Our verdict

We still believe that the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX is one of the most reliable options for day hiking. It's hard to go wrong with this shoe's abundant cushioning and massive platform if you want to feel supported for hours. We loved how this cosy cruiser kept our feet free from fatigue and surefooted on various surfaces. The shoe has its limitations when it comes to technical terrain but if you embark on a medium-length and moderately challenging hike, the Anacapa would be among the first shoes we recommend.

Pros

  • Fantastic balanced cushioning for long hikes
  • Excellent protection from impact, rocks, and trail debris
  • Excepitional side-to-side containment and wide platform
  • Perfect grip on various terrain
  • Durable Vibram rubber
  • Effective but lighter-feeling Gore-Tex waterproofing
  • High-quality nubuck panels
  • True to size

Cons

  • Upper mesh is not very durable
  • Loses midsole softnes in cold

Audience verdict

77
Decent!
  • Top 9% most popular hiking shoes

Who should buy

We believe that the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX must be on your radar if you value the following features in your hiking shoes:

  • plenty of cushioning for comfort and underfoot protection
  • unusually wide and supportive platform
  • high-class Gore-Tex waterproofing

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX review

Who should NOT buy

Although we didn't find any glaring issues with the Anacapa 2 Low GTX, it could happen that the shoe simply doesn't meet your individual needs. Luckily, the Hoka Anacapa series offers several options for you to choose from:

  • Anacapa Breeze Low (breathable, non-waterproof shoe for summer)
  • Anacapa Breeze Mid (breathable, non-waterproof shoe for warm season)
  • Anacapa 2 Mid GTX (ankle-high, waterproof boot for cold and wet season)

You might as well consider shoes from other brands in our guide on the best waterproof hiking shoes.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX lab test

Breathability

As a waterproof hiking shoe, the airflow is nearly absent inside the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX. As you can see from our smoke-pumping breathability test below, none of the smoke escaped through the shoe's upper material.

Because of no visible signs of ventilation, we rated the shoe's breathability with the lowest possible score - 1 out of 5. But there is something about the GTX membrane of this Hoka shoe that makes it feel slightly airier than the standard GTX...

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX gore-tex waterproofing

The Anacapa 2 Low GTX features the Invisible Fit version of the Gore-Tex. We found that it is indeed slightly lighter and more breathable than the standard GTX!

Look at the striking difference between the regular GTX on the v1 and the Invisible Fit on the v2 in our transparency tests below!

Regular Gore-Tex on the Hoka Anacapa Low

Invisible Fit Gore-Tex on the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low

The latter looked so thin it even made us doubt if we were testing the waterproof version of the Anacapa. But in practice, it proved to be just as warm and watertight as we've come to expect. Just a tab bit lighter on foot. 

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 1
Average 2.7
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Waterproofing

The Invisible Fit version of the Gore-Tex proved its exceptional waterproofing capacity in our wear tests. Rain or shine, this membrane kept our feet dry when crossing streams and wet grass, as well as getting caught in the rain.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Breathability microscope test

Our initial concerns about the shoe's porous-looking mesh evaporated as soon as we took a closer look at it through our microscope.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Breathability under microscope

It is a very tightly woven fabric with multiple layers and in-built GTX waterproofing that keeps water at bay very effectively.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX nubuck leather

On top of that, the shoe features large panels made of waterproof nubuck leather. Gold-Rated, according to Hoka.

The beauty of the Hoka Anacapa series is that you can opt for an even more protective mid-cut Anacapa 2 GTX boot or ditch waterproofing for breathability in the Anacapa Breeze Low. 

Durability

Toebox durability

A weak side of any waterproofing membrane is that once it's scratched or torn, its entire water tightness goes down the drain.

In our demanding Dremel test below we check if one of the shoe's most high-wear areas is sufficiently reinforced to prevent that from happening.

After 12 seconds of drilling the Anacapa's mudguard with sandpaper, we are happy to report that its durability has improved over the original shoe. But not significantly.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Toebox durability test

While it's great that the drill didn't get to the fabric, the depth of the dent convinced us to lower its toebox durability score to 3 out of 5. This is below the average for hiking shoes.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 3
Average 3.7
Compared to 18 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

It is equally important to avoid wear and tear inside the shoe if you want to prolong its waterproofing features. But that can be hard to do if the lining itself is not very strong.

