Initially you may be thinking: Kawana, what do I need that for? The Hoka One One range has both the Clifton and Bondi models as high-mileage running shoes - and now they've made a third model?
Indeed, at first glance it does seems a bit strange, since in terms of weight the shoes is somewhere between the Clifton and Bondi models, and in addition, it has a classic Hoka One One design with EVA foam in the midsole.
But Kawana still differs a lot from both Clifton and Bondi, and when reviewing all aspects of the shoe, it's clear that the Kawana model fully deserves a place on the market. Especially since Hoka have chosen to take Kawana in an interesting direction. They have designed a high-mileage running shoe with lots of shock absorption, but also made alterations, so it is significantly firmer than their traditional mileage accumulator, Bondi. The Kawana model is therefore the ideal high-mileage shoe with the classic Hoka qualities, at the same time giving more bounce back, rather than being overly soft.
In my eyes, this is the most important feature of Kawana.
Fitness and beveled heel
According to Hoka themselves, Kawana is a shoe that can be used for both running and fitness. So it is a shoe that can be worn by runners who like to run on a treadmill and then lift weights afterwards. Usually, heavy weights, leg training and running shoes are not a good combination, because typically there is too much soft foam in the running shoes, which is unsuitable for lifting heavy weights. But because Kawana has been given a more solid foundation, the shoe is ideal for both activities.
However, I think it's important not to view the Kawana too critically, just because it can be viewed as a shoe for fitness enthusiasts. Since in my eyes, this is actually an excellent running shoe. When running in the shoe, I feel an effortless sense of forward momentum. In terms of ground impact, I feel a secure landing and toe off. Neither is there anything irritating about the design; it doesn't rub or squeeze your toes, and it is generally very comfortable to wear. In short, it's pretty much everything you could want in high-mileage shoe.
A quirky addition to the Hoka One One Kawana design is the new so-called Swallow Tail geometry, i.e. the small beak that protrudes at the back of the heel. It only protrudes on the outside and so you wouldn't be likely to think that it serves a purpose - but in fact it has an important function. Hoka One One Kawana's Swallow Tail allows you to distribute your weight across a larger surface area, when landing on the ground. As a result, it gives the shoe more stability, since you achieve an earlier heel strike.
So even though it may seem slightly silly at first, Hoka's Swallow Tail actually makes a lot of sense when you've put Kawana on your feet.
Kawana Comfort
The upper of the Kawana is in my eyes (or feet) a bit bigger than other Hokas. The kawana is a little longer and there is slightly more room for the toes. In addition, Hoka has added their curved heel cap on the back of the shoe, so your Achilles tendon is secure, without feeling tight or compressed. The mesh on the upper is thin and extremely breathable, which further contributes to the great comfort of the shoe.
In addition, there is a semi-attached tongue, which stays in place when you run. The tongue is also padded, so that the laces don't irritate your foot, and to give you as much comfort as possible.
Summer Shoes
On the outsole, Hoka has added rubber in selected areas. However, generally there isn't much rubber, which means that the midsole material is exposed in areas. Despite this, my suggestion is that as long as you mostly run on asphalt or sidewalks, and not on gravel with sharp stones, the shoes will last a long time, since the rubber protects the areas most prone to wear.
When reviewing the grip of the shoe, I wouldn't highlight Kawana's grip as an actual plus, nevertheless it does what it needs to do: It provides good traction, when running on asphalt and sidewalks (Kawana is the name of an Australian beach, so it makes sense that the shoes aren't suitable for dealing with snow and ice). I actually think it was pretty sensible for Hoka not to add more rubber to the outsole, as that would've given a significant weight gain.
I would recommend the Hoka One One Kawana to anyone who would like to try a Hoka shoe, but not one of the very soft models. I think Kawana has hit a very nice middle ground where there is still some responsiveness, and you don't feel like you are completely sinking into the sole. For me, the Kawana will be great for quieter sessions, where I just casually set off for a run.
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