Men’s HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Review

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for hiking boots with the comfort, weight, and agility of a trail runner – but want ankle coverage, extra protection, and a bit more structure like a hiking boot – the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX is for you. These hiking boots stand out on our Best Hiking Boots For Men guide, thanks to lightweight mesh and nubuck leather uppers, a cushy foam midsole, and reliable, sticky traction. 

Senior gear analyst Ian Krammer tested these for 14 days and 200+ miles on packed dirt trails and rocky routes in the Colorado high country from May until November. Their rockered sole, hefty toe cap, and snug fit kept his feet fatigue-free mile after mile. At only 1 pound per boot, they are easy to walk in day after day. 

The GORE-TEX membrane offers decent weather and moisture resistance and a bit of extra warmth, making the Anacapa 2 Mids a reliable choice for moderately damp and muddy conditions. Flexible and easy to wear right out of the box, this pair is great for day hikes or short backpacking trips where low weight and comfort are key.

However, the Anacapas have some limitations when it comes to durability, weather resistance, and fit. The uppers utilize a large amount of mesh, and the soles have a lot of foam, which is excellent for comfort – but reduces their longevity in rough terrain compared to burlier and heavier boots. The GORE-TEX liner performs admirably in mild to moderate water exposure but will eventually fail in prolonged rain, snow, and very muddy routes. And some design elements might not work for everyone: a large heel flare takes a bit of time getting used to, they’re a bit narrow through the midfoot yet wide in the toe box, and the ankle height is low, making them less protective compared to other boots. 

But if you want top-tier comfort and agility in a lightweight boot, the Anacapa 2 Mids might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Comfort

HOKA has earned quite the reputation for comfortable footwear over the years, and the Anacapa 2 Mid GTX builds on this legacy. These boots offer the agility of trail runners but with the backbone of a boot. If you loved the popular HOKA Speedgoat 3, 4, or 5 trail runners, the Anacapa 2 Mids offer a nearly identical build, thanks to supportive but cushy foam midsoles and highly flexible uppers. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer used these on a 3-day, 40-mile fall trip in the Colorado Rockies on packed trails, rocky slopes, and boulder scrambles where his feet felt fresh and comfortable for 12+ hours at a time. His favorite thing? The super thick foam midsoles that absorb impact and gobble up rocks, roots, and obstacles with very little ground feel. 

The thick foam, combined with a rockered sole and a large heel flare, promotes a springy forward motion that makes long miles easy. The wide outsole and burly tread pattern combine stability with sticky traction on packed and moderately challenging trails. Their nubuck leather and mesh uppers allow for a flexible and broken-in feel right out of the box, so you can hit the trailhead right away with no fear of blisters or discomfort. The mid-height ankles provide just enough support and protection. Lighter than many other mid-height boots, they’re less taxing on your legs during long hikes, and a huge heel loop makes putting on and taking them off a breeze.

But the Anacapa 2 Mid’s cushioned feel won’t work for everyone or all terrain. The biggest downside of such a cushy design is they aren’t as durable as boots built with all-leather uppers, denser rubber blends, and burlier components. We find the foam outsoles and mesh uppers begin to show significant wear and tear at the 250 mile mark. Additionally, the foam construction is bulky and lacks ground feel, which means they’re best for nontechnical trails and maintained trails where precise foot placement isn’t important. When it comes to fit, the protruding heel flare may feel awkward if you’re not familiar with HOKA’s style.

And folks with wide or flat feet might find the narrow midfoot a bit restrictive in spite of its plentiful toe space. Finally, the top lacing hooks use a geometric design with a slight lip, which prevents the laces from slipping out – but we find they’re awkward for adjusting laces and re-tying the boots. If tied too tightly, they can create pressure points on the ankle. None of these issues are dealbreakers, though – when it comes to comfort, the Ancapa 2 Mids lead the pack.

Ankle Support

These are mid-height boots with minimal ankle support. We love this design for 3-season day hikes and lighter backpacking trips where trail runners don’t offer enough protection from moisture and brambles, but traditional leather hiking boots are overkill. The Anacapa 2 Mids’ ankle height is unique: it extends high on the top of the foot but dips low at the back of the heel. This design, combined with mesh uppers and leather overlays, makes the Anacapa 2 Mids extremely flexible – that nimble, shoe-like feel applies to the ankles too, so they truly move with you, not against you.

