Hoka "takes a cue from nature" and updates the Hopara 2 hiking sandal with merino wool for better breathability, less stink

Hoka Hopara 2 Aerino
The Hopara 2 Aerino taps everyone's favorite temperature-regulating fiber for a more summer-friendly "shandal" (Image credit: Hoka)

Just a year after Hoka launched the funky Hopara 2, part hiking sandal, part hiking shoe, the brand has unveiled an updated version that takes its cues from nature to make it more breathable than ever.

Rising temperatures are on the way, so it's perhaps no surprise that the California-based brand is thinking about how to help hikers deal with sweaty feet. The answer? Merino wool.

The brand new Hoka Hopara 2 Aerino takes the same formula as it's predecessor – a "shandal" with a fully enclosed toe boasting a hefty bumper for protection against rocks and roots and an open sling back that allows water to sluice through during creek crossings or beach hikes.

It's then added an "ultra-soft" 60% Merino wool blend lining that wicks moisture, lets your feet breathe when the mercury starts to rise, and perhaps best of all, doesn't get stinky when you decide to leave your hiking socks at home.

Hoka Hopara 2 Aerino

The Aerino looks much like the Hopara 2 in build with 4mm multidirectional lugs in the rubber outsole (Image credit: Hoka)

Beyond that, the Aerino looks much like the Hopara 2 in build, with a 30% sugarcane foam sole for sustainable cushioning, 4mm multidirectional lugs in the rubber outsole for added grip when you're hopping between rock pools, and a quick lace system to let you hit the trail faster.

The Hoka Hopara 2 Aerino is available now only from Hoka in both men's and women's sizing for $145.

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Julia Clarke

Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the book Restorative Yoga for Beginners. She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the the yoga mat. Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing.