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When it comes to footwear, there’s no shortage of specialty shoes designed to improve your comfort, support, and performance in your chosen activity. From running shoes to help you conquer your next race, to weightlifting shoes for a deeper squat, you have a lot to choose from when looking to maximize your performance.
However, one of the most overlooked activities that requires proper footwear is something most of us do every single day–walking. Many people will grab whatever shoes they have lying around to go for a walk, but there are plenty of shoes specifically designed to maximize your comfort while increasing your steps.
In this KURU QUANTUM 2.0 review, I’ll explain all of the details you need to know about this walking shoe that’s specifically designed to minimize foot pain and discomfort. Whether you spend your days walking around a city, or you’re looking for a great shoe for your evening neighborhood stroll, keep reading to see our honest thoughts.
Shoe Experts That You Can Trust
Here at Garage Gym Reviews, all of our reviews are based on hands-on testing from our team of experts. We’re a diverse group of fitness (and shoe) enthusiasts, made up of gym owners, certified personal trainers, runners, CrossFit enthusiasts, and more.
Many of us have spent years trying all kinds of shoes for our various hobbies, and our reviews are always based on our honest testing experience. When we test a new shoe, we use our equipment testing methodology to assign a score of 1 to 5 and rate the shoe on the most important features, like:
- Comfort
- Durability
- Appearance and Design
- Stability
KURU QUANTUM 2.0
KURU QUANTUM 2.0
Product Highlights
- 8.5 mm heel-to-toe drop
- Wide design
- Plenty of cushioning in the midfoot
- Available in men's and women's colorways
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Supportive heel cushion
- Wide design and toe box
- Available in both men's and women's colorways
- 8.5 mm heel to toe drop
Cons
- Expensive
- Bulkier and heavier than many other shoes
- 8.5 mm may feel unusual to those used to minimalist shoes
Bottom Line
The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed for walking, providing exceptional cushioning and support. It's not a great choice for runners or weightlifters, but versatile enough for most casual daily activities.
A Quick Look at the KURU QUANTUM 2.0
KURU is a unique company, as its shoes are specifically designed to maximize heel support and reduce heel pain. With a company tagline of “Heel Better,” KURU’s homepage claims that 81% of people will experience foot pain, and the company is on a mission to change this.
There are quite a few KURU shoes to choose from, including running shoes, walking shoes, slip-ons, hiking shoes, and more. The designs vary, but all KURU shoes are designed to maximize comfort and provide pain relief.
The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is one of the company’s best-selling shoes, second only to the ATOM, which we covered in detail in our KURU ATOM review. The QUANTUM 2.0 is designed for walking, although you can wear it for other types of workouts as well.
RELATED: Best Shoes for Plantar Fascitis
The heel uses the patented KURUSOLE, which cups your heel in a soft cushion, providing maximum heel support with each step. The QUANTUM 2.0 also features a wide toe box and breathable mesh upper—two more features KURU chose to make this shoe as comfortable as possible.
Before You Buy
- These shoes are meant for walking and have plenty of cushioning, but they may not work well for long-distance running or weightlifting.
- The shoe features a wide design to give your foot plenty of room and significant cushioning, so they’re bigger and heavier than many running shoes.
- At $165, these shoes aren’t cheap, but in our opinion, the quality and comfort justify the price.
Is the KURU QUANTUM 2.0 Worth It?
Let’s face it, $165 is a lot to pay for a pair of shoes, even ones that claim to relieve the foot pain that occurs from standing or walking for long periods. That doesn’t mean you should avoid them, but you should make sure that the shoes will meet your needs before purchasing them.
Great for:
- Those who spend a significant amount of time on their feet on a daily basis
- Anyone who tends to get sore feet from walking
- People who don’t mind a bulkier shoe in exchange for comfort
Not recommended for:
- Runners or weightlifters looking for a shoe that can handle everything
- Anyone who prefers a zero-drop, minimalist shoe
- Those looking for a more affordable shoe option
KURU QUANTUM 2.0 Specs
| Price | $165 |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8.5 mm |
| Weight | 10.8-13 oz |
| Size Range | Men’s 7-14, Women’s 5-12 (wide widths also available) |
| Upper | Open-weave mesh |
| Midsole | KURUCLOUD cushioning |
| Outsole | Rubber |
Wearing the KURU QUANTUM 2.0
For this KURU shoes review, our tester was Erin Chancer, a certified personal trainer and senior editor at GGR. She wore them around town running errands and walking her dog to see if these shoes provided the comfortable footbed they claimed.
