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HOKA Anacapa 2 Low GTX

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Along with the Salomon X Ultra 4, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX received praise online with the biggest complaint being the too big sizing. Zappos had a smaller size 9.5 available in black, and I tried it due to the mis-sizing. I admit that they weren’t a bad fit at half a size smaller. Unfortunately at the time, Zappos did not have a size 10 available for comparision purposes.

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The Anacapa 2 Low GTX is one of my finalists of all the waterproof hiking shoes I tried. It fit better than the Transport Chukka and is more streamlined than the Tor Ultra Low. For whatever reason, this model at Zappos was discounted to $118 compared to $180 on Hoka’s web site.

But… that sizing. Yeah, the size 9.5 fits with regular socks on a short try on duration. How would these feel wearing them all day? I would really like to try my true to size 10 for comparison, but there are none at Zappos and none elsewhere at a discounted price. So reluctantly, these were sent back to Zappos although I could have held them longer with Zappos’ unbeatable return policy.

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Salomon X Ultra 4

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I’ve never tried on a pair of Salomon shoes of any type, but these Salomon X Ultra 4 received too many good reviews online to ignore. So I bought a pair from Zappos with its generous return policy, and spoiler alert, yes, I did return them. 

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The shoes actually fit well right off the start like many reviews mentioned. Although they look narrow compared to other shoes, the fit was just right without any break-in period. But for me, the X Ultra 4 just seemed too technical for my needs. Sure, they would do the job, but it just seemed like these shoes could do more than what I needed. It kinda felt that I was pretending to be a serious hiker or something I’m not. 

My only small gripe is the Quicklace system. I’m just not a big fan of these speed lacing setups, especially with the noodle-thin laces. I think it’s having to tuck in/secure the laces after tightening that I don’t like.

Anyways, a solid shoe at a solid price that can seemingly do more than I need.

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Hoka Elite Terrain System Tor Ultra Lo

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These Hoka Elite Terrain System Tor Ultra Lo didn’t show up in any online search results for waterproof hiking shoes. However, I remembered a craze for this model a few years back and decided to check them out.

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The Tor Ultra Lo features a Vibram Megagrip outsole and is actually waterproof. The product description mentions a “GORE-TEX bootie for splash-proof performance” so not sure how waterproof these really are. 

But hey, these shoes look different in a cool way, definitely melding urban lifestyle with the outdoor elements. I do like these although I would pick a different color way if available (it looks like this green colorway is no longer available from Hoka’s web site).

The biggest downside to this shoe is its sheer weight. One Tor Ultra Lo weighs 508 grams whereas the New Balance Hierro trail runner weighs 327 grams. Does it matter? I think it would if wearing these all day while walking/hiking around. And if the upper did absorb some water, that extra weight would further deaden the weight. I think these would be fine for casual outings with sendentary moments.

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Hoka Transport Chukka GTX

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My online order of the Hoka Transport Chukka GTX arrived quickly but sadly, were also returned quickly. Visually, I don’t mind the style of the chukka – sorta casual, sorta sporty. It’s a good blend. 

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The nubuck leather upper isn’t bad at all, but i just feel it’s an odd match with the other synthetic sections near the collar. While I understand the benefits of the quick lacing system, I need to figure out a better way of getting a good fit. Of course the top laces cinch easily, but it’s the lower laces that I need to adjust, and the interlocking toggle just seems to get in the way. 

Really though, the fast disapproval for me is simply the fit of the shoe. My foot just does not feel centered in the shoe. There’s a sensation that my feet are sitting on the inner medial side of the Transport Chukkas. It’s just weird, and I didn’t like it, doubtful that I would get used to this feeling.

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New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 GTX

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Well, well, well, this is a nice surprise. I didn’t think much about trying the 8th (and newest) makeup of the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro Gore-Tex since I recently tried on the v7 model and the similar mid Hierro. But I was wrong.

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I admit that the Hierro v8 wasn’t high on my watch list due to the lack of colorways.  While the non-waterproof version has a few colors to pick from, the Gore-Tex model has one color – black. Technically, black with phantom and magnet, the colorway isn’t bad, just very subdued. Beside the monochromaticism of the v8, the shoe is totally different compared to the v7 and mid. Well, maybe not totally different, but there are significant changes to its design.

