Our verdict

In an attempt to merge the world of road running shoes with fitness sneakers, we found the Hoka Kawana to be versatile enough for gym workouts, CrossFit sessions, and daily short runs. It provides a lot of comfort, durability, and a stable ride to both experienced and beginner runners alike.

zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE trail 10k talla 41.5 Pros

  • Exceptionally comfortable
  • Secure fit
  • zapatillas de running HOKA hombre entrenamiento ritmo medio pie normal media maratón moradas
  • Hoka one one zapatillas hoka one one zinal 42 6557 fiesta black olive
  • Above average durability
  • Hoka One One Bondi 8 Women's
  • Best-looking Hoka so far

zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE trail 10k talla 41.5 Cons

  • Not particularly lively
  • Firmer than other Hokas
  • Women's HOKA Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoes
  • Average-at-best grip

Audience verdict

86
Good!
  • Características de las Hoka One One Clifton 4

Who should buy

We highly recommend the Hoka Kawana if you are looking for a reliable, comfortable, and durable shoe to wear on your next workout, whether it be a road run or a gym session.

In our opinion, versatility is one of the main reasons to buy the Kawana. You can take this shoe practically anywhere!

hoka-kawana-feet-side.JPG

It is also perfect if you are a heel striker and for runners who need a touch more stability on their short easy runs.

Who should NOT buy

HOKA Rincon 3 Chaussures pour Femme en Beautyberry Knockout Pink Taille 44:

hoka-kawana-hands.JPG

Cushioning

Heel stack

The official specs from Hoka say that the shoe's stack comes at 30 mm in the heel.

We carefully measured this shoe and discovered some discrepancies from the official specifications. Our caliper shows a 2.8 mm taller heel, which is 32.8 mm!

hoka-kawana-heel-stack.JPG

Test results
Hoka Kawana 32.8 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

Our forefoot stack measurement also deviates from the official one - by 2.1 mm. Our caliper showed 27.1 mm instead of 25 mm.

hoka-kawana-front-stack.JPG

Test results
Hoka Kawana 27.1 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE trail 10k talla 41.5 | Drop

Hoka consistently leans toward lower drops, and the Kawana is no exception. According to the brand, it comes with a 5 mm drop.

But based on our own difference in stack measurements, it turns out to be 5.7 mm. Not too far off, luckily!

Hoka Kawana drop

Test results
Hoka Kawana 5.7 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Based on our perception only, the Kawana feels firmer than almost any other Hoka shoe. This is not your typical Hoka.

hoka-kawana-durometer-rubber.JPG

Measuring the shoe's midsole softness at 21.4 HA, we actually found that the Kawana sits at the average of Hoka running shoes. It is a touch firmer than the Bondi and the Clifton but it IS softer than the stability-oriented Arahi and Gaviota.

Also, keep in mind that this shoe took us a while to break in and offered its best only after a few runs. Just give it time, but remember it won't ever feel as soft as other Hokas.

Test results
Hoka Kawana 21.4 HA
Average 20.9 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 330 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Chinelos Hoka One One ORA Recovery Slide 2 laranja preto Hoka running shoes tend to harden up too much under freezing temperatures. 

hoka-kawana-freezer.JPG

The Hoka Kawana's midsole hardens by only 26.7% after our freezer test. That's a favorable result for an EVA-based midsole in a Hoka shoe. For comparison, the Ghete HOKA ONE ONE Anacapa Mid Gtx GORE-TEX 1122018 Orbc becomes 49.3% firmer, while the Hoka One One® U Clifton L Gtx Goblin Blue Stone Blue experiences a crazy 60.0% increase in firmness.

Test results
Hoka Kawana 27%
Average 25%
Compared to 330 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

The insole used in the Kawana is pretty standard though. With a heel thickness of 4.5 mm, it is exactly the same as the average.

Hoka Kawana insole

Test results
Hoka Kawana 4.5 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Ride

The shoe didn't offer much energy return or assistance in propelling us forward. This is understandable though since it's a hybrid road/gym shoe suitable for everyday training rather than long runs.

