Girls’s HOKA Hopara 2 Climbing Sandal Assessment

Backside Line

The HOKA Hopara 2 is the proper 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 normal mountaineering sandals.

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

Nevertheless, that they had issue offering traction on extraordinarily silty surfaces. Additionally, whereas we really recognize the spacious footbed and toe field, they might not be appropriate for hikers with slim ft. Regardless of these minor drawbacks, the Hopara 2s firmly secured a spot in our record 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 carrying them, we frequently assess their efficiency in six key areas: consolation, stability, traction, sturdiness, weight and packability, and ease of use.

Consolation

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

Throughout our preliminary break-in interval, we observed a little bit of a scorching spot beginning to seem after about two miles with socks on. No blisters fashioned after the next 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 tender and versatile. We additionally skilled no points with the open space on the heel inflicting scorching spots or abrasions. 

Sporting 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 operating. We observed they felt a bit free with out socks, and the adjustment mechanism didn’t present a cosy match. People with narrower ft could not have expertise with the Hopara 2s.

Stability

This isn’t a minimalist shoe, that’s for positive. The midsole is thick and has a 5-millimeter heel-to-toe drop. Despite the fact that the midsole is thick (particularly for a sandal), it’s not plush. It’s fairly arduous, really, and doesn’t take in a lot shock in any respect. The upside is that this stiff midsole is bouncy and offers wonderful power return, which could possibly be useful for people who generally 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 a wide range of terrain very properly. We took them over gravel, scree, massive rocks, dust, and grass, and we didn’t as soon as encounter an absence of rigidity or over-plushness. 

As a result of thicker midsole and full higher, the Hopara 2 undoubtedly feels extra like a sneaker than a sandal, which could be a optimistic attribute in sure situations. As an example, we imagine these are a superb possibility 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 secure in these than in conventional mountaineering sandals.

Traction

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

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

Sturdiness

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

The midsole and outsole are powerful, making it tough to flex and prolong the shoe along with your palms totally. Whereas this might not be thought-about a optimistic trait in each context, it contributes to the shoe’s sturdiness. 

Whereas we haven’t observed any points but, we may see the tender, stretchy knit part of the higher (ankle collar space) fraying or shedding its elasticity over time. It’s made from a softer woven materials and is barely barely elastic, which raises issues once we contemplate 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 solely positive we will label this as a transparent destructive, provided 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 must 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 probably the most half, the Hopara is simple to get on and off. Our tester struggled a bit with the quick-lace mechanism: the toggle bought caught a few instances. You have to press the perimeters of the toggle in a particular approach for the mechanism to function easily. The Velcro strap on the heel is straightforward to make use of and in addition facilitates sliding the sneakers on and off simply.

One necessary factor to notice: We don’t advocate 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 dust particles and a number of other small pebbles ended up within the sneakers, and since they’re not like 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 difficulty, but it surely turns into quite annoying when carrying the Hopara 2s with out socks.`

Ought to You Purchase the HOKA Hopara 2?

The HOKA Hopara 2 is a stable alternative 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 change out of mountaineering sneakers for moist sections.

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

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

The Hopara 2 could also be a distinct segment mountaineering sandal, however for those who’re into it, there are some related choices price contemplating. 

Eager Newport H2 Assessment: Just like the Hopara 2s, which provide full toe safety and a sneaker-like really feel, the Eager Newport H2s could higher swimsuit narrower ft because of their slender footbed and tapered toe field.

Eager Rose Assessment: One other related 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 whole toe safety.

Ecco Yucatan Assessment: The Yucatan Eccos present an identical midsole really feel to the Hopara 2s, as they’re inflexible and durable, and provide a safe sensation, because of the sandal’s higher that cradles the surface of the foot. Nevertheless, they’re open-toe, so that you lose that safety (however acquire freedom in your piggies.)