Hoka Kaha 2 vs Salomon X 4 Ultra | Which Is Better?

In this article, I'm going to share my HONEST Hoka Kaha 2 vs Salomon X Ultra 4 comparison in detail after personally owning  and testing both hiking boots. I have thoroughly tested both of these hiking boots on the trails for countless hours, and I aim to offer a professional hiker's critical opinion.

I'll be comparing these two head-to-head in categories like price, comfort, traction, overall protection, fit, breathability, and durability.

Then, at the end, I'll share which product offers the best overall value for the money and provide my overall recommendation for which you should buy.

Also, if you're interested in learning more, I have tested each product individually in my Hoka Kaha 2 GTX review and Salomon X Ultra 4 review. As well as the other Salomon boots available such as the Salomon Quest 4 review. 

Hoka Kaha 2 vs Salomon X Ultra 4 Price Comparison

Overall, the Salomon X Ultra 4 is $60 cheaper than the Hoka Kaha 2, quite the discrepancy.  

Hoka Kaha 2 Price: $220

Salomon X Ultra 4 Price: $160

Order HERE for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE 

(Do NOT pay retail):

At the time of this writing, the Hoka Kaha 2 are priced at $220 retail, but available on Hoka.com below for as low as $167 brand new by clicking on our link below. 

Hoka Kaha 2 (Hoka.com)

Salomon X 4 Ultra (Amazon)

Comfort

Both the Hoka Kaha 2 and Salomon X 4 Ultra are moderately comfortable hiking boots, however one is a clear winner. The Hoka Kaha 2 is rated as one of the most comfortable in our most comfortable hiking boots review article.

Starting off with the Kaha 2, they boast an extremely comfortable sole. The plushiness while walking in these boots are second to none. I feel no pain in my joints or unnecessary shock while walking in these.

The hubbleheel is another great feature of the Hoka Kaha 2.  The extended heel allows more efficient foot striking, and reduces impact on your body. The sockliner of the Kaha 2 is extremely comfortable as well, it has a sleek design of mesh that feels like a pillow hovering over your foot. The one downside of the sockliner is that it can reduce breathability of the boot.

The Salomon X 4 Ultra boast a comfortable midsole that is manufactured by Salomon themselves. There is a decent amount of plushiness in the insole, it is more rigid and less comfortable it Hoka counterpart.

 The X Ultra 4 sockliner is much different than the Hoka Kaha 2’s. The Salomon shoe has a very thin mesh sockliner which is great for breathability. On the other hand, I had issues with the material of the boot pressing into the top of my foot causing pain. 

Another downside of the Salomon X 4 Ultra when it comes to comfort is the sides of the shoe. The hiking shoe overall fits very narrow and can press into the sides of your foot when you are trying to balance on terrain. Unlike to the Hoka Kaha 2, which offers decent space between the side of your foot and boot. 

Overall, both these hiking boots are pretty comfortable. The clear winner here is the Hoka Kaha 2. 

Hoka Kaha 2 Comfort: 4.5 out of 5

Salmon X 4 Ultra Comfort: 4.0 out of 5

Winner:Hoka Kaha 2

Traction

Both the Hoka Kaha 2  and Salomon X Ultra 4 are similar when comparing traction, the big difference is the outsole manufacturer. The Kaha 2 are equipped with the Vibram Megagrip outsole, a very popular option in the hiking community.

The Salomon X 4 Ultra boast the Contagrip outsole which is made by Salomon. Both are very popular outsoles, in fact we compared the two outsoles in our article; Contagrip vs Vibram outsole which is better?

I tested both boots in a variety of conditions, including wet mud, dry mud, snow, slate and dirt on every imaginable terrain. I also took the Kaha 2 on any Thru-Hikes that I went on. To be clear, the Hoka Kaha 2 also carry traction lugs along with the Vibram megagrip sole ameliorating the traction and grip even further. You may think the addition of the traction lugs don’t make a difference, let me tell you they do. 

Previously I compared the Merrell Moab 3 vs Salomon X Ultra 4. The Merrell Moab 3 has the Vibram Megagrip sole just like the Kaha 2, without the traction lugs. The winner for traction when comparing the X 4 Ultra vs Moab 3 were the Salomon X 4 Ultra. 

What will intrigue you, is the Hoka Kaha 2 is our winner for traction while comparing these two models. The Contagrip sole is a great traction sole do not get me wrong. The traction lugs of the Kaha 2 just give them that extra grip you need through varying terrains, and other obstacles that come in your way. In a close competition, the Hoka Kaha 2 is the winner here. 

Hoka Kaha 2 Traction : 5 out of 5

Salomon X 4 Ultra Traction : 4.5 out of 5

Winner: Hoka Kaha 2

Overall Protection

When comparing the Hoka Kaha 2 to the Salomon X Ultra 4 in terms of overall protection, there is a big difference. When you look at the X Ultra 4, it is made to be a lightweight hiking shoe without much protection. The Kaha 2 is a robust bulky leather hiking boot with layers of protection.

The difference comes down to who these hiking boots are made for. If you want a lightweight shoe with excellent breathability you are going to most likely miss out on having great overall protection because of the flimsy material they are made with.

On the other hand,  a thick leather boot such as the Kaha 2 will usually always grade well for overall protection. So remember, who or what is the hiking boot made for?

When looking at the Hoka Kaha 2, they offer robust protection in a 360 degree manner. The high outsole protects you from any sharp objects. Also, the gusseted tongue and extra lining around the heel bodes well. 

