Ya Wanna Try Kawana Again: Reviewing the Hoka Kawana 2

If there was a shoe in the Hoka line that perhaps needed a bit of an update, I feel it was probably the Kawana. We reviewed the initial version back in 2022 and, while we appreciated the look of it, it just didn’t live up what we expected about Hokas. And boy, we feel there are quite a few updates between these two versions.

Read all our reviews on HOKA here!

Looks:

The Kawana 2 currently boasts three distinct colorways, all characterized by a muted palette. These include black on black, black on white, and vanilla/sandstone (reviewed). This departure from the initial Kawana series, which tended to feature slightly more vibrant hues, seems to signify a return to basics in design. While the earlier iterations were not overly flashy, they did possess a subtle pop. Therefore, the decision to opt for more basic colors aligns with the shoe’s reversion to foundational principles.

The iconic swallowtail heel remains a feature of the Kawana 2, though it appears either less pronounced or has been overshadowed by similar design choices prevalent in recent years. Nonetheless, this alteration – now complete with a pull tab – contributes to a more classic aesthetic for the shoe.

Construction:

Upper:

The upper has received a notable update, transitioning from an engineered mesh to an air mesh material. This change enhances breathability and potentially contributes to improved overall comfort while remaining pretty light. Internally, the shoe features a snug, bootie-like construction designed to securely cradle the foot.

Additionally, the lacing system has been revamped, eschewing the traditional eyelet setup in favor of added eye row gillies. This alteration offers a distinct and potentially more secure lockdown for the foot. There is ample padding on the heel – making for a nice slide on feel.

Midsole:

One of the significant improvements, and a commendable one at that, focuses on enhancing the midsole. The midsole of the initial version was notably rigid and firm, leading to discomfort and fatigue. Consequently, I found myself relegating them to the bottom of the usage queue rather swiftly. Our review contained a couple of quotes that, frankly, weren’t the most positive.

“On the Kawana webpage, HOKA even lists this shoe as on the “plush” end of the cushion. However, I have found that the Kawana’s sort of haven’t fallen in line with those terms.”

“I tried these in a few longer runs (say 6-10 miles) and really felt more fatigued in them then I normally would in others from HOKA.“

“I think the Kawana’s may be hit and miss for many runners out there. As strictly a running shoe, which is how most of us view HOKA options, you may feel a little unsatisfied with this shoe. “

Obviously, an update was needed.

The Kawana 2’s absolutely move more into the softness sphere – absolutely a positive aspect. While the initial Kawana was categorized as “plush” by Hoka, this version is labeled as “balanced”. However, I find that this iteration actually delivers a much softer ride compared to its predecessor. This is due to Hoka transitioning from their EVA foam to the ProflyX foam, a feature found in several of their highly acclaimed shoe models. The weight of the shoe has been reduced by approximately an ounce, offering a slightly lighter feel compared to its predecessor.

Overall, these are much more of a pleasure to run in than version 1. This iteration represents a notable step forward and a move in the right direction.

Outsole:

While the outsole design appears largely unchanged, this version incorporates gum rubber for improved traction and longevity. Although our experience with the initial version did not allow for a comprehensive assessment of long-term durability, we have found gum outsole additions to be beneficial in other models. Consequently, we anticipate this upgrade to be a notable improvement.

Final Thoughts:

The Kawana 2’s evoke a sense of being an entirely distinct shoe from their predecessor. Their transformation is so significant that had they been released under a different name, it wouldn’t have been surprising. This restructuring was undoubtedly necessary and represents a clear step in the right direction.