Exposing the Anacapa's heel padding to sandpaper for only 4 seconds left some notable scuffing on the material. While the damage is not critical, it is questionable enough to lower the durability score to 3 out of 5.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Heel padding durability test
Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 3
Average 3
Compared to 17 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The shoe's partially exposed outsole sends mixed signals too.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX outsole design

On one hand, we have a pretty sturdy Vibram compound covering the most high-wear areas of the outsole (forefoot and heel). This rubber is hard enough to show a reading of 85.3 HC on our durometer which is on par with the hiking shoe average.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Outsole hardness

But on the flip side, the midfoot portion of the shoe features exposed foam which is much softer than rubber. Showing a pretty low reading of 52 HC, its longevity is not particularly promising and we expect this area (lugs included) to wear out much faster. 

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Outsole hardness exposed foam
Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 85.3 HC
Average 84.8 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
65.0 HC
Outsole hardness
94.1 HC

Outsole durability

However, the rubberized parts of the shoe's outsole are not so concerning. Our 22-second drilling session proved that this Vibram rubber is ready to log hundreds of trail miles.

Using a tread gauge, we measured as little as 1.0 mm of damage in the shoe's rubber. This minor tread loss is typical for hiking shoes. 

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Outsole durability test
Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 1.0 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 17 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

We also found that the Anacapa 2 Low GTX features a solid amount of rubber to protect the midsole. Our calliper showed 2.1 mm of rubber thickness excluding the 4.9 mm lugs.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Outsole thickness

All things considered, we expect the rubberized parts of the shoe's outsole to last just as much as the average hiking shoe. However, we also anticipate some premature wear of the exposed foam.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 2.1 mm
Average 2.5 mm
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1.6 mm
Outsole thickness
4.0 mm

Weight

The Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX is not the nimblest of shoes clocking in 14.1 oz (400g) in a men's US size 9.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Weight

But to be fair, it is only an ounce heavier than the average and we believe that its weight-to-cushioning ratio is quite reasonable. On moderate hikes, we never felt dragged down by this Hoka shoe.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 14.11 oz (400g)
Average 13.26 oz (376g)
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
6.49 oz (184g)
Weight
17.14 oz (486g)

Cushioning

Heel stack

If you prefer abundant cushioning and don't mind feeling a bit isolated from the trail, the Anacapa 2 is one of the best day hiking shoes for the job.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Heel stack

Measuring its heel stack with a calliper, we got the same reading as in the original Anacapa - 36.0 mm. A few millimetres thicker than average, it is among the most thick-foamed hikers on the market.

It swallowed hard rocks and sharp roots like a hungry monster allowing us to make confident steps and enjoy the views without thinking too much about obstacles underfoot.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX swallowtail

Speaking of swallowing... Just like its predecessor, the Anacapa 2 features Hoka's signature SwallowTail heel design. If you are new to this footwear brand, expect a short adjustment period. But once you are used to it, the shoe treats you to very smooth landings and heel-to-toe transitions.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 36.0 mm
Average 32.0 mm
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
9.9 mm
Heel stack
39.1 mm

Forefoot stack

As expected, the Anacapa's cushioning is also pretty generous in the forefoot section. We measured the stack height here at 24.0 mm which is a few millimetres taller than average.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Forefoot stack

 It made us feel comfortably protected on rocky ascents where our forefoot dominated the steps.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 24.0 mm
Average 21.0 mm
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
10.7 mm
Forefoot stack
31.0 mm

Drop

The difference in stack heights resulted in a heel-to-toe drop of 12.0 mm which is notably steeper than the claimed 8 mm.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Drop

But the good news is that you will most likely not feel the difference unless you are very particular about the drop in your footwear. In the end, you still get plenty of cushioning and support in the rearfoot which keeps your heels comfortable and takes the pressure off the Achilles, especially if a heavy backpack is involved.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 12.0 mm
Average 11.0 mm
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.0 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

According to Hoka, the Anacapa 2 Low GTX uses a balanced type of cushioning that is neither too plush nor too firm.

