Hoka Kaha 2 Vs Hoka Anacapa 2 | Which Is Better?

In this article, I'm going to share my HONEST Hoka Kaha 2 vs Hoka Anacapa 2 comparison in detail after personally owning both hoka hiking boots. I have thoroughly tested both of these hiking boots on the trails for countless hours, and I aim to offer a professional hiker's critical opinion.

I'll be comparing these two head-to-head in categories like price, comfort, traction, overall protection, fit, breathability, and durability.

Then, at the end, I'll share which product offers the best overall value for the money and provide my overall recommendation for which you should buy.

Also, if you're interested in learning more, I have tested each product individually in my Hoka Kaha 2 GTX Review and Hoka Anacapa 2 GTX Review.

Hoka Kaha 2 vs Hoka Anacapa 2 Price Comparison

Overall, the Hoka Ancapa 2 is $50 cheaper than the Hoka Kaha 2.

Hoka Kaha 2 Price: $240

Hoka Anacapa 2 Price: $190

Order HERE for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE 

(Do NOT pay retail): 

See Hoka Kaha 2 (Hoka.com)

See Hoka Anacapa 2 (Hoka.com)

Comfort

Both the Hoka Kaha 2 and the Hoka Anacapa 2 are extremely comfortable hiking boots. We rated both in our most comfortable hiking boots review article. We rated the Kaha 2's dual-density compression-molded EVA as one of the most comfortable insoles on the market.

The Anacapa 2 has a sugar cane EVA insole, which is slightly less comfortable. I noted more plushness with the Kaha 2 in terms of the insole being more comfortable and forgiving.

Starting at the toe box, the Anacapa 2 has more than enough wiggle room for your toes, compared to the Hoka Kaha 2, which has a slightly narrower toe box. There is still no discomfort, as we noted while testing. 

Both Hoka hiking boots are excellent at shock absorption, which leads to better comfort while on the trail because, when you are fighting against technical terrain, shock absorption is a must. In the long run, having excellent shock absorption in your hiking boots saves your joints.

Both Hoka hiking boots have a contoured heel mesh at the top of the boot to forgive any rubbing against your heel. This is a very comfortable feature of both boots.

The Kaha 2's sockliner is slightly more plush and forgiving; it also conforms to the top of your foot, compared to the Anacapa 2, which has more mesh than foam for sockliner.

Overall, I could hike and trek for hours, feeling the comfort of both the Kaha 2 and Anacapa 2. Both are excellent in terms of comfort; however, I must give the heads to the Kaha 2 for comfort.

Hoka Kaha 2 Comfort: 5 out of 5

Hoka Anacapa 2 Comfort: 4.5 out of 5

Winner: Hoka Kaha 2 

Traction

Both the Anacapa 2 and Kaha 2 are similar when comparing traction. Both feature the Vibram Megagrip sole, as well as the same 5 mm lug patterns.

I tested both boots in a variety of conditions, including wet mud, dry mud, snow, and dirt on every imaginable terrain. They both perform excellently in terms of traction and extreme grip.

Both midsoles are very firm, which is excellent for traction, meaning the shoe's sole does not forgive against uneven terrain while holding its grip. The Vibram Megagrip sole is very high-performing, and I would recommend using it in any sort of hiking or trekking situation. 

In terms of the longevity of both midsoles, I've never noticed any wear on either of these boots, and I've used them for about the same amount of mileage. We have used both in the most challenging hiking conditions, and they have consistently performed well.

Both Hoka hiking boots have the same outsole and lug materials, so I cannot choose a winner.

Hoka Kaha 2 Traction: 5 out of 5

Hoka Anacapa 2 Traction: 5 out of 5

Winner: Tie

Overall Protection

There is one distinct difference between the Hoka Kaha 2 and the Hoka Anacapa 2 when it comes to overall protection. The Kaha 2 has excellent lateral and medial foot protection, whereas the Anacapa 2 does not.

The Kaha 2 has such a robust, thick outsole that increases the height of the shoe that it acts as a protective barrier for the shoe. The Kaha also has a thick border of mesh and combined leather material that protects the foot in a 360-degree manner.

Compared to the Anacapa 2, which only has synthetic material covering the medial and lateral sides of the foot, you are at risk of piercing sharp objects or rocks.

Moving towards the toe box, both hiking boots have protective toe caps, which perform excellently against sharp objects or anything else you may encounter on the trail.

Both have a gusseted tongue at the top of the hiking boots, which protects against certain debris entering the boot. While testing both of my hiking boots, I did not notice any dirt or debris entering them.

The Kaha 2 gets the winner trophy for overall protection as it has better overall foot protection, as we mentioned in the beginning.

