A number of months again, we obtained a glimpse of recent winterized slip-on variations of the Kaha 2 climbing footwear, geared up with uppers that appeared like puffer jackets. On the time, they had been solely going to be bought within the European market however have now turn out to be out there within the U.S., however now alongside a cold-weather iteration of the Kaha 2 climbing boot, which seems to be as cool because it sounds (actually).
Hoka Kaha 2 Frost GTX Fundamentals
Whereas informal hikers might want Hoka’s Anacapa boots, the Kaha — now in its 2nd era — is the boot of selection for extra severe adventurers. And now those self same outdoorsmen have one thing able to go for the wintertime.
Constructed very equally to its non-Frost Kaha 2s, the Frost retains the identical GORE-TEX lining for waterproof-breathable safety and Vibram Megagrip outsoles with 5mm lugs for digging into each moist and dry terrains. Nevertheless, these may be thought of totally totally different boots.
By way of its design, the visible styling of the Frost takes the mid boots and never solely lifts up the rear to cowl the whole ankle space with a compression collar to “seal out the weather” with out proscribing motion however the signature wave design on the uppers have been eliminated totally. Now, the same sample has moved to the trio of top-hook lacing brackets and swoop down as a substitute. These brackets have been redesigned a bit for even quicker on-off. Additionally, a tighter, glove-friendly pull tab has been added to the heel.
For maintaining your toes heat, Hoka has given the boots a major quantity of insulation. Now rated right down to -25ºF, the Kaha 2 Frost boasts 400g of PrimaLoft Gold insulation within the ripstop polyester mesh uppers, which isn’t too noticeable on these boots. Some insulated hikers look a bit too apparent however Hoka has made the winterization fairly refined right here. You’ll additionally get aluminum reflective foil within the backside of the sockliner so no warmth escapes out the soles both.
The Slip-On Mocs Model
As we’ve said, these boots come alongside the provision of the Kaha 2 Frost Mocs, which seems to be like a puffer jacket in your toes. We are able to’t attest to the aptitude of climbing in these low-profile slip-ons however they remind us of the Teva ReEmber which might be fairly widespread proper now. Nevertheless, the identical 5mm lugs on the Vibram Megagrip will certainly provide help to keep in your toes on the path.
Additionally rated to -25ºF, the shell is constructed with a polyester ripstop higher supplemented with a GORE-TEX membrane, all insulated with a 300g of PrimaLoft Black. You additionally get a polyester-based stretch-fleece high collar to maintain your toes closed off. Fairly than commonplace laces, there’s a quick-lace bungee toggle for fast cinching.
Spec Sheet
Uppers: Polyester ripstop
Insulation: 400g PrimaLoft Gold (Frost Mid), 300g PrimaLoft Black (Frost Moc)
Membrane: GORE-TEX
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip
Lug Top: 5mm
Temp Score: -25ºF
Pricing & Availability
Priced at a whopping $280, the Kaha 2 Frost GTX boots will value you $40 greater than retail for the usual Kaha 2s — which have now dropped much more in value. In the meantime, the slip-on Kaha 2 Frost Mocs are a bit extra inexpensive (comparatively) at $200. Head over to Hoka’s web site to study extra.
Hoka Kaha 2 Frost GTX
Hoka’s Kaha 2 GTX will get 400g of PrimaLoft Gold insulation, score the climbing boots right down to -25ºF.
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