Over the past few years, I’ve become pretty consistent in my cross-training routine. Before that, it was all running, all the time, which led to a cycle of injuries and, frankly, boredom. So, I started mixing in yoga and mobility work (both of which I feel crazy for not having done sooner) as well as cycling and weightlifting. In the latter, I was lifting in my running shoes—of which I had a multitude of pairs.
And wouldn’t you know it, there’s actually something to having cross-training or gym-specific footwear that’s beneficial, much like running shoes. Thus, I invested in a true pair of footwear that was specifically designed for the gym and not for supporting miles of running. And it went great! Now, after a year and a half with the same pair of gymshoes, I knew it was time to try something new. Enter the HOKA Kawana Mid, which seemed like a solid choice given our love of the running brand.
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The Kawana Mid closely resembles its running shoe counterpart, complete with the unique flared back that people either love or hate. This design isn’t by accident; HOKA intentionally kept the styling of the Kawana but added a few new features geared towards cross-training.
The upper is cleaner, and the midsole definitely has added lateral stability—something needed when doing cardio or HIIT training. There’s also a mesh collar above the upper that provides a little more protection.
Even beyond the quality of the shoe in the gym, if you wanted to wear this out and about, you for sure could. It comes in two colors—an all-black and a white (super sexy) version—both of which can handle double duties as a casual pair. Personally, I’m gonna keep this in my home gym and hopefully see the gains on my body as my feet gain a new friend underfoot.
In the end, whether you’re a die-hard runner just dipping your toe into the cross training waters, or a seasoned vet comfortable with cross-training workouts, the HOKA Kawana Mid brings a familiar running pedigree to the gym floor. Its blend of cushioning and stability means you can transition seamlessly from pavement pounding to a variety of non-running workouts without missing a beat. These shoes remind you that even in a world of mixed workouts, your running roots are never too far behind.