In contrast, the Salomon X 4 Ultra have synthetic material that is very thin when compared to the Kaha 2.However, the Salomon X 4 Ultra have great protection over the top of the foot. The synthetic material around the top of the foot is more rugged and tough favoring well against sharp objects. The hindfoot or heel area of the X 4 Ultra also has excellent rubber protection.

Regardless of the great protection on the top of the boot and hindfoot for the X 4 Ultra, the clear winner is the Hoka Kaha 2 here. 

Hoka Kaha 2 Overall Protection: 5 out of 5

Salomon X 4 Ultra Overall Protection: 3.5 out of 5

Winner: Hoka Kaha 2

Hoka Kaha 2 vs Salomon X 4 Ultra Which Fits Better?

I ordered both of these hiking boots in a size men's 10.5 regular. I must say, the Hoka Kaha 2 run slightly wide as the Salomon X 4 Ultra are slightly narrow. 

Previously, I stated the Salomon X 4 Ultra ran narrow and gave me some numbness in my toes which went away after a few hikes. The lacing system is unique and allows a nice tight fit over the top of your foot. 

The Hoka Kaha 2 can run slightly wide. For me, I tend to be on the side of a more wide-size fit than narrow. This fits well for me,you have to subject yourself to know if they will fit well for you. As you know, slightly wide fitting hiking boots can cause heel slipping and give an overall bad hiking experience. 

Both fit well, but the Hoka Kaha 2 get the trophy here. 

Hoka Kaha 2 Fit: 4.5 out of 5

Salomon X 4 Ultra Fit : 4 out of 5

Winner: Hoka Kaha 2

Breathability

The Salomon X 4 Ultra features significantly more breathability than the Hoka Kaha 2 . This is mainly due to the lightweight synthetic material the X 4 Ultra is made out of.

The Gore-tex membrane on the X 4 Ultra does not inhibit breathability as much as one would expect. The membrane is thin, and allows decent breathability throughout the shoe.

The Hoka Kaha 2 definitely does not have the enhanced breathability the X 4 Ultra possess due to the bulky materials and leather. I must say, I avoid the Kaha 2 on very warm summer days because there are more breathable options out there. 

The Salomon X 4 Ultra is the clear winner here.

Hoka Kaha 2 Breathability : 3.5 out of 5

Salomon X 4 Ultra Breathability : 4.5 out of 5

Winner:Hoka Kaha 2

Durability

Both these hiking boots are  exceptionally durable. Both hiking boots have shown no signs of wear and tear. This is especially true for the Salomon X 4 Ultra which has a lot of synthetic materials which are known to break down very easily. 

Both the outsoles have not manifested any signs of breakdown or loss of grip. 

There is no reason to worry about the durability of either of these boots, you are definitely getting what you pay for. 

Hoka Kaha 2 Durability : 5 out of 5

Salomon X Ultra 4 Durability : 5 out of 5

Winner: Tie

Weight 

When comparing the weight of both these hiking boots there is quite a large difference. 

My Hoka Kaha 2 weighed in a 2lb 5oz which is quite heavy for a hiking boot. The Salomon X 4 Ultra weighed in at 1lb 12oz. That is a difference of 25% in weight alone, or the Kaha 2 weight about ½ pound heavier which is quite a lot considering hiking boots. 

The clear winner here is the Salomon X 4 Ultra. 

Hoka Kaha 2 Weight : 3 out of 5

Salomon X Ultra 4 Weight: 5 out of 5

Winner: Salomon X 4 Ultra

Hoka Kaha 2 Overall Rating: 8.9/10

• Comfort: 5 out of 5

• Traction: 5 out of 5

• Overall Protection: 5 out of 5

• Fit: 4.5 out of 5

• Breathability: 3.5 out of 5

• Durability: 5 out of 5 

• Weight: 3.5 out of 5

Total: 31.5/35

Salomon X 4 Ultra Overall Rating: 8.7 / 10

• Comfort: 4 out of 5

• Traction: 4.5 out of 5

• Overall Protection: 3.5 out of 5

• Fit: 4 out of 5

• Breathability: 4.5 out of 5

• Durability: 5 out of 5

• Weight: 5 out 5

Total: 30.5/35

Overall Winner | Hoka Kaha 2 

I’ll say this one was slightly close however the Kaha 2 beats out the Salomon X 4 Ultra in terms of comfort, traction, overall protection, and fit. 

It was not a clean sweep as the Salomon X 4 Ultra are 25% lighter, more breathable, and have the same perfect score for durability. 

For my money I would choose the Hoka Kaha 2 just because of how dominant they are in all the important categories. 

If you are someone who wants lighter hiking boot that has excellent breathability I would suggest the X 4 Ultra over the Hoka Kaha 2 in that case.

I would say going with either of these hiking boots is not a bad decision as I have tested both diligently, and I have been happy with both.

Order HERE for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE 

(Do NOT pay retail):

At the time of this writing, the Hoka Kaha 2 are priced at $220 retail, but available on Hoka.com below for as low as $167 brand new by clicking on our link below. 

Hoka Kaha 2 (Hoka.com)

Salomon X 4 Ultra (Amazon)

How We Tested and Our Methodology

I personally tested the Hoka Kaha 2 and Salomon X 4 Ultra with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.

Over the past decade, I have logged over 2,000 hiking miles across diverse terrains, from the rugged Appalachian Trail to the challenging Rocky Mountains. .

We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.

Adventure Awaits,

Tyler