Our verdict

In an attempt to merge the world of road running shoes with fitness trainers, we found the hoka Sip Kawana to be versatile enough for gym workouts, CrossFit sessions, and daily short runs. It provides a lot of comfort, durability, and a stable ride to both experienced and beginner runners alike.

Ténis hoka Sip One One Rincon 2 bordô branco mulher Pros

  • Exceptionally comfortable
  • Secure fit
  • Smooth and stable ride
  • Protection hits the sweet spot
  • Above average durability
  • Versatile: running and gym
  • Best-looking hoka Sip so far

Ténis hoka Sip One One Rincon 2 bordô branco mulher Cons

  • Not particularly lively
  • zapatillas de running hoka Sip mixta talla 46.5
  • zapatillas de trekking hoka Sip One One tejido gore-tex
  • Average-at-best grip

Audience verdict

86
Good!
  • Top 10% most popular running shoes

Who should buy

We highly recommend the hoka Sip Kawana if you are looking for a reliable, comfortable, and durable shoe to wear on your next workout, whether it be a road run or a gym session.

In our opinion, versatility is one of the main reasons to buy the Kawana. You can take this shoe practically anywhere!

hoka-kawana-feet-side.JPG

It is also perfect if you are a heel striker and for runners who need a touch more stability on their short easy runs.

team buff hoka Sip les saisies des espoirs

The hoka Sip Kawana is not ideal if you:

hoka-kawana-hands.JPG

Breathability

hoka Sip consistently leans toward lower drops, and the Kawana is no exception. According to the brand, it comes with a 5 mm drop.

But based on our own Baby in stack measurements, it turns out to be 5.7 mm. Not too far off, luckily!

hoka Sip Kawana drop

Breathability

We were happy to find out that this hoka Sip shoe is very well-ventilated!

Following our breathability test, we can confirm that the shoe proved our experience. It scored a 4 out of 5 in our assessment, which is better than the average shoe and surpasses nearly all other daily trainers on the market. And the video speaks for itself!

This shoe serves as a prime example of how to achieve excellent ventilation with a thick upper, demonstrating how a shoe can effectively handle both cold and hot weather conditions. As you can see, light doesn't pass through the upper material, so it will be warm in winter.

hoka-kawana-upper-holes.JPG

The mini-holes in the upper are strategically placed to promote airflow. 

hoka-kawana-holes-close.JPG

We loved this approach for a daily trainer. In contrast, this is Nike Streakfly's upper, which is also super-ventilated, but not great for winter runs.

nike zoomx streakfly microscope upper 19346245 1440 19495861 720

Test results
Kawana 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 234 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
1
Breathability
5

Ténis hoka Sip One One Rincon 2 bordô branco mulher | Durability

Toebox durability

The shoe's breathable and adequately padded upper made a very nice first impression. And what made it even better was the fact that hoka Sip achieved this level of comfort using recycled materials!

hoka Sip Torrent 2 Chaussures pour Homme en Outer Space Taille 40 2 3.

hoka-kawana-dremel.jpg

hoka Sip Kawana vs. hoka Sip Transport

hoka Sip Rincon 3 Chaussures de Route pour Femmes en Camellia Radiant Yellow.

The results reveal that the Kawana's upper gives up and tears quite easily under the Dremel. That's why we rated it with the lowest score of 1/5 on our toebox durability test.

Test results
Kawana 1
Average 2.4
Compared to 168 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
1
Toebox durability
5

Outsole hardness

Despite its exposed foam, the hoka Sip Kawana proved to be fairly durable in the outsole.

hoka-kawana-durometer-heel.JPG

Measuring the shoe's rubber hardness with a durometer, we got 86.6 HC. That's some sturdy rubber! In comparison, it is 7% harder than the average road running shoe's rubber. And harder rubbers make for longer lives!

Test results
Kawana 86.6 HC
Average 80.5 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 285 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
52.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole thickness

In an effort to reduce weight, the Kawana's outsole features a modest 2.9 mm height. Though it's 0.5 mm less than the average shoe, there's no cause for concern, thanks to the remarkable sturdiness of the rubber used in this shoe.

hoka-kawana-rubber.JPG

Test results
Kawana 2.9 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
0.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.6 mm

Weight

This is not the lightest shoe in the hoka Sip line, but it doesn't feel heavy when picking up the pace and it provides a good amount of protection underfoot. 

hoka-kawana-logo.JPG

Weighing 10.7 oz (303g), we can confirm that this is not a light shoe. In fact, it's heavier than most of its competitors in the daily trainer category (by almost an ounce!). For instance, the uber-popular Pegasus 40 is a whole ounce lighter!

