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Hoka One One Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex
Editor’s Conclusion
Hoka is at it again. The Anacapa was released on July 1, 2021 and is already turning heads! This unique hiking boot features Hoka’s extended heel geometry and well-loved cushioned midsole. You will notice a few similarities between this shoe and the TenNine but the heel of the Anacapa is less pronounced, giving you slightly more versatility.
It is made from recycled materials and falls somewhere between a runner and boot. It works well on multiple types of terrains. The fact that it is made from mostly recycled materials makes it a very sustainable option. Continue reading to learn more about the impressive features and to discover if the Anacapa is a good option for your future adventures.
It is made from recycled materials and falls somewhere between a runner and boot. It works well on multiple types of terrains. The fact that it is made from mostly recycled materials makes it a very sustainable option. Continue reading to learn more about the impressive features and to discover if the Anacapa is a good option for your future adventures.
Hoka One One Anacapa Mid Gore-Tex Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Made from sustainable materials
Comfortable
Easy on and off
Waterproof
Vibram outsole and 5mm lugs
Great stability
Cons
Sizes run slightly large
Extended heel shape takes some getting used to
Key Features
Comfort
As you may have come to expect from Hoka, the Anacapa is thoughtfully designed and comfortable. The midsole is made from compression-molded EVA foam. It is slightly firm, but in a way that still allows you to have a feel for the ground beneath you. These boots offer neutral support, enough for people with mid or high arches. The molded PU sock liner hugs your foot and is made from 50% soybean oil.
The gusseted tongue does a great job of keeping debris out of the shoe. It is anchored well and doesn’t wiggle around on the trail. Even with all of the features built into this shoe, it still weighs only 14 ounces.
While the extended heel definitely will not hinder you, it may take some getting used to. I recommend wearing these shoes around the house and running errands until you feel comfortable with your new footprint while wearing these.
Fit
For most people, a half-size-down provides a more comfortable fit. Of course, this always depends on what season you’ll be hiking in and the thickness of your socks.
The pull tab at the back of the shoe is connected to a uniquely cushioned and contoured heel cage that hugs your Achilles. This provides great comfort and also makes the shoe easy to put on and take off.
The mid-height asymmetrical ankle provides impressive support without hindering flexibility. The quick lace hooks allow you to tighten the boot to hug your foot comfortably.
Features
Double the waterproof features, double the fun. Not only does the Anacapa have a GoreTex treatment and a PFC-free water repellency treatment, but it is also made from Nubuck leather which is inherently water-resistant. You can cross small rivers, streams, and puddles with confidence. As long as the water doesn’t enter through the top of the shoe, your feet will stay dry.
You can feel and look good on the trail with this shoe. It’s stylish enough to not have to feel like you need to change out of them before running into the market for a bottle of water. They are available in four different color combinations. You can choose from hot sauce/cherry mahogany, desert sun/golden yellow, otter/black, and real teal/outer space.
Durability
There is not much that will harm these shoes. They are lightweight and durable. The Nubuck leather that the majority of the shoe comes from is from a Leather Working Group certified tannery. The collar, mesh, and laces are made from recycled polyester.
If you encounter any issues with the shoes within the first thirty days - be it a manufacturing issue or comfort, you can refund or exchange them with no questions asked. Additionally, there is a one-year warranty that protects the shoes from any manufacturing defects.
Stability and Traction
As you can see and as I have mentioned, the extended heel is prominent but doesn’t protrude as much as the TenNine heel does. The unique shape provides great stability and lessens the impact of each stride on your joints. They are responsive and springy and help to give you more momentum as you hike. The heel feels like it pushes your weight forward, encouraging you to continue.
There is a 6mm heel-to-toe drop and a 28mm stack height that makes the shoe comfortable enough for long hikes but still allows you to feel the trail beneath you. The late-stage meta-rocker provides great support for your forefoot and only increases the already great stability. The Vibram Megagrip is paired with 5mm lugs that provide great traction on many different terrains. Tackle ascents and descents on loose, packed, wet, or dry trails with ease.
As you may have come to expect from Hoka, the Anacapa is thoughtfully designed and comfortable. The midsole is made from compression-molded EVA foam. It is slightly firm, but in a way that still allows you to have a feel for the ground beneath you. These boots offer neutral support, enough for people with mid or high arches. The molded PU sock liner hugs your foot and is made from 50% soybean oil.
