HOKA Anacapa Mid 2 Gore-Tex review: hiking boots or a new type of trail running shoes (+video) ^Kiemelt

First impressions

I have tried HOKA cross-country running shoes before, and I developed a love/dislike relationship with the brand's design ideas. Over time, I grew to love it more and more - either I developed, or the brand, or both. But a hiking boot... that's completely different, since I do a non-ordinary form of hiking and its requirements are different from what is usually set for shoes. But the test of the pudding is eating, and the test of the boots is hiking... off to the field!

I opened the package with mixed joy, because I haven't worn black shoes for a very long time (I just don't like them), but now I could only get hold of the black version. But even so, I was holding a pair of beautiful, elegant and vibrant footwear. It is very light - but this is not surprising, one of HOKA's trademarks is low weight. Based on the first glances, I could safely say that every detail and design of the shoe is of high quality and precise. The shape of the sole was already strange based on the pictures, it didn't change when I held it in my hand, but based on my experience in the field so far, I judged that "it will be good this way". It soon became clear...

I was especially curious about how well the shoe's Gore-Tex membrane works compared to my previous "classic" hiking or tactical boots. After all, it is lighter, thinner and apparently less durable.

Details

Weight: 510 gr (official) - 495 gr (own measurement size 43,5)

Matrial: Gore-Tex

Stability 

The Anacapa 2 Mid GORE-TEX features a symmetrical bed of cushion without additional prescriptive technologies. Designed to provide the support you want and nothing you don't.

Cushion 

The Anacapa 2 Mid GORE-TEX is designed to provide protective cushion while maintaining a responsive toe-off for when you want to go faster.

Upper

Designed to tread lighter on the environment.

• 100% recycled polyester quarter mesh, collar and lining mesh
• GORE-TEX construction with 71% recycled polyester face fabric designed to keep feet dry
• Molded PU sockliner derived from 50% soybean oil
• 100% Recycled polyester laces (excluding aglet)
• 80% recycled polyester strobel board

Midsole

• Lightweight 30% Sugarcane EVA midsole helps deliver a balanced and cushioned ride
• Hubbel® Heel and SwallowTail™ geometry designed for smooth heel-to-toe transitions
• Late stage MetaRocker™ provides a more stable base for support

Outsole

• Vibram® Megagrip rubber outsole with 5mm lugs offering unparalleled grip on both dry and wet terrain

Off-road

Of course, I did the first kilometers with the boots on the street and in everyday use, and it was satisfactory from every point of view. It is light, comfortable, flexible and still holds the foot well, giving a safe feeling. My first tour was an easier 10 km backpacking with a 12 kg bag on the well-known terrains around Solymár.

I had to get used to the width of the sole, during the first couple of uses I got stuck on protrusions, rocks, and roots on one occasion, but then I quickly got used to this design, which gives the shoe a high degree of stability and extra flexibility!

It immediately became clear that the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX is perfectly suited for fast walking or even running tours, so this boot is the perfect choice for performance hikers who prioritize speed but also want greater safety. This judgment did not change on subsequent occasions either. With a backpack weighing 10-12 kilograms, you can travel with it in a great way, it is stable and fast. On the road, on the path.

However, my hiking style sometimes includes non-normal sections, where - understandably - it did not bring the same values ​​as a tactical or robust hiking boot. What is it about? If I have to cross a swampy section, I don't avoid it, I go through it. But I don't always look for the easiest way in a dense thicket either. If I have to climb up or down a rock wall, I don't shy away either. Such sections took place several times in Bükk last weekend. On these terrains, however, it did not give me the same confidence as my previous shoes. But I don't consider this a disadvantage, because this shoe was not designed for that.

I carried it several times with a heavier bag (up to 22 kilograms), in the rain and on difficult terrain, and now it has covered nearly 300 km, which is enough for testing. Its water resistance is very good, the built-in Gore-Tex membrane really knows what it needs, it didn't get soaked even after several hours of rain. (Tip: without shoe covers, water flows in from the top very easily due to the lower stem in higher wet grass, but this is true for all shoes.)

With a backpack over 15 kg, it does not provide the same stability as a more robust shoe, but this is probably also a function of your own shape, body weight, fitness and terrain. Despite this, it was possible to run well even with a heavy load on the cross-country sections while backpacking, and the cushioning felt especially good on the slopes.

I would like to emphasize the design of the sole, because it really is like a particularly good cross-country running shoe: it grips well even on muddy, steep terrain, and quickly gets rid of stuck smöttie. In addition, it is also comfortable on concrete and solid ground.

I consider the durability of the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX very good after 300 km (especially when I use it more brutally than average). Apart from the dirt, it's like new.

Recommendation

  +   liked 

• lightweight

• fast 

• comfortable

• stable

• high quality GTX

• best sole

• recycled materials

  -   disliked

• not stable with heavy equipment

• you have to get used to the heel design

• A shoe recommended primarily for light gear and/or fast pace, but anyone in non-extreme conditions will appreciate the comfort and speed. Its off-road capability is exceptionally good, even on muddy and slushy terrain. It also sticks well on rocks even when they are wet.
• Not recommended in thickets, dense vegetation, bushcraft, or carrying heavy loads.
• It feels more like a cross-country running shoe, less like a boot, but it holds the foot well and provides adequate safety in the field.

Technical matrix summary score 4.67