Males’s HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX Evaluation

Backside Line

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX are comfy, waterproof, and sturdy top-tier males’s climbing footwear which can be good 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, they usually surpassed our expectations. With a soft 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.

Nevertheless, they’re among the many pricier choices we checked out, and weighing in at nearly 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 climbing footwear we’ve examined. That stated, their sturdy leather-based and suede uppers supply strong safety, and glorious waterproofing makes them a stellar selection for moist and difficult environments.

Consolation

The Anacapa 2 Low GTX are as comfy as climbing footwear come: if you happen to’re searching for a soft 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 large, soft heel tab and gentle tongue that makes them simple to tackle and off. Due to very beneficiant foam cushioning via the midsole and a big foam dovetail heel, these footwear make each step really feel gentle and ergonomic.

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

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

We discover the leather-based higher – whereas gentle and pliable – nonetheless requires a medium break-in interval of about 10-15 miles to melt round your ft. And,  the distinctive dovetail heel – whereas glorious for pushing off every step with much less effort – positively takes a bit of additional time to get used to, so that you’ll wish 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 greatest on established trails. Their chunky rectangular lugs, geometric sample, and Vibram rubber composition initially grip effectively on rocks, sand, filth, and roots. The outsole combines a barely curved rocker design with an excellent thick, soft 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.

Nevertheless, the lug depth leaves a bit to be desired, and the traction design doesn’t lend itself to the very 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 via mud, water, and gentle 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 without doubt 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 towards the weather.

This larger weight can result in elevated fatigue within the ft, legs, and hips throughout lengthy backpacking journeys and climbing days over 15 miles, so of us who prioritize ultralight gear will wish to look elsewhere. That stated, we discovered this weight isn’t overwhelming, and since these footwear really feel so soft and spry, the burden penalty wasn’t a giant 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 larger weight.

Sturdiness

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

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

Climate Resistance

For those who’re in search of a shoe to hike in soaking moist situations, the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low is one in all our prime suggestions. Due to a mixture of leather-based, a Gore-Tex liner, and tall foam outsoles, these items will preserve your ft dry and cozy via hours of rain, mud, and puddles. Gear Analyst, Ian Krammer, spent a cumulative eight days trudging via spring rain, deep puddles, and lingering snow within the Colorado alpine tundra and located these footwear constantly carried out. The one time his ft had been totally soaked was after submerging them in a freezing creek throughout a crossing when it took nearly 24 hours for them to dry utterly.

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 shall be constantly above 75°F. They carry out greatest in shoulder seasons and moist situations when moisture is inevitable and also you wish to preserve your ft dry and pleased.

Ought to You Purchase the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX?

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

That stated, if you happen to’re on a funds, they’re on the costly finish even for waterproof climbing footwear. Additionally, you’ll want to think about if their larger 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 climbing adventures.

What Different Mountain climbing Sneakers Ought to You Take into account?

Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX Evaluation: Much like the HOKA Anacapa 2s, the Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX characteristic 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 climbing adventures.

KEEN Targhee IV WP Evaluation: Just like the HOKA Anacapa 2s, the KEEN Targhees are outfitted with glorious waterproofing and sturdy sturdiness for tough trails. Nevertheless, if you happen to’re in search of a wider toe field and higher sturdiness, these footwear are simply as comfy on lengthy hikes and simply accommodate huge ft with out sacrificing efficiency.

La Sportiva Spire GTX Evaluation: The La Sportiva Spire GTX combines stellar traction with top-of-the-line sturdiness, that includes an analogous Vibram outsole and long-lasting uppers. They’re particularly efficient on off-trail adventures – in contrast to the Anacapa 2s – and supply an agile and supportive really feel for hikers in difficult alpine environments.