I Tested the HOKA Hopara 2 Water Shoes — Here’s How They Handled Wet Terrain
A do-it-all hiking shoe and sandal hybrid for trail, water, and travel
February 4th, 2026
Home → Gear Reviews → Footwear
Our verdict
The HOKA Hopara 2 water shoes are for anyone who wants one shoe that can handle water, trail, and travel without thinking twice. These may be the best hiking-sandal hybrids we’ve tested to date, thanks to their standout comfort and versatility, especially on adventures that blend trail miles with time in and around water. Its biggest strengths are plush cushioning, quick drainage, and reliable traction on wet and mixed terrain, making it especially good for river crossings, coastal exploring, and warm-weather trips where your plans change on the fly.
We tested it across rivers, rocky and sandy beaches, muddy trails, and everyday travel in the Pacific Northwest, and it consistently impressed. The cushioned midsole HOKA is known for sets it apart from most water shoes, delivering a plush, forgiving feel that holds up to long days on your feet. We’ve worn them socked and sockless, wet and dry, on everything from active days to laid-back outings, and they’ve been consistently comfortable throughout—the kind of shoe you put on and don’t think about again. The main trade-off is stability; this is a comfort-first hybrid, not a precision hiking shoe, and it’s also not designed for strict water use.
Bottom line: If you want a comfortable, do-everything shoe that actually works on water and land, the Hopara 2 is an easy buy. However, if you need a more minimal water shoe for dedicated water use, consider the NRS Kicker Wetshoe; if you need a true hiking shoe replacement, check out our reviews on the best women’s hiking shoes and best men’s hiking shoes.
HOKA Hopara 2 Water Shoes
men's
Women's
We create reader-supported, mission-driven objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
HOKA Hopara 2 Specifications
Price: $135
Weight (per shoe): Women’s 10.4 oz; Men’s 12.90 oz
Heel-to-toe drop : Women’s 5.00 mm; Men’s 6.00 mm
Upper materials: 100% recycled knit upper with water repellency treatment and 100% recycled Cordura mesh overlays
Drainage design: Mesh
Outsole material: Trail Traction rubber
Heel and toe protection: Rubber toe cap
Footbed and midsole cushioning: 30% sugarcane EVA in the topsole and midsole
Fit notes: Medium width with adjustable heel strap and quick-toggle lace
Vegan-friendly: Yes, synthetic materials listed
Sizes available: Women’s 5-11; Men’s 7-14
Best for
Travel where you want one shoe that covers multiple activities
Hiking through rivers, streams, and wet trails
Beach days, coastal exploring, and rocky shorelines
Campsite wear that’s comfortable but still protective
Anyone who needs ultra-comfy, ultra-breathable footwear for mixed terrain
Comparison table
| WATER SHOES | MSRP* | WEIGHT (PER PAIR) | CLOSURE SYSTEM | UPPER MATERIALS | OUTSOLE MATERIALS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOKA Hopara 2 Women's Men's |
$140 | Women’s 10.4 oz; Men’s 12.90 oz | Single-pull Lace | 100% recycled knit upper with water repellency treatment and 100% recycled Cordura mesh overlays | Trail Traction rubber |
| Salomon Techamphibian 5 Women's Men's |
$110 | 17.6 oz | Quicklace, single pull laces, plus adjustable heel strap. | Synthetic, textile | Contagrip FD rubber |
| KEEN Newport H2 Sandals Women's Men's |
$130 | 1 lb 6.8 oz (women's); 1 lb 12.4 oz (men's) | Bungee lace with cinch | Polyester | Carbon rubber |
| NRS Kicker Wetshoes Women's Men's |
$75 | 1.25 lbs (women’s), 1.7 lbs (men’s) | Hook and loop webbing | Terraprene neoprene, titanium adhesive | Rubber, plastic |
| Astral Loyak AC Women's Men's |
$120 | 13.4 oz (men’s size 9) | Laces | Ultrafine ripstop mesh, TPU reinforcements | G.15 rubber with Flex-Grip |
What we liked
The protective-yet-breathable design makes them incredibly versatile across water, trail, and travel use
Exceptionally comfortable, cushioned sole that feels great all day
Knit sock interior eliminates rubbing and blister issues
The stretch cord, knit ankle collar, and heel strap combo make for a secure closure system
Varied color options to pick from
What could be better
Less lateral stability than a dedicated hiking shoe
Open design at the back can let in small pebbles or sand
Premium price compared to simpler water shoes
A true travel shoe: one pair that works for beaches, trails, city walking, and campsite lounging. Photo by Ebony Roberts
How we tested
We tested the HOKA Hopara 2 over multiple weeks across rivers, lakes, rocky beaches, muddy banks, and more than 20 miles of mixed trail environments in the Pacific Northwest, along with travel and everyday wear. Testing included shallow river crossings, standup paddling on the lake, wet shoreline exploring, beach days, and city walking.
