking/water shoes ever! Wore the Hopara 2's for a week, walking around NYC to test the comfort before my vacation. They were perfect, so i wore them the next week for easy hikes, tubing and swimming, etc. After a few days, the right heel loop immediately started to fray. Then the mesh on the left shoe began to pull apart from the sole. I was shocked at how quickly they fell apart after only 3 weeks of casual use. Then there were the blisters from the right shoe (weird blisters where I've never had blisters before). Had to return them when I got back. Hated to give them up because they were AWESOME shoes! The soles were good and grippy on trails, they protected my feet from rocks, dried quickly, were easy to take on/off, and they had stable support. ... MoreThe best/worst hiking/water shoes ever! Wore the Hopara 2's for a week, walking around NYC to test the comfort before my vacation. They were perfect, so i wore them the next week for easy hikes, tubing and swimming, etc. After a few days, the right heel loop immediately started to fray. Then the mesh on the left shoe began to pull apart from the sole. I was shocked at how quickly they fell apart after only 3 weeks of casual use. Then there were the blisters from the right shoe (weird blisters where I've never had blisters before). Had to return them when I got back. Hated to give them up because they were AWESOME shoes! The soles were good and grippy on trails, they protected my feet from rocks, dried quickly, were easy to take on/off, and they had stable support. They were perfect, until they weren't.... Show more
LisaS
originally posted on hoka.com
Color Caution: Hopara 2's Lighter Shade May Surprise
Upon receiving the Hopara 2 in the barley/oat milk colorway, I was immediately struck by how much lighter they were in person compared to the images online. It's a significant difference that might not sit well with everyone, especially if you're expecting the darker, richer tones shown in the photos. That said, after the initial surprise, the lighter color began to grow on me. Its design provides a reliable grip and outdoor protection, but the firm heel requires time to break in for comfort. Also, there is a CORDURA fabric tag not shown in online photos (next to the Quick Dry label); I like the tag, but it was not expected.The heel strap can rub uncomfortably, especially without socks, though adjustments might help. I hope after a break-in period that the heel ... MoreUpon receiving the Hopara 2 in the barley/oat milk colorway, I was immediately struck by how much lighter they were in person compared to the images online. It's a significant difference that might not sit well with everyone, especially if you're expecting the darker, richer tones shown in the photos. That said, after the initial surprise, the lighter color began to grow on me. Its design provides a reliable grip and outdoor protection, but the firm heel requires time to break in for comfort. Also, there is a CORDURA fabric tag not shown in online photos (next to the Quick Dry label); I like the tag, but it was not expected.The heel strap can rub uncomfortably, especially without socks, though adjustments might help. I hope after a break-in period that the heel fabric softens over time for better comfort.Despite the initial discomfort from the heel strap, it's pretty comfortable.. Contrary to expectations, the sole isn't overly squishy, striking a good balance between firmness and cushioning, which actually enhances the wearing experience. Its grip is commendable, providing confidence on various surfaces, and the shoe performs exceptionally well in Florida's humid and rainy conditions.... Show more
BV
originally posted on hoka.com
Hoka needs to make wide width for this shoe in Women's Sizes
I was looking for a sandal I can use on rafting trips and on the rocky shores of Lake Huron. So basically a closed toe water sandal. I have not had the opportunity to try it but was forced to order a man's size to accommodate for the lack of this shoe being offered in my actual size. As a result the width is ok but slightly too small and my toe rubs the top of the shoe. There is an opportunity to create a better water sandal for women in all sizes with closed toes, as the choices are very limited. The shoe is comfortable but cannot rate its practical use, only providing a review to get the company to stop sending emails asking for a review.... Show more
Water
originally posted on hoka.com
Hopara 2 - Early Testing
So far going great in Kauai. 6 pairs for the users of all ages, including a day on the Kalalau Trail. Mud, streams, just schlepping around. Love these all-purpose hiker-based sandals. Slight iron staining from the trail washed off about 98% (barley, black, cream - all washed off 100%; 1 of 2 dune with slight staining). Possibly too much for those who want a simple sandal, but a fantastic sandal for those who are active/aggressive and want stability, a secure fit, and sticky grip.... Show more
HikerFamily
originally posted on hoka.com
Love these shoes....BUT.....
We bought two pairs (one for me and one for my wife) for a cruise. I'm a huge fan of HOKA, and these shoes are great with ONE HUGE MUST KNOW: If you wear these in sand, they turn into SAND STORAGE UNITS. The issue is the mesh design vs. the slot/sandal design with NO MESH. They are very hard to clean the sand out of and will hold a METRIC TON of sand (wink). If you're looking for a beach or hiking shoe that works getting wet and you're going to be walking through sand/mud/gravel...keep this in mind. They dry out and hold up great, but that's the major issue we had with them. We used them on our Cruise and the style and comfort is 100% HOKA and we love the shoes other than this one design issue. Using them in water where you won't be sinking into sand/mud they are ... MoreWe bought two pairs (one for me and one for my wife) for a cruise. I'm a huge fan of HOKA, and these shoes are great with ONE HUGE MUST KNOW: If you wear these in sand, they turn into SAND STORAGE UNITS. The issue is the mesh design vs. the slot/sandal design with NO MESH. They are very hard to clean the sand out of and will hold a METRIC TON of sand (wink). If you're looking for a beach or hiking shoe that works getting wet and you're going to be walking through sand/mud/gravel...keep this in mind. They dry out and hold up great, but that's the major issue we had with them. We used them on our Cruise and the style and comfort is 100% HOKA and we love the shoes other than this one design issue. Using them in water where you won't be sinking into sand/mud they are perfectly fine water shoes, if not exceptional!... Show more
Dan G
originally posted on hoka.com
So far so good. We'll see how it is in summer temperatures
I bought these to be a more protective shoe than Teva sandals during Scottsdale, Arizona summers when the temperature is over 110 degrees. So far in 80-degree weather the Hopara 2s seem to be well ventilated and cushioned while providing good protection of my feet. I'm a little concerned that the Velcro heel strap will not last long and I'll have to replace the Velcro too soon. The lacing system has turned out to be far better than I hoped, much better than conventional laces. Only 4 star review because I am not confident in the durability of the Velcro heel strap.... Show more
Steve
originally posted on hoka.com
Solidly okay hikers
Bought these two weeks ago for a rafting trip down the grand canyon. For hiking purposes these are perfect, lightweight, comfortable, and grippy. As a sandal or water-shoe however, these come up short in several ways:1. The cordura mesh prevents any debris (including sand) from exiting the shoe through the sides2. The holes in the heel sucked in rocks like no other water shoe I have ever worn3. The heel cup, while great for hiking support, prevented debris from draining out the heel holes4. The heel pull tab on one shoe disintegrated within two days of use... Show more
tspencer
originally posted on backcountry.com
The Perfect Shoe for Me
This shoe is the perfect combination of being comfortable, breezy, light weight & secure (courtesy smart engineering around the front of the foot and the back strap over the heal). My feet stay cool, but the shoe is secure for when I'm on the move. And they look really good. My only problem is I want to wear them everywhere. I wasn't originally planning on working out in them, but they've replaced my work out shoes. I also wear them out casually and around the house to lounge in, so I hope they're durable (and by all accounts thus, far it appears that they are). Already looking at other colors for additional pairs. One last thing, they're stable. I don't feel like the heel could roll even if I tried. GREAT shoe.... Show more
Doc Holliday
originally posted on hoka.com
Too Wide
Wanted to love this shoe, only kinda like. Nice blend of cushioning and support with arch support you rarely see in a sandal. Appreciate the adjustable heel strap, does a nice job of locking down the heel. However, the mid- and forefoot are too wide for me. My feet are swimming in this shoe. Length is fine. Bought these for hiking, but definitely too loose for that purpose - I'll stick with my Bedrocks. Hoka needs to make a Medium and Wide version, these are definitely Wide. Will keep these for casual use. They are comfortable and look great.... Show more
J Mc
originally posted on hoka.com
Very pleased!
My husband and I have many pairs of Hoka's. We have different designs of the recovery sandals that we wear around the house, which we love. These are designed like a recovery sandal with a top on them. We love them. I got the COLOR: Illusion / Amethyst and he got the COLOR: Barley / Oat Milk. I will say for his color it's a bit more muted than the pictures on the website. More of a muted lighter olive and gray. My husband actually liked the color much better in person. He was pretty excited and put them on after his 16 hour day. He said, yes, I'm gonna love these and I can't wait to wear them everywhere. We bought the for our anticipated upcoming vacation! I love the pair I got as well! Keepers!! Oh and I got a women's 10 and fit true to size for me!... Show more
LH
originally posted on hoka.com