Hoka Tor Summit WP Review

The Hoka Tor Summit WP sets the bar high for comfort in hiking shoes while also offering great performance across the board. It retails at $160. The upper consists of nubuck and suede leather which has an eVent waterproof membrane with full bootie construction. The midsole is thick RMAT rubber, which is also utilized in the center of the outsole, coupled with a Vibram MegaGrip Hi-Traction Outsole with 5mm lugs.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Hoka understands that if your feet aren't comfortable, all other aspects of your footwear matter little. This shoe is the comfiest model reviewed, with a soft and spongy tongue, good arch support, a thick insole, and a fatty midsole and outsole combination. Rocky, bumpy, spiky terrain isn't a problem when cruising in these shoes, and our feet felt fresh hike after hike. The toe protection isn't robust, yet with our feet raised higher atop the uber-thick soles, we were less likely to stub our toes.

The lacing system is simple, with five sets of metal eyelets for the flat-style laces to slide through. It's easy to tighten the laces as desired, and the supple leather upper doesn't resist snugging up against the foot. The cushioned tongue allowed us to tighten the shoes tighter than comfortable on other models.

As expected, these shoes also absorb shock better than the other contenders. For hopping boulders, they are the best. And despite the leather uppers, they were breathable. Taking off our shoes after the treadmill test, there was barely any dampness in our socks. Our feet didn't overheat or sweat profusely hiking in this pair.

Weight

Weighing 2 lb. 0.8 oz. on our scale, the Tor Summit initially felt bigger and heavier than it is due to its oversized outsole. After a short distance, however, this feeling went away, and we enjoyed the lightweight feeling under these ultra-comfortable hikers. Its weight lands within one ounce of six shoes tested here, so it's not off in outer space.

Support

The Tor Summit lacks a shank insert in the sole, which lead us to expect a less rigid midfoot. Nope. In our lateral torsion test, this shoe tied the Keen Targhee II as the most rigid among all contenders. The four layers of rubber (varying in density) provide a supportive sole. This combines with the wide forefoot width of 4.75 inches to increase stability in each step.

Overall, it proved to be one of the most supportive shoes in this review. For more ankle stability, we preferred The North Face Ultra 110 GTX, which has a higher ankle height, stiffer upper, and a lacing system that secures the shoe higher up the foot.

Traction

The Vibram MegaGrip Hi-Traction Outsole features multi-directional, dense rubber lugs on the perimeter and much softer rubber, rectangular RMAT lugs in the center of the sole. The tread has plenty of surface area contact for traction on wet and dry rock. The muted sensitivity from the thick cushioning, however, didn't inspire our confidence on steep terrain.

In loose gravel, mud, and snow, this model didn't impress us much. Our feet slid around as the gravel rolled underfoot, and the outsole collected snow and mud.

Versatility

From day hiking to brief backpacking trips, this shoe will not let you down. It offers exceptional comfort on any trail. Our reviewers compared this model often to beach cruiser bikes — it can go fast but tends to just cruise. The soft soles feel unresponsive, and provide less spring in each step in comparison to other models. For a more nimble, aggressive model, check out the La Sportiva Spire GTX.

Not only appropriate on a trail, the Tor Summit is great for anyone spending days on their feet at work. The thick soles of this pair draw attention around town, but the comfort might be worth it. For something more subtle around town, but still comfy, check out the Vasque Juxt.

Water Resistance

The Tor Summit features an eVent waterproof membrane, which did not leak in any backcountry stream crossings, nor in our five minute underwater test. Out of the box, water beads off this shoe well. After significant use, the upper began absorbing water along the seam of the toe abrasion guard and the leather.

The 4.125-inch flood level was below average among the field of competition, yet we were satisfied with the water resistance of this model.

Durability

Over the three-month testing period, we experienced zero durability issues with the Tor Summit. The majority leather upper took all the abuse we put it through in stride. There is little protection around the toes and the sides, though, when compared to models like the Salomon or Keen models. These high-wear areas are prone to breakdowns in any hiking shoe and is a point of potential failure down the road. The soft rubber in the center column of the outsole is also susceptible to wear. While these shoes might not hold up to the most aggressive abuse, they should last many miles on easy to moderate trails.

Best Application

This shoe is an excellent choice for easy to moderate day hiking and short backpacking trips. If you have past injuries that often cut your hikes short, the Tor Summit might push your limits further than other less comfortable, less supportive models. These shoes are also for anyone who spends a large amount of time on their feet throughout the day.

Value

The cushy support of the Tor Summit does come with a steep price tag, listed at $160. If this shoe makes hiking more bearable on your knees, or keeps your feet fresh after a long day on your feet, spending the extra cash is worth it. If you don't need the extra comfort, our Best Buy Award winner, the Vasque Juxt provides the best value of all models reviewed.

Conclusion