We wore them side by side with similar hybrid models like the Salomon Techamphibian 5 and KEEN Newport H2, along with several other water shoes, paying close attention to comfort, drainage, traction, stability, protection, durability, packability and how well they transitioned between environments.
Overall, they proved to be one of the most comfortable and versatile hybrid shoes we’ve tested, especially for travel and warm-weather adventures that mix water and trail use.
We tested the women’s and men’s versions of the HOKA Hopara 2. Photo by Steve Redmond
Performance in the field
Fit and comfort
Comfort is the standout feature of the HOKA Hopara 2. They feel surprisingly light on foot for how cushioned they are, with that signature HOKA bounce that makes you want to keep moving.
Both our testers had luck ordering on the smaller size of their usual range (our women’s shoe tester is typically size 7.5-8 and ordered a 7, while our men’s shoe tester lands between 11.5-12, and fit an 11.5). The medium width and roomy toe box make for an accommodating fit for most, along with excellent adjustability thanks to the stretch cord lacing and velcro heel strap.
The knit sock lining feels soft and forgiving against bare skin, and they land on the bouncy, cushioned end of the spectrum rather than having a barefoot feel.
In and out of the water, the Hopara 2 stays comfortable and secure without ever feeling sloppy. Even when fully soaked, they didn’t slip, rub, or cause hot spots, something we’ve experienced in other hybrid water shoes.
On dry land, they’re comfortable enough for full days of walking, travel, and general exploring. Compared to the Salomon Techamphibian 5, the Hopara 2 feels noticeably more cushioned and forgiving for all-day wear, trading a bit of runner-style agility for plushness that really pays off on long travel days and most outdoor adventures. It’s the kind of comfort that makes you forget about your shoes entirely.
A comfortable knit sock lines the Hopara 2 and reduces rubbing. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Drainage and drying time
Water moves out of the shoe quickly through the open mesh construction, so when you step out of the water, there’s no heavy, waterlogged feeling. Rather than relying on dedicated drainage ports, the mesh allows water to pass through naturally instead of trapping it, which helps shed moisture fast and feel light even when fully soaked. The one downside is that the back of the shoe is open, so sand and small pebbles can sometimes make their way in, which can be a pain to get out.
The knit sock construction is the one area that could theoretically hold onto water, but since the knit is water repellent and uses a cut-out design more similar to sandal straps than a full sock, this reduces excess material and speeds up drying. In warm conditions, we found that setting them in the sun for a short break was often enough for them to dry before we were ready to put them back on.
Open mesh design lets water drain fast, so they don’t feel heavy and squishy after stepping out of the water. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Traction and stability
Much of HOKA’s hiking lineup uses Vibram outsoles for maximum grip on technical terrain, but the Hopara 2 uses their in-house Trail Tread rubber instead, which is better suited to everyday mixed use. It still grips well on wet surfaces and muddy trails, but feels lighter and more forgiving, especially for in-water use and all-day wear. On the trail, we were able to hop algae-covered rocks while crossing creeks with minimal slippage, and the tacky rubber felt reliable on wet docks and while standup paddleboarding.
HOKA classifies the Hopara 2 as a “neutral” shoe (as opposed to “moderate” or “stable”) and that feels right. The stability is good for light to moderate terrain (the wide base helps), but this is still a comfort-first shoe rather than a precision hiker.
Trail Tread rubber gripping wet rocks and slick surfaces better than expected for a hybrid shoe. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Protection
The HOKA Hopara 2 offers more coverage than a typical sandal or water shoe while only slightly tipping into bulky hiking-shoe territory. The mesh is key at keeping debris out of the shoe (although the open back allowed some sand in). The durable rubber toe bumper guards against rocks, roots, and underwater obstacles, which we especially appreciated during river crossings and shoreline scrambling.
The cushioned midsole softens sharp rocks and uneven ground. While it’s not built for technical hiking or heavy loads, nor for swimming like a dedicated water sock, the Hopara 2 provides plenty of protection for activities in and around the water, light to moderate trails, and all the mixed terrain that comes with travel and summer use.