The heavily padded ankle cuff adds a bit of support but without the usual bulk. HOKA’s lacing system, featuring geometric lace hooks at the top, allows a snug fit with minimal adjustments needed and secures the ankle to prevent unwanted rolling or instability. A rockered sole aids in maintaining balance and subtly supports the ankle’s natural range of motion. If you want flexibility, breathability, and a bit of added protection in the ankles, these are the boots for you.

But if you want classic hiking boots with a taller ankle cuff, rigid stability, and burly protection, the Anacapa 2 Mids fall short. Their mid-height collar with mesh and leather feels agile and comfortable, but it lacks the stability, durability, and protection that higher boots offer for tackling steep, technical routes. These lightweight materials simply don’t guard your ankles and feet from wet weather, thick underbrush, and sharp obstacles the way heavier, all-leather boots do.

The lace hooks are very effective for locking laces in place, but they can feel bulky and awkward when making adjustments, and occasionally cause minor pressure points around the ankle. For off-trail routes or demanding backcountry hikes, the Anacapa’s mid-height and materials don’t offer enough ankle security, but they thrive on moderate trails.

Weight

The Anacapa 2 Mids are some of the lightest boots we’ve tested in the hiking boot category – they’re only 2 pounds for the pair. If you’re looking for a versatile boot that won’t weigh you down, this model is a stellar choice for reducing fatigue on long treks.

Where classic hiking boots use dense rubber blends on the sole, HOKA’s EVA foam soles dramatically reduce their weight and offer a much more responsive and cushy feel. The mesh and nubuck leather uppers further cut down on their bulk and heft, especially compared to competitors made from thick synthetic or leather textiles. The narrow midsole and rockered sole makes for a balanced weight distribution with reliable stability. These boots maximize comfort without compromising support, making them an excellent choice for day hikes and multi-night adventures.

The trade-off for such a lightweight design is a significant dip in durability. The foam outsoles aren’t nearly as long-lasting as hiking boots that use burly rubber composites. The mesh and leather uppers fall into the same trap: they’re impressively lightweight, but don’t hold a candle to the durability of boots with all-leather or thicker synthetic materials. For those who want a pair of boots that will last multiple seasons, want better protection, or plan to tackle challenging, off-trail routes, a heavier boot with a sturdier build will be a better fit.

Traction

The Anacapa 2 Mids offer responsive, grippy traction in most summer conditions, from slick mud to dusty and rocky trails. HOKA uses Vibram Megagrip for the tread of these boots. This blend is much more malleable, responsive, and soft than the heavier, stiffer blends used on competitive hiking boots.

Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer loves their robust tread pattern, featuring angled lugs across the sole with especially deep, wide knobs on the heel for reliable braking on steep descents. This design was essential when descending over 3,000’ from the ridge of a 13,000’ peak in the southern Colorado Rockies, where good grip was essential on dozens of steep switchbacks. The unique combination of a responsive midsole, large heel flare, and rockered sole makes the Anacapa 2 Mids a strong, stable, grippy boot.

The biggest downside of the lightweight foam and softer tread? Again, you’ll sacrifice durability compared to heavier boots with dense rubber composites. The Anacapa 2 Mids have great traction, but only up to 250 miles. The outsoles show meaningful damage from regular use beyond that point, with lugs flattened and the foam beginning to break down.

This model is certainly usable up to 400 miles, but it’s not pretty. Also, the bulky foam soles reduce sensitivity on trail, making it harder to feel the ground. Our last gripe is that the lug depth is average – so they don’t perform well on wet or slippery surfaces, including slick rocks, muddy areas, and loose gravel. They shed debris easily and excel on flat and moderate inclines, but the less aggressive tread pattern falls short in rough terrain. If you need stiff, long lasting outsoles for steep, technical routes where every step calls for pinpoint accuracy, these are not the boots for you.

Weather Resistance

It’s all in the name: the HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX has an integrated GORE-TEX membrane. This GTX liner is an excellent design for hiking in occasional rain, wet underbrush, and water crossings. This liner adds a bit of warmth, too, so these boots are a good choice for cool, fair-weather days below 70°F. Nubuck leather panels across the uppers help repel water, but when you do get wet, the lightweight polyester components – including the laces, liner, and mesh – allow for fast drying, usually in less than an hour. Overall, this model works well for 3-season weather-resistant footwear.