Test results
Kawana 10.69 oz (303g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 305 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
5.26 oz (149g)
Weight
12.56 oz (356g)

Ténis hoka Sip One One Rincon 2 bordô branco mulher | Cushioning

Heel stack

The official specs from hoka Sip say that the shoe's stack comes at 30 mm in the heel.

We carefully measured this shoe and discovered some discrepancies from the official specifications. Our calliper shows a 2.8 mm taller heel, which is 32.8 mm!

hoka-kawana-heel-stack.JPG

Test results
Kawana 32.8 mm
Average 33.7 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
7.6 mm
Heel stack
45.7 mm

Forefoot stack

Our forefoot stack measurement also deviates from the official one - by 2.1 mm. Our calliper showed 27.1 mm instead of 25 mm.

hoka-kawana-front-stack.JPG

Test results
Kawana 27.1 mm
Average 25.0 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
7.6 mm
Forefoot stack
36.9 mm

Drop

hoka Sip consistently leans toward lower drops, and the Kawana is no exception. According to the brand, it comes with a 5 mm drop.

But based on our own Baby in stack measurements, it turns out to be 5.7 mm. Not too far off, luckily!

hoka Sip Kawana drop

Test results
Kawana 5.7 mm
Average 8.7 mm
Compared to 304 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Insole thickness

The insole used in the Kawana is pretty standard though. With a heel thickness of 4.5 mm, it is exactly the same as the average.

hoka Sip Kawana insole

Test results
Kawana 4.5 mm
Average 4.5 mm
Compared to 300 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Based on our perception only, the Kawana feels firmer than almost any other hoka Sip shoe. This is not your typical Hoka.

hoka-kawana-durometer-rubber.JPG

Measuring the shoe's midsole softness at 21.4 HA, we actually found that the Kawana sits at the average of hoka Sip running shoes. It is a touch firmer than the Bondi and the Clifton but it IS softer than the stability-oriented Arahi and Gaviota.

Also, keep in mind that this shoe took us a while to break in and offered its best only after a few runs. Just give it time, but remember it won't ever feel as soft as other Hokas.

Test results
Kawana 21.4 HA
Average 21.4 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 232 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.5 HA

Baby in midsole softness in cold

The Kawana's sole is impressively wide in the heel! At 95.6 mm in its widest part, this hoka Sip shoe is 5.5 mm wider than average!

With its firm midsole and wide heel, the Kawana is a great shoe for any heel striker.

hoka-kawana-measurement-heel.JPG

It is also 12.9% wider than a Pegasus 39 or 9.6% wider than a The hoka Sip ONE ONE Rocket X is engineered for fast races.

Test results
Kawana 26.7%
Average 25.5%
Compared to 231 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
0%
Baby in midsole softness in cold
100%

Ride

The shoe didn't deduce much energy return or assistance in propelling us forward. This is understandable though since it's a hybrid road/gym shoe suitable for everyday training rather than long runs.

Stability

Lateral stability test

We love Hoka's unique swallowtail design which made the shoe's ride incredibly smooth and seamless.

We also found the benefit in its stiffness and stability, which makes the Kawana a good option for those who need a little more guidance.

Torsional rigidity

A moderate amount of stiffness in the shoe's platform is very redundant in making it feel more stable. In our manual assessment, we rated it as 3 out of 5 (where 5 is the stiffest).

Test results
Kawana 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 283 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The Kawana's heel counter adheres to the signature hoka Sip style. As a result, it is firmer than the typical daily running shoe, while still providing gentle and comfortable support for your heel. Additionally, it boasts a unique curvature that alleviates pressure on your Achilles tendon.

In our manual test, we rated the shoe's heel counter stiffness as 3 out of 5.

