Sign in Pro
HOKA One One Sky Kaha GORE-TEX
Editor’s Conclusion
Footwear is everything when it comes to hiking, the last thing you want is for your hiking shoes is to cause you pain or worse, injury.
With this brand, that is the very last thing that is going to happen to you. Designed by people who have the best experience and knowledge in the field, HOKA is known for being extremely keen to provide the best comfort and use the best technologies to ensure their customers have the greatest experience and return to them time and time again.
And the Sky Kaha GORE-TEX boots are no different. They are designed for strength, support, and continued durability over long-distance treks.
With this brand, that is the very last thing that is going to happen to you. Designed by people who have the best experience and knowledge in the field, HOKA is known for being extremely keen to provide the best comfort and use the best technologies to ensure their customers have the greatest experience and return to them time and time again.
And the Sky Kaha GORE-TEX boots are no different. They are designed for strength, support, and continued durability over long-distance treks.
HOKA One One Sky Kaha GORE-TEX Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Durable
Waterproof
Plush cushioning
Cons
Can pinch so be sure to wear thick walking socks
Key Features
Technologies
Vibram Megagrip
A hiking boot would be nothing without a competent outsole. The Ska Kaha GORE-TEX boots benefit from a Vibram Megagrip outsole, purposely made for traction and durability. It will provide you with comfort and support at the same time and will be an ally for any difficult terrain you may encounter. The 5mm lugs will also be a great support and aid on both wet and dry surfaces.
GORE-TEX
If you’re a hiker, you will know the importance of GORE-TEX. Not only it's a comfortable material perfect for a bootie construction but it is also waterproof and will keep your feet comfortable and dry.
Full-Grain Nubuck Leather
Nubuck leather is one of the perfect materials for any walking boot - it's flexible, durable, strong, and waterproof. It also looks nice and will wear well throughout the years.
Leather is a comfortable material that is strong but soft enough to allow for movability - both key elements you should consider when looking at the material of your hiking boots.
EVA Top Layer
EVA midsoles are there for comfort. they will undoubtedly give you relief and comfort all at the same time and will be a cushion for your feet with every step. I always look at the midsole and whenever I see an EVA midsole, I know that I am looking at comfortable footwear.
Design
The Sky Kaha GORE-TEX is certainly a bold boot. They are designed with the HOKA logo across the side, as well as the Vibram print on the sole. The shaft comes slightly above the ankle to provide a good amount of support and protection and the padded collar will give you even more support, ideal for any unwanted debris and uneven ground that may cross your path.
The rubber Vibram outsole is also a key detail that will help with the variation in terrain you will no doubt experience. The laces are a cross-over style giving support and steadiness to the foot 0 they will keep your feet safe and in place since no one wants a boot that will slip off.
Price
Every time I write a section relating to price, I firstly re-iterate this; If you want quality, it comes with a price. There is no getting away from the fact that quality materials and technologies don’t come cheap, and neither does a reputable and popular brand.
I mentioned earlier that HOKA is a brand designed by experts in the field. If you want expert knowledge and technology, then expect a price tag to come with it. Yes, the HOKA Sky Kaha GTX is an expensive boot, but one that will last you for years and be worth the price you pay for it.
Vibram Megagrip
A hiking boot would be nothing without a competent outsole. The Ska Kaha GORE-TEX boots benefit from a Vibram Megagrip outsole, purposely made for traction and durability. It will provide you with comfort and support at the same time and will be an ally for any difficult terrain you may encounter. The 5mm lugs will also be a great support and aid on both wet and dry surfaces.
GORE-TEX
If you’re a hiker, you will know the importance of GORE-TEX. Not only it's a comfortable material perfect for a bootie construction but it is also waterproof and will keep your feet comfortable and dry.
Full-Grain Nubuck Leather
Nubuck leather is one of the perfect materials for any walking boot - it's flexible, durable, strong, and waterproof. It also looks nice and will wear well throughout the years.
Leather is a comfortable material that is strong but soft enough to allow for movability - both key elements you should consider when looking at the material of your hiking boots.
EVA Top Layer
EVA midsoles are there for comfort. they will undoubtedly give you relief and comfort all at the same time and will be a cushion for your feet with every step. I always look at the midsole and whenever I see an EVA midsole, I know that I am looking at comfortable footwear.
Design
The Sky Kaha GORE-TEX is certainly a bold boot. They are designed with the HOKA logo across the side, as well as the Vibram print on the sole. The shaft comes slightly above the ankle to provide a good amount of support and protection and the padded collar will give you even more support, ideal for any unwanted debris and uneven ground that may cross your path.
The rubber Vibram outsole is also a key detail that will help with the variation in terrain you will no doubt experience. The laces are a cross-over style giving support and steadiness to the foot 0 they will keep your feet safe and in place since no one wants a boot that will slip off.
Price
Every time I write a section relating to price, I firstly re-iterate this; If you want quality, it comes with a price. There is no getting away from the fact that quality materials and technologies don’t come cheap, and neither does a reputable and popular brand.
I mentioned earlier that HOKA is a brand designed by experts in the field. If you want expert knowledge and technology, then expect a price tag to come with it. Yes, the HOKA Sky Kaha GTX is an expensive boot, but one that will last you for years and be worth the price you pay for it.
Comparison to Similar Hiking Shoes
Not everyone will love the bold look that HOKA has to offer or will prefer a different style. If that’s you, then perhaps I could offer the below two as an alternative;
Salomon Crosshike GORE-TEX – These boots have all the technologies you require for an extremely satisfying experience. An EnergyCell midsole for cushioning and durability, Contagrip outsole for support and traction, and a GORE-TEX membrane for breathability and perspiration escape.
Jack Wolfskin Wilderness Lite Texapore Mid – Yet another excellent brand known for its expertise in hiking. The Texapore is lightweight, durable, and cushioned. It benefits from a Vibram outsole, TEXAPORE O2+ membrane, heel brace foam, and an EVA midsole. It's an all-rounder that's for sure.
Salomon Crosshike GORE-TEX – These boots have all the technologies you require for an extremely satisfying experience. An EnergyCell midsole for cushioning and durability, Contagrip outsole for support and traction, and a GORE-TEX membrane for breathability and perspiration escape.
Jack Wolfskin Wilderness Lite Texapore Mid – Yet another excellent brand known for its expertise in hiking. The Texapore is lightweight, durable, and cushioned. It benefits from a Vibram outsole, TEXAPORE O2+ membrane, heel brace foam, and an EVA midsole. It's an all-rounder that's for sure.
Verdict
HOKA is one of my favorite brands, I can't fault their expert knowledge and their bold style. The Sky Kaha GTX provides all features you would require and enjoy whilst on your adventures. They are most certainly a key contender in choice for hiking footwear and would be an excellent purchase.
I would always urge anyone to look at other options, just in case they find an alternative that may suit them more, but if you're looking for comfort, cushioning, durability, stability, and support, then you needn't look further. You've found the ideal hiking boot!
I would always urge anyone to look at other options, just in case they find an alternative that may suit them more, but if you're looking for comfort, cushioning, durability, stability, and support, then you needn't look further. You've found the ideal hiking boot!
See Deal
See Deal