Our personal experience and durometer measurements confirm that statement. With an HA reading of 22.1, the shoe's CMEVA foam turns out to be 25% softer than average but it doesn't fall into the plush category which starts below 20 HA.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Midsole softness

Even though there is a good squish to it, the shoe's midsole never felt mushy or unstable. There is enough firmness to make it feel predictable on the trail.

However, we wouldn't recommend this max-cushioned Hoka shoe for technical situations where you need a firmer, more grounded, and narrower platform to navigate the rocks.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 22.1 HA
Average 27.5 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
13.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Difference in midsole softness in cold

Unfortunately, once the clock strikes midnight... Um, meaning once the thermometer shows low temperatures, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX starts to lose its magic softness.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Difference in midsole softness in cold

To mimic a chilly night outdoors, we kept the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes and measured its midsole softness once again.

The durometer reading went from the balanced reading of 22.1 HA to the firm one of 28.3 HA which means that the shoe has firmed up by 27.7%! The change was significantly more drastic than the average 18% which means that the Anacapa will require some "defrosting" before its midsole warms up to the inherent softness.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 27.7%
Average 17.8%
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Difference in midsole softness in cold
100%

Insole thickness

In the world of cardboard-feeling footbeds, the insole of the Anacapa 2 felt like a delight! We found it to be notably thicker than average at 7.1 mm which added a fabulous touch of underfoot padding.
Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Insole thickness
Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 7.1 mm
Average 5.5 mm
Compared to 23 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
2.6 mm
Insole thickness
8.6 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Both the midsole and the upper of this Anacapa shoe have enough rigidity to resist twisting. You can see how much force we have to apply in our manual test below to achieve just a slight give.

On a 1-5 stiffness scale, we confidently gave this Hoka shoe a high score of 4. Its torsional rigidity is very close to that of the Anacapa boot!

Torsional rigidity

Both the midsole and the upper of this Anacapa shoe have enough rigidity to resist twisting. You can see how much force we have to apply in our manual test below to achieve just a slight give.

On a 1-5 stiffness scale, we confidently gave this Hoka shoe a high score of 4. Its torsional rigidity is very close to that of the Anacapa boot!

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 4
Average 3.5
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

We also found the Anacapa 2 Low's heel counter to be sufficiently stiff to prevent unwanted shifting and sliding inside the shoe.

To be precise, we assessed its stiffness with a middle-of-the-road score of 3. It doesn't feel like a death grip around your heels but it isn't floppy either - just right for a medium-distance hike with a moderate pack.

Hoka Anacapa Low GTX 1 vs 2 heel design

In addition, we are happy to see a design tweak in the heel collar of the second Anacapa Low. It got so much more ergonomic and streamlined and didn't get in the way when putting the shoe on.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 3
Average 3.6
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

The Anacapa 2 Low GTX continues to be one of the widest platforms among hiking shoes. It is by far only second to another cushioning monster from Hoka - the Skyline Float-X.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Midsole width in the forefoot

In the widest part of its sole, the Anacapa 2 Low returned an eyebrow-raising reading of 117.5 mm! That's a whole 7 mm wider than average.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 117.5 mm
Average 110.5 mm
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
103.0 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
117.6 mm

Midsole width in the heel

The shoe's heel also comes in at an above-average width of 91.4 mm.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Midsole width in the heel

But even before the measurements, we could feel that we were sitting on a bigger platform in the Anacapa 2 Low GTX. While we consider this setup ideal for light and moderately challenging terrain, it surely lacks the manoeuvrability needed for more technical trails. A more grounded and narrow base of the Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX is much more suitable for that.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 91.4 mm
Average 86.8 mm
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
64.2 mm
Midsole width in the heel
101.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Despite its considerable helping of foam, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX remains sufficiently flexible.

