Males’s HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX Assessment

Backside Line

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX are snug, waterproof, and sturdy mountaineering sneakers which are good for medium to lengthy adventures on established trails in all kinds of climate situations. We examined the Anacapas over three months within the excessive nation of Colorado in tough spring situations to see how they might maintain up in rain, snow, and dust, they usually surpassed our expectations. With a comfortable foam midsole, rockered design, and a spacious toe field, you’ll really feel quick and steady on slopes and steep angles, and the massive dovetail heel promotes a pure gait and provides a little bit of spring to your step.

Nonetheless, they’re among the many pricier choices we checked out, and weighing in at nearly two kilos for the pair, they aren’t the lightest sneakers on the market. We additionally discover the traction isn’t as sturdy or efficient as different mountaineering sneakers we’ve examined. That stated, their sturdy leather-based and suede uppers provide strong safety, and wonderful waterproofing makes them a stellar alternative for moist and difficult environments.

Consolation

The Anacapa 2 Low GTX are as snug as mountaineering sneakers come: should you’re in search of a comfortable really feel and dependable building with out compromise, these sneakers ship on all fronts.

They really feel immediately snug proper out of the field, and we love the big, comfortable heel tab and tender tongue that makes them simple to tackle and off. Because of very beneficiant foam cushioning by the midsole and a big foam dovetail heel, these sneakers make each step really feel tender and ergonomic.

Regardless of the extremely efficient Gore-Tex liner – good for maintaining your toes dry and comfortable on muddy trails and all through wet days – the Anacapa 2s additionally vent sweat and warmth impressively nicely. The leather-based uppers are simply breathable sufficient to maintain your toes cool and dry when the solar comes out and you start heating up.

The toe field isn’t as giant as different mountaineering sneakers we examined, but it surely affords loads of room for pure toe splay and foot motion to stop ache, fatigue, and cramping on lengthy treks. Plus, the Anacapa 2s rockered outsole design promotes a easy, ergonomic gait, decreasing fatigue over miles of rugged terrain.

We discover the leather-based higher – whereas tender and pliable – nonetheless requires a medium break-in interval of about 10-15 miles to melt round your toes. And,  the distinctive dovetail heel – whereas wonderful for pushing off every step with much less effort – positively takes a bit of additional time to get used to, so that you’ll wish to stroll in these sneakers for some time till they really feel extra pure.

Traction

The traction on the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX performs finest on established trails. Their chunky rectangular lugs, geometric sample, and Vibram rubber composition initially grip nicely on rocks, sand, filth, and roots. The outsole combines a barely curved rocker design with an excellent thick, comfortable foam midsole and heel that extends from the again of the shoe and lends a wonderful sense of stability on many surfaces. We discover that this mix means you don’t get a lot floor really feel, which is superior on cruiser trails and well-established routes the place the Anacapa 2s will devour bumps, rocks, roots, and obstacles with out you feeling a lot in any respect.

Nonetheless, the lug depth leaves a bit to be desired, and the traction design doesn’t lend itself to the most effective grip on steep ascents or braking on steep descents. The draw back of the Anacapa 2’s beneficiant foam building is it begins to degrade after about 300 miles, decreasing its traction capabilities in contrast with sneakers with extra sturdy rubber compounds. That’s why we don’t suggest these for off-trail adventures, however they nonetheless excel in sustaining grip by mud, water, and tender soil for spring, summer time, and fall hikes on well-maintained trails.

Weight

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX, weighing in at 1 pound and 14.6 ounces, is likely one of the heaviest choices in our evaluation lineup. Most of this weight comes from the ultra-durable leather-based higher, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and burly midsole that assure long-lasting efficiency and safety in opposition to the weather.

This larger weight can result in elevated fatigue within the toes, legs, and hips throughout lengthy backpacking journeys and mountaineering days over 15 miles, so people who prioritize ultralight gear will wish to look elsewhere. That stated, we discovered this weight isn’t overwhelming, and since these sneakers really feel so comfortable and spry, the load penalty wasn’t an enormous deal throughout any of our testing. On the finish of the day, this mannequin’s sturdy building and supportive design make it appropriate for demanding trails and trumps their larger weight.

Sturdiness

The HOKA Anacapa 2s provide first rate sturdiness. The meticulously crafted leather-based and mesh uppers simply stand up to abrasion from rocks, bramble, and roots, and the bolstered TPU toe cap lends better-than-average longevity that retains your toes protected and safe for a whole bunch of miles. The efficient Gore-Tex waterproofing and rockered heel design additionally improve their sturdiness.

That stated, the froth midsole and lugs are likely to put on down sooner than the shoe’s uppers, and extra shortly than different sneakers we’ve examined. We observed vital injury on the outsoles, together with the froth shredding and the lugs rounding out on the perimeters, across the 250-300 mile mark.

Climate Resistance

Should you’re searching for a shoe to hike in soaking moist situations, the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low is certainly one of our prime suggestions. Because of a mix of leather-based, a Gore-Tex liner, and tall foam outsoles, this stuff will preserve your toes dry and comfy by hours of rain, mud, and puddles. Gear Analyst, Ian Krammer, spent a cumulative eight days trudging by spring rain, deep puddles, and lingering snow within the Colorado alpine tundra and located these sneakers persistently carried out. The one time his toes have been completely soaked was after submerging them in a freezing creek throughout a crossing when it took nearly 24 hours for them to dry utterly.

Like most waterproof sneakers, the draw back of a water-resistant liner is it tends to retain warmth and moisture buildup, which may result in hotspots, rubbing, and ache. So, we don’t suggest these on days when the temperatures will probably be persistently above 75°F. They carry out finest in shoulder seasons and moist situations when moisture is inevitable and also you wish to preserve your toes dry and pleased.

Ought to You Purchase the HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX?

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX is finest for hikers who desire a mix of consolation, sturdiness, and waterproofing for day hikes and medium-length backpacking journeys. Their comfortable soles and large toe field provide excellent stability on steep ascents and permit pure forefoot motion throughout various terrain. The sturdy leather-based uppers, complemented by a TPU toe cap, are protecting in opposition to rocks and roots, and their traction holds up nicely on packed trails and established routes. And, we extremely suggest these sneakers for his or her comfortable dovetail heel – it helps propel every step, and makes them really feel lighter than they really are. 

That stated, should you’re on a funds, they’re on the costly finish even for waterproof mountaineering sneakers. Additionally, you’ll want to think about if their larger weight is definitely worth the squeeze in your subsequent journey. Nonetheless, the Anacapa 2s ship top-tier consolation and stability, making them a wonderful alternative for hikers needing dependable waterproof footwear for three-season mountaineering adventures.

What Different Climbing Footwear Ought to You Take into account?

Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX: Just like the HOKA Anacapa 2s, the Salomon X Extremely 4 GTX function a water-resistant design and sturdy building, however they stand out with a extra light-weight construct and exact match, making them really feel extra agile and comfortable for fast-paced mountaineering adventures.

KEEN Targhee IV WP: Just like the HOKA Anacapa 2s, the KEEN Targhees are outfitted with wonderful waterproofing and sturdy sturdiness for tough trails. Nonetheless, should you’re searching for a wider toe field and higher sturdiness, these sneakers are simply as snug on lengthy hikes and simply accommodate large toes with out sacrificing efficiency.

La Sportiva Spire GTX: The La Sportiva Spire GTX combines stellar traction with top-of-the-line sturdiness, that includes an identical Vibram outsole and long-lasting uppers. They’re particularly efficient on off-trail adventures – not like the Anacapa 2s – and provide an agile and supportive really feel for hikers in difficult alpine environments.