Males’s HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX Evaluation

Backside Line

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX are snug, waterproof, and sturdy climbing footwear which might be good for medium to lengthy adventures on established trails in all types of climate circumstances. We examined the Anacapas over three months within the excessive nation of Colorado in tough spring circumstances to see how they’d 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 secure on slopes and steep angles, and the large 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 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 provide stable safety, and glorious waterproofing makes them a stellar alternative for moist and difficult environments.

Consolation

The Anacapa 2 Low GTX are as snug as climbing footwear come: if you happen to’re looking for a comfortable really feel and dependable development with out compromise, these footwear ship on all fronts.

They really feel immediately snug proper out of the field, and we love the large, comfortable heel tab and comfortable 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 comfortable and ergonomic.

Regardless of the extremely efficient Gore-Tex liner – good for retaining 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 giant as different climbing footwear we examined, however it presents 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 clean, ergonomic gait, lowering fatigue over miles of rugged terrain.

We discover the leather-based higher – whereas comfortable 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 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 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, grime, 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 superb sense of stability on many surfaces. We discover that this mixture 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 development is it begins to degrade after about 300 miles, lowering its traction capabilities in contrast with footwear with extra strong 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 comfortable soil for spring, summer season, 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 evaluation 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 toes, legs, and hips throughout lengthy backpacking journeys and climbing days over 15 miles, so of us who prioritize ultralight gear will need to look elsewhere. That stated, we discovered this weight isn’t overwhelming, and since these footwear really feel so comfortable and spry, the load penalty wasn’t a giant deal throughout any of our testing. On the finish of the day, this mannequin’s sturdy development and supportive design make it appropriate for demanding trails and trumps their larger 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 lot of miles. The efficient Gore-Tex waterproofing and rockered heel design additionally improve their sturdiness.

That stated, 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 sides, across the 250-300 mile mark.

Climate Resistance

Should you’re in search of a shoe to hike in soaking moist circumstances, the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low is one in every of our prime suggestions. Due to a mix of leather-based, a Gore-Tex liner, and tall foam outsoles, this stuff will maintain your toes dry and cozy 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 have been completely 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-resistant 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 persistently above 75°F. They carry out finest in shoulder seasons and moist circumstances when moisture is inevitable and also you need to maintain your toes dry and completely happy.

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 broad toe field provide excellent stability on steep ascents and permit pure forefoot motion throughout assorted terrain. The sturdy leather-based uppers, complemented by a TPU toe cap, are protecting towards 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 stated, if you happen to’re on a price range, they’re on the costly finish even for waterproof climbing footwear. Additionally, you’ll want to think about if their larger weight is well worth the squeeze in your subsequent journey. Nonetheless, the Anacapa 2s ship top-tier consolation and stability, making them a superb alternative for hikers needing dependable waterproof footwear for three-season climbing adventures.

What Different Climbing Footwear Ought to You Think about?

Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX: Just like the HOKA Anacapa 2s, the Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX characteristic a water-resistant design and sturdy development, 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: Just like the HOKA Anacapa 2s, the KEEN Targhees are geared up with glorious waterproofing and strong sturdiness for tough trails. Nonetheless, if you happen to’re in search of a wider toe field and higher sturdiness, these footwear are simply as snug on lengthy hikes and simply accommodate broad 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 an identical 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.