Hoka Anacapa Mid GTX

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.