The overall aesthetic reminds me of the current NB lineup of the 1080 and More. Chunkier midsole with a more curvy and organic inspired upper. It’s actually a nice shoe and does embody the trail runner aspect of this model.

Where do I begin? Let’s start at the bottom – the outsole. It’s still Vibram produced, but the compound is a lot tackier than the v7 with lots of audible squeaks as each step peels off the ground. And the traction pattern doesn’t feature the chevron-y shapes but rather little islands of grip.

The upper of the Hierro v8 looks much more perforated than the v7 with pinholes covering a good portion of the toebox and tongue and even the inner lining. To me, all the holes would made the Hierro 8 less water proof but the shoe weighs more at 340 g versus 328 g so maybe there’s additional unseen layers for that waterproofness. 

This is an odd one but the shoelaces of the black 8 feel nice – waxy smooth but supple. The v7 laces have contrasty colors for style but feel more abrassive. Does it matter? Probably not. 

The fit is still tight in the toebox, I think due to the rigid Toe Protect overlay. I might have to go wide if I go with these. The arch seems more supportive on the 8 since the midsole appears to extend higher than the 7. I can see my arch falling in the 7 but not so much with the 8. This is usually a good sign for me. 

Unfortunately the Gore-Tex model is not yet on sale unlike the regular Hierro 8. Maybe soon, the $169.99 price tag will see some relief. Even with all its pros, this shoe still costs $110 more than the clearance v7. But so far, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 Gore-Tex is my favorite waterproof hiking shoe (keep in mind that I won’t really bet testing the waterproofness of the shoes since most of them would be returns… though waterproof shoes that are not would be grounds for a return…).

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Gore-Tex and Vibram labels
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Plain tongue tag
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GORE-TEX
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Redone outsole
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Outsole of Hierro v7 (top) and v8 (bottom)
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Less of a weird outsole tag
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Hierro v7 and v8
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Toe Protect on both
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Buttery laces
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Not as elegant laces but still good
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Revel in the magnificent outdoors
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Perforations in the liner too

Here’s a little bonus comparison to the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14. To me, the Hierro v8 and 1080v14 share similar design elements. The overall appearance of both are on the beefier side with the thick padding of the Fresh Foam X. This has no bearing on the performance of either shoe, just more of an observation.

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New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX

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Truthfully, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX was a late addition to my list of waterproof shoes to test. Why? Because I found pairs available at Marshalls for a discounted price of $59.99!

These are GTX aka Gore-Tex and essentially look very similar to the Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex but in a low top form. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is there along with the odd outsole outcropping in the rear.

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The “no can help” factors are the color way and size. Marshalls only had half sizes of this Hierro model, all in the blacktop/neon dragonfly color way. I actually don’t mind the color way, but it does present that hiking shoe vibe.

Since no size 10 was available, I went with a size 10.5, and that may not have been a bad choice. Yes, the shoe feels slightly long with space in the toe box, but I also don’t feel the side-to-side squeeze as with the size 10 Hierro Mid. I still would replace the insole, and if still too long, I think a pair of Merino wool socks might make up any difference.

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New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 GTX
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Gore-Tex
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GORE-TEX
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I like the tongue tag
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Same Vibram Megagrip
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Only $59.99

The Hierro v7 GTX has a lot in common with the Hierro Mid.

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Same Vibram Megagrip?
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Same extra outsole
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Low versus mid

The verdict: a very strong contender offering the features and look that I’m going for and at a very affordable price. The fit could be better.

New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex

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Ordered from NewBalance.com, these Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex were the first to arrive. These are currently marked down 20% to $143.99, and I went true to size with a size 10 in standard width (these are available in different widths).

These shoes look decent, leaning towards a hiking boot appearance. Using Fresh Foam X, I have to assume the shoe is comfortable underfoot. There’s a Gore-Tex label reminding you of the waterproofness while the outsole features a Vibram Megatrip pattern with grippy lugs. 

Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex

I did a quick wear test around the house and found some issues after a few minutes. The toe box feels a little narrow and doesn’t give, possibly due to the added Toe Protect protection. While the mid cut seems like a good idea for extra water protection, getting a good fit was challenging. The open lace closures are convenient, but when simply walking around, one of the laces escaped the open lace loop. I probably needed to do a better job with my lacing but the (minimal) bulk of the mid top was tough to cinch for a secure fit.

Also, I started to feel some chaffing of the lace closure on my ankle bone. It could just be the shape of my foot, but I think with prolonged wear, that chaffing would become very noticeable.

I would probably replace the stock insole with a third party one like the Move All Day or possibly, the new Baseline. I think the arch support from the All Day is what I’d need. But… that replacement insole might steal a little bit of space in an already cramped toe box. For this Hierro Mid to work for me, I would probably need a wide version or maybe go up half a size to hoping to alter the lace closure placement against my ankle.

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Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex
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I like the laces
I like the laces
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Black with magnet and hot marigold
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Vibram Megagrip outsole
Vibram Megagrip outsole
Weird outsole extensions
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The ankle biter lace loops
The ankle biter lace loops

The verdict: I’m thinking these Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex from New Balance will be a pass/return even though currently discounted. The fit just isn’t the best.

Researching Waterproof Hiking Shoes

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My hunt begins to find a workable pair of waterproof hiking shoes (or boots) for a future trip. The main criteria are waterproofness and comfort for shorter walks and hikes. I don’t imagine walking for miles while hauling gear, mainly a camera and water in a backpack. Of course, like my other shoes, these will have to have some visual appeal to them, but that’s not the primary focus.

Not knowing any better and after reading a few reviews along with doing a little bit of research, here’s my starting list to test:

  1. Salomon X Ultra 4
  2. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v8 Gore-Tex
  3. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 Gore-Tex
  4. New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro Mid Gore-Tex
  5. Hoka Transport Chukka GTX
  6. Hoka Elite Terrain System Tor Ultra Lo
  7. Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX

The Salomon X Ultra 4 has received many positive reviews across the Internet as the best all around waterproof hiking shoe, but I’ve never owned a Salomon so would like to try out the fit foremost. Another consideration for the shoes are possible wearability in the Hawaii weather. While these are hiking shoes, I don’t need them to necessarily look like hiking shoes while wearing them out and about.

New Balance has been my recent go to brand of late because of its comfort and looks, especially unique collaborations. Currently, NB’s outdoor offerings consist mainly of the Hierro line, in low, mid, and high top form factors. The high top version seems to make the most sense to keep water out but then again, the high top looks more like a hiking shoe.

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And then we have Hokas… I’ve had a single pair of Hokas in the past, and I still pause when seeing the massive cushioned outsoles of most Hokas. But despite my poor experience looking for waterproof Hokas at the new-ish Ala Moana location, they do have Gore-Tex protected shoes that could fit my needs.

I’ll continue to research other options and find reviews of (and ideally try on) the above mentioned shoes.

 

Waiting for the Wie Waves

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As Michelle Wie West winds down her competitive days with the LPGA, she’s wearing personalized Air Jordan 1 High “Waves” golf shoes in her last US Open. The design is kinda out there, but there are a lot of ties to Michelle’s life represented.

According to Michelle’s Instagram post, these shoes should have released on “Wednesday,” but no specific Wednesday was specified. Will have to keep watching for them.

Aloha Kicks Fit: Up Next…

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Not even two weeks since I picked up the South Park aloha shirt from Reyn Spooner did they release another banger. This time, it’s small kid time memories with Ultraman. While I was more of a Kamen Rider and Kikaida fan, Ultraman as a design for an aloha shirt? It’s a must have.

But what shoes would I pair with this sagebrush reverse print? In some ways, the chutney colorway of the KITH x New Balance 998 Frank Lloyd Wright shares similar hues of red, greens, and tan.

But since I already have the apricot colorway, I don’t have this chutney variation. Based on color name similiarity alone, there’s the Joe Fresh Goods and New Balance 993 Performance Art.

But this sage color way is more green than blue/teal of the aloha shirt design. The Arctic Blue colorway is a closer match but still not quite right. The search for matching kicks continues…

Maybe the Salehe Bembury Water Be Thy Guide NB2002R?

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