Underfoot, a high-volume EVA midsole provides cushioning, and a Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole supplies traction, with 5mm multi-angled lugs for reliable grip on a variety of different surfaces.

Features

As with almost all Hoka footwear, the emphasis here is on cushioning, and plenty of it. The built-up EVA midsole offers excellent impact absorption, but the bed of cushion is symmetrical, without additional prescriptive technologies that might alter your natural gait. The result is a boot that feels forgiving yet surprisingly stable, despite its thick sole unit.

“It’s a surprisingly lightweight boot.”

It does have a pronounced rocker – the curvature from heel to toe – with a 6mm drop, which is designed to create a fulcrum effect, like a rocking chair, supposedly encouraging an efficient, smooth roll from initial impact to toe-off. The design also incorporates a late-stage Meta-Rocker, which positions the transition zone (the point at which your foot goes from landing to toe-off) in front of the metatarsal heads, providing a more stable base of forefoot support. Unusually, the heel counter also extends a long way beyond the heel of the boot itself, which again is designed to encourage smoother impacts when moving quickly.

Otherwise, the Anacapa incorporates all the features we’ve come to expect from a quality lightweight hiker. That includes a waterproof but breathable Gore-Tex liner with a gusseted tongue to guard against water ingress. You also get quick lace hooks for easy adjustment, plus a cutaway ankle cuff to reduce stress on the Achilles. In fact, this area has a soft internal sock liner to further support the tendon without applying pressure. If you’ve found that other, stiffer boots tend to rub or cause discomfort here, the Anacapa is well worth trying.

Conclusion

Though the Anacapa’s overbuilt design and unusual looks might polarise opinion, there’s no denying this is an innovative and distinctive boot, with some great features. It will particularly suit those who are looking for a plush spring-summer hiking boot with high levels of comfort and cushioning.

Despite the high-volume sole unit and lined leather uppers, it’s also a surprisingly lightweight boot. All these qualities make it a good choice for high-mileage days, although it is best suited to hard-packed trails rather than anything too technical.

Tester’s Verdict

Harrison Ward, aka Fell Foodie.
“Very comfortable underfoot, certainly not had any problems feeling any rocky terrain from them. Me being a larger framed chap they’re quite nice with the compression aspect, taking the weight off the knees. I think with that in mind they certainly suit longer distances. I do feel stable in them, even though they are quite high – and I actually often tend to opt for barefoot shoes. Waterproofing and breathability has all been fine. I think they’re accurate on the sizing things – I’d say they fit nicely, no issues there.”