REASONS TO BUY
Agressive tread
Comfortable sole
Supportive
Protective
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Bulky
Not visually appealing
Hoka Hopara 2 Review
With plenty of protection and traction, these heavy-duty sandals have all the comfort and support you expect from Hoka
Credit: Travis Reddinger
By Travis Reddinger ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ June 23, 2026
RELATED: The Best Sandals for Men
Our Verdict
The Hoka Hopara 2 sandal is like the pickup truck of sandals, with an aggressive tread pattern for navigating challenging terrain and more foot protection than most on the market. The thick Hoka sole is comfortable and supportive, and the knit upper allows water to exit the sandals and airflow to keep your feet cool. With an instep bungee strap and a Velcro-adjustable heel strap for securement, the Hopara 2 feels more like a shoe than a sandal. These Hokas take some time to break in and are one of the heavier/bulkier options in the group. If you are looking for the comfort and supportive sole of a shoe with airflow like a sandal, these are the choice for you.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Hoka Hopara 2 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Casual Sandal |  Best Adventure Sandals | Best for a Barefoot Feel |  Best Value Classic | |
| Price | $140 List Check Price at REI | $155 List Check Price at REI | $95 List Check Backcountry (on sale!) | $115 List Check Price at REI | $65 List Check Price at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | These versatile sandals have the tread, protection, and support similar to a hiking shoe | With a style and fit that gets better with age, these sandals mold to your foot to provide comfort and support like no other | A durable and supportive sandal sure to perform in many environments | A simple to use minimalist design with great traction, these trail-ready sandals will keep you on the move | A simple and affordable sandal with good comfort for daily use |
| Rating Categories | Hoka Hopara 2 | Birkenstock Arizona... | Chaco Z/2 Classic | Bedrock Cairn Evo | Teva Original Universal |
| Comfort (40%) | |||||
| Versatility & Style (25%) | |||||
| Adjustability & Fit (20%) | |||||
| Stability (10%) | |||||
| Traction (5%) | |||||
| Specifications | Hoka Hopara 2 | Birkenstock Arizona... | Chaco Z/2 Classic | Bedrock Cairn Evo | Teva Original Universal |
| Water Friendly | Yes with water repellant treatment | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Odor Management Treatments | No | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| Break In Period | 3-5 days | 1+ week | 0 days | 0 days | 0 days |
| Width Options | Medium | Regular/Wide, Medium/Narrow | Medium, wide | Wne width | Medium |
| Footbed Material | Sugarcana EVA | Cork and latex with suede lining | LUVSEAT PU | EVA | EVA |
| Outsole Material | Rubber | EVA | ChacoGrip Rubber | Vibram XS Trek EVO | Rubber |
| Upper Material | Recycled knit with cordura mesh overlays | Oiled leather | Polyester jaquard webbing | Premium polyester and nylon webbing | Recycled plastic |
| Weight (per pair) | 26.81 (size 11) | 21.2 oz (size 11) | 30.51 oz (size 10) | 16.23 oz (size 10) | 14.5(size 11) |
Our Analysis and Test Results
A bungee cord instep and velcro heel strap keep these secure through different terrain. Credit: Travis Reddinger
Likes
It is hard to look at the Hoka Hopara 2 without noticing its thick, cushioned sole. Most sandals feature a thin foam or rubber sole, but Hoka stayed true to its nature and offered the thickest cushion we have seen on a sandal. The EVA midsole provides good arch support for longer walks and plenty of cushioning for rough terrain.
The Hoka handles rough terrain with the ease of a hiking shoe. Credit: Travis Reddinger
The rubber sole on the Hoka features 4mm lugs designed to manage tough terrain. These sandals grip dirt, mud, sand, and slick riverbeds and transition well to paved streets and grass. The lugs provide significant protection to the sole of the foot and don't trap debris like some competitors.
The Hopara 2 has similar protection to the Keen, but much more aggressive tread. Credit: Travis Reddinger
A knit upper with Cordura mesh overlays keeps the foot secure while protecting the top of the feet from pokes and abrasions. The material makes these sandals easy to clean and allows water and debris to drain from the sandals during aquatic use.
The cushioned sole is welcomed on hard surfaces like sidewalks. Credit: Travis Reddinger
Dislikes
Since this sandal has the typical Hoka sole, it is noticeably heavier and bulkier than others on the market; in fact, these are more like a shoe with a mesh upper than a sandal. The sole, combined with a knit upper, isn't the most aesthetically pleasing and somewhat defeats the purpose of wearing a sandal. These aren't something we would wear to a casual dinner with friends. The Hopara 2 also has a higher price tag, which may deter some because of its niche use.
The Hopara 2 provides more protection but is bulkier and heavier than a typical sandal. Credit: Travis Reddinger
Should You Buy the Hoka Hopara 2?
The Hoka Hopara 2 is a great option for those looking for a water-capable shoe that delivers maximum cushion and support while adventuring. The tread provides better traction than most sandals, and the knit upper protects your foot from debris and underbrush pokes. They slip on quickly, and the bungee upper doesn't require adjustment once set. If you do venture into the water, these shoes dry very quickly, and your feet don't slip around very much. There is a slight break-in period with these sandals, and they are noticeably bigger than other sandal options on the market. However, if you want a sandal but also require a lot of support, these may be the best option for you.
What Other Sandals Should You Consider?
The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed is another sandal that is very supportive and gets more comfortable the longer you wear them, but they aren't made for water use. The Keen Newport H2 is another sandal that provides a lot of toe protection while still being comfortable and supportive, and is very capable of handling adventures in and out of the water.
—Travis Reddinger
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