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Hoka TenNine Hike GTX
Editor’s Conclusion
If you don’t mind standing out from the crowd, the Hoka One One TenNine GTX is a shoe that will get you noticed. It is a self-proclaimed “part hovercraft and part hiking boot.” Its unique design makes it very comfortable to wear for long distances and reduces the impact of your gait on your body. However, this same design makes it difficult to maneuver technical trails and small-space footing situations.
The 5mm lugs and GoreTex finish make the TenNine a great option for multiple terrains and seasons. These shoes definitely come with a high price tag. Keep reading to learn more about the good, the bad, and the ugly, and to ultimately find out if they are worth the investment for you.
The 5mm lugs and GoreTex finish make the TenNine a great option for multiple terrains and seasons. These shoes definitely come with a high price tag. Keep reading to learn more about the good, the bad, and the ugly, and to ultimately find out if they are worth the investment for you.
Hoka TenNine Hike GTX Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Comfortable
5mm traction lugs
Great stability
Lighter than you would expect
Cons
Not versatile
Expensive
Can be a bit cumbersome
Key Features
Comfort
You would be hard-pressed to find a person who thinks these hiking shoes are uncomfortable. For some, they take a few miles to break them in, but for other people, they are immediately comfortable. Each shoe weighs approximately 1.1 pounds. Considering the amount of cushion and comfort that is built-in, they are much lighter than you would expect.
The extended outsole takes the brunt of the impact as you trek. This provides great relief for your ankles, knees, and other joints. Many people who suffer from arthritis or plantar fasciitis claim that these make them forget about their ailments.
The only minor comfort issue I’ve heard of is that the TenNine is slightly narrow for some people. However, I recommend that you research Hoka’s lacing guide and try out a few different methods before giving up on this shoe. Additionally, the tongue is slightly short. It looks as if it would be easily lost behind the laces, but it hasn’t been an issue yet.
Fit
This hiking boot tends to run true to size. Of course, if you plan to wear it with thick hiking boots, you should order a half size up. It has a traditional lace-up system that allows you to more or less customize the fit.
The shoe extends above the ankle and provides great support. Like I mentioned before, for a very few people, the shoe felt too narrow. It is available in a wide range of sizes from a men’s 7 up to a 14.
Features
Invented by Hoka, the Hubble heel geometry was meticulously created to reduce heel impact and accelerate toe offs. Paired with a 4mm heel-to-toe drop and an EVA foam midsole, you might just feel like you are walking on air, or “flying” as Hoka would say. There’s no way that the heel of the shoe won’t be the first thing you notice when you look at it. It is quite exaggerated.
Speaking of this exaggerated heel, it does come with a few downsides. Think about driving a small car - a Fiat or a Mini Cooper - for thirty-plus years and then trading it in for a Suburban. You would be completely thrown off by the new length and width of your car for the first couple hours of driving (at least). These shoes are comparable. Your footprint will be longer and wider than ever before.
While this is great for your balance and stability while walking, in technical areas or rock-jumping, it is very difficult. It is not recommended to walk stairs or drive while wearing these shoes. Additionally, the extended heel has also been known to toss rocks and debris up and into the shoe on loose trails.
The last great feature I’ll discuss here is the GoreTex treatment. This treatment makes the boots waterproof, as long as the water doesn’t enter through the top of the shoe. Cross small rivers and streams without fear, my friends.
Durability
Many of the materials used to make this shoe are recycled. This does not damage the durability in any sense. In fact, it makes them sustainable. The main fabrics used are recycled ripstop textile and recycled polyester for the accents. The RPET textile mesh lining is durable and breathable. The lacing hardware is made from metal. You’ll also notice a small rubber toe cap that is abrasion-resistant.
If for any reason you decide that the TenNines are not for you, Hoka offers a 30-day no-questions-asked return. It doesn’t matter if you have worn them on two hikes or zero, they will still be eligible for a return and a refund.
Stability and Traction
The outsole of this shoe isn’t shaped like a hoverboard for nothing. This extra footing greatly improves your stability. The wider area to balance on and the great ankle support help to keep you out of harm’s way. As I mentioned before, it is not recommended to wear these boots on climbing trails or technical terrain.
In terms of traction, the Vibram Megagrip and 5mm lugs provide great grip on many different terrains. Wet, dry, sloshy, or snowy, the Hoka TenNine GTX can handle it.
You would be hard-pressed to find a person who thinks these hiking shoes are uncomfortable. For some, they take a few miles to break them in, but for other people, they are immediately comfortable. Each shoe weighs approximately 1.1 pounds. Considering the amount of cushion and comfort that is built-in, they are much lighter than you would expect.
