Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Review | WORTH it in 2025?

Here I am going to give my HONEST Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX review for those wondering if these hiking boots are WORTH it in 2025. Known for their design innovations and performance improvements, the Anacapa boot features sustainability in materials, unique cushioning for comfort, and support designs that enhance their effectiveness in challenging terrains.

I have personally tested these boots for over 6 months. I’ll be sharing my personal experience as an experienced hiker and outdoors expert.

The Anacapa 2 was released in July of 2023, and it is Hoka’s second iteration of this hiking boot already. This model has been getting raving reviews all over from fellow hikers. The Anacapa 2 boasts more quality materials, comfort and traction as compared to the pilot model.

See Our Youtube Review Of The Anacapa 2

Should you buy the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX?

Buy if 

• You want the most comfortable hiking boot on the market under $190

• You want one of the best values a hiking boot has to offer, with superior comfort and performance

• Increased support with heavy loads while backpacking, enhanced stability on steep terrain, breathability , and great aesthetics 

• You want a hiking boot that you can use year round and WILL LAST

DON'T Buy if 

• You prefer a “rugged” hiking boot with lustrous leather

• You only care about on-trail performance and traction

Hoka Anacapa 2  Pros and Cons 

 Pros

• Rated as our #1 most comfortable hiking boot on the market

• Outstanding breathability during summer hiking months

• Versatility- can use for backpacking, hiking, and mountaineering

• Very secure fit, able to withstand long 10+ mile hikes

•  Features a smooth ride with the SwallowTail heel technology

• Better traction than previous model

Cons 

• Can initially be stiff while breaking in

• Weight

• Areas of concern with overall protection

• Increased flexibility, can have issues with traction

Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Price 

At the time of this writing, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid Gore tex are priced at $195 retail, but available on Hoka.com below for as low as $180 brand new.

Order the Hoka Anacapa 2 for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail): 

Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid Gtx (Hoka.com)

Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂

Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Comfort: 9.5/10 

When slipping on the boot at first I feel the excellent comfort of the sugarcane EVA insole. This sole is a standard among hiking boots however, the sugarcane is a eco-friendly alternative compared to the EVA (ethylene-vinyl-acetate) which is petroleum based such as in the Salomon Quest 4.

I must say,I found the sugarcane EVA slightly more comfortable than the industry standard EVA. What separates the Anacapa from the Hoka Kaha 2 is the fact that the midsole is more comforting and plush with reinforcement around the ankle.

Read More: Hoka Kaha 2 vs Hoka Anacapa 2 | Which Is Better?

The toe box has decent wiggle room, I didn’t experience any numbness or tingling in my toes. In fact, this is one of the rare hiking boots I find that has adequate toe box room.

One iteration Hoka made to Anacapa model is the synthetic materials around the ankle. Customers complained about the comfort in this area, I have to say the iteration with the new ankle cuff has been as comforting as ever.

One great design of the Anacapa 2 is it features some traits of a trail runner. The Swallowtail heel design and rockered shape of the outsole makes a smooth ride on the trial. I felt I was moving a lot faster than I actually was and putting less effort into my stride. 

This closely resembles the stride of the Hoka Speedgoat 5. however the Anacapa is much heavier, yet “feels lightweight”. This is a subtle future I love about this hiking boot. 

Another great feature is the lacing system Hoka Hiking boots incorporate. There are 3 eyelets for the top 3 lacing lugs. I love this because it hugs my ankle being a “mid” hiking boot giving that extra stability I need to get through my hikes that have rough terrain. One down side is the fact that it is hard to tie your laces with the three rungs. I felt like one of my laces was always slipping out of the rungs while I was tying them. 

The heel-to-toe drop is 7mm. I have achilles tendonitis of my left heel  this heel-to-toe drop ratio is perfect, I did not feel any flare ups while on the trails. As a frame reference, the Merrell Moab 3 have a 5mm heel-to-toe drop, making the heel striking a lot more effective for the Anacapa by 28%!

Excellent comfort is a company standard for all Hoka shoes and hiking boots. The Anacapa 2 passed the comfort test with flying colors. The cushioning in the midsole is top-notch, providing excellent shock absorption on long hikes.