Bending the shoe to a 90-degree angle, our force gauge showed that it required 26.7N which is almost as much as the average hiking shoe. The shoe felt agreeable whenever we had to bend the foot on ascents, rocks, and stairs.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 26.7N
Average 29.3N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1.8N
Stiffness
54.0N

Difference in stiffness in cold

However, a moderate loss of flexibility is to be expected in low temperatures.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Difference in stiffness in cold

After 20 minutes in the freezer, the Anacapa 2 Low needed about 20% more force to get to a 90-degree angle.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 20.1%
Average 27.9%
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Difference in stiffness in cold
100%

Grip / Traction

Lug depth

Using Vibram MegaGrip rubber with 5-mm lugs for its outsole, we were impressed with the gripping capacity of the Anacapa 2 Low GTX. It is a great all-rounder for various trail surfaces.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Lug depth

We were able to trudge through loose terrain, step on wet logs and moss, and even brake on steep descents quite confidently.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX outsole

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 4.9 mm
Average 4.0 mm
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
2.1 mm
Lug depth
5.0 mm

Size and fit

Internal length

In our regular men's US size 9, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX fit exactly as expected.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Internal length

Our calliper measurement also confirmed the shoe's on-point heel-to-toe length of 270.0 mm.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX sizing information

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 270.0 mm
Average 268.4 mm
Compared to 15 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
255.7 mm
Internal length
275.9 mm

Toebox width at the widest part

For a men's medium D width, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX has a moderately roomy toebox. We got 97.8 mm in the widest part of the shoe's forefoot.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Toebox width at the widest part

But if you are someone with wide feet or bunions, or if your toes tend to swell a lot, this Hoka shoe is also conveniently available in a wide-width option.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX fit

According to Hoka's width chart, the wider variant should add as much as 8 mm in the men's shoe (2E Wide) and 6 mm in the women's version (D Wide).

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 97.8 mm
Average 100.5 mm
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
94.6 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
107.7 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

Hikers with wide feet might prefer the wide variant especially because of the slightly narrower-than-average toebox tip of the Anacapa 2 Low GTX.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Toebox width at the big toe

Our calliper showed a slightly narrower-than-average reading of 77.7 mm at the big-toe mark.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 77.7 mm
Average 81.2 mm
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
68.8 mm
Toebox width at the big toe
108.6 mm

Tongue: gusset type

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Tongue: gusset type

Laces

The Anacapa 2 Low GTX comes with a set of round laces and an extra pair of eyelets to customise the fit.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX laces

We recommend making a double-knot because these laces do tend to loosen up.

Comfort

Tongue padding

The tongue of this Hoka shoe packs a generous amount of foam. Measuring its thickness with a calliper returned 10.5 mm which is a bit puffier compared to average.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Tongue padding
Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX 10.5 mm
Average 9.6 mm
Compared to 24 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
5.0 mm
Tongue padding
17.0 mm

Heel tab

We found the large finger loop at the back of the shoe very helpful for on-and-off.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Heel tab
Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX Finger loop

Removable insole

The shoe's stock insole is removable but if you choose to replace it, keep in mind that it is thicker than average and swapping it for a thinner one will create more in-shoe space.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Removable insole
Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX Yes

Price

The asking price of Hoka shoes tends to be slightly higher than the average but considering the comfort and quality of their products, we can't really complain.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX price

Even though the second edition of the Anacapa Low saw a slight price hike over the first version, we find it quite reasonable for a hiking shoe with so much cushioning, support, GTX waterproofing, and high-quality nubuck leather.

Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX $180
Compared to 28 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
£100
Price
£190

Misc

Reflective elements

This Hoka shoe doesn't have any reflective elements to keep you visible at night.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX Reflective elements
Test results
Anacapa 2 Low GTX No

Sustainable materials

It seems like Hoka incorporates more and more ethically sourced materials into each new shoe release. In this version of the Anacapa, we see quite a few sustainable components including:

  • 70% recycled polyester face fabric in the Gore-Tex Invisible Fit
  • Sugarcane EVA midsole
  • 100% recycled vamp and quarter mesh
  • 50% Soybean-based sockliner
  • 100% Recycled polyester collar and tongue lining mesh
  • 100% Recycled polyester external collar mesh
  • 100% Recycled polyester laces (excluding aglet)