Which is better for wet, rocky trails?

The Kaha 2 Low GTX. Its GORE-TEX membrane and Vibram Megagrip with 5mm lugs handle wet rock and mud better than the Columbia's Omni-Tech and Omni-Grip setup.

Which is lighter and easier for everyday wear?

The Newton Nimble. It is a lighter leather shoe with a regular fit, while the Kaha 2 Low GTX is a heavier, stiffer hiker at about 476 g per shoe.

Is the Kaha 2 Low GTX worth stepping up to?

Yes if you hike technical or wet terrain often. The membrane, Vibram outsole and dual-density midsole are real upgrades over the Columbia's simpler build.

The Kaha 2 Low GTX generally holds up better on rough ground thanks to its Vibram outsole and reinforced nubuck upper. The Columbia's leather upper wears well on easier trails.

Can I use either for trail running?

The Kaha 2 Low GTX is low-cut and mobile enough for fast hiking and light trail running. The Newton Nimble is built for hiking and trekking, not running.

Do both fit true to size?

The Kaha 2 Low GTX is described as unisex and true to size. The Newton Nimble has a regular fit; try both on if you are between sizes.

HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX vs Columbia Newton Nimble

The Kaha 2 Low GTX is the more capable shoe: a GORE-TEX membrane, Vibram Megagrip with 5mm lugs and a plush dual-density midsole with a 6mm drop. The Newton Nimble is a lighter, simpler leather hiker with Omni-Tech water resistance and Omni-Grip traction, better for easy trails and casual wear. Owners of the HOKA praise comfort and grip but report a stiff, heavy feel and some sourcing complaints; Columbia's shoe is widely seen as a solid budget trail option that runs less technical.

Choose the Kaha 2 Low GTX if you hike wet, rocky or technical trails and want maximum cushioning, grip and a true waterproof membrane.
Choose the Newton Nimble if you want a lighter, leather low-cut shoe for easy trails, travel and everyday wear.

Prices

HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX: $74.00 at Gear Outlet (last seen Nov 11)
Columbia Newton Nimble: $100.00 at Backcountry (last seen Nov 11)
Difference: the HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX is $26.00 cheaper than the Columbia Newton Nimble at the latest prices (Nov 11)

	HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX	Columbia Newton Nimble
Waterproofing	GORE-TEX membrane with recycled face fabric	Omni-Tech water-resistant treatment
Outsole	Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug, 5mm lugs	Omni-Grip lugged rubber
Cushioning	Dual-density CMEVA with HUBBLE heel and SwallowTail	TechLite and Omni-MAX cushioning
Weight	About 476 g per shoe	Lighter leather build
Upper	Waterproof nubuck leather and mesh	Genuine leather
Drop	6mm heel-to-toe	Not specified
Best terrain	Technical, wet and rocky trails	Easy trails, travel and casual wear
Ankle support	Low-cut, mobile	Low collar, regular fit

Spec	HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX	Columbia Newton Nimble
Weight	476.00 g	—
Heel-To-Toe Drop	6.00 mm	—
Lug Depth	5mm lugs	—
Waterproofing	GORE-TEX footwear fabric with 71% recycled poly…	—
Upper Material	Leather Working Group Gold-rated waterproof nub…	—
Midsole	Dual-density CMEVA midsole with HUBBLE® heel an…	—
Outsole	Vibram® Megagrip rubber with Traction Lug	—
Closure	Lace Up	—
Sole height	—	From 2 cm to 4 cm
Sole pattern	—	Lugged outsole
Material	—	Genuine leather
Surface	—	Trail

Spec	HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX	Columbia Newton Nimble
Uses	—	Hiking
Sport	—	Climbing, Hiking, Trekking
Technology	—	Omni-Grip™, Omni-Tech™, Omni-MAX™, TechLite™
Feature	—	Water-resistant, Cushioning, Shock absorption
Lace	—	Yes
Collar	—	Low
Fit	—	Regular Fit

HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX vs Columbia Newton Nimble

Prices

HOKA Kaha 2 Low GTX vs Columbia Newton Nimble

Prices

Columbia Newton Nimble

What separates them

Price history

Prices at every store