Overall, the Hoka Anacapa 2 is a reliable and comfortable option for those looking for stability and support on rough terrain. Currently, these are the highest rated hiking boots for comfort in our hiking boot reviews, comparable to the comfort of a trail runner.

Weighing in at 1.2 pds on my scale, the Anacapa is more on the heavier side. However, the weight is just a number in this case. This is one of the smoothest “lightweight feels” of a hiking boot you can currently get on the market. The weight is just a number in this case. 

As a frame of reference, The Merrell Moab 3 is around a similar weight 1.1 pds. 

Traction: 9/10

The Vibram Megagrip outsole boasts maximum grippiness and traction. They have the same outsole as the Hoka Kaha 2 which is a beast on the trail. I have been very impressed with the Vibram Mega grip. The lugs are not as deep as the Contagrip Salomon X 4 Ultra however, they perform up to par with the grippiest boots out there. I previously did a case study on Contragrip vs Vibram outsoles; with Vibram being the superior in the case of traction.

Read More: Contagrip vs Vibram | Which One Is Better?

The Anacapa 2 excels on technical terrain, providing exceptional grip and precision, especially over rocks and steep inclines. On muddy or wet trails the Vibram megagrip held up exceptionally well, tackling slippery surfaces with ease.

One of the great attributes of the Anacapa is the fact that it can grip well in all 4 different seasons of weather. I was able to hike in snow, and rain showers in the summer with the same grip and traction as expected each time. 

One downside is the fact that the Anacapa is quite flexible. This closely resembles a trail runner, when the boot or shoe is more flexible it allows conformity to uneven surfaces. This is not great for traction, while I didn’t have any situations where this came apparent it’s important to keep in mind. 

Testing out the traction of these boots was rather fun. I pushed my limits to go after the slickest terrain following my experience in the Catskills, and Anacapa 2 held up every single time. 

Overall Protection 4.5/5 

Starting from the front of the boot, the outsole partially covers the toe cap, providing protection against sharp objects and terrain. The Hoka Anacapa 2’s thick outsoles protect the side of the boot, a feature most hiking boots lack. Compared to other boots in Hoka's lineup, the Anacapa  offers superior protection with its robust design and extended heel.

One model where overall protection may be an issue is the Anacapa breeze which is not waterproof and overall less weight. While the breeze has more breathability, it has less protection around the midfoot especially putting you at risk of sharp objects. 

As we approach the midsection of the shoe, synthetic materials blend seamlessly with the Nubuck leather to withstand harsh weather conditions and ensure your feet remain warm, particularly during winter. Gusseting on the tongue keeps out unwanted water and debris.

As previously mentioned, the outsole is exceptionally thick, a characteristic of Hoka footwear. The wide heel allows for enhanced stability on the trial. 

The extended heel design of the Hoka Anacapa 2 adds another layer of shock absorption. By extending the heel, the boots provide additional cushioning at the point of initial ground contact. 

This design feature is particularly beneficial during downhill descents, where the force on your heels is greatest. The extended heel helps to absorb this impact, protecting your joints and enhancing overall comfort.

Don’t forget about the Hoka’s signature Meta-Rocker geometry; it plays a crucial role in enhancing shock absorption. This design features a slight curve in the sole, which promotes a smooth, rolling motion with each step. 

This not only helps to reduce the impact on your heels and forefoot but also encourages a more natural stride, minimizing fatigue over long distances. This was most noticeable on flat trails during my testing; I felt I could move much quicker and smoother.

Water Resistance 5/5 

These boots, equipped with Gore-Tex technology, successfully withstand our 10-minute submersion test. The combination of the Gore-Tex and Nubuck leather reduces the breathability of these boots.

Since these boots are mid, I was able to pass through several creeks and rivers; I did not experience any leaks or water in my boots, in fact I was able to go deeper than most boots because of the high midsole(2 inches). 

The Anacapa 2 are excellent waterproof boots with enhanced breathability compared to other water resistant hiking boots. I would also add, in the summer these boots definitely dry quicker than most. 

Does The Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid Fit Well?

