HOKA Anacapa 2 Mid GORE-TEX Review

The boots instantly felt soft and comfortable as soon as they were on the feet due to the large foam insole and full-size rocker that HOKA is known for. The upper is supportive and foamy whilst still providing a reasonable amount of ankle support. Although slimmer than the previous generation, the Anacapa 2 is still a medium to wide-fitting boot that accommodates a wide range of foot shapes. I felt they fit slightly smaller than a standard UK size 8 and would consider sizing up half a size. It’s always important to try any footwear on before buying. If you’re unsure about your size, head into one of our shops for a fitting.

As soon as I started hiking in the boots in the Lake District, I was incredibly impressed. I felt as though they provided support on the ankles while remaining soft and easy to walk in. The rocker-shaped midsole and incredibly soft foam make each step effortless and light.

During the first walk, I went through a large range of conditions such as rocky uphill, soft ground in bogs and walking through forests; and I felt secure and stable throughout. I have also taken these boots on shorter hikes in the Peak District in drier conditions and felt the boot worked even better on slightly harder ground allowing the midsole to provide maximum cushioning.

However, I don’t think that this boot is perfect for every situation and is best suited for shorter hikes. On a longer walk with a heavier pack, I would prefer a stiffer, more supportive boot. This leads to my least favourite aspect of the boot. As they are only a mid-boot, the Anacapa cannot provide as much ankle support as a bigger boot, and I feel sometimes I would be happy with a walking shoe instead and save some extra weight.