I bought these a few months ago and have been waiting to write a review until I put these to test on a 2 week trip to Iceland which I just got back from. I wanted something lightweight with great traction and maximum comfort. This shoe exceeded every expectation and then some. On my trip I wore these every day and hiked no less than 7-10 miles per day in what I would consider extreme conditions. Snow, ice, rain, hail - you name it, I hiked on it in these shoes and they were literal life savers. It is so comfortable that it's almost hard to describe, feels like the shoe is energizing you forward. I am just getting over a wicked battle with plantar fasciitis in my right foot and these shoes truly made my feet feel amazing after hiking up mountains in pretty wild conditions. Now, I've seen some reviews talking about the waterproofing. I work for a major outerwear company that sells tons of work boots and many consumers don't understand what a waterproof shoe actual means. It means that the shoe will hold off water up to a certain extent, but if you step in a foot of water over the laces, the shoe will obviously become wet. Since I was hiking in the rain and snow, I did take on a little water in the toe box but never so much to the point where I had swamp foot happening, just a little
Moisture. The material on the inside of the boot is meant to dry easily and I had no problem taking a blow dryer for about 30 seconds to dry them out after hiking on a glacier. The tread is incredible and the large heel makes it easy for walking on inclines and uneven surfaces. This might be the most I've ever spent on a single pair of shoes, but after putting them to the test I am happy to say that these are worth every penny.

I was weary of this shoe due to the wild design but wanted maximum cushion for my daily hikes. I need extra cushion due to my compromised knees and back. I have learned to put the heel first more to optimize the design and cushion and then role your step pushing off with the calf muscle. The tread does very well and I tried it on wet leaves, rocks, through deep puddles, and wood bridges. I walked in the rain and the gore Tex works great. Seems like a strange design but a great shoe.

I waited to do a review until I had put some miles on these shoes. I've hiked about 30 miles on moderate terrain. I'm always in search of comfortable hiking shoes. Ive stuck with the traditional boots for years, I've never liked a lightweight shoe for hiking. After years of abuse , my feet are demanding it. These boots are weird looking , but once you put them on, it's like walking on a cloud. The grip is impressive. I've been over wet tree roots and rocks with no slipping. They are extremely comfortable. My only concern is how the lightweight material holds up to abuse. No signs of wearing out yet.

For me, the shoe/boot sloped too much to the front and I felt my forefoot was not supported.
I returned the item.

Only been able to wear them once, but already Love them. Very comfortable and fell very stable with the new style!!!

Unlike the Hoka Anacapa that gives my tender feet new life, this hiker hurt my feet like other hiking boots. I was, however, very happy to get full credit when I returned within the 30 days.

This comfortable water resistant trail shoe feels like it is the cross of a snowshoe and a plush slipper! It has great stability with a wide base and couldn't be more comfortable on a foot. It's worth its expensive price.

These boots are epic. Lightweight, flexible, comfortable right of the box, and the most cushion and shock absorption of any boot out on the market. I'm a UPS driver, so I know, ha. The only thing is there is a hot spot on one of the lace hook points that bothers me at times. I can skip it in the lace-up, using the other 2 and that seems to get rid of the discomfort. More padding on the inside of the boot under each of these hooks would alleviate this altogether. Hint, hint, design team. I should also mention the heel, lol. It looks funny, but in practical day to day use they are like other regular soles.
Walking down steps is a little clumsy. Haven't taken them hiking yet to try out the heel feature, but will at some point. The mountains are about a 2 hr. drive. Asheville here I come. Also, I wear a size 9, but order one size up for more room in the toe box area:)
Thanks for the comfort and dryness you have created.

My wife and I use them on an 80KM (50 miles) hike. We both felt the HOKAs comfortable, maybe a little rigid. The only defect that we found, and that affected us both, is that the tongue is thicker than what a boot / tennis normally has. This causes it to start to bother when fastened firmly, and in conjunction with the throat of the tennis shoe it creates an annoying effect, which ends up becoming a pain.

I have flat feet and as I age, my feet and ankles require support beyond what I find in a standard height shoe. This shoe is almost perfect; what's the problem? The back end flare is difficult to get used to. Driving is uncomfortable and I find myself catching the back of the shoe on all kinds of things from the under edge of the sofa when getting up to the stair treads when I go up and down. if you are less than 100% stable, I would caution you about buying this shoe.