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A cushioned workhorse for serious hikers, the Kaha 3 GTX blends plush comfort with mountain-ready durability—ideal for long days on unpredictable trails.
We recommend sizing up half a size in this shoe.
Hoka says:
Pinnacle Plushness with Weather-Ready Capabilities.
A long-haul adventure hiker that’s cushier and more durable than ever before, the Kaha returns in a sleek new package. Geared for day hikes and multi-day adventures, our cushy sockliner combats foot fatigue while a dual density sugarcane EVA midsole provides a bit more bounce than its predecessor. HOKA’s first-ever mid-cut hiker with GORE-TEX Invisible Fit, the Kaha 3 GTX features a durable toe cap, Achilles-friendly heel collar to mitigate pressure, and Vibram® Megagrip outsole for toothy traction on lose terrain.
Our Verdict
The Hoka Kaha 3 GTX takes what worked in its predecessor and refines it for an even more comfortable and supportive hiking experience. With plush cushioning, a redesigned waterproof upper, and a more responsive midsole, it’s built for long miles on trail.
Straight out of the box, the Kaha 3 GTX feels sturdy yet surprisingly forgiving underfoot. The updated dual-density midsole incorporates sugarcane EVA and adds noticeable bounce without losing the stability essential for uneven terrain. Traction is superb, thanks to the one-piece Vibram Megagrip outsole with 4mm lugs, offering confidence on wet rock and loose scree. The new GORE-TEX Invisible Fit construction improves waterproofing while keeping the upper flexible and less bulky, a welcome upgrade for multi-day treks.
Fit is improved with a softer Achilles-friendly heel collar, though some might find the boot a touch heavier than before. It remains a solid option for hikers prioritising cushioning and ankle support over shaving grams, making it especially well-suited for rugged trails and long distances.
- Reviewed by Basecamp Gear
Features
- GORE-TEX Invisible Fit footwear fabric
- 100% Recycled polyester quarter mesh, tongue mesh and lining mesh
- One-piece Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug and 4mm lugs
Specifications
- Weight per UK8 shoe: 520g
- Best for: Trail Running, Day Hiking
- Dynamic Sandwich Mesh, Recycled Content Mesh, Recycled polyester laces upper
Material & Construction
Upper
- Leather Working Group Gold-Rated waterproof nubuck leather
- Quick-lace metal top hooks
- GORE-TEX Invisible Fit footwear fabric
- Topically applied PFC-free water repellency treatment
- 100% Recycled polyester quarter mesh, tongue mesh and lining mesh
Midsole
- Dual-density midsole with 30% sugarcane EVA
- Hubble® Heel and SwallowTail™ design
- MetaRocker™ with integrated flex grooves
- Molded, Poured PU sockliner with 50% Susterra™
Outsole
- One-piece Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug and 4mm lugs