Durability
After three months with the HOKA Hopara 2 water shoes, durability has been impressive so far. After a handful of beach days, multiple river outings, and roughly 20 miles of mixed trail testing, the HOKA Hopara 2 still looks and feels solid. The overall construction feels premium, with deliberate material choices and added reinforcements that make sense for a shoe that transitions between wet, sandy, and rocky environments.
The internal knit sock construction has been extremely comfortable, but it’s also the area we’ll be watching most closely over time. The elastic knit material is prone to small snags and tears and we expect to see some loss of stretch over time. That said, the knit is well protected. The Cordura mesh overlay is tightly woven and feels incredibly tough for a mesh material, doing a great job shielding the knit from contact with rocks and debris. Ripstop overlays (a reinforced fabric design that prevents small snags or tears from spreading) add another layer of durability in high-wear areas. The rubber toe bumper has also done its job guarding the front of the shoe and the midsole shows minimal wear.
So far, we haven’t seen any separation at the seams or where overlays meet, and no peeling, delamination, or glue issues, but we’ll continue to monitor as we add on more testing miles. Given the quality of materials and overall build, we expect the Hopara 2 to hold up well through multiple seasons of travel, water, and trail use.
Water-repellent cordura helps shed light rain. Photo by Steve Redmond
Weight and packability
The HOKA Hopara 2 lands right in that middle ground of having a bit more substance than a classic water shoe or sandal, but without full protection or build of a traditional hiking shoe, and the weight reflects that.
Compared to a similar water shoe/hiking/sandal like the KEEN Newport H2, the Hopara 2 is slightly heavier (around 1.3- 1.6 lbs per pair depending on the size) which makes sense because it adds more material, protection, cushion, and structure. But it’s still noticeably lighter than many lightweight hiking shoes, and if your hikes are more about easy trails on warm days, they’ll hold their own just fine.
The more protective build and chunky midsole makes the Hopara 2 quite bulky, but they won’t need to take up space in your luggage because you’ll be wearing them for everything. If you do need to swap footwear, they can conveniently be clipped to a pack using the heel loop when wet. As camp shoes, they work well, especially if you’re posted up next to a body of water. Overall, the Hopara 2 hits a really nice balance of comfort, packability, and performance.
Versatility
Versatility is where the HOKA Hopara 2 really won us over. They transition easily from activities around the water to light and moderate trails, feel right at home on beach days, paddling trips, camping, and travel, and still look modern enough for everyday wear without screaming “water shoes.”
We’ve worn them with socks and without, wet and dry, on active days and lazy ones, and they’ve been comfortable in every scenario. For us, they’ve quickly become a warm-weather staple and are our new #1 travel shoe pick when the beach is involved. They’re the kind of shoes you put on and don’t have to think about again—reliable, comfortable, and ready for a day of fun outdoors.
Features
100% recycled knit upper with water-repellency treatment
A soft, internal knit sock feels great against bare feet, sheds water easily, and dries fast after getting wet.
100% recycled Cordura mesh overlays
The mesh adds abrasion resistance in high-wear areas and allows water to move through the shoe easily, helping it drain and dry quickly instead of trapping moisture.
Mesh sides give the Hopara 2 excellent breathability. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Ripstop overlay
Reinforced weaving technique that makes fabric tougher in high-wear areas to strengthen the upper so the shoe holds up better.
Trail Tread rubber outsole
Provides reliable traction on slick surfaces and mixed terrain in and out of the water.
The Trail Tread outsole works well on or around the water. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Durable rubber toe cap
Helps protect toes from trial debris and submerged obstacles.
Adjustable heel strap
Hook-and-loop strap (the technical name for Velcro) can be tightened for security near water or loosened for easy slip-on wear.
Hook-and-loop backstraps allow for fit adjustments. Photo by Ebony Roberts
Adjustable quick-toggle lace system
Tightens easily over the top of the foot for a secure fit, with excess cord neatly tucked away.
Vegan materials
HOKA lists synthetic materials, with no animal-derived components.
Lightweight, travel-friendly design
Comfortable enough for long days and dries quickly, making it an easy do-it-all shoe for travel.
Sustainability
Made with a 100% recycled knit upper, 100% recycled Cordura mesh overlays, and a 30% sugarcane-based EVA midsole/topsole. For more on their impact and sustainability efforts, check out HOKA’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Report.
Who should buy the HOKA Hopara 2 Water Shoes
Buy the HOKA Hopara 2 if you want a lightweight, ultra-comfortable, quick-drying shoe that works seamlessly for water activities, light hiking, travel, and everyday wear.
