I am not an expert hiker but since I live in the mountains, it is always great to explore my neighborhood once in a while. I have a few pairs of hiking boots and when Hoka proposed to me to test their new Anacapa 2 mid gtx, it was hard to say no.
About Hoka
Founded in 2009 by two passionate mountain runners, Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud, HOKA remains an American company that specializes in the manufacture of running and hiking shoes. Originally French, they were bought out in 2013 by a footwear giant, the American Deckers Group.
Cushioning and support are at the forefront of HOKA product design. The designers want to provide maximum comfort with a smooth and efficient running stride. HOKA ONE ONE has a significant meaning. It is a phrase from the Maori culture meaning “to fly on earth.” Which corresponds to the specificity of the shoes of this brand; their imposing soles are supposed to provide significant cushioning while remaining light. The exact feeling of floating when you are running.
The Anacapa 2 mid gtx
A versatile hiker designed to tread lighter
Scrutinized through the lens of sustainability, we’ve reimagined our beloved Anacapa Mid GTX with a renewed focus on earth-friendly materials. Updated with recycled yarn meshes, we’ve enlisted a 30% sugarcane EVA midsole and Vibram® Megagrip outsole. Finished with metal speed hooks and a rubber toe cap, there’s no telling where this hiker will take you.
FEATURES:
- Leather Working Group Gold-Rated waterproof nubuck leather
- GORE-TEX bootie construction with 71% recycled polyester face fabric
- Lightweight sugarcane EVA midsole
- Abrasion resistant rubber toe cap
- Vibram® Megagrip outsole
- Metal top hook
- 100% Recycled polyester vamp and quarter mesh
- Achilles heel comfort build
- 50% Soybean-based sockliner
- SwallowTail™ heel
- 100% Recycled polyester collar and tongue lining mesh
- 88% Recycled polyester external collar and tongue mesh
- 100% Recycled polyester laces (excluding aglet)
Testing
This occurred over a period of 3 months and in a variety of weather conditions to make sure I had a great sample of information. The first thing that came to mind is how comfortable and light these boots are. It is really different from the full leather grain standard boots I have and at first I was not 100% sure of the durability and I was wrong since they took everything I have thrown at them. Due to their perfect heights, these boots also provide excellent ankle support.
Let’s not forget that these boots have the Gore-tex membrane and they perform really well in wet and muddy environments. The metal speed hooks are well made and allows you to apply the perfect tightness of your laces. The reputation of Vibram soles is undeniable over the years and they performed really well in all the situations I have put them through.
In conclusion
The Hoka Anacapa 2 mid gtx is now in my hiking boots rotation and I really like the approach they have with the different recycled materials. Light, durable and weatherproof, these boots won’t let you down. At a price of 245.00$ cad I recommend this product.
You can have more information about Hoka here:
