Males’s HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX Evaluation

Bottom Line

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX are comfortable, waterproof, and durable shoes that are perfect for medium to long hikes on established trails in all sorts of weather conditions. We tested the Anacapas over three months in the high country of Colorado in rough spring conditions to see how they would hold up in rain, snow, and mud, and they surpassed our expectations. With a cushy foam midsole, rockered design, and a spacious toe box, you’ll feel fast and stable on slopes and steep angles, and the huge dovetail heel promotes a natural gait and adds a bit of spring to your step.

However, they are among the pricier options we looked at, and weighing in at almost two pounds for the pair, they aren’t the lightest shoes out there. We also find the traction isn’t as durable or effective as other hiking shoes we’ve tested. That said, their durable leather and suede uppers offer solid protection, and excellent waterproofing makes them a stellar choice for wet and challenging environments.

Comfort

The Anacapa 2 Low GTX are as comfortable as hiking shoes come: if you’re seeking a cushy feel and reliable construction without compromise, these shoes deliver on all fronts.

They feel instantly comfortable right out of the box, and we love the enormous, cushy heel tab and soft tongue that makes them easy to take on and off. Thanks to very generous foam cushioning through the midsole and a large foam dovetail heel, these shoes make every step feel soft and ergonomic.

Despite the highly effective Gore-Tex liner – perfect for keeping your feet dry and comfy on muddy trails and throughout rainy days – the Anacapa 2s also vent sweat and heat impressively well. The leather uppers are just breathable enough to keep your feet cool and dry when the sun comes out and you begin heating up.

The toe box isn’t as large as other hiking shoes we tested, but it offers plenty of room for natural toe splay and foot movement to prevent pain, fatigue, and cramping on long treks. Plus, the Anacapa 2s rockered outsole design promotes a smooth, ergonomic gait, reducing fatigue over miles of rugged terrain.

We find the leather upper – while soft and pliable – still requires a medium break-in period of about 10-15 miles to soften around your feet. And,  the unique dovetail heel – while excellent for pushing off each step with less effort – definitely takes a bit of extra time to get used to, so you’ll want to walk in these shoes for a while until they feel more natural.

Traction

The traction on the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX performs best on established trails. Their chunky rectangular lugs, geometric pattern, and Vibram rubber composition initially grip well on rocks, sand, dirt, and roots. The outsole combines a slightly curved rocker design with a super thick, cushy foam midsole and heel that extends from the back of the shoe and lends an excellent sense of stability on many surfaces. We find that this combination means you don’t get much ground feel, which is awesome on cruiser trails and well-established routes where the Anacapa 2s will devour bumps, rocks, roots, and obstacles without you feeling much at all.

However, the lug depth leaves a bit to be desired, and the traction design doesn’t lend itself to the best grip on steep ascents or braking on steep descents. The downside of the Anacapa 2’s generous foam construction is it begins to degrade after about 300 miles, reducing its traction capabilities compared with shoes with more robust rubber compounds. That’s why we don’t recommend these for off-trail adventures, but they still excel in maintaining grip through mud, water, and soft soil for spring, summer, and fall hikes on well-maintained trails.

Weight

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX, weighing in at 1 pound and 14.6 ounces, is one of the heaviest options in our review lineup. Most of this weight comes from the ultra-durable leather upper, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and burly midsole that guarantee long-lasting performance and protection against the elements.

This higher weight can lead to increased fatigue in the feet, legs, and hips during long backpacking trips and hiking days over 15 miles, so folks who prioritize ultralight gear will want to look elsewhere. That said, we found this weight isn’t overwhelming, and because these shoes feel so cushy and spry, the weight penalty wasn’t a big deal during any of our testing. At the end of the day, this model’s sturdy construction and supportive design make it suitable for demanding trails and trumps their higher weight.

Durability

The HOKA Anacapa 2s offer decent durability. The meticulously crafted leather and mesh uppers easily withstand abrasion from rocks, bramble, and roots, and the reinforced TPU toe cap lends better-than-average longevity that keeps your feet protected and secure for hundreds of miles. The effective Gore-Tex waterproofing and rockered heel design also enhance their durability.

That said, the foam midsole and lugs tend to wear down faster than the shoe’s uppers, and more quickly than other shoes we’ve tested. We noticed significant damage on the outsoles, including the foam shredding and the lugs rounding out on the edges, around the 250-300 mile mark.

Weather Resistance

If you’re looking for a shoe to hike in soaking wet conditions, the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low is one of our top recommendations. Thanks to a combination of leather, a Gore-Tex liner, and tall foam outsoles, these things will keep your feet dry and comfortable through hours of rain, mud, and puddles. Gear Analyst, Ian Krammer, spent a cumulative eight days trudging through spring rain, deep puddles, and lingering snow in the Colorado alpine tundra and found these shoes consistently performed. The only time his feet were thoroughly soaked was after submerging them in a freezing creek during a crossing when it took almost 24 hours for them to dry completely.

Like most waterproof shoes, the downside of a waterproof liner is it tends to retain heat and moisture buildup, which can lead to hotspots, rubbing, and pain. So, we don’t recommend these on days when the temperatures will be consistently above 75°F. They perform best in shoulder seasons and wet conditions when moisture is inevitable and you want to keep your feet dry and happy.

Should You Buy the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX?

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX is best for hikers who want a blend of comfort, durability, and waterproofing for day hikes and medium-length backpacking trips. Their cushy soles and wide toe box offer outstanding stability on steep ascents and allow natural forefoot movement across varied terrain. The durable leather uppers, complemented by a TPU toe cap, are protective against rocks and roots, and their traction holds up well on packed trails and established routes. And, we highly recommend these shoes for their cushy dovetail heel – it helps propel each step, and makes them feel lighter than they actually are. 

That said, if you’re on a budget, they are on the expensive end even for waterproof hiking shoes. Also, you’ll need to consider if their higher weight is worth the squeeze on your next adventure. Still, the Anacapa 2s deliver top-tier comfort and stability, making them an excellent choice for hikers needing reliable waterproof footwear for three-season hiking adventures.

What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX: Similar to the HOKA Anacapa 2s, the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX feature a waterproof design and durable construction, but they stand out with a more lightweight build and precise fit, making them feel more agile and comfy for fast-paced hiking adventures.

KEEN Targhee IV WP: Like the HOKA Anacapa 2s, the KEEN Targhees are equipped with excellent waterproofing and robust durability for rough trails. However, if you’re looking for a wider toe box and better durability, these shoes are just as comfortable on long hikes and easily accommodate wide feet without sacrificing performance.

La Sportiva Spire GTX: The La Sportiva Spire GTX combines stellar traction with top-of-the-line durability, featuring a similar Vibram outsole and long-lasting uppers. They are especially effective on off-trail adventures – unlike the Anacapa 2s – and offer an agile and supportive feel for hikers in challenging alpine environments.