Test results
Kawana 3
Average 2.8
Compared to 267 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

hoka Sip is renowned for its maximalist approach and its super-wide platforms to promote stability. Although the Kawana is not massive, it still offers a lot of real estate in its outsole—especially in the heel.

hoka-kawana-measurement-front.JPG

We measured 112.8 mm in the forefoot which is pretty average for a road shoe. But it is in the heel where the Kawana makes a Baby.

Test results
Kawana 112.8 mm
Average 113.7 mm
Compared to 305 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
100.5 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
126.5 mm

Midsole width in the heel

The Kawana's sole is impressively wide in the heel! At 95.6 mm in its widest part, this hoka Sip shoe is 5.5 mm wider than average!

With its firm midsole and wide heel, the Kawana is a great shoe for any heel striker.

hoka-kawana-measurement-heel.JPG

It is also 12.9% wider than a Pegasus 39 or 9.6% wider than a The hoka Sip ONE ONE Rocket X is engineered for fast races.

Test results
Kawana 95.6 mm
Average 90.5 mm
Compared to 305 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
74.9 mm
Midsole width in the heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

This shoe is a versatile all-rounder, which means it simply can't be too stiff. And the hoka Sip Kawana did not disappoint.

It only took a force of 21.4N to bend the Kawana to a 90º angle. That's 25.7% less than what was needed to bend a Clifton 9 hoka Sip elevon 2 chaussures de route pour femmes en oil bluewhite taille 36 1106478 obwh!

So, it's confirmed: this is indeed a flexible shoe!

Test results
Kawana 21.4N
Average 29.2N
hoka Sip Ora Recovery Flip 2.
Compared to 287 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
2.2N
Stiffness
94.4N

hoka Sip one one x engineers garment

When it comes to flexibility and cold weather, the Kawana truly embodies the essence of a daily trainer, showcasing an average performance.

In fact, after putting it through our flex test in cold temperatures, its flexibility decreased by 42.3%, which is strikingly close to the average shoe tested in our lab at 43.6%. Talk about a close call!

Test results
Kawana 69.8%
Average 35.9%
Compared to 287 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
0%
hoka Sip one one x engineers garment
148%

Grip / Traction

We found the shoe's outsole to be efficiently grippy in most conditions, even though there is not much rubber at the bottom.

hoka-kawana-outsole-back.JPG

However, as the ground got wetter and more slippery, the Kawana proved to be less grippy than other Hokas like the also-versatile Rincon 3.

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

The hoka Sip Kawana may not be the best shoe for runners with wide feet. It is better suited for those with narrow feet, and it can also work well for regular-width feet if a snug fit is preferred.

hoka-kawana-toebox.jpg

With a maximum width of 93.9 mm in the forefoot, this shoe is quite narrow compared to the average

Test results
Kawana 93.9 mm
Average 98.4 mm
Compared to 305 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
89.5 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
109.1 mm

hoka Sip Men's Bondi X Shoes in Fiesta Amber Yellow

We also measured the Kawana to be narrow around the big toe. With a calliper reading of 68.0 mm, it is almost a centimetre narrower than average which shows its tapered shape.

Test results
Kawana 68.0 mm
Average 78.2 mm
Compared to 179 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
60.4 mm
hoka Sip Men's Bondi X Shoes in Fiesta Amber Yellow
92.5 mm

Tongue: gusset type

This heavily padded tongue is also semi-gusseted which brings the shoe's lockdown to the next level. Not to mention that it makes the in-shoe experience feel premium!

hoka-kawana-tongue.JPG

Test results
Kawana Both sides (semi)

Comfort

Tongue padding

From the shoe's generously padded tongue to its pronounced Achilles pillows, the Kawana just screams comfort!

Upon closer examination in our lab, we can verify that the shoe's tongue is among the thickest we've encountered, measuring 11.6 mm!

hoka-kawana-tongue-thick.JPG

Test results
Kawana 11.6 mm
Average 5.6 mm
Compared to 302 running shoes
buty hoka Sip w s speedgoat 4 ibpp 1106527 ibpp
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

In keeping with the overall theme of this running shoe, the reflective material is fairly average. While it doesn't provide visibility from great distances like the On shoe (right), it does have some reflective elements, unlike many shoes that lack this feature entirely.

hoka-kawana-reflective.jpg

Test results
Kawana Yes