Hoka Kawana 2 First Run: A Balanced, Firm Everyday Trainer

Introduction

The Hoka Kawana 2 positions itself as a natural, balanced, accessible training shoe built for everyday runs and gym-style workouts. This is the second generation of the shoe, and the message from these first few miles is clear: this is an update of minor tweaks rather than an overhaul. If you liked the original Kawana, you will almost certainly like this one too.

What Has Changed in the Kawana 2

Not much has changed between the first and second generation. The midsole geometry looks unchanged, with a medium stack of firm EVA foam that shows some early-stage rocker. The stack stays the same as before: 30mm in the heel and 25mm in the forefoot for a 5mm drop.

The main changes are up top. A new single-layer mesh upper, still fairly thick but flexible, is intended to improve fit and security. There is an internal sock-like bootie that hugs and holds the foot, and the lacing structure has also been revised for the same goal. The tongue and heel collar are a shade more padded than before, offering a plush level of comfort, with extra cushioning at the lace lockdown point to stop lace pinch. Hoka has also added a heel pull, though it feels more like an aesthetic touch than a necessity. The gum rubber outsole carries the same coverage as the first generation.

On weight, Hoka lists the shoe at 11.1oz, but our UK men’s 8.5 test shoe came in at 10.3oz or 291g, which shaves meaningful weight off the original Kawana’s well-over-300g figure. Pricing stays at £125 in the UK and $140 in the US, identical to the previous generation, so no UK price hike here.

Fit and Sizing Advice

The fit follows a familiar Hoka pattern. First on, the shoe is snug, particularly in the toe box across the back of the toes and the midfoot across the top. There is enough room in the main toe area for toes to spread, but the initial narrowness is noticeable. As with many Hoka shoes, it tends to loosen off over time.

Our instinct is to go true to size if you don’t mind a snug fit. If you have particularly long or wide feet, or plan to use these for longer efforts of three to four hours or long walks, going half a size up is worth considering.

First Run Impressions: Firm, Rocked, and Balanced

Our first outing was an easy 5K recovery run on a mix of road and river paths, the day after a fast 10K. The Kawana 2 delivered a very typical Kawana experience: a rocked shoe with a firm midsole. There is a nice touch to the forefoot, but overall you get a firm, rocked ride. It is not a million miles from the Clifton in character.

The shoe works best at a high turnover with minimal ground contact time. Despite the sizeable stack, the foam is firm and does not offer much cushioning protection coming up from the ground. For easy runs, most people will likely find the ride a little too firm and too solid, and it is far removed from plush max-cushion trainers in that respect. It also feels like a lot of shoe on the foot, given the weight.

That firmness has a stability upside, though. The Kawana 2 is a neutral daily trainer, and on slightly bumpy off-road river paths it stayed planted with no wobble into the midsole, something softer easy-day trainers can struggle with. The snug upper holds the foot very securely with no movement, and the plush heel collar and tongue add good all-around on-foot comfort.

The midsole will need some breaking in. A few miles are needed before it settles, and it may soften up somewhat after that. As a recovery day shoe, it did not deliver the softness and protection we wanted on this run; something lighter, springier, and softer would have been more helpful. The long-term picture may change as the shoe beds in.

Who Should Buy the Hoka Kawana 2

This is a balanced shoe aimed at easy runs, walking, and general everyday use rather than any one discipline. It sits somewhere between the big, soft, pillowy cushioned trainers with a bit of spring and the more direct, minimal neutral shoes with a faster ride. That makes it hard to pin down in a rotation at this stage.

At £125, it is slightly cheaper than the Clifton 9, which could make it an option if you can get on with the firmer feel, though the Clifton is likely to be softer and more accommodating.

For walking with a bit of running mixed in, the Kawana 2 does a genuinely good job. Dedicated runners looking for generous cushioning for easy miles may find other shoes on the market more accommodating.

Conclusion

The Hoka Kawana 2 is a well-built, secure, balanced everyday trainer with a firm rocked ride, a snug fit, and a weight that lands around 11 ounces on the foot. These first miles did not deliver the softness needed for easy recovery running, but the shoe may come into its own after breaking in, and it looks like a solid choice for walking and light mixed use. A full verdict will follow once more miles are in the bank.