Hoka Hopara 2 Review After 2 Years of Wear

I’ve worn all the hiking sandals including Keen Newport and Keen Whisper, Teva Hydratrek, and Chaco Lowdown. As a full-time traveling nomad who roams the world as a lifestyle, I live out of a carry-on suitcase. I can only manage two pair of shoes at a time, so my shoe decisions are very important.

What’s in My Carry-on Bag?

I must have a pair of Hoka Speedgoat trail runners so I can go to the gym, do more advance hikes, and play some pickleball. But trail runners are terrible for the beach, romping through rivers, lighter hikes, and everyday wear across cobblestone streets, asphalt tarmacs, and market runs.

Hopa Hopara Go Everywhere

This is where the Hoka Hopara sport sandals come in. I absolutely adore these shoes. They are the Jeep of world travel, the Swiss Army knife of daily shoes, the standard bearer of all things that go on my feet.

I have worn my Hoparas for over 1000 miles, and I have to say, I’m impressed they’ve lasted that long. I’ve walked the Manley to Bondi trail in Australia, hiked and biked the Camino Frances in Spain, and shopped in practically every market from Istanbul to Buenos Aires.

I Love My Hoka Hopara Sandals

Here’s why I like my Hoka Hoparas:

• I can wear them without my inserts. I have custom orthotics that I need in my trail runners, but I can wear my Hoparas without them because this sport sandal has enough arch support that I can do without my inserts.
  
• I can adjust the ankle strap to my thin heel, yet the big boxy toe box makes room for my wide toes.
  
• I can throw them in the wash and they come out clean.
  
• This is a sturdy shoe. It’s the sturdiest against Keen, Teva, and Chaco.
  
• I never have to worry about my toes. The toe bumper keeps my awkward toes safe, and compared to Keen, my little toe never sneaks out like it does in the Keen Whisper.

How Long Do Hoka Hopara Last?

After a year of wearing the Hoka Hopara, it still fits snugly. The sock still fits correctly around my ankle, although it has turned a dull gray from its original bright white.

The soles have worn themselves out. I do wish that Hoka would put Vibram soles on the Hopara because the bottoms wear quickly.

The quick pull laces remain as taunt as when I purchase them.

The thickness of the footbed has stayed cushiony, but I probably could have gotten a new pair at about 800 miles.

The fact that my Hoka Hoparas have lasted over 1000 miles, I can’t believe they aren’t more worn through!

Hopara vs Whisper/Newport, Hydratrek and Lowdown

In comparison to the other sport sandals, here’s how the Hopara matches up.

• The Hopara is lighter than the Keen equivalents, making it a win in the weight column when it comes to carry-on luggage and weight requirements.
  
• The Hopara beats the Keen equivalents for toe protection and fit. In addition, they aren’t leather like the Keens, so their water recovery is better and their after-wearing smell is fresher.
  
• The Hopara beats the Hydratrek on grip and slipperiness. I never feared walking on slimy rocks with my new Hoparas, although now with their worn bottoms, I am more cautious (I swear I’ve ordered a new pair!)
  
• The Hopara beats the Lowdown for all around shoe due to its safety elements that the Lowdown (and the Hydratrek) just don’t have. The Lowdown, though, is the lightest of the bunch and a contender if luggage weight is your sole concern.