Males’s HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Evaluation

Backside Line

In case you’re on the lookout for mountain climbing boots with the consolation, weight, and agility of a path runner – however need ankle protection, additional safety, and a bit extra construction like a mountain climbing boot – the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX is for you. These mountain climbing boots stand out on our Greatest Climbing Boots For Males information, because of light-weight mesh and nubuck leather-based uppers, a comfortable foam midsole, and dependable, sticky traction. 

Senior gear analyst Ian Krammer examined these for 14 days and 200+ miles on packed filth trails and rocky routes within the Colorado excessive nation from Could till November. Their rockered sole, hefty toe cap, and cushty match saved his ft fatigue-free mile after mile. At only one pound per boot, they’re straightforward to stroll in day after day. 

The GORE-TEX membrane gives respectable climate and moisture resistance and a bit of additional heat, making the Anacapa 2 Mids a dependable alternative for reasonably damp and muddy situations. Versatile and simple to put on proper out of the field, this pair is nice for day hikes or quick backpacking journeys the place low weight and luxury are key.

Nonetheless, the Anacapas have some limitations with regards to sturdiness, climate resistance, and match. The uppers make the most of a considerable amount of mesh, and the soles have a variety of foam, which is great for consolation – however reduces their longevity in tough terrain in comparison with burlier and heavier boots. The GORE-TEX liner performs admirably in delicate to reasonable water publicity however will finally fail in extended rain, snow, and really muddy routes. And a few design parts may not work for everybody: a big heel flare takes a little bit of time getting used to, they’re a bit slim by way of the midfoot but broad within the toe field, and the ankle top is low, making them much less protecting in comparison with different boots. 

However if you need top-tier consolation and agility in a light-weight boot, the Anacapa 2 Mids may be precisely what you’re on the lookout for.

Consolation

HOKA has earned fairly the status for comfy footwear through the years, and the Anacapa 2 Mid GTX builds on this legacy. These boots supply the agility of path runners however with the spine of a boot. In case you liked the favored HOKA Speedgoat 3, 4, or 5 path runners, the Anacapa 2 Mids supply an almost similar construct, because of supportive however comfortable foam midsoles and extremely versatile uppers. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer used these on a 3-day, 40-mile fall journey within the Colorado Rockies on packed trails, rocky slopes, and boulder scrambles the place his ft felt contemporary and cozy for 12+ hours at a time. His favourite factor? The tremendous thick foam midsoles that take up influence and gobble up rocks, roots, and obstacles with little or no floor really feel. 

The thick foam, mixed with a rockered sole and a big heel flare, promotes a springy ahead movement that makes lengthy miles straightforward. The broad outsole and burly tread sample mix stability with sticky traction on packed and reasonably difficult trails. Their nubuck leather-based and mesh uppers permit for a versatile and broken-in really feel proper out of the field, so you’ll be able to hit the trailhead straight away with no concern of blisters or discomfort. The mid-height ankles present simply sufficient assist and safety. Lighter than many different mid-height boots, they’re much less taxing in your legs throughout lengthy hikes, and an enormous heel loop makes placing on and taking them off a breeze.

However the Anacapa 2 Mid’s cushioned really feel received’t work for everybody or all terrain. The most important draw back of such a comfortable design is that they aren’t as sturdy as boots constructed with all-leather uppers, denser rubber blends, and burlier parts. We discover the froth outsoles and mesh uppers start to point out vital put on and tear on the 250 mile mark. Moreover, the froth development is cumbersome and lacks floor really feel, which suggests they’re finest for nontechnical trails and maintained trails the place exact foot placement isn’t necessary. In terms of match, the protruding heel flare might really feel awkward when you’re not acquainted with HOKA’s type.

And people with broad or flat ft would possibly discover the slim midfoot a bit restrictive despite its plentiful toe area. Lastly, the highest lacing hooks use a geometrical design with a slight lip, which prevents the laces from slipping out – however we discover they’re awkward for adjusting laces and re-tying the boots. If tied too tightly, they will create strain factors on the ankle. None of those points are dealbreakers, although – with regards to consolation, the Ancapa 2 Mids lead the pack.

Ankle Help

These are mid-height boots with minimal ankle assist. We love this design for 3-season day hikes and lighter backpacking journeys the place path runners don’t supply sufficient safety from moisture and brambles, however conventional leather-based mountain climbing boots are overkill. The Anacapa 2 Mids’ ankle top is exclusive: it extends excessive on the highest of the foot however dips low in the back of the heel. This design, mixed with mesh uppers and leather-based overlays, makes the Anacapa 2 Mids extraordinarily versatile – that nimble, shoe-like really feel applies to the ankles too, so they honestly transfer with you, not in opposition to you.

