Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX

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UOG TOP PICK—The new Anacapa 2s still offer excellent cushioning and comfort for hikers, but they are now made from more sustainable materials. The natural leather outer and combination of recycled materials are excellent examples of an environmentally conscious kit that still performs exceptionally well.

We recommend sizing up half a size in this shoe.

Hoka says: 

A versatile hiker designed to tread lighter.

Scrutinized through the lens of sustainability, we’ve reimagined our beloved Anacapa Low GTX with a renewed focus on earth-friendly materials. Updated with recycled yarn meshes, we’ve enlisted GORE-TEX Invisible Fit technology, a 30% sugarcane EVA midsole, and a Vibram® Megagrip outsole. Finished with metal eyelets and an abrasion resistant toe cap, there’s no telling where this hiker will take you.

Our Verdict

Hoka has gone down the route of “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” with the new Anacapas. There are a few changes, but the focus of the Anacapa 2’s is on sustainability, namely in the midsole and the upper mesh of the shoe. If you have used the original Anacapas and loved them as I did, they still provide a lot of cushioning, support and comfort. They are brilliant for day hikes, multiday hiking and walking in wet and mixed conditions. As with much of the Hoka range, the style and, in particular, the look of the sole is not going to be to everyone’s taste, but the support you get from them, especially on long days, is undoubtedly worthwhile in our experience.

The shoe Is now more breathable; the old close-knit plasticky feeling upper has been replaced with a durable, recycled polyester mesh, which facilitates much better airflow to help keep your feet cool.
The Anacapa’s are lined with a Gore-Tex lining. This is a highly weatherproof boot in a uniquely environmental design from Hoka. They also use the Vibram Megagrip, which provides excellent grip on varied terrain in the wet and dry. The sole has multi-directional lugs for gaining traction when you need it most, and it gives a bit of extra stability. There is variation in the foam used in the sole to balance cushioning and responsiveness.

– Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear

Features

Upper

• PFC-free water repellency treatment
• GORE-TEX Invisible Fit with 70% recycled polyester face fabric
• Leather Working Group gold-rated waterproof nubuck leather
• Quick hook lace
• Molded PU sockliner derived from 50% soybean oil
• 100% Recycled vamp and quarter mesh
• 100% Recycled polyester collar, tongue lining and external collar mesh

Midsole 

• 30% Sugarcane EVA
• Hubble® Heel and SwallowTail™ geometry
• Late stage MetaRocker™

Outsole 

• Vibram® Megagrip with 5mm lugs

Specifications

• Weight per UK8 shoe: 387g
• Heel to toe drop: 8mm
• Best for: Hiking
• Stability: Neutral
• Cushion: Balanced

Help & advice:

• Recycled Content in Outdoor Gear
• Choosing Lightweight Hiking Footwear
• GORE-TEX Explained
• GORE-TEX Overview