Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX

Review Score
75%
πŸ… Highly Rated
See 4 reviews
Your rating
Price band

Buy Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX at today's best price (men's/women's)

Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX: Review

β€œA lightweight boot for comfortable day hikes.”

Overview


The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is a hiking boot that combines the comfort of a running shoe with the ruggedness needed for the trails. It stands out with its lightweight design and generous cushioning, making it a top choice for day hikers who value speed and comfort over heavy-duty support.

Key Features:

  • Waterproofing: Equipped with a GORE-TEX membrane, it keeps feet dry through wet conditions.
  • Cushioning: Features a compression-molded EVA midsole that provides a plush underfoot feel.
  • Stability: Offers reliable stability for light to moderate trails, especially with a lighter pack.
  • Grip: The Vibram Megagrip outsole ensures solid traction on various terrains.

The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is an ideal choice for hikers who prioritize comfort and lightness for day hiking. Its waterproof capabilities and grip make it suitable for wet conditions and diverse landscapes, while the cushioning offers a comfortable experience on the trails.

With an average review score of 75%, it's in the lowest rated 10% of similar hiking boots. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently just above the median price of hiking boots today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX


The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX has emerged as a strong contender for hikers seeking a lightweight and comfortable boot. Its waterproof GORE-TEX lining and Vibram Megagrip outsole provide a secure and dry experience on the trails. However, it may not be the best choice for those carrying heavy loads or tackling very technical terrain due to its softer midsole and less robust upper. The boot excels in providing a plush ride for day hikers and those who prefer a boot that feels more like a running shoe. While it offers great value for its price, durability concerns, particularly in the upper's wear resistance, suggest that it may not withstand the rigors of more aggressive hiking. Overall, the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is a solid option for light hiking and day treks, offering a blend of comfort and performance that many hikers will appreciate.

Comparable Boots


β€Œ
β€Œ

The Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is a more supportive option compared to the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX, offering better stability for carrying heavier loads. It's a suitable alternative for hikers who need a boot that can handle more technical terrain and heavier backpacking.

β€Œ
β€Œ

For those seeking a boot with enhanced durability and support, the Salomon Quest 4 GTX is a strong contender. It provides more robust ankle support and is better equipped for challenging hikes with heavy packs than the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX.

β€Œ
β€Œ

The Hoka Kaha 2 GTX offers a wider and more stable base than the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX, making it a better choice for hikers who prefer a boot with more room and stability. It retains the classic Hoka cushioning but with a design that can accommodate a broader range of foot shapes.

β€Œ
β€Œ

The La Sportiva Ultra Raptor II is a hybrid between a trail running shoe and a hiking boot, similar to the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX, but with less cushioning underfoot. It's an option for hikers who want a lightweight and agile boot without the extra plushness of the Hoka model.

10 Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX Pros & Cons


5 Pros

The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX offers top-notch waterproofing, making it a reliable choice for wet trails.
Its lightweight design is ideal for hikers who prefer a boot that won't weigh them down.
The generous and soft cushioning provides a comfortable experience, especially on longer hikes.
The boot maintains reliable stability with a light backpack, thanks to its wide platform and flexible forefoot.
The excellent grip of the Vibram outsole ensures secure footing on diverse terrains.

5 Cons

The upper lacks wear resistance, which may be a concern for durability over time.
The boot is not supportive enough for hikers carrying heavy backpacks, limiting its use to lighter loads.
The extended heel design can catch on rocks and roots, potentially causing trips or stumbles.
The narrow fit may not accommodate hikers with wide feet, leading to a less comfortable fit.
Some hikers may find the boot tricky to put on due to its unique heel design.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is a blend of nubuck leather and recycled polyester textile, striking a balance between durability and breathability. However, it has been noted that the upper lacks wear resistance, particularly in the toebox area, which could be a concern for hikers traversing rugged terrain. The fully-gusseted tongue (meaning the tongue is attached to the upper most of the way to the opening of the boot under the laces) is effective at keeping out water and debris, while the lacing system provides a secure fit.

Midsole

The midsole of the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is made from compression-molded EVA, offering a soft and plush feel underfoot. This cushioning is particularly appreciated on rocky and uneven surfaces, where it helps to absorb shock and reduce foot fatigue. The boot's heel-to-toe drop is higher than average, which may affect the natural stride of some hikers.

Outsole

The outsole of the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX features Vibram Megagrip rubber with 5mm lugs, providing excellent traction on a variety of surfaces. The outsole's hardness and durability have been rated positively, although the base rubber's thickness is thinner than average, which could impact long-term wear resistance.

Size/fit

The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX has a narrower fit, particularly in the toebox, making it suitable for hikers with narrow feet. The boot's design includes a fully-gusseted tongue and an effective lacing system that helps to secure the foot and provide a comfortable fit.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX, with its generous cushioning and soft midsole. The boot's insole is removable, allowing for custom orthotics if needed. However, the tongue padding is less than average, and the unique double-layered heel design can make the boot tricky to put on without fully unlacing.