The closely padded ankle cuff provides a little bit of assist however with out the standard bulk. HOKA’s lacing system, that includes geometric lace hooks on the prime, permits a cosy match with minimal changes wanted and secures the ankle to forestall undesirable rolling or instability. A rockered sole aids in sustaining stability and subtly helps the ankle’s pure vary of movement. If you’d like flexibility, breathability, and a little bit of added safety within the ankles, these are the boots for you.

However if you need traditional mountain climbing boots with a taller ankle cuff, inflexible stability, and burly safety, the Anacapa 2 Mids fall quick. Their mid-height collar with mesh and leather-based feels agile and cozy, but it surely lacks the steadiness, sturdiness, and safety that larger boots supply for tackling steep, technical routes. These light-weight supplies merely don’t guard your ankles and ft from moist climate, thick underbrush, and sharp obstacles the best way heavier, all-leather boots do.

The lace hooks are very efficient for locking laces in place, however they will really feel cumbersome and awkward when making changes, and infrequently trigger minor strain factors across the ankle. For off-trail routes or demanding backcountry hikes, the Anacapa’s mid-height and supplies don’t supply sufficient ankle safety, however they thrive on reasonable trails.

Weight

The Anacapa 2 Mids are a few of the lightest boots we’ve examined within the mountain climbing boot class – they’re solely 2 kilos for the pair. In case you’re on the lookout for a flexible boot that received’t weigh you down, this mannequin is a stellar alternative for lowering fatigue on lengthy treks.

The place traditional mountain climbing boots use dense rubber blends on the only real, HOKA’s EVA foam soles dramatically cut back their weight and supply a way more responsive and comfortable really feel. The mesh and nubuck leather-based uppers additional reduce down on their bulk and heft, particularly in comparison with opponents produced from thick artificial or leather-based textiles. The slim midsole and rockered sole makes for a balanced weight distribution with dependable stability. These boots maximize consolation with out compromising assist, making them a wonderful alternative for day hikes and multi-night adventures.

The trade-off for such a light-weight design is a major dip in sturdiness. The froth outsoles aren’t almost as long-lasting as mountain climbing boots that use burly rubber composites. The mesh and leather-based uppers fall into the identical lure: they’re impressively light-weight, however don’t maintain a candle to the sturdiness of shoes with all-leather or thicker artificial supplies. For many who desire a pair of shoes that may final a number of seasons, need higher safety, or plan to sort out difficult, off-trail routes, a heavier boot with a sturdier construct might be a greater match.

Traction

The Anacapa 2 Mids supply responsive, grippy traction in most summer season situations, from slick mud to dusty and rocky trails. HOKA makes use of Vibram Megagrip for the tread of those boots. This mix is far more malleable, responsive, and comfortable than the heavier, stiffer blends used on aggressive mountain climbing boots.

Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer loves their sturdy tread sample, that includes angled lugs throughout the only real with particularly deep, broad knobs on the heel for dependable braking on steep descents. This design was important when descending over 3,000’ from the ridge of a 13,000’ peak within the southern Colorado Rockies, the place good grip was important on dozens of steep switchbacks. The distinctive mixture of a responsive midsole, massive heel flare, and rockered sole makes the Anacapa 2 Mids a robust, steady, grippy boot.

The most important draw back of the light-weight foam and softer tread? Once more, you’ll sacrifice sturdiness in comparison with heavier boots with dense rubber composites. The Anacapa 2 Mids have nice traction, however solely as much as 250 miles. The outsoles present significant injury from common use past that time, with lugs flattened and the froth starting to interrupt down.

This mannequin is definitely usable as much as 400 miles, but it surely’s not fairly. Additionally, the cumbersome foam soles cut back sensitivity on path, making it tougher to really feel the bottom. Our final gripe is that the lug depth is common – in order that they don’t carry out nicely on moist or slippery surfaces, together with slick rocks, muddy areas, and free gravel. They shed particles simply and excel on flat and reasonable inclines, however the much less aggressive tread sample falls quick in tough terrain. In case you want stiff, lengthy lasting outsoles for steep, technical routes the place each step requires pinpoint accuracy, these will not be the boots for you.

Climate Resistance

It’s all within the identify: the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX has an built-in GORE-TEX membrane. This GTX liner is a superb design for mountain climbing in occasional rain, moist underbrush, and water crossings. This liner provides a bit of heat, too, so these boots are a good selection for cool, fair-weather days under 70°F. Nubuck leather-based panels throughout the uppers assist repel water, however whenever you do get moist, the light-weight polyester parts – together with the laces, liner, and mesh – permit for quick drying, normally in lower than an hour. Total, this mannequin works nicely for 3-season weather-resistant footwear.