That said, these are not rugged, fully waterproof, 4-season hiking boots, and we do not recommend them for rainy forecasts or harsher conditions. Don’t get us wrong – the GORE-TEX liner is effective in light to moderate exposure to the elements and will keep you dry when splashing through puddles or crossing low streams – but that’s the limit. On separate occasions, Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer had wet feet after hiking through a 4 hour rainstorm and crossing multiple wide streams and he really felt the chill on a snowy day hike. That said, these aren’t major issues – for folks hiking in mild spring, summer and fall conditions, these boots work well.

Durability

The Anacapa 2 Mids offer moderate durability, making them a good choice for moderate hiking conditions. Our testing shows these boots hold up well with regular use to the 250 mile mark – though with a bit of extra care, they can last up to 400 miles. The nubuck leather panels increase resistance to wear and tear on the uppers while also being water-repellent, and the GORE-TEX waterproof membrane acts as an extra layer of protection to help keep your feet dry. Vibram tread adds longevity to the EVA foam midsoles. We also appreciate burly components like metal top hooks and eyelets, strong polyester shoelaces, and a stiff toe cap that protects your feet from sharp rocks and sticks. 

But there’s no way around it: the Anacapa Mid GTX isn’t as durable as other hiking boots built with stronger materials. At 250 miles of average use on maintained trails, Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer found the waterproof liner was no longer effective at keeping out moisture, and the EVA foam soles began to compress, crack, and deteriorate. Although the nubuck leather panels are a durable choice, the upper mesh – which is prone to snagging on sharp underbrush – counteracts the leather’s durability and shows significant damage as well. These boots are not ideal for off-trail hiking, harsh conditions, or rugged trails, which could accelerate wear. However, if you value an agile, comfy fit over durability, these boots will deliver miles of smiles on trail.

Should You Buy the HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX?

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GTX is a great choice for three-season hikers and backpackers who want outstanding comfort and reliable traction in a lightweight design for multi-night adventures. The boots’ unique combination of mesh, leather panels, and a flexible but supportive midsole means they’re ready to wear right out of the box – no break-in time needed. The rockered shape, generous cushioning, and oversized heel flare prevents foot fatigue and keeps your natural gait. The roomy toebox allows for natural toe splay on trail. With solid grip and highly adjustable laces, these boots excel on groomed trails, making them a great choice for fair-weather hikers on most terrain from spring until fall.

However, these boots aren’t for everyone. They’re not the most durable or weather resistant, so the Anacapa 2 Mids may not suit four-season hikers or those tackling technical terrain. Their outsoles are responsive and cushy, but the large amount of foam, combined with mostly mesh uppers, are prone to wear in rugged conditions and limits performance in harsh environments. The fit can feel awkward, too: they don’t offer much ankle support, the top lacing hooks are a bit clunky, and the extended heel might take time to get used to. If you spend a lot of time off-trail or need more robust footwear, these boots might be a bit lacking. That said, if you prefer a boot that feels more like a running shoe and want top-tier comfort, these boots are worth considering.

What Other hiking boots Should You Consider?

For more options, check out our full guide to men’s hiking boots.

Merrell Moab 3 WP Review: If comfort is your top priority, the Merrell Moab 3s are a stellar alternative to the Anacapa 2 Mids. They’re some of the most comfortable and cushy boots out there – and they cost less, too. The wide toe box, forgiving midsoles, and solid traction makes them a great choice for day hiking or backpacking. The downside? They weigh more and aren’t much more durable.

Salomon Quest 4 Mid GTX Review: These are some of our favorite boots and outshine the Anacapa 2 Mids when it comes to comfort, ankle support, and durability. Their attention to quality and traditional leather construction makes them a great choice for year-round hiking. Although, their traction leaves a bit to be desired, they’re more expensive, and they weigh nearly a pound more per pair.

Lowa Renegade GTX Review: Another one of our go-to pairs, the LOWA Renegades are some of the comfiest boots we’ve ever tested. They match the Anacapa 2 Mids for the level of traction. However, they’re superior for ankle support, weather resistance, and durability – and you’ll pay a pretty penny for them since they’re among the more expensive pairs on the market.