Size and fit

Size

HOKA Clifton 8 Schuhe in Smoke Green Celadon Tint true to size (48 votes).

zapatillas de running HOKA competición trail ritmo medio maratón talla 46?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 382 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Ténis HOKA Rincon 3 preto branco

The Hoka Kawana may not be the best shoe for runners with wide feet. It is better suited for those with narrow feet, and it can also work well for regular-width feet if a snug fit is preferred.

hoka-kawana-toebox.jpg

With a maximum width of 93.9 mm in the forefoot, this shoe is quite narrow compared to the average

Test results
Hoka Kawana 93.9 mm
Average 98.5 mm
Compared to 370 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
91.6 mm
Ténis HOKA Rincon 3 preto branco
104.9 mm

Mens HOKA Bondi 7 Running Shoes

We also measured the Kawana to be narrow around the big toe. With a caliper reading of 68.0 mm, it is almost a centimeter narrower than average which shows its tapered shape.

Test results
Hoka Kawana 68.0 mm
Average 78.4 mm
Compared to 244 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
67.6 mm
Mens HOKA Bondi 7 Running Shoes
89.2 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

We love Hoka's unique swallowtail design which made the shoe's ride incredibly smooth and seamless.

We also found the benefit in its stiffness and stability, which makes the Kawana a good option for those who need a little more guidance.

Torsional rigidity

A moderate amount of stiffness in the shoe's platform is very helpful in making it feel more stable. In our manual assessment, we rated it as 3 out of 5 (where 5 is the stiffest).

Test results
Hoka Kawana 3
Average 3.4
Compared to 382 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The Kawana's heel counter adheres to the signature Hoka style. As a result, it is firmer than the typical daily running shoe, while still providing gentle and comfortable support for your heel. Additionally, it boasts a unique curvature that alleviates pressure on your Achilles tendon.

In our manual test, we rated the shoe's heel counter stiffness as 3 out of 5.

Test results
Hoka Kawana 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 366 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Hoka is renowned for its maximalist approach and its super-wide platforms to promote stability. Although the Kawana is not massive, it still offers a lot of real estate in its outsole—especially in the heel.

hoka-kawana-measurement-front.JPG

We measured 112.8 mm in the forefoot which is pretty average for a road shoe. But it is in the heel where the Kawana makes a difference.

Test results
Hoka Kawana 112.8 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
102.2 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Reebok hombre amortiguación media grises

The Kawana's sole is impressively wide in the heel! At 95.6 mm in its widest part, this Hoka shoe is 5.5 mm wider than average!

With its firm midsole and wide heel, the Kawana is a great shoe for any heel striker.

hoka-kawana-measurement-heel.JPG

It is also 12.9% wider than a Pegasus 39 or 9.6% wider than a Nike Zoom Fly 5.

Test results
Hoka Kawana 95.6 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
70.8 mm
Reebok hombre amortiguación media grises
106.6 mm

Ténis HOKA Clifton 8 lilás branco rosa mulher

This shoe is a versatile all-rounder, which means it simply can't be too stiff. And the Hoka Kawana did not disappoint.

It only took a force of 21.4N to bend the Kawana to a 90º angle. That's 25.7% less than what was needed to bend a Clifton 9 and 42% less than it takes a road shoe on average!

So, it's confirmed: this is indeed a flexible shoe!

Test results
Hoka Kawana 21.4N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 383 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

hoka clifton 8 chaussures de route pour hommes en evening primrosecharlock 1119393 epch (%)

When it comes to flexibility and cold weather, the Kawana truly embodies the essence of a daily trainer, showcasing an average performance.

In fact, after putting it through our flex test in cold temperatures, its flexibility decreased by 42.3%, which is strikingly close to the average shoe tested in our lab at 43.6%. Talk about a close call!

