The Hoka Kawana 2 Is the Ultimate Travel Sneaker

As a frequent traveler, I’m always looking for ways to travel more easily. One of those is packing lighter but it’s a little tricky as an active traveler who likes to hit the trails, conquer national parks, and tackle scenic runs whenever possible. So, suffice to say, I needed to find a sneaker that would work for every kind of activity I take on. 

Earlier this year, I faced my challenge of packing light head-on: I visited Sydney, Australia and vowed to myself to only bring one pair of comfortable shoes. Although I have an arsenal of super comfortable and versatile shoes from brands like On, Merrell, and Adidas, I decided to go with popularity and put my Hoka Kawana 2 sneakers to the test. Having worn Hoka shoes while traveling before, I knew they could take on any kind of terrain, so I was confident that they would do the trick. 

Hoka Kawana 2

What initially drew me to these Hokas was that they are multi-functional: they’re great for both training and light gym work. Not only that, but they’re also less bulky than other Hoka shoes, which meant they would take up less room in my luggage. Most importantly, though, their stylish design would save me from looking like I was wearing hiking shoes in the middle of Bondi Beach, Sydney’s Darling Harbor, or while hitting the glamorous shopping district on Oxford street.

As it turns out, my Hoka Kawanas were put to the ultimate test because my trip to Sydney was jam-packed with fun activities. These shoes proved to be the right travel buddy: I walked Bondi Beach, climbed the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge, fed kangaroos and koalas, canoed in the wilderness, and even went on a rave train (more on that later) without ever changing shoes or getting a single blister on my overrun feet. I even happened to be visiting during Vivid Sydney, a 23 day-long arts and culture light show with activities and installations to check out throughout the city.

Hoka Kawana 2

The mixed terrains around Bondi Beach put my Kawana’s to the first test. Landing in Australia’s most famous beach early in the morning, I started with a two-hour jog around the coastal rim of Bondi beach on steep inclines and narrow downhill walks before ending at the famous Bondi Icebergs Club for a cocktail and lunch admiring the views. What I loved about these shoes was that they offered enough cushion for me when running on the road and pavement, but also enough support when I walked on grass and sand. As an added bonus, the inner lining of the shoe, which acts as a double sock, made it so easy to slip the sneaker on and off — perfect for anyone who likes to kick off their shoes without undoing their laces. 

The next day, I strapped on my Hoka Kawana shoes again for the greatest adventure in Sydney: climbing the Harbor Bridge. (I know it sounds touristy, but it was so much fun; I loved being a tourist in my own country.) During the almost two-hour climb, I walked up incredibly steep steps, and even had to climb a vertical steel ladder before ascending further up to the top of the Aussie icon that reaches 440 feet above sea level. Not once did my foot slip or slide during the entire adventure, and I felt completely safe in my Kawanas. I was also glad I didn’t have to worry about blisters thanks to these comfy, lightweight shoes which almost felt like slippers during the climb. 

To celebrate our victory, my friends and I scored tickets to the coolest event in Sydney that happens just once a year: Tekno Train. If you love DJ Paul Mac, plan your visit to Sydney in June when it happens again and jump on this unique train which takes you across the city and past national landmarks while playing cool techno music in a converted passenger train. Wearing my Hokas, I did the “Melbourne Shuffle” and “Brisbane Stomp” while my feet felt comfortable and still looked stylish and trendy. 

Hoka Kawana 2

My Hoka Kawanas proved to be just as good in nature as they were in the city. Surrounded by bushland and beautiful parks, I wore them during morning runs around Morton National Park as well as the Southern Highlands and Blue Mountains. Running up and down steep inclines into gorges and around the “wishing well” rock formation, the midsole allowed me to hit different terrains without slowing me down, and the gum rubber outsole gave me extra stability.

Mornings in the Southern Highlands can be wet and slippery, but the Hoka Kawana shoes always felt very stable. The best part was that the single-layer mesh allowed my foot to “breathe” so it didn’t feel sweaty at all. The lightweight and responsive nature of the shoe was important for me too. On my run around the national park, I encountered some kangaroos, but I felt confident and supported enough in these shoes to run away from them and straight to my forest lodge at Osborn House to rest my weary feet.

Other happy shoppers of the Hoka Kawana have tested them out and shared glowing reviews too. “Did a ton of research and finally pulled the trigger. Absolutely amazing for comfort, balance, and long distance walking, running, exploring cities,” wrote one reviewer from Columbia. Another person from California agreed that the Hoka Kawana can take on a lot of mileage. “Love these, I’ve put them through their paces and they are still comfy and good to my feet,” they wrote. “I work in retail and I get at least 18,000 steps in an 8 hr work period.”

If you’re curious about other comfortable shoes to add to your closet, here are a few other pairs worth checking out.

More Comfortable Shoes to Shop:

On Women’s Cloud 5 Sneakers

SDolphin Walking Running Shoes

Tsiodfo Women’s Sneakers 

On Women’s Cloudstratus Sneaker

Merrell Women’s All Out Blaze Aero Sport Hiking Water Shoe

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