Hoka Kaha 2 Overall Protection: 5 out of 5

Hoka Anacapa 2 Overall Protection: 4 out of 5

Winner: Hoka Kaha 2

Hoka Kaha 2 Vs Hoka Anacapa 2 : Which Fits Better?

I tested both hiking boots and a size men's 10 and a half, both normal width. As mentioned before, there is more than enough room in the toe box for both hiking boots. The ankle cuff around the Anacapa 2 can get quite tight and sweaty while hiking in the summer, as it has a different synthetic material than the Kaha 2.

Both the Kaha 2 and Ancapa feature three metal rungs at the top to help secure your foot. During my testing, I did not need to use any specialized lacing techniques with either of these Hoka hiking boots. Each hiking boot offers a secure fit to my foot, and I did not experience any heel slippage with either boot as well. 

Each boot has a generous volume, with Kaha 2 having slightly more than Anacapa 2. However, I did not experience any snugness with Anacapa 2.

Both hiking boots fit extremely well, as most Hoka products do.

Hoka Kaha 2 Fit : 5 out of 5

Hoka Anacapa 2 Fit : 4 out of 5

Winner: Tie

Breathability

The Hoka Anacapa 2 boasts significantly more breathability than the Kaha 2. The integrated mesh and nubuck leather have air vents all around the Kaha 2, making this boot extremely breathable and ideal for summer hiking.

When hiking in the Anacapa 2, I feel like there are air vents all around the boot, and I feel my feet cool off in the summer heat. Both have an integrated Gore-Tex waterproof lining, which is known to reduce the breathability of a hiking boot. 

Both match well for the same amount of water resistance; however, as I said before, Anacapa 2 is much more breathable than Kaha 2. 

Due to their cushion and material, the Hoka Kaha 2 are not the most breathable hiking boots in summer.

The Anacapa 2 is the clear winner here. Also, there is a non-gortex version of the Anacapa 2, called the Anacapa Breeze, which is even more breathable. 

Hoka Kaha 2 Breathability : 3.5 out of 5

Hoka Anacapa 2 Breathability : 5 out of 5

Winner: Hoka Anacapa 2 

Durability

Both the Kaha 2 and Anacapa 2 are extremely durable hiking boots. They both boast Nubuck leather, which is an extremely durable and pristine leather that holds up well against the elements. The leather and synthetic materials of both hiking boots did not break down.

The Vibram Megagrip lugs hold strong to this day, even after a year of testing both hiking boots. With both Hoka hiking boots, I am able to weather some of the worst hiking conditions without ever losing grip or traction while on the trail.

There's been no breakdown of the gusseted tongue for both boots or the synthetic material surrounding the heels.

Hoka makes both these hiking boots with extremely sustainable materials and robust enough to last over time. I must say Hoka hiking boots in general last an extremely long time and are durable against the worst elements. If you are looking at hiking boots that will last a long time, take a look at Hokas. 

Hoka Kaha 2 Durability : 5 out of 5

Hoka Anacapa 2 Durability : 5 out of 5

Winner: Tie

Hoka Anacapa 2 Overall Rating: 9.1/10

• Comfort: 4.5 out of 5

   

• Traction: 5 out of 5

• Overall Protection: 4 out of 5

• Fit: 4 out of 5

• Breathability: 5 out of 5

• Durability: 5 out of 5

Total: 27.5/30

Hoka Kaha 2 Overall Rating: 9.5 / 10

• Comfort: 5 out of 5

• Traction: 5 out of 5

   

• Overall Protection: 5 out of 5

• Fit: 5 out of 5

   

• Breathability: 3.5 out of 5

• Durability: 5 out of 5

Total: 28.5/30 

Hoka Kaha 2 vs Hoka Anacapa 2 Which One Is Better Overall?

I'll begin by saying that both of these hiking boots are extremely high on my list of the best hiking boots of all time. We tested these boots in many different categories. I must say that Hoka Kaha 2 is the winner here.

Paying 45 more dollars for this pair of hiking boots is well worth the value you get in return. Comfort, traction, and overall protection are intangible values that you cannot take away from a hiking boot. You will not be disappointed with the Hoka Kaha 2's long-lasting durability.

Order HERE for the LOWEST PRICE AVAILABLE 

(Do NOT pay retail): 

See Hoka Anacapa 2 (Hoka.com)

See Hoka Kaha 2 (Hoka.com)

How We Personally Tested Our Methodology

I personally tested the Hoka Kaha 2 and Hoka Anacapa during 2023 and 2024 with the sole intention of providing you with 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 these Hoka Hiking boots 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