1 lb. 15.4 oz. (men’s size 9)
Yes (Gore-Tex)
Extremely comfortable, great lacing system and fit, and smooth ride.
Some outsole durability issues and polarizing looks.
(4.6/5)
Hoka One One is a running company. Hoka One One has been expanding their hiking footwear selection in recent months and the latest Anacapa Mid is arguably their most impressive effort to date. The boot offers a smooth ride and great cushioning Hoka One One is known for. It has an over-the-ankle height, protection, a great fit that’s secure at the heel, and moderately large in the toe box and is surprisingly light in weight. There are some issues with durability, such as the premature wear of areas of the outsole and the thick cushioning can give the appearance of polarity, however it’s a great choice for hikers who are adamant about comfort. Here we review our experience of Anacapa Mid. Anacapa Mid. To find out how it compares against other boots read our review on the top trekking boots.
Performance
Comfort
Comfort and cushioning are features of Hoka’s hiking and running footwear However, despite my high expectations the Anacapa Mid GTX was awe-inspiring to me. First of all, the shoe has that traditional Hoka feel, thanks to the soft squish beneath and the outsole’s rocker shape. In the field, it’s simple to swiftly move across the trails and even run for long periods of time. The Anacapa is extremely smooth when you’re in a groove. My opinion is that this is the main attraction to these Hoka boots: You’re receiving the protection of your ankles and moderate support, yet the amount of fatigue you feel on your feet is kept at a minimum even if you’re wearing the boots all day long on rough trails.
Another factor that contributes to the excellent comfort of the Anacapa is its unique lacing system, which has three eyelets that lock at the top for an extremely comfortable fitting. With a perfect, comfortable heel, I didn’t have any blister or rubbing issues even in a 3rd-class hike across the southwest ridge of Colorado’s Mount Sneffels. There’s also plenty of room for your toes to stretch out and expand throughout the daytime. To complete the look there’s plenty of padding around your ankles, and gussets that ensure it stays in place, avoiding tension points when tightening the laces (a problem I frequently have to deal with when putting on my new hikers). The only thing I would change is that putting them on is a bit tedious. This is due to the fact that the design is down behind the heel and makes it difficult to slip your foot into even with the pull tab in the back. But, it’s not a major issue as I’ve discovered that loosening the laces completely each time makes it easier to slide my foot inside.
Weight
With a weight of 1 one-pound 15.4 pounds on my scales for my pair of sizes 9 men’s boots (the stated weight is 2 pounds. even) The Anacapa Mid GTX falls squarely into the light hiking boot category. To put it in perspective, it compares very well with similarly-designed models such as Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Mid GTX (1 1 lb. 14 oz. ), La Sportiva’s Nucleo High II GTX (2 lbs. 1.6 oz. ) Danner’s Trail 2650 Mid GTX (1 1 lb. 12 oz. ) and Hoka’s exclusive Sky Toa (1 1 lb. 14.2 oz.). You can make it lighter by using an ultra-light trail runner such as Hoka’s Speedgoat Mid GTX (1 lb. 10.4 oz.) as well as the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid (1 1 lb. 14 oz. ) However, they have notable limitations in durability, protection, and support. Overall I believe that Hoka truly nailed the equilibrium between the weight of its products and performance.
Traction
My experience of my experience with the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX’s traction was mixed and could be divided into two distinct groups. When I was on the trails, it performed well The rubber outsole utilizes Vibram’s enthralling Megagrip compound that is grippy enough to be used over tiny rocks and roots as well as through river crossings as well as in rough and muddy terrain. The lugs don’t have a lot of depth and the boot isn’t able to bite in quite as strongly as I’d like it to on particularly steep descents, however it’s a great on-trail performer.
The moment we began the ridgeline scramble I was having difficulty trusting my boot. When climbing up a mountain and it was apparent that the Anacapa was more susceptible to slippage, and I had to be extremely precise in my foot positioning, especially in the more technical areas that were close to 4th grade. The cause is the mid-outsole (right below the arches) that includes blown rubber pads (like in shoes for runners) run shoes) which are ineffective for gripping. Furthermore, the rear of the outsole and mid is just a few inches behind the heels, and this resulted in my foot being trapped several times between the rocks (this was particularly irritating during the descent). This can make the Hoka less of an all-rounder than boots like Salomon’s X Ultra 4 Mid, but if you stick with trails, it’s a great option.
Stability and Support
A light and a highly cushioned shoe that’s designed for hikers who are fast I felt that Hoka did an excellent job of combining moderate levels of stabilization and support. Underfoot the Anacapa is quite flexible and is a bit higher above the surface than I’m used however its broad base and relatively stiffness keep the boot from being loose or floppy in the midst of a climb or carrying a heavy pack (I was carrying more than 35 pounds of gear on our trip to backpack). Also, despite the previously discussed concerns with traction when climbing The Mount Sneffels climb, I am pleased with the boot’s rigidity overall. It’s the same in the side areas unlike mid-height trail runners The Anacapa is actually a hiking boot, though it’s still not likely to be confused with a heftier and robust model such as The Lowa Renegade as well as the Salomon Quest 4. In the end, if you can keep the weight of your pack within a reasonable range–and aren’t frightened by the slightly higher height, most people who hike will be pleased with the results.
