Shoe Review: HOKA ONE ONE Anacapa GTX

Gear
By Sarah Moxham
The men's mid-height HOKA Anacapa, in blue.

By the Fleet Feet Review Team. With over 80 years of combined experience, our review team is dedicated to providing in-depth gear and shoe reviews to help you find the best shoes and gear for your next run.

Take your outdoor adventures to the next level in the all-new HOKA ONE ONE Anacapa.

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Women's HOKA Anacapa Low GTX Trail Running Shoes

$170 $136

Sale
Women's HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX Trail Running Shoes

$185 $148

Sale
Men's HOKA Anacapa Low GTX Trail Running Shoes

$170 $136

Sale
Men's HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX Trail Running Shoes

$185 $148

Sale

Whether you choose the mid-cut or the low-cut, you’ll find sneaker-like comfort and boot-level durability no matter where you go.


Tech Specs

HOKA ONE ONE Anacapa (Mid)

HOKA ONE ONE Anacapa (Low)

Weight

13.5 oz (W) 16 oz (M)

11.8 oz (W) 14 oz (M)

Drop

6 mm

6mm

Category

Neutral, Trail

Use

Hiking

Surface

Trails (technical and non-technical)

In classic HOKA fashion, a thick bed of molded EVA foam provides long-lasting comfort and cushions your every step. Intense weather-proofing on the upper keeps the elements out for a protected, yet breathable feel on the move.

Our reviewers took the Anacapa on long hikes and had a blast with HOKA’s newest model, and we think you will too.

Lightweight Comfort...

A close look at the multi-directional lugging on the Vibram rubber outsole of the Anacapa

HOKA is known for packing it’s shoes with supremely soft cushioning, and the Anacapa is no exception.

Built on a bed of compression-molded EVA foam, the HOKA Anacapa delivers smooth transitions over any surface while keeping your foot supported and protected along the way.

The midsole leads right into a grippy Vibram outsole with multi-directional lugging that makes light work of technical trails and slick surfaces.

“The ride is classic HOKA. The big foam feels soft and light, and the traction is excellent thanks to that Vibram rubber underneath. I love the footbed. There’s noticeable arch support, and the sidewalls make it feel like a bucket seat,” says one reviewer.

View of the thick midsole foam stack in the low-height Anacapa.

In the mid-height model, an asymmetrical ankle construction allows flexibility and movement as you take on tough terrain, while still providing the support you need while carrying a heavy pack or summiting rugged peaks.

The low-height model uses a super-cushioned heel collar to support your ankles and keep debris out while you run or hike. Both models use a gusset heel-pull tab to make it easy to get your Anacapa’s on and off.

“The ankle shaft is cushioned and comfortable, and it hugs my ankle for the right amount of support with zero break-in time. There’s also a thoughtful heel design that gives your Achilles a little more room so the shoe doesn’t rub on the back of your foot,” says one reviewer.

...Heavyweight Durability

View of the mid-height Anacapa midsole and upper cushioning.

The Anacapa is a unique addition to HOKA’s ever-growing line of hiking shoes as they are extremely lightweight, yet highly durable.

While the stack of midsole foam creates a comfortable feel, it offers enough firmness to support long days on your.

“As someone who mostly hikes in trail running shoes, the running shoe technology blended with a hiking shoe rigidity is next level. I don’t think I’ll ever go back from these, particularly for long hikes and overnighters with heavy packs,” says one reviewer.

The firm support works with a snug fit throughout the midfoot and toe box for a supported feel in both the mid and low height models.

“Like most boots, they’re not super roomy. I don’t have the ability to wiggle my toes a lot, but you want a boot to fit you well so they won’t shift around on steep terrain,” says one reviewer.

A detailed look at the GORE-TEX mesh upper and water-repellent Nubuck leather upper.

On top of the snug step-in feel, the Anacapa boasts water-resistant durability that is hard to beat. The upper is clad with breathable GORE-TEX fabric that incorporates recycled textiles for rugged weather-proofing.

Nubuck leather panels wrap the toe box and midsole in Leather Working Group Gold-rated waterproofing.

One of our reviewers wore the mid-height Anacapa on a hike to a local swimming hole and was nothing short of impressed.

“These shoes kept my feet completely dry. There were plenty of puddles to walk through and I loved not having to be cautious! It’s like I have a forcefield around my feet to keep them from getting wet and soggy,” she says. “To double check that the Anacapa kept me as dry as I thought, I even poured a glass of water over them at home. Yep, my feet were still dry.”

Final Thoughts

A side view of the low-height HOKA Anacapa

The Anacapa is the newest addition to the HOKA hiking lineup, and it’s safe to say we’re impressed.

Designers brought together lightweight flexibility and durable cushioning to create their lightest hiking shoe ever. Attention to anatomical detail allows for free range of motion in both the mid and low models, without compromising on support.

Our reviewers found that the water-proofing and protected feel of the Anacapas make them perfect for all-terrain adventures through mud, water and technical trails.

The midsole foam is cushioned enough to support your foot while delivering the stability and durability you need to comfortably spend the day on the move.

Summit new levels of comfort in the all-new HOKA Anacapa.

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