The best walking shoes should feel comfortable to wear for hours at a time, which is exactly what Erin did. Overall, she was very impressed. Even though she has narrow feet and had to tighten the laces quite a bit, she found them to be very comfortable while walking around, with plenty of support in the insoles.
The one callout is that they are wider than traditional running shoes, so they’re slightly larger, and with the 8.5 mm heel drop and significant cushioning, they’re a bit heavy. Erin said she’s used to wearing Toms shoes, which feature a more minimal, lightweight design, and the heavier weight was noticeable but still comfortable.
Erin still loved these shoes, but if you’re used to lighter, smaller shoes, just know that there may be an adjustment period.
Appearance and Design
Appearance is important, as nobody wants to wear shoes that look awful on your feet. Luckily, Erin loved the design, giving these shoes a 5-out-of-5 rating.
She bought the “Pewter/Night Sky” colorway, which is gray with hints of purple, and she really likes the look. The women’s sizes are also available in four additional colorways: Electric Grape/Midnight Blue, Pewter/Night Sky, Jet Black/Slate Gray, and Dove Gray/Pale Lime.
The men’s sizes are available in three colorways, which are Jet Black/Slate Gray, Storm Gray, and Indigo Blue/Slate Gray.
We wish there were more color options for men, but since the colors are neutral, they’ll fit seamlessly into your wardrobe.
Construction and Durability
For construction and durability, Erin gave these shoes a 4.5-out-of-5 star rating. She noted that the mesh exterior and synthetic rubber outsole feel bulky but durable.
With any shoe review, it’s hard to promise how long a given pair will last unless we use them until they fall apart, but these seem very durable. Not to mention, KURU offers a 6-month guarantee on its shoes, so if something goes wrong (aside from normal wear and tear), KURU will replace them.
Stability and Performance
When a shoe promises to keep your foot secure and cushioned, with patented technology to offer maximum support, we have high expectations–and KURU delivered.
Erin has narrow feet and didn’t expect these shoes to keep her foot in place, but she was pleasantly surprised. She said, “My ankles felt very secure and I had plenty of toe room. I have very narrow feet, so at first glance, I thought my feet would be swimming in these, but I didn’t have an issue.”
For stability and performance, the KURU QUANTUM 2.0s earn a 5 out of 5.
Versatility
When talking about versatility, we look at how many activities you can perform in any given shoe. While the QUANTUM 2.0 is designed for walking, it can still be used for certain types of strength training and cardio.
The shoe is cushioned, so if you’re going to be squatting or deadlifting, we recommend a pair of the best weightlifting shoes instead. When driving your feet into the ground, you want maximum stability so you can direct the force straight into the ground, and a cushioned shoe may allow your heel to wiggle side to side, providing too much cushioning and instability. However, if you just need something to wear to the gym, especially on upper body days, these will do a fine job.
RELATED: Best Shoes for Deadlifting
We also wouldn’t recommend the shoes for long-distance runners. You may be able to do short runs in these shoes, but they’re not designed for running more than a mile or two, as they’re a bit heavy compared to running shoes.
Overall, the shoes earn a 3 out of 5 for versatility.
Adjustments and Comfort
For adjustments and comfort, Erin awarded these walking shoes a 4.2-out-of-5 rating.
She said, “More or less easy to adjust, I had to really manipulate the lacing to get them more secure to my foot. (Once again, I have very narrow feet.) I also need a lot of arch support and found that the shoes were right in the sweet spot and kept me comfortable while I ran errands downtown and took my dog for a walk in the park.”
The shoes are designed to fit wide feet and are wider than the popular KURU ATOM shoe, but even if you have narrow feet, you should still be able to customize the fit to your needs. KURU shoes also work well with orthotics, so you can remove the default inserts if you prefer your own.
RELATED: Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet
Price and Value
For overall value, the QUANTUM 2.0 shoes earn a 4 out of 5. Yes, $165 is a hefty price to pay for walking shoes, but these aren’t your normal shoes.
KURU uses patented technology to provide additional heel support, as well as a comfortable midsole and arch. You get a lot of cushioning and breathability for a shoe that feels durable based on our initial testing, along with a 6-month warranty.
The shoes are an investment, but one we feel is well worth the cost.