Waterproofing
In contrast to Hoka’s previous initiatives in hiking footwear, Hoka’s Anacapa Mid GTX is a hybrid of the well-known Gore-Tex liner. Its results are exactly as expected The boot has held up well during creek crossings and on the wet, but I’ve noticed none leaks or issues until now. Hoka has also applied a tough water-repellent (DWR) coating on the nubuck leather upper which does well in removing moisture and preventing the boot from taking in the water that is absorbed during these crossings. The only issue you need to consider is that waterproofing will only go to the top of the heel, and again the collar does not dip heavily down at that point, so you’ll need to be aware of the water’s depth before you step in.
Breathability
The weather was hot when we ventured to Colorado’s San Juan Mountains, and consequently, I was sweaty and had hot feet by the time the day was over. The Gore-Tex liner is mostly the culprit here (the nubuck upper definitely isn’t helping) However, it’s nothing uncommon for me to be hot in waterproof footwear during the summer months. When compared to other models The Anacapa is a decent choice but I’d prefer a water-resistant option (even it’s the lower-off Anacapa is made by Gore-Tex) to enjoy warmer weather adventures.
Toe and Ankle Protection
In order to reduce the weight of its product, Hoka did make some minor concessions to protection by introducing their Anacapa Mid. As I said earlier there’s plenty of cushioning on the ankles, which is ideal for sliding between rocks, however, the collar is quite slack towards the back, and leaves the heel exposed to scratches. In addition, although there’s a toe cap that fits on the boot and a bit of rubber that covers the middle, however, it’s not the kind of a slender wraparound design typical on hiking boots. This means that I felt more impact whenever I hit one or two rocks along the trail. But the reinforced material on the toe prevented the toe from getting any more swollen than what it would be with regular trailers.
Build Quality and Durability
Like my experiences regarding the boot’s traction, durability is an issue with this Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX. Positively it’s certainly well-made The leather-covered sections give it a bit of durability, and you have premium features such as the Vibram Megagrip Rubber, Gore-Tex Liners, and strong plastic eyelets for the lacing. At $180, the Anacapa seems to me to be an excellent value for money, especially with its premium construction.
The most significant issue I’ve encountered is due to those exposed areas of blown rubber at the side of the sole. They did not just have an adverse effect on the grip during running and squeezing, but the pads already show noticeable indications of wearing. The foam-like material has scratches and tears all over the entire boot, and will surely remain to wear down over the course of time. The boot will probably be able to last for a long time, but that middle part of the rubber is probably going to become flat after a few years. However, I believe Hoka could have made a better effort of increasing durability by giving the Anacapa an all-rubber outsole (like they did in its Speedgoat hiking boots).
Fit and Sizing
In the end, I think that Hoka has nailed the fit aspect to the formula with their Anacapa Mid. It’s an ideal design that will keep a lot of people content: There’s enough room inside the shoe that you can allow your feet to move freely without feeling bulky and the narrower heel paired with the lacing system that is effective kept my feet in place all day. To give you an idea, I purchased the standard size for men’s sizes 9 from Hoka and didn’t have any issues with regard to size or length.
Sustainability
We’re delighted to learn that Hoka has incorporated some environmentally friendly measures in the Anacapa Mid GTX’s design. The boot is a particular example, it has a PU liner, which is comprised of 50 % soybean oil as well as recycled polyester material at the mesh, collar, and laces. Furthermore, its DWR coating is not made in perfluorocarbons (PFCs) which are recognized as detrimental to the environment. When taken together, we believe these enhancements will only enhance the appeal of the boot overall.
Other Versions of the Hoka One One Anacapa
We took the male Anacapa Mid GTX to Colorado for testing. The boot also comes in a women’s version. This female Anacapa Mid GTX costs the same price at $180 however, it’s smaller (1 1 lb. 12 oz. per pair) and comes in various colors, and is a little less bulky design. To complete the range, Hoka has an affordable Gore-Tex version for women and men which retails at $165. As I’ve mentioned there are no alternatives that aren’t waterproof in the range I’d like to see a more breathable and non-GTX version of either model in the near future.
What We Like About HTML0
- The Anacapa is a great fit on the trail thanks to its generous padding and smooth, quick-moving style thanks to the rocker sole.
- A perfect fit with an efficient and adjustable lacing system, ample space inside the shoe box for consideration for swelling of the feet, and a narrower heel that holds the foot securely.