Skip the HOKA Hopara 2 if you prefer a more minimal water shoe dedicated to technical water use or if you require the added protection and firmer stability of a traditional hiking shoe.
Where to buy
The HOKA Hopara 2 water shoes are popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Zappos
Pros: 365-day free shipping on returns, fast delivery with free VIP program
Similar water shoes
These shoes also blur the line between water shoe, hiking shoe, and sandal, offering impressive versatility across environments:
Salomon Techamphibian 5
MSRP: $110
Weight (per pair): 17.6 oz
Closure system: Quicklace, single pull laces, plus adjustable heel strap.
Outsole: Contagrip FD rubber
Upper: Synthetic, textile
Our in-depth review of the Salomon Techamhobian 5 calls this hybrid shoe “a no-brainer for folks who like to be ready for multiple types of adventure without needing to pack or own a different shoe for each possibility.” Like the HOKA Hopara 2, it handles both wet and dry terrain with ease, draining quickly and gripping confidently on slick surfaces, which is why it’s one of our favorite fly fishing wet wading shoes.
Where the Hopara 2 leans more cushioned and protective for longer days on varied ground, the Techamphibian 5 is lighter, more nimble, and feels closer to a trail runner, making it a good choice if you’re moving fast or mixing in trail miles.
Salomon Techamphibian 5
men's
Women's
KEEN Newport H2 Sandals
MSRP: $130
Weight (per pair): 1 lb 6.8 oz (women's); 1 lb 12.4 oz (men's)
Closure system: Bungee lace with cinch
Collapsible heels: Yes
Outsole: Carbon rubber
Upper: Polyester
The KEEN Newport H2 was one of the best hiking sandals we tested in 2025. It shares the Hopara 2’s ability to transition between wet and dry activities, drain quickly, and hold traction on wet rocks and sand. The Newport H2 features sandal straps along the side, making it great for rivers, lakes, and beach approaches where protection from debris isn’t as critical.
The Hopara 2 will feel more supportive and protective on mixed terrain or longer hikes, but if you want more breathability for hotter weather, maximum drainage, and quicker dry time, the Newport H2 is an all-around water shoe that’s ideal for casual water-to-shore days.
KEEN Newport H2 Sandals
KEEN Newport H2 Sandals
men's
Women's
NRS Kicker Wetshoe
MSRP: $75
Weight (per pair): 1.25 lbs (women’s); 1.7 lbs (men’s)
Closure system: Hook and loop webbing
Outsole material and lug pattern: 3 mm patterned rubber with 2 mm plastic shim
Upper: Petroleum-free 3mm Terraprene neoprene with titanium adhesive
The NRS Kicker Wetshoe is a true water sock shoe designed for time spent in the water, offering a snug, low-profile fit with fast drainage and minimal bulk. Compared to the HOKA Hopara 2, which prioritizes cushioning and trail comfort, the Kicker feels more secure and natural for paddling, wading, swimming, and moving over slick rocks. Learn more in our in-depth review of the NRS Kicker Wetshoe.
NRS Kicker Wetshoe
men's
Women's
Astral Loyak AC Water Shoe
MSRP: $120
Weight (per pair): 13.4 oz (men’s size 9)
Closure system: Laces
Outsole: G.15 rubber with Flex-Grip
Upper: Ultrafine ripstop mesh, TPU reinforcements
The Astral Loyak AC was named the best water-to-pavement water shoe in our review of the best wading shoes for fly fishing. This versatile shoe performs confidently in the water but is comfortable and low-profile enough to wear straight into town or along paved paths. That easy transition makes it a standout for boaters, anglers, and water enthusiasts who don’t want to change shoes between the river and the road.
Astral Loyak AC Water Shoe
men's
Women's
Why you should trust us / About the author
I’ve spent the past decade testing outdoor gear and writing about it for places like The New York Times’ Wirecutter, Outside Magazine, REI Co-op Journal, Forbes’ Vetted, and The Wall Street Journal Buy Side—along with years of in-depth gear coverage here at Treeline. I’ve also written about the best child hiking carriers, best women’s hiking shoes and best men’s hiking shoes for Treeline Review.
Over that time, I’ve talked with many outdoor experts about what actually matters when choosing the right footwear. I've tested water shoes, recovery shoes, hiking shoes, hiking boots, trail runners and winter boots across every season in the coastal mountains of British Columbia. My goal is always the same: to provide honest, real-world insights so you can find the right gear that suits the way you enjoy the outdoors.
You can see all of Ebony’s Treeline Review stories on her Treeline author page.
