When I heard that Hoka’s first-ever footwear collaboration is with female-led, Olympic-founded brand Halfdays, I was, of course, intrigued, but equally cautious. I trust both brands for different reasons—Halfdays for reliable ski suits and Hoka for comfortable running sneakers that have carried me across countless cities. I was skeptical—after all, I’ve seen plenty of collaborations fall short before: sometimes performance is softened for design or style compromised for function. Hoka x Halfday’s new slip-on snow shoe launched in November 2025. With its low profile, sitting just above the ankle, and its total insulation, I wondered if this lightweight slip-on could actually replace my clunky winter boot. The only way to find out was to test it through real winter conditions.
How functional are they?
Over the past month, I wore the Hoka x Halfdays Kaha 2 Frost Moc GTX shoe across city conditions that expose weaknesses quickly: a New York blizzard, with sidewalks half-cleared and slush refreezing overnight, and Northeast ski trips where sub-freezing mornings, icy parking lots, and long stretches of packed snow are unavoidable. I wore them the way I wear anything I end up trusting: to work, on coffee runs, and for longer walks when trains slowed or stopped. And before I knew it, they became my new go-to winter shoe.
The first thing I noticed is how lightweight these slip-ons are. Traditional snow boots rely on bulk and stiffness to signal durability, which quickly becomes cumbersome if you’re moving through the city or across any uneven terrain. Instead, these bad boys feel more like a technical travel or running shoe adapted for winter—nimble without sacrificing protection. Even better, the squishy, flexible top of the shoe means I can actually pack them in my suitcase for winter trips.
How warm are they?
Warm gear is non-negotiable in sub-freezing weather. Built with total Primaloft insulation and a fleece-lined collar, as well as a Gore-Tex membrane for waterproof protection, these slip-ons deliver impressive warmth in temperatures as low as -25°F. Not only did my feet stay warm, but not a lick of snow seeped past my ankles.
How do they fit?
Thanks to the smart bungee lace, you can tighten the enclosure of the shoe to prevent tall socks from sliding down, ensuring a comfortable, secure fit. And despite the shoe’s lower profile, the fit remained snug across slushy streets, packed snow, and uneven sidewalks (with no slipping, pressure points, or blisters). I didn’t alter my stride or hesitate on NYC’s icy corners, which is critical in winter conditions where surfaces change block to block. On its website, Hoka recommends sizing up—but I bought my true size and have had no issues sliding right into the shoes, even with two pairs of thick socks.
Underfoot, the cushioning and support are familiar to anyone who runs in Hokas: stable, forgiving, and protective. The outsole grips snow, slush, and wet pavement with practical traction. One detail I didn’t anticipate is how easily the shoes slid off indoors (no tracking slush inside necessary).
What about aesthetics?
Visually, the shoe occupies a subtle middle ground. It has a low-key, almost moon-boot aesthetic but offers far more structured support and practicality. It’s available in two colorways—Halfdays’ iconic glazed cherry pink and an oat milk beige and brown. I have the pink pair, which surprisingly pairs well with black, gray, navy, and camel layers. The beige and brown option is a more versatile choice—neutral enough for multiple climates and outfit changes.
Final verdict:
It’s true—the Hoka x Halfdays slip-on doesn’t look like a conventional winter boot, but it doesn’t feel underbuilt. I wore them with jeans, layered city outfits, and casual travel clothes, moving seamlessly between work, errands, and long walks. (And in the midst of NYC’s incredible January snowstorm.)