Test results
Hoka Kawana 70%
Average 32%
Compared to 383 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
0%
hoka clifton 8 chaussures de route pour hommes en evening primrosecharlock 1119393 epch
101%

Weight

This is not the lightest shoe in the Hoka line, but it doesn't feel heavy when picking up the pace and it provides a good amount of protection underfoot. 

hoka-kawana-logo.JPG

Weighing 10.7 oz (303g), we can confirm that this is not a light shoe. In fact, it's heavier than most of its competitors in the daily trainer category (by almost an ounce!). For instance, the uber-popular Pegasus 40 is a whole ounce lighter!

Test results
Hoka Kawana 10.69 oz (303g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 404 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

We were happy to find out that this Hoka shoe is very well-ventilated!

Following our breathability test, we can confirm that the shoe proved our experience. It scored a 4 out of 5 in our assessment, which is better than the average shoe and surpasses nearly all other daily trainers on the market. And the video speaks for itself!

This shoe serves as a prime example of how to achieve excellent ventilation with a thick upper, demonstrating how a shoe can effectively handle both cold and hot weather conditions. As you can see, light doesn't pass through the upper material, so it will be warm in winter.

hoka-kawana-upper-holes.JPG

The mini-holes in the upper are strategically placed to promote airflow. 

hoka-kawana-holes-close.JPG

We loved this approach for a daily trainer. In contrast, this is Nike Streakfly's upper, which is also super-ventilated, but not great for winter runs.

nike zoomx streakfly microscope upper 19346245 1440 19495861 main

Test results
Hoka Kawana 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 333 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

The shoe's breathable and adequately padded upper made a very nice first impression. And what made it even better was the fact that Hoka achieved this level of comfort using recycled materials!

Unfortunately, this upper material failed to show wear resistance in our standardized Dremel test.

hoka-kawana-dremel.jpg
Hoka Kawana vs. Hoka Transport

zapatillas de running Hoka One One hombre trail naranjas.

The results reveal that the Kawana's upper gives up and tears quite easily under the Dremel. That's why we rated it with the lowest score of 1/5 on our toebox durability test.

Test results
Hoka Kawana 1
Average 2.6
Compared to 267 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
1
Toebox durability
5

Outsole hardness

Hoka one one zapatillas hoka one one clifton 8 mujer 39 1 3 5859 grape wine beautyberry.

hoka-kawana-durometer-heel.JPG

Measuring the shoe's rubber hardness with a durometer, we got 86.6 HC. That's some sturdy rubber! In comparison, it is 7% harder than the average road running shoe's rubber. And harder rubbers make for longer lives!

Test results
Hoka Kawana 86.6 HC
Average 79.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 384 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
56.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole thickness

In an effort to reduce weight, the Kawana's outsole features a modest 2.9 mm height. Though it's 0.5 mm less than the average shoe, there's no cause for concern, thanks to the remarkable sturdiness of the rubber used in this shoe.

hoka-kawana-rubber.JPG

Test results
Hoka Kawana 2.9 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

We found the shoe's outsole to be efficiently grippy in most conditions, even though there is not much rubber at the bottom.

hoka-kawana-outsole-back.JPG

However, as the ground got wetter and more slippery, the Kawana proved to be less grippy than other Hokas like the also-versatile Rincon 3.

Reflective elements

In keeping with the overall theme of this running shoe, the reflective material is fairly average. While it doesn't provide visibility from great distances like the On shoe (right), it does have some reflective elements, unlike many shoes that lack this feature entirely.

hoka-kawana-reflective.jpg

Test results
Hoka Kawana Yes

Tongue padding

From the shoe's generously padded tongue to its pronounced Achilles pillows, the Kawana just screams comfort!

Upon closer examination in our lab, we can verify that the shoe's tongue is among the thickest we've encountered, measuring 11.6 mm!

hoka-kawana-tongue-thick.JPG

Test results
Hoka Kawana 11.6 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto constitución media maratón
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

hoka tecton x cut

This heavily padded tongue is also semi-gusseted which brings the shoe's lockdown to the next level. Not to mention that it makes the in-shoe experience feel premium!

hoka-kawana-tongue.JPG

Test results
Hoka Kawana Both sides (semi)