- At just 1 one pound 15.4 ounces this boot is lightweight but still offers good protection. an extremely durable upper, as well as moderate amounts of support.
- In light of the top quality materials and the quality of the materials, Hoka is a fantastic price at $180.
The Things We Do Not
- Exposed areas of blown rubber on the outsole are a problem for the grip of scrambling and are beginning to show significant wear before the testing phase.
- The design is quite low in the back of the heel, making it difficult to put on boots (completely loosening up the laces will assist in a significant way).
- Available only in the water-resistant Gore-Tex model that runs hot in summer temperatures.
- The midsole and outsole extend approximately an inch in front of the heel. This caused my foot to get trapped between rocks while moving around.
Comparison Table
| BOOT | PRICE | CATEGORY | WEIGHT | WATERPROOF | UPPER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX | $180 | Lightweight | 2 lbs. 0 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Nubuck leather |
| Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX | $165 | Lightweight | 1 lb. 14 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Leather / textile |
| Danner Trail 2650 Mid GTX | $200 | Lightweight | 1 lb. 12 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Leather / mesh |
| Vasque Breeze LT Mid GTX | $180 | Lightweight | 1 lb. 11 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Mesh |
| Hoka Speedgoat Mid GTX 2 | $170 | Lightweight | 1 lb. 10.4 oz. | Yes (Gore-Tex) | Synthetic |
| Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR | $170 | Lightweight | 1 lb. 14 oz. | Yes (eVent) | Synthetic |
The Competition
Hoka’s Anacapa Mid GTX stands out from the hiking boots due to its extensive coverage of the ankle in a lightweight well-cushioned and smooth-riding design. Salomon’s well-known X Ultra 4 Mid GTX has many of the similar features, but we see it as a more well-rounded choice. If you look at the differences between these two boots that we’ve found, the Hoka is a little more cushioned, particularly underfoot and its rocker-like design makes it simple to add miles in a short time. But the Salomon is lighter than the Hoka, weighing in at 1lb 14 pounds and has superior all-round grip and durability due to its fully rubber outsole (especially in the event of a scramble or stepping off the trails). Add a 15-cent cost and we believe that the X Ultra to be the most efficient one-quiver choice for backpacking and hiking.
Danner has another fascinating light hiker with the form of their trail 2650 Middle GTX. The Danner is extremely light, weighing just 12 ounces per pair. It’s stylish and sleek with modern-day leather construction and has more traction thanks to a Vibram Megagrip outsole, and more aggressive lug patterns. The major drawbacks are the comfort and fit The Trail 2650 falls short in terms of stability and has the feel of floppy, and we noticed that the “regular” model of the boot too narrow and the “wide” was too big. From an ergonomic standpoint it was a bit uncomfortable. Danner isn’t the most comfortable as it had more cushion than Anacapa which resulted in fatigue of the feet after long hours in the woods. At just $20 less and an extra few ounces the majority of hikers and backpackers will feel satisfied with the more robust as well as comfortable Hoka.
Vasque’s light and fast offering is the Breeze LT Mid GTX and is more trail-runner-like as compared to its predecessor, the Anacapa Mid. Both styles are well cushioned and made to move quickly, however, the Breeze is a bit lighter at just 1 11 ounces less weight and features more mesh on the upper to aid in airflow. But the durability is a bigger issue when it comes to the Vasque we experienced significant delamination issues in the instep, just two days after we began testing. Based on the above experience (plus Hoka’s price) We believe an Anacapa is the more durable boot and is worth the increase in weight.
Another internal option to think about: Hoka One One’s Speedgoat Mid GTX 2.. A middle-height version for their loved trail runner The Speedgoat Mid Speedgoat Mid is less heavy (1 1 lb. 10.4 oz.) however, it is less supportive and protective as it is. It’s less supportive and protective than the Anacapa Mid. The Speedgoat is more suitable for those who plan to incorporate long runs, but the Anacapa isn’t weak and still has a lively personality. Also, the Speedgoat is the one with the best outsole for long-lasting grip and has thick rubber on the bottom, however, the Anacapa’s stronger construction is the better choice for backpacking. In the end, the final choice will boil down to your goals and your preferences regarding the weight and flexibility of your backpack versus the performance on the trail.
The last item to mention is a mid-height version of the most popular trail runner: Altra’s Lone Peak ALL-WTHR Mid. In comparison to the Anacapa one, the Lone Peak is lighter (1 1 lb. 14 oz.) and has more airy construction but trades the cushioned midsole of the Hoka for the signature shape of Altra’s zero-drop. The result is greater durability and more connected to the trail, however, we discovered the Lone Peak’s large foot box as well as its soft and supple midsole to be rather sloppy when walking on rough or uneven surfaces. Anacapa is also more durable among the two, but the rubber sections cause a decrease in traction when compared to those of Lone Peak. If you don’t intend to incorporate any kind of running, the latest hiker from Hoka is the better choice.