I ordered a men’s 10.5 which fit perfectly. My boot size is usually on the wider side; however, I ordered a regular size and I did not have any discomfort or blisters. I did not have to size-up or down. 

The contoured footbed provides excellent arch support and fit, ensuring your feet feel supported and secure with every step. With the Anacapa 2 the contoured footbed keeps your fit secure, and reducing foot fatigue to the absolute minimum. 

The ankle cuff is very plush and conforms around your ankle without issue. Unlike the cuff of the Keen Targhee IV which is so wide that I had a large amount of space between my ankle and the cuff no matter how tight I fastened my laces. 

Hoka Anacapa 2 Fit  4.5/5 

Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid Stability & Support 4/5

Starting at the ankle, the mid version of the Anacapa is extremely supportive. I was able to tie my laces nice and tight allowing for excellent ankle support. 

I felt great support around the mid foot featuring the compression-molded EVA sole. The mid foot is extremely stable due to the construction of the Anacapa starting at the midsole. This closely resembles the advanced chassis of the Salomon hiking footwear. 

I felt no extra pain in my joints while hiking, the shock absorption is excellent, this is probably due to the thick midsole. 

Durability 9/10

The Anacapa 2 Mid GTX is crafted from quality materials without synthetic welding. Simply put, this hiking boot will last longer than others on the market. 

After putting a lot of miles and harsh terrain on my Anacapa’s I haven’t noticed any signs outside of the ordinary wear and tear. The Vibram megagrip holds traction true to this day without any breakdown of the lugs.

Overall, I wouldn’t expect this boot to last longer than the all-leather counterparts such as the Quest 4 or Targhee IV, but it puts up a great fight. Hokas are always crafted from quality materials and have above average durability. 

Is the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX worth it? 

If you are looking for a extremely comfortable, high performing hiking boot that will last. The Anacapa 2 is worth it.

While it is not the cheapest hiking boot on the market, you get more than your money's worth. Being able to get the #1 most comfortable hiking boots on the market under $200 is a steal in my opinion. They are also rated at #3 as our best hiking boots. 

The strengths of this Anacapa are the comfort, “smooth ride” , great traction, and excellent durability.  

The drawbacks to consider would be there are more lightweight options out there such as the Altra Lone Peak ALL-WTHR 2 or cheaper models such the Moab 3. 

Overall, the Anacapa 2 provides great value and I don’t think you could go wrong with picking up a pair. 

Value: 5/5 

Scoring Breakdown 

Comfort: 9.5 / 10 

Traction: 9 / 10

Overall Protection: 4.5 / 5

Waterproofness: 5 / 5

Stability & Support: 4.5 / 5

Fit: 4.5 / 5

Durability: 9 / 10

Value: 5 / 5

Total: 51 / 55

 Our Rating: 9.2 / 10 

At the time of this writing, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid Gore tex are priced at $195 retail, but available on Hoka.com below for as low as $180 brand new.

Order the Hoka Anacapa 2 for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE (Do NOT pay retail): 

Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX (Hoka.com)

Disclosure: These links may provide a discount and in return, give us a commission in order to run the website 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I need to size up or down with the Hoka Anacapa?

No, I did not have to size up or down. They fit at my normal size men’s 10.5. 

What is the difference between Kaha and Anacapa?

Anacapa is a more lightweight than the Kaha, with less overall support, and less grippiness. 

Are The Hoka Anacapa Waterproof?

Ye! The Anacapa 2 come in a Gore-tex waterproof membrane. 

How We Tested and Our Methodology 

I personally tested the Hoka Anacapa 2 for 6 months with the sole intent of giving you the most unbiased review possible. Mountaineer Journey is a 100% independent publisher with years of testing and reviewing outdoor equipment.

Over the past decade, I have logged over 2,000 hiking miles across diverse terrains, from the rugged Appalachian Trail to the challenging Rocky Mountains. This extensive experience allows me to evaluate the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid’s performance accurately in real-world conditions. 

We currently pay for the products we test ourselves; no company or manufacturer pays us to sway our opinions or decisions.

Adventure Awaits,

Tyler