Males’s HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX Evaluation

Backside Line

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX are comfy, waterproof, and sturdy mountaineering footwear which might be excellent for medium to lengthy adventures on established trails in all kinds of climate situations. We examined the Anacapas over three months within the excessive nation of Colorado in tough spring situations to see how they might maintain up in rain, snow, and dirt, and so they surpassed our expectations. With a comfortable foam midsole, rockered design, and a spacious toe field, you’ll really feel quick and steady on slopes and steep angles, and the massive dovetail heel promotes a pure gait and provides a little bit of spring to your step.

Nonetheless, they’re among the many pricier choices we checked out, and weighing in at virtually two kilos for the pair, they aren’t the lightest footwear on the market. We additionally discover the traction isn’t as sturdy or efficient as different mountaineering footwear we’ve examined. That mentioned, their sturdy leather-based and suede uppers provide stable safety, and wonderful waterproofing makes them a stellar selection for moist and difficult environments.

Consolation

The Anacapa 2 Low GTX are as comfy as mountaineering footwear come: for those who’re in search of a comfortable really feel and dependable building with out compromise, these footwear ship on all fronts.

They really feel immediately comfy proper out of the field, and we love the big, comfortable heel tab and mushy tongue that makes them simple to tackle and off. Due to very beneficiant foam cushioning by way of the midsole and a big foam dovetail heel, these footwear make each step really feel mushy and ergonomic.

Regardless of the extremely efficient Gore-Tex liner – excellent for conserving your toes dry and cozy on muddy trails and all through wet days – the Anacapa 2s additionally vent sweat and warmth impressively nicely. The leather-based uppers are simply breathable sufficient to maintain your toes cool and dry when the solar comes out and you start heating up.

The toe field isn’t as massive as different mountaineering footwear we examined, however it provides loads of room for pure toe splay and foot motion to forestall ache, fatigue, and cramping on lengthy treks. Plus, the Anacapa 2s rockered outsole design promotes a clean, ergonomic gait, lowering fatigue over miles of rugged terrain.

We discover the leather-based higher – whereas mushy and pliable – nonetheless requires a medium break-in interval of about 10-15 miles to melt round your toes. And,  the distinctive dovetail heel – whereas wonderful for pushing off every step with much less effort – positively takes a bit of additional time to get used to, so that you’ll need to stroll in these footwear for some time till they really feel extra pure.

Traction

The traction on the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX performs finest on established trails. Their chunky rectangular lugs, geometric sample, and Vibram rubber composition initially grip nicely on rocks, sand, filth, and roots. The outsole combines a barely curved rocker design with a brilliant thick, comfortable foam midsole and heel that extends from the again of the shoe and lends a wonderful sense of stability on many surfaces. We discover that this mix means you don’t get a lot floor really feel, which is superior on cruiser trails and well-established routes the place the Anacapa 2s will devour bumps, rocks, roots, and obstacles with out you feeling a lot in any respect.

Nonetheless, the lug depth leaves a bit to be desired, and the traction design doesn’t lend itself to one of the best grip on steep ascents or braking on steep descents. The draw back of the Anacapa 2’s beneficiant foam building is it begins to degrade after about 300 miles, lowering its traction capabilities in contrast with footwear with extra sturdy rubber compounds. That’s why we don’t advocate these for off-trail adventures, however they nonetheless excel in sustaining grip by way of mud, water, and mushy soil for spring, summer time, and fall hikes on well-maintained trails.

Weight

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX, weighing in at 1 pound and 14.6 ounces, is likely one of the heaviest choices in our assessment lineup. Most of this weight comes from the ultra-durable leather-based higher, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and burly midsole that assure long-lasting efficiency and safety in opposition to the weather.

This increased weight can result in elevated fatigue within the toes, legs, and hips throughout lengthy backpacking journeys and mountaineering days over 15 miles, so people who prioritize ultralight gear will need to look elsewhere. That mentioned, we discovered this weight isn’t overwhelming, and since these footwear really feel so comfortable and spry, the burden penalty wasn’t an enormous deal throughout any of our testing. On the finish of the day, this mannequin’s sturdy building and supportive design make it appropriate for demanding trails and trumps their increased weight.

Sturdiness

The HOKA Anacapa 2s provide first rate sturdiness. The meticulously crafted leather-based and mesh uppers simply face up to abrasion from rocks, bramble, and roots, and the bolstered TPU toe cap lends better-than-average longevity that retains your toes protected and safe for a whole bunch of miles. The efficient Gore-Tex waterproofing and rockered heel design additionally improve their sturdiness.

That mentioned, the froth midsole and lugs are likely to put on down quicker than the shoe’s uppers, and extra shortly than different footwear we’ve examined. We observed vital harm on the outsoles, together with the froth shredding and the lugs rounding out on the perimeters, across the 250-300 mile mark.

Climate Resistance

In case you’re on the lookout for a shoe to hike in soaking moist situations, the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low is one among our prime suggestions. Due to a mixture of leather-based, a Gore-Tex liner, and tall foam outsoles, this stuff will hold your toes dry and comfy by way of hours of rain, mud, and puddles. Gear Analyst, Ian Krammer, spent a cumulative eight days trudging by way of spring rain, deep puddles, and lingering snow within the Colorado alpine tundra and located these footwear persistently carried out. The one time his toes had been totally soaked was after submerging them in a freezing creek throughout a crossing when it took virtually 24 hours for them to dry fully.

Like most waterproof footwear, the draw back of a water-proof liner is it tends to retain warmth and moisture buildup, which might result in hotspots, rubbing, and ache. So, we don’t advocate these on days when the temperatures will probably be persistently above 75°F. They carry out finest in shoulder seasons and moist situations when moisture is inevitable and also you need to hold your toes dry and blissful.

Ought to You Purchase the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX?

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX is finest for hikers who desire a mix of consolation, sturdiness, and waterproofing for day hikes and medium-length backpacking journeys. Their comfortable soles and huge toe field provide excellent stability on steep ascents and permit pure forefoot motion throughout different terrain. The sturdy leather-based uppers, complemented by a TPU toe cap, are protecting in opposition to rocks and roots, and their traction holds up nicely on packed trails and established routes. And, we extremely advocate these footwear for his or her comfortable dovetail heel – it helps propel every step, and makes them really feel lighter than they really are. 

That mentioned, for those who’re on a finances, they’re on the costly finish even for waterproof mountaineering footwear. Additionally, you’ll want to think about if their increased weight is definitely worth the squeeze in your subsequent journey. Nonetheless, the Anacapa 2s ship top-tier consolation and stability, making them a wonderful selection for hikers needing dependable waterproof footwear for three-season mountaineering adventures.

What Different Mountaineering Sneakers Ought to You Take into account?

Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX: Much like the HOKA Anacapa 2s, the Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX function a water-proof design and sturdy building, however they stand out with a extra light-weight construct and exact match, making them really feel extra agile and cozy for fast-paced mountaineering adventures.

KEEN Targhee IV WP: Just like the HOKA Anacapa 2s, the KEEN Targhees are outfitted with wonderful waterproofing and sturdy sturdiness for tough trails. Nonetheless, for those who’re on the lookout for a wider toe field and higher sturdiness, these footwear are simply as comfy on lengthy hikes and simply accommodate huge toes with out sacrificing efficiency.

La Sportiva Spire GTX: The La Sportiva Spire GTX combines stellar traction with top-of-the-line sturdiness, that includes the same Vibram outsole and long-lasting uppers. They’re particularly efficient on off-trail adventures – not like the Anacapa 2s – and provide an agile and supportive really feel for hikers in difficult alpine environments.