Cushioning

The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX boasts a tall heel stack and a well-cushioned forefoot, characteristic of Hoka's design philosophy. The compression-molded EVA midsole remains relatively soft even in cold conditions, ensuring that the boot retains its plush feel across different temperatures.

Breathability

While the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is waterproof, its breathability is limited due to the GORE-TEX lining. This makes the boot less suitable for very hot conditions, as ventilation is compromised to maintain its watertight integrity.

Stability

The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX provides good lateral stability and torsional rigidity, making it supportive for light to moderate trails. The wide base of the outsole contributes to this stability, although the softer ankle collar may not offer sufficient support for heavy backpacking.

Durability

Durability is a concern for the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX, particularly in the upper's toebox and heel padding, which showed significant wear in lab tests. The outsole, however, is more promising, with a Vibram compound that withstands wear better than average.

Grip

The grip of the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is a strong point, with the Vibram Megagrip outsole providing solid traction on wet and dry surfaces. The lug depth is consistent with the brand's specifications, contributing to the boot's reliable performance on the trail.

Who should buy the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX?


The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is well-suited for hikers who enjoy day hiking at a brisk pace and value a boot that is lightweight and well ventilated. It's also a good match for those who prefer extra padding and comfort inside the shoe, as well as for hikers looking for a boot that offers good value for money.

Who should not buy the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX?


Hikers who require a boot with more support for heavy backpacking should consider alternatives like the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX or the Salomon Quest 4 GTX. The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX may not provide the necessary stability and ankle support for those carrying loads over 30 pounds. Additionally, those with wide feet might find the fit too narrow and should look for a boot with a wider toebox.

Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX: What's it good for?


The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is particularly good for day hikes and light hiking adventures where comfort and speed are prioritized. Its cushioning and lightweight design make it suitable for hikers who want to move quickly and efficiently on the trails without the burden of a heavy boot.

4 Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX FAQs


Is the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX suitable for hiking in wet conditions?

Yes, the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX is equipped with a GORE-TEX membrane, making it waterproof and suitable for hiking in wet conditions. However, its breathability is limited, so it may not be the best choice for very hot climates.

Can the insole of the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX be replaced with custom orthotics?

The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX comes with a removable insole, allowing hikers to replace it with custom orthotics if needed, making it orthotic friendly.

How does the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX perform on rocky terrain?

The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX provides good cushioning and traction on rocky terrain, thanks to its compression-molded EVA midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole. However, its upper may not be as durable as some other hiking boots when navigating more technical and rocky terrain.

Is the Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX a good choice for hikers with wide feet?

The Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX has a narrower fit, particularly in the toebox, which may not be suitable for hikers with wide feet. Those with wider feet might consider a boot with a wider toebox for a better fit.

Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX alternatives

β€Œ
β€Œ
Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX
Now viewing
β€Œ
Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX
bestDealShow prices
priceBand
Price band
similarity
Similarity
Very similar
Very similar
Very similar
Very similar
released
Released
Sep 2021
Aug 2022Jan 2021Aug 2019
expertReviewScore
Expert Review Score
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
β€Œ
Weight
Weight
M: 454 g
W: 397 g
M: 479 g
W: 403 g
M: 476 g
W: 442 g
M: 428 g
W: 357 g
M: 414 g
W: 352 g
M: 507 g
W: 425 g
Shoe Types
Shoe Types
Lightweight
Lace-to-toeLightweightLace-to-toeLightweightLightweightLightweightLace-to-toeLightweight
Pronation Type
Pronation Type
Neutral pronation
Neutral pronationNeutral pronationNeutral pronationNeutral pronation
Breathable
Breathable
Removable insole
Removable insole
Techs
Techs
Gore-TexVibram
Gore-TexGore-TexVibramGore-TexVibramGore-TexeVentVibram
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Eco-friendly
Eco-friendly
0

Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX: what the experts say (2 reviews)

Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsHiking (+256)
BrandHoka (+10)
CutsMid cut (+204)
Shoe TypesLightweight (+122)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+60)
FeaturesBreathable (+136)Orthotic friendly (+212)Removable insole (+206)
MaterialsEVA midsole (+114)Fabric (+128)Leather (+156)Mesh (+89)Rubber Sole (+221)Synthetic (+104)
WaterproofingsWaterproof (+191)
TechsGore-Tex (+113)Vibram (+95)
UsagesDay hiking (+167)Light hiking (+15)Speed hiking (+39)
Environmental CharacteristicsEco-friendly (+63)
ColorwaysBaked Clay / Sun Baked, Black / Black, Castlerock / Harbor Mist, Celedon Tint / Eggnog, Desert Sun / Golden Yellow, Dune / Elmwood, Dune / Lilac Marble, Eggnog / Shifting Sand, Elderberry / Grape Wine, Grey
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Sep 2021
Measurements
Weight
M: 454 g
W: 397 g
AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
new!
Sync your parkrun results to your Strava activities
Profile picture
Tom Green
March 22, 2024 at 9:55 AM
Gunnersbury parkrun #230 (my #3️⃣4️⃣)
πŸ“Š Stats | Powered by geerly.com πŸ‘Ÿ πŸ•’ Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%