80,000 Steps in Comfort: Nurse-Approved Hoka Kawana Shoes Review from My Week in Europe

They kept my feet blister-free after four walking tours.

As an avid traveler, I love exploring cities on foot. No matter where I am, I always make it a point to schedule some time for a meandering walk around various neighborhoods, which I find is a great way to experience a city’s culture and daily life up close. Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to stay active while you travel.

On a recent week-long trip to London and Paris, I did just that when I participated in several walking tours with City Experiences. I knew I would be on my feet a lot, including during an 8-hour “London in a Day” experience; therefore, I packed my go-to pair of comfy sneakers even nurses swear by for their long shifts: Hoka Kawana Road-Running Shoes. Let me tell you, it was the best decision ever — these shoes excelled in terms of comfort, durability, and style. In fact, I did four back-to-back walking tours in both cities for about 80,000 steps and didn’t get a single blister.

To buy: rei.com, $140

The Hoka Kawana shoes’ secret to all-day comfort starts with ample cushioning. Padding around the collar provided extra support to my ankles as I traipsed all over town, and midsole foam offered a cloud-like surface to walk on. Furthermore, regardless of the terrain (hello, slick and rainy roads and uneven streets), there was always ample traction thanks to the outsole’s durable texture — an especially beneficial feature while walking on cobblestone pathways around the Tower of London during the guided tour.

The Hoka Kawana Road-Running Shoes also kept my feet cool and dry the entire trip, thanks to a textile and synthetic upper layer with mesh panels that kept them breathable yet protected from the elements. Not to mention they molded to my foot like a dream: the traditional lace-up closure ensured a secure fit, and I was pleasantly surprised that the laces stayed put all day without needing adjustments.

As I really started increasing my steps, I noticed that the Hoka Kawana Road-Running Shoes have a wide base and foot frame that offers moderate stability, which works great for those of us who have neutral gaits. It even features the brand’s “swallowtail” heel geometry which creates a broader, flatter surface for a smoother heel strike in your stride. I wore them in the neutral Nimbus Cloud color, but they also come in two additional colors in women’s sizes 6-11, including half sizes.

To buy: rei.com, $140

Even though they’re marketed as a road-running shoe, I fully endorse the Hoka Kawana as comfortable lifestyle walking sneakers. Furthermore, active travelers will appreciate that they also perform well during jogs. I couldn’t resist a quick run in Regent’s Park one evening in London, and I was pleasantly surprised by the comfortable cushion the shoe provided on a concrete path. Plus, the reflective details on the toe ensured visibility as I crossed the streets, which is essential on urban pathways.

With all of these stellar features, it’s no wonder that many professionals, including nurses, have praised these shoes calling them “the absolute perfect shoe” that they wear every day, with one expressing that they even purchased three pairs. “I have Fibromyalgia and Ehlers-Danlos, so my body always hurts. Plush comfort and support are most important for me, and these are the perfect shoes for long-day support,” they added. Another user, who works at a doctor’s office, shared their positive experience stating they work great for individuals who endure long hours on their feet. “My legs have big broken veins, and I have to be careful with what shoes I wear. These are amazing, and my legs don’t hurt at the end of the day,” they remarked.

After spending a week in them, I noticed my ankles didn’t swell up at the end of each day. At just under 8.5 ounces, they are one of the lightest pairs of trainers I have owned. Exploring and walking long hours in these shoes across London and Paris felt like I was floating on a cloud.

However, do not just take my word for it. Another satisfied customer emphasized the importance of supportive footwear, stating, “I was going on a trip that would involve a lot of walking, so I wanted to make sure I had supportive shoes. These did not disappoint. They have a very firm foundation, great arch support, and look nice too.”

To buy: rei.com, $140

Additionally, these shoes also feature an extended heel pull, making them easy to take off and put back on without having to awkwardly balance on one foot. Plus, they’re crafted from recycled materials, which adds to the sustainable aspect of my footwear choices.

If you have to travel with just one pair of shoes that will perform flawlessly across multiple terrains and activities, the Hoka Kawana Road-Running Shoes are the ideal choice. They transition seamlessly from city streets to trails to the gym and provide the right amount of comfort and stability for each situation. Beyond functionality, the aesthetically pleasing colors are a nice added bonus—perfect for your next travel adventures.