Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX - Women's Review

The Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX is a good choice for those seeking a lightweight crossover between a trail running shoe and a traditional hiker. In addition to its springy and responsive base, the design also features a supportive and flexible ankle cuff complete with three metal lacing hooks that hug your ankle without introducing rigidity that could limit your range of motion or encourage blisters. The waterproof design remains breathable, whether moving through saturated snow or swollen creeks during spring runoff. While our testers were impressed with this boot, we ultimately hoped for a more durable outsole to withstand more mileage when tackling advanced, rocky terrain.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Hoka is a brand synonymous with maximum comfort in footwear, and the Anacapa 2 Mid is no exception. These hiking boots were comfortable (for a narrow foot) directly out of the box, offering enough protective, responsive, and “springy” cushion that our lead tester couldn't resist picking up the pace on the trails during the second day of testing. The thickly cushioned and squishy sole offers excellent shock absorption when moving through rocky and rough terrain, preventing you from feeling the impacts of rocks or stumps underfoot.

In addition to the comfort of the sole, the ankle cuff is constructed out of a mesh material that allows the ankle to flex even when the lacing system is fully engaged. This flex is built into the design and prevents any of the rubbing, blistering, or discomfort one might encounter with a more rigid cuff. We found the cuff to offer just the right amount of padding so as to maximize comfort on all sides of the ankle without adding unnecessary bulk. That being said, this hiking boot caters to those with narrow feet; wider feet may have a different experience. This also might be a boot worth trying on before you purchase, as our lead tester ultimately decided to go down a half size for a better fit.

Support

Hoka put a ton of thought into the support of the Anacapa 2 Mid. They advertise this boot as having a neutral amount of support through design features like an extended heel and a symmetrical cushion bed to increase overall stability. When considering the boot from the side, one can see the rocker shape, allowing smoother transitions and efficient movement through uneven terrain.

The midsole is compression-molded and offers both comfort and support, while the ankle cuff provides sufficient stability without limiting range of motion or feeling rigid. While these thoughtful features provide great support, we just couldn't help but notice this hiking boot's long and narrow base. Ultimately, our testers prefer a wider base of support (even those with narrow feet), especially while moving through variable terrain with 2.25" of springy foam underfoot.

Traction

The Anacapa 2 Mid features a Vibram Megagrip rubber with 5mm lugs that performed well in all of our traction tests, whether moving over slippery boulders, sand, or the decomposing granite surrounding the trails of the Eastern Sierra. It is important to note that the sole is constructed out of two separate materials: a softer foam that rests beneath the arch of the foot and the more durable, firm, and burly Vibram Megagrip rubber that offers exceptional grip and traction. Though we found the foam featured in this updated version of the Anacapa 2 to be more durable than the original, the lack of performance within this softer foam compromised the overall score due to its minimal grip and lack of durability. For this reason, we believe this boot is best suited for well-maintained trails rather than cross-country terrain.

Water Resistance

The waterproof capabilities of the Anacapa 2 Mid did not disappoint our testing team when crossing swollen creeks or moving through spring snowmelt. We love the thoughtful design that includes a ton of recycled and PFC-free materials. The waterproof nubuck leather is gold-rated and certified by the Leather Working Group, a group that promotes excellence in leather products through a rigorous auditing system, thereby setting the standard for the industry.

We appreciated details like the combination of the Gore-Tex mesh fabric, the gusseted tongue, and the PFC-free water-repellency treatment, especially when it started to rain. We also observed that our feet remained warm and dry, even when submerging the boot in a stream for several minutes. Whether splashing through puddles in the spring, moving over a saturated snowpack, or trudging through thick mud, the Anacapa 2 Mid did its job.

Weight

Weighing in at only 1.86 pounds for a pair of US women's size 8, the Anacapa 2 Mid remains competitive with other boots in this review, especially when considering the amount of cushion underfoot. Perhaps more importantly, this boot feels significantly lighter than its competitors, especially when worn for a long hike with a heavy pack.

Durability

While the Anacapa 2 Mid has a durable lacing system with metal eyelets, we couldn't help but notice that the substantial cushion underfoot is easily compromised by rocky and technical terrain. There are two colors on the bottom of the model that we tested: a softer and lighter material that makes up the construction of the sole and another color that is the Vibram Megagrip rubber. Rocks deeply impacted the softer material, while the Megagrip offered significant traction.

The nubuck leather and mesh on the upper appears high quality and inspires confidence. Our only concern is regarding the metal hooks of the lacing system, which can rub and damage the nubuck leather on the opposing boot. This impact on the leather, in addition to the damage to the softer sole, prompted our testers to reduce the durability rating of the Anacapa.

Should You Buy the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX?

The Anacapa 2 is for those hikers (and runners) with narrow feet who are interested in checking out the classic Hoka cushion within a lightweight and sporty design. If you're looking for an entirely waterproof hiking boot that also allows you to pick up the pace, this hybrid boot is well-priced and one to consider.

What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?

If you love the extreme cushion and comfort that is synonymous with the Hoka brand but want a wider and more stable base, check out the Hoka Kaha 2 GTX. Or if you like the idea of a lightweight trail running shoe and hiking boot hybrid but prefer a little less cushion underfoot, have a look at the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II.