Slippery soles, barely there cushioning, tight spots that all but guaranteed blisters—it’s a miracle that my (former) laissez-faire attitude toward hiking boots didn’t cause me to careen down a mountain. I used to throw on whatever pair sat closest to the front door, paying more attention to how well they coordinated with my outfit than how grippy the traction or marshmallow-y the padding was. That is, until I slipped on a pair of the Hoka Anacapa 2, the new-and-improved version of the brand’s fan favorite hiking boot.
The hype around Hoka knows no bounds, with legions of dedicated fans (including the American Podiatric Medical Association) lacing up their colorful running sneakers, hiking shoes, and hiking boots too. Not only is the brand dedicated to advancing good foot mechanics and health, but they do so with earth-friendly materials and eye-catching color combinations too.
Experts