That stated, these will not be rugged, totally waterproof, 4-season mountain climbing boots, and we don’t advocate them for wet forecasts or harsher situations. Don’t get us fallacious – the GORE-TEX liner is efficient in gentle to reasonable publicity to the weather and can maintain you dry when splashing by way of puddles or crossing low streams – however that’s the restrict. On separate events, Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer had moist ft after mountain climbing by way of a 4 hour rainstorm and crossing a number of broad streams and he actually felt the coolness on a snowy day hike. That stated, these aren’t main points – for people mountain climbing in delicate spring, summer season and fall situations, these boots work nicely.

Sturdiness

The Anacapa 2 Mids supply reasonable sturdiness, making them a good selection for reasonable mountain climbing situations. Our testing exhibits these boots maintain up nicely with common use to the 250 mile mark – although with a bit of additional care, they will last as long as 400 miles. The nubuck leather-based panels improve resistance to put on and tear on the uppers whereas additionally being water-repellent, and the GORE-TEX waterproof membrane acts as an additional layer of safety to assist maintain your ft dry. Vibram tread provides longevity to the EVA foam midsoles. We additionally recognize burly parts like steel prime hooks and eyelets, robust polyester shoelaces, and a stiff toe cap that protects your ft from sharp rocks and sticks. 

However there’s no approach round it: the Anacapa Mid GTX isn’t as sturdy as different mountain climbing boots constructed with stronger supplies. At 250 miles of common use on maintained trails, Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer discovered the waterproof liner was now not efficient at protecting out moisture, and the EVA foam soles started to compress, crack, and deteriorate. Though the nubuck leather-based panels are a sturdy alternative, the higher mesh – which is susceptible to snagging on sharp underbrush – counteracts the leather-based’s sturdiness and exhibits vital injury as nicely. These boots will not be superb for off-trail mountain climbing, harsh situations, or rugged trails, which may speed up put on. Nonetheless, when you worth an agile, cozy match over sturdiness, these boots will ship miles of smiles on path.

Ought to You Purchase the HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX?

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX is a superb alternative for three-season hikers and backpackers who need excellent consolation and dependable traction in a light-weight design for multi-night adventures. The boots’ distinctive mixture of mesh, leather-based panels, and a versatile however supportive midsole means they’re able to put on proper out of the field – no break-in time wanted. The rockered form, beneficiant cushioning, and outsized heel flare prevents foot fatigue and retains your pure gait. The roomy toebox permits for pure toe splay on path. With stable grip and extremely adjustable laces, these boots excel on groomed trails, making them an important alternative for fair-weather hikers on most terrain from spring till fall.

Nonetheless, these boots aren’t for everybody. They’re not probably the most sturdy or climate resistant, so the Anacapa 2 Mids might not swimsuit four-season hikers or these tackling technical terrain. Their outsoles are responsive and comfortable, however the great amount of froth, mixed with largely mesh uppers, are susceptible to put on in rugged situations and limits efficiency in harsh environments. The match can really feel awkward, too: they don’t supply a lot ankle assist, the highest lacing hooks are a bit clunky, and the prolonged heel would possibly take time to get used to. In case you spend a variety of time off-trail or want extra sturdy footwear, these boots may be a bit missing. That stated, when you desire a boot that feels extra like a working shoe and need top-tier consolation, these boots are value contemplating.

What Different mountain climbing boots Ought to You Take into account?

For extra choices, take a look at our full information to males’s mountain climbing boots.

Merrell Moab 3 WP Evaluation: If consolation is your prime precedence, the Merrell Moab 3s are a stellar various to the Anacapa 2 Mids. They’re a few of the most comfy and comfortable boots on the market – they usually value much less, too. The broad toe field, forgiving midsoles, and stable traction makes them an important alternative for day mountain climbing or backpacking. The draw back? They weigh extra and aren’t far more sturdy.

Salomon Quest 4 Mid GTX Evaluation: These are a few of our favourite boots and outshine the Anacapa 2 Mids with regards to consolation, ankle assist, and sturdiness. Their consideration to high quality and conventional leather-based development makes them an important alternative for year-round mountain climbing. Though, their traction leaves a bit to be desired, they’re costlier, they usually weigh almost a pound extra per pair.

Lowa Renegade GTX Evaluation: One other one among our go-to pairs, the LOWA Renegades are a few of the comfiest boots we’ve ever examined. They match the Anacapa 2 Mids for the extent of traction. Nonetheless, they’re superior for ankle assist, climate resistance, and sturdiness – and also you’ll pay a fairly penny for them since they’re among the many costlier pairs available on the market.