The extended outsole takes the brunt of the impact as you trek. This provides great relief for your ankles, knees, and other joints. Many people who suffer from arthritis or plantar fasciitis claim that these make them forget about their ailments.
The only minor comfort issue I’ve heard of is that the TenNine is slightly narrow for some people. However, I recommend that you research Hoka’s lacing guide and try out a few different methods before giving up on this shoe. Additionally, the tongue is slightly short. It looks as if it would be easily lost behind the laces, but it hasn’t been an issue yet.
Fit
This hiking boot tends to run true to size. Of course, if you plan to wear it with thick hiking boots, you should order a half size up. It has a traditional lace-up system that allows you to more or less customize the fit.
The shoe extends above the ankle and provides great support. Like I mentioned before, for a very few people, the shoe felt too narrow. It is available in a wide range of sizes from a men’s 7 up to a 14.
Features
Invented by Hoka, the Hubble heel geometry was meticulously created to reduce heel impact and accelerate toe offs. Paired with a 4mm heel-to-toe drop and an EVA foam midsole, you might just feel like you are walking on air, or “flying” as Hoka would say. There’s no way that the heel of the shoe won’t be the first thing you notice when you look at it. It is quite exaggerated.
Speaking of this exaggerated heel, it does come with a few downsides. Think about driving a small car - a Fiat or a Mini Cooper - for thirty-plus years and then trading it in for a Suburban. You would be completely thrown off by the new length and width of your car for the first couple hours of driving (at least). These shoes are comparable. Your footprint will be longer and wider than ever before.
While this is great for your balance and stability while walking, in technical areas or rock-jumping, it is very difficult. It is not recommended to walk stairs or drive while wearing these shoes. Additionally, the extended heel has also been known to toss rocks and debris up and into the shoe on loose trails.
The last great feature I’ll discuss here is the GoreTex treatment. This treatment makes the boots waterproof, as long as the water doesn’t enter through the top of the shoe. Cross small rivers and streams without fear, my friends.
Durability
Many of the materials used to make this shoe are recycled. This does not damage the durability in any sense. In fact, it makes them sustainable. The main fabrics used are recycled ripstop textile and recycled polyester for the accents. The RPET textile mesh lining is durable and breathable. The lacing hardware is made from metal. You’ll also notice a small rubber toe cap that is abrasion-resistant.
If for any reason you decide that the TenNines are not for you, Hoka offers a 30-day no-questions-asked return. It doesn’t matter if you have worn them on two hikes or zero, they will still be eligible for a return and a refund.
Stability and Traction
The outsole of this shoe isn’t shaped like a hoverboard for nothing. This extra footing greatly improves your stability. The wider area to balance on and the great ankle support help to keep you out of harm’s way. As I mentioned before, it is not recommended to wear these boots on climbing trails or technical terrain.
In terms of traction, the Vibram Megagrip and 5mm lugs provide great grip on many different terrains. Wet, dry, sloshy, or snowy, the Hoka TenNine GTX can handle it.
Comparison to Similar Hiking Shoes
Honestly, there are not many shoes similar to the TenNine on the market. This boot stands alone and has set a new standard for ultra-stabilizing hiking boots. Hoka One One had released a few similar prototypes in the past but none of them really took off as the TenNine has.
However, if I must make a comparison, I suppose the Nike Vaporfly is on the same wavelength. This shoe is known for helping athletes break marathon race times. With a similar price and a similar outsole, this shoe also excels in providing great stability and decreasing the impact of ground strikes on your joints. The Vaporfly has an 8mm heel-to-toe drop but a similar stack height. This shoe is indeed not a boot and is intended for running.
However, if I must make a comparison, I suppose the Nike Vaporfly is on the same wavelength. This shoe is known for helping athletes break marathon race times. With a similar price and a similar outsole, this shoe also excels in providing great stability and decreasing the impact of ground strikes on your joints. The Vaporfly has an 8mm heel-to-toe drop but a similar stack height. This shoe is indeed not a boot and is intended for running.
Verdict
Well, there you have it. The full explanation of why these boots look like something from outer space. You need to be a person of confidence to wear these. Each small feature, and the big feature (outsole), work together to create this unique boot that is incredibly comfortable. It’s a great option for people with sensitive joints.
While they are quite an investment, if you want a comfortable pair of boots that will allow you to glide through the hiking trails, this is a great choice. Remember, that they are not ideal for trails that include stairs, boulder climbing, or driving.
While they are quite an investment, if you want a comfortable pair of boots that will allow you to glide through the hiking trails, this is a great choice. Remember, that they are not ideal for trails that include stairs, boulder climbing, or driving.