The gusseted tongue does a great job of keeping debris out of the shoe. It is anchored well and doesn’t wiggle around on the trail. Even with all of the features built into this shoe, it still weighs only 14 ounces.
While the extended heel definitely will not hinder you, it may take some getting used to. I recommend wearing these shoes around the house and running errands until you feel comfortable with your new footprint while wearing these.
Fit
For most people, a half-size-down provides a more comfortable fit. Of course, this always depends on what season you’ll be hiking in and the thickness of your socks.
The pull tab at the back of the shoe is connected to a uniquely cushioned and contoured heel cage that hugs your Achilles. This provides great comfort and also makes the shoe easy to put on and take off.
The mid-height asymmetrical ankle provides impressive support without hindering flexibility. The quick lace hooks allow you to tighten the boot to hug your foot comfortably.
Features
Double the waterproof features, double the fun. Not only does the Anacapa have a GoreTex treatment and a PFC-free water repellency treatment, but it is also made from Nubuck leather which is inherently water-resistant. You can cross small rivers, streams, and puddles with confidence. As long as the water doesn’t enter through the top of the shoe, your feet will stay dry.
You can feel and look good on the trail with this shoe. It’s stylish enough to not have to feel like you need to change out of them before running into the market for a bottle of water. They are available in four different color combinations. You can choose from hot sauce/cherry mahogany, desert sun/golden yellow, otter/black, and real teal/outer space.
Durability
There is not much that will harm these shoes. They are lightweight and durable. The Nubuck leather that the majority of the shoe comes from is from a Leather Working Group certified tannery. The collar, mesh, and laces are made from recycled polyester.
If you encounter any issues with the shoes within the first thirty days - be it a manufacturing issue or comfort, you can refund or exchange them with no questions asked. Additionally, there is a one-year warranty that protects the shoes from any manufacturing defects.
Stability and Traction
As you can see and as I have mentioned, the extended heel is prominent but doesn’t protrude as much as the TenNine heel does. The unique shape provides great stability and lessens the impact of each stride on your joints. They are responsive and springy and help to give you more momentum as you hike. The heel feels like it pushes your weight forward, encouraging you to continue.
There is a 6mm heel-to-toe drop and a 28mm stack height that makes the shoe comfortable enough for long hikes but still allows you to feel the trail beneath you. The late-stage meta-rocker provides great support for your forefoot and only increases the already great stability. The Vibram Megagrip is paired with 5mm lugs that provide great traction on many different terrains. Tackle ascents and descents on loose, packed, wet, or dry trails with ease.
Comparison to Similar Hiking Boots
Visually, and functionally, the most similar shoe is the TenNine from Hoka. It has the same extended heel geometry, but is even more pronounced. This makes it more difficult to hike trails with stairs or technical areas and to wear the shoes casually. However, the extra stability is impressive. The TenNine weighs about one pound more than the Anacapa.
Not exactly similar, but another highly rated option is the Keen Targhee 3. These boots are also made from Nubuck leather and have an extra water repellency treatment called Keen-Dry. They feature 4mm lugs on a rubber outsole and provide great stability. If you are looking for a more traditional style hiking boot, the Targhee is worth a look. However, the lack of the extended heel is a major difference.
Not exactly similar, but another highly rated option is the Keen Targhee 3. These boots are also made from Nubuck leather and have an extra water repellency treatment called Keen-Dry. They feature 4mm lugs on a rubber outsole and provide great stability. If you are looking for a more traditional style hiking boot, the Targhee is worth a look. However, the lack of the extended heel is a major difference.
Verdict
Sure, the style of this shoe is uncommon - but it’s incredibly functional. The extended heel pushes you forward, lessens knee and ankle fatigue, and provides great stability. The color options are versatile and attractive, and they are surprisingly lightweight.
In terms of price, they’re about average. Possibly a bit higher than I’d like to spend on a hiking boot, but judging by the materials and features, they’re in it for the long haul. Besides, even if you are on the fence, you can try them out for thirty days with no qualms.
In terms of price, they’re about average. Possibly a bit higher than I’d like to spend on a hiking boot, but judging by the materials and features, they’re in it for the long haul. Besides, even if you are on the fence, you can try them out for thirty days with no qualms.
