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Three Things To Know:
- £190 RRP at time of writing
- Narrow toe box can feel like its pinching your toes
- Vibram Megagrip outsole gives good traction on loose terrain
Our Rating:
Comfort and Fit
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
Durability and Materials
Weight and Flexibility
Grip and Traction
Check availability at Hoka and Cotswold Outdoor.
Hoka is a relatively new player in the outdoor footwear scene, having only been around since 2009 when it was founded in France by former Salomon engineers Nicolas Mermoud and Jean–Luc Diard. Known primarily for their maximalist running shoes, Hoka has gradually earned credibility in the hiking boot space – and I was curious to see if their reputation for comfort carried over to their latest offering, the Kaha 3 GORE–TEX boots.
I took these boots out for several hikes across mixed terrain – wet woodland trails, loose gravel, and a bit of scrambling for good measure – to see how they hold up in real–world conditions.
Compared to their predecessor, the latest Kaha 3 come with added GORE–TEX Invisible Fit, a one–piece outsole design and molded TPU heel counter/toe cap, and a sugarcane EVA midsole.
Comfort and Fit
I picked up the Hoka Kaha 3 GORE–TEX hiking boots in a size 5 (EU 38) in black, and straight out of the box, I was genuinely impressed by the look of them. Hoka’s signature chunky sole gives them a modern edge, and it’s surprisingly hard to find a fully black hiking boot that looks this clean.
Unfortunately, my excitement didn’t quite carry over once I put them on. The boots immediately felt tight around the toes and generally snug, particularly when I wore them with my usual hiking socks. I had hoped they would loosen up over time, but even after a few walks, the tightness didn’t ease and it became uncomfortable enough to be a real distraction while I was out on the trail.
Interestingly, we've experienced something similar with Hoka’s women’s Bondi 9 running shoes – they just don’t seem to cater well to wider feet. It’s worth flagging this if you’ve had similar fit issues with Hoka footwear before.
That said, there were still a lot of things I liked about the boots. The ankle and sole cushioning were excellent – plush, springy, and provided great support across uneven terrain. The ride felt comfortable and responsive, which is something Hoka typically gets right.
I also appreciated the three–hook lacing system with the central loop – it’s a small detail but it really helped keep the laces in place and made tightening the boots straightforward. However, I did find that the lace hooks stuck out more than I would like, and they clanged together noticeably while I was walking, which became a little annoying over longer distances. Another thing to watch out for: make sure the tongue is properly centred when lacing up. If it shifts even slightly, it tends to pinch at the top, which can add to the discomfort.
If you’re considering these boots, I’d strongly recommend trying them on in–store if you can. Hoka does offer half sizes, so I suspect a 5.5 might have solved a lot of the fit issues I had. It’s also great that Hoka provides a 30–day “test flight” policy, where you can return the boots within 30 days for a no–questions–asked refund if they don’t work out – a real plus when you’re investing in hiking footwear.
Waterproofing and Weather Resistance
I’ve put these boots through their paces in streams, mud, and light rain, and I’m happy to report they hold up really well. Walking through shallow water, my feet stayed completely dry, which I credit to the GORE–TEX Invisible Fit lining – it definitely pulls its weight when it comes to waterproofing.
What impressed me most is that despite the substantial waterproof protection, the boots don’t feel overly stiff or plasticky. The combination of the nubuck leather upper and the GORE–TEX membrane creates a solid, durable barrier without compromising too much on comfort or flexibility.
That said, the leather does require some maintenance – a periodic treatment with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) spray is necessary to keep that water resistance up. Also, the nubuck means these boots take a bit longer to dry compared to synthetic materials, so it’s something to keep in mind if you’re caught in prolonged wet conditions.
On a very hot day, I noticed my feet got quite warm inside the boots. Breathability doesn’t seem to be their strong suit, so I’d say these boots are best suited for cooler, wetter weather rather than blazing summer hikes.
Weight and Flexibility
Despite all the materials and technology packed into these boots, I was genuinely surprised at how lightweight they are – coming in at just 484 grams per boot. This makes the Hoka Kaha 3 GORE–TEX well–suited for casual day hikes and longer walks where you want protection without feeling weighed down.
They offer moderate flexibility, with the main flex point right at the forefoot. Even though the toe box felt snug, my feet could still move naturally on flat trails and moderate hills, which is a big plus for comfort over distance. I also appreciated the higher ankle collar – it provided solid support without feeling overly stiff or restricting my movement, which can be a problem with some more rigid hiking boots.
Grip and Traction
The soles of the Hoka Kaha 3 GORE–TEX hiking boots feel noticeably springy, which makes walking over varied terrain a bit less tiring on the ankle and soles. The Vibram Megagrip outsole performed well on muddy and uneven ground, providing reliable traction whether I was heading uphill or downhill.
What really stood out was their grip on wet rock – it was confidently secure, which makes these boots a strong choice for countryside trails and rocky outcrops. That said, if you’re planning on doing a lot of hard–surface walking or tackling highly technical mountain routes, you might want to consider a more specialised boot built specifically for those conditions.
Value For Money
These boots incorporate some impressive improved technologies, such as the Vibram Megagrip outsoles and they do look good, so if you don’t have the toebox issue I would say these are decent value for money.
Sustainability
The boots do incorporate quite a lot of recycled materials as stated above, and the Kaha 3 uses gold–rated leather certificate by the Leather Working Group (LWG). Some Hoka shoes are fully vegan, and the brand uses recycled cardboard packaging with soy–based inks and minimal plastic where possible.
Should You Buy It?
I like the look of these boots, and the Vibram Megagrip soles are great, but with the issues with the toebox, I personally probably wouldn’t buy these shoes. If you’re interested, try them on in–store, or take advantage of the 30 day returns policy.
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Find more in our guide to the best walking boots.
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