KURU QUANTUM 2.0 vs HOKA Bondi 8
HOKA Bondi 8
Hoka Bondi 8
Product Highlights
- The everyday Bondi 8 men’s running shoe by Hoka
- Fifteen vibrant colors to choose from
- Available in men’s sizes 7 to 16
- Rated 4.6 stars out of 5 on their website
- Multiple width options for wider feet
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fun and unique color options
- Comes in three different widths
- Inclusive sizing
- 30-day return policy
- Rated plush for cushion
- Recycled and vegan materials
Cons
- Expensive
- Some reviewers find the new version less appealing
Bottom Line
HOKA’s Bondi 8 men’s everyday running shoe is high-quality, stylish, supportive, and functional. The shoe is expensive, but with the 30-day return policy, it’s a fantastic shoe to try whether you want a stylish pair of kicks for casual walking or your new favorite running shoe. Reviewers rave about the Bondi 8 everyday running shoe.
If you’re looking for a very similar shoe that provides plenty of cushioning and support, but don’t like the look or design of the KURU QUANTUM 2.0s, another great choice is the HOKA Bondi 8. The HOKA Bondi 8 won “Best Cushioned Walking Shoe” in our guide to the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis.
Both shoes are available in multiple widths, but the Bondi 8 comes in 19 colorways for men, and 17 for women, so there are more options to choose from. The Bondi 8 also has a lower heel drop and lighter weight, which may feel better for certain users.
With an identical price point, this really boils down to comfort. If you want to try KURU’s patented heel support, I’d go with the QUANTUM 2.0s, but if you prefer a lighter shoe or don’t like the KURU style, the HOKA Bondi 8 is a great choice.
| KURU QUANTUM 2.0 | HOKA Bondi 8 | |
| Price | $165 | $165 |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8.5 mm | 4 mm |
| Weight | 10.8-13 oz | 8.9-10.8 oz |
| Size Range | Men’s 7-14, Women’s 5-12 | Men’s 7-16, Women’s 5-12 |
| Widths | Wide, Medium | Regular, Wide, X-Wide |
| Upper | Open-weave mesh | Mesh |
| Midsole | KURUCLOUD cushioning | Full-length EVA foam |
| Outsole | Rubber | Rubber |
Customer Experience
The customer experience rates the return policy and customer support options and earned a 5-out-of-5 rating from Erin.
Customers have 45 days to make a return, and the shoes are backed by a 6-month warranty. If you need to reach KURU, you can do so via phone, contact form, live chat, or email at gurus@kurufootwear.com.
Ordering the KURU QUANTUM 2.0
Ordering from KURU is an easy process. You can split your order into multiple payments with Shop Pay, and shipping is free for most orders to the U.S. and Canada. KURU also offers free returns on all orders if you’re not happy with the fit or style.
Customer Reviews
KURU doesn’t sell its shoes on Amazon, or any other retailers, so the only reviews for the KURU QUANTUM 2.0 are on the company website. There, the shoes have an average rating of 4 stars based on 663 reviews.
Most users love the comfort and feel, though a few noted that the sizing feels different in this latest QUANTUM 2.0 model.
Final Verdict of Our KURU QUANTUM 2.0 Review
Overall, Erin was very impressed with these shoes and said she can’t wait to wear them on her next trip where she’ll be walking a lot.
The durability, comfort, and warranty make the price well worth it. If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable, supportive shoes to support long days of walking, these are an excellent choice.
We recommend buying the KURU QUANTUM 2.0 if you:
- Spend a lot of time walking
- Want a versatile, comfortable shoe to wear all day long
- Don’t mind a shoe that may be heavier than you’re used to
Full Rating
KURU QUANTUM 2.0
The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed for walking, providing exceptional cushioning and support. It's not a great choice for runners or weightlifters, but versatile enough for most casual daily activities.
Product Brand: Kuru
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 165
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.34
KURU QUANTUM 2.0: FAQs
Do podiatrists recommend KURU shoes?
While we haven’t asked any podiatrists what they think about KURU shoes, the company website says that many podiatrists and other medical professionals recommend and enjoy these shoes.
What is special about KURU shoes?
Plenty of shoes provide cushioning, but KURU’s patented technology cups your heel and holds it securely in place—a design feature meant to reduce chronic foot pain. They’re also durable and come with a 6-month warranty.
Are KURU shoes only available online?
Yes, KURU only sells their shoes online. If you’re local to Salt Lake City, Utah, you can pick up a pair in the showroom at KURU’s headquarters.
How long do KURU shoes last?
KURU states that most users should be able to get at least a year of use out of the shoes, though podiatrists recommend replacing your shoes after 350-500 miles of wear.
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