HOKA Anacapa Mid GORE-TEX Boots are for hiking and everyday wear, and are manufactured sustainably. This versatile model is designed with lightweight leather certified by the Leather Working Group, with recycled polyester on the collar, mesh and laces. This innovative model applies the exclusive geometry of the extended HOKA heel designed for a soft footfall.Features: Protected with PFC-free water-repellent treatment Waterproof Nubuck with a gold seal from the Leather Working Group Quick tie fastenings Reinforced tongue to protect you from rocks on the paths GORE-TEX fabric for footwear is made of recycled textile designed to keep the feet dry and comfortable A moulded polyurethane insole made from 50% soy bean oil Compression-moulded EVA midsole Wider heel shape for a more fluid transition from heel to toecap Technology:- GORE-TEXThe garments are made with GORE-TEX fabric to provide comfort and maximum protection for a wide range of activities and weather conditions. The GORE-TEX membrane is water and wind-resistant, guaranteeing maximum waterproofing while providing breathability for the feet. Thanks to the porous membrane that is 20,000 times smaller than a droplet of water, but 700 times bigger than water vapour molecules. Therefore, water cannot enter, but the skin can breathe. Each membrane is tried-and-tested in the toughest environmental conditions.- Vibram Offers maximum guarantee of grip, stability, impact absorption, traction, duration and resistance to temperature changes. The comfortable, lightweight outsoles are made with a compact polyurethane for good grip on uneven terrain. The comfortable, flexible outsoles adapt perfectly to your walking style.
HOKA Anacapa Mid GORE-TEX Boots are for hiking and everyday wear, and are manufactured sustainably. This versatile model is designed with lightweight leather certified by the Leather Working Group, with recycled polyester on the collar, mesh and laces. This innovative model applies the exclusive geometry of the extended HOKA heel designed for a soft footfall.Features: Protected with PFC-free water-repellent treatment Waterproof Nubuck with a gold seal from the Leather Working Group Quick tie fastenings Reinforced tongue to protect you from rocks on the paths GORE-TEX fabric for footwear is made of recycled textile designed to keep the feet dry and comfortable A moulded polyurethane insole made from 50% soy bean oil Compression-moulded EVA midsole Wider heel shape for a more fluid transition from heel to toecap Technology:- GORE-TEXThe garments are made with GORE-TEX fabric to provide comfort and maximum protection for a wide range of activities and weather conditions. The GORE-TEX membrane is water and wind-resistant, guaranteeing maximum waterproofing while providing breathability for the feet. Thanks to the porous membrane that is 20,000 times smaller than a droplet of water, but 700 times bigger than water vapour molecules. Therefore, water cannot enter, but the skin can breathe. Each membrane is tried-and-tested in the toughest environmental conditions.- Vibram Offers maximum guarantee of grip, stability, impact absorption, traction, duration and resistance to temperature changes. The comfortable, lightweight outsoles are made with a compact polyurethane for good grip on uneven terrain. The comfortable, flexible outsoles adapt perfectly to your walking style.
HOKA Anacapa Mid GORE-TEX Boots are for hiking and everyday wear, and are manufactured sustainably. This versatile model is designed with lightweight leather certified by the Leather Working Group, with recycled polyester on the collar, mesh and laces. This innovative model applies the exclusive geometry of the extended HOKA heel designed for a soft footfall.Features: Protected with PFC-free water-repellent treatment Waterproof Nubuck with a gold seal from the Leather Working Group Quick tie fastenings Reinforced tongue to protect you from rocks on the paths GORE-TEX fabric for footwear is made of recycled textile designed to keep the feet dry and comfortable A moulded polyurethane insole made from 50% soy bean oil Compression-moulded EVA midsole Wider heel shape for a more fluid transition from heel to toecap Technology:- GORE-TEXThe garments are made with GORE-TEX fabric to provide comfort and maximum protection for a wide range of activities and weather conditions. The GORE-TEX membrane is water and wind-resistant, guaranteeing maximum waterproofing while providing breathability for the feet. Thanks to the porous membrane that is 20,000 times smaller than a droplet of water, but 700 times bigger than water vapour molecules. Therefore, water cannot enter, but the skin can breathe. Each membrane is tried-and-tested in the toughest environmental conditions.- Vibram Offers maximum guarantee of grip, stability, impact absorption, traction, duration and resistance to temperature changes. The comfortable, lightweight outsoles are made with a compact polyurethane for good grip on uneven terrain. The comfortable, flexible outsoles adapt perfectly to your walking style.
HOKA Anacapa Mid GORE-TEX Boots are for hiking and everyday wear, and are manufactured sustainably. This versatile model is designed with lightweight leather certified by the Leather Working Group, with recycled polyester on the collar, mesh and laces. This innovative model applies the exclusive geometry of the extended HOKA heel designed for a soft footfall.Features: Protected with PFC-free water-repellent treatment Waterproof Nubuck with a gold seal from the Leather Working Group Quick tie fastenings Reinforced tongue to protect you from rocks on the paths GORE-TEX fabric for footwear is made of recycled textile designed to keep the feet dry and comfortable A moulded polyurethane insole made from 50% soy bean oil Compression-moulded EVA midsole Wider heel shape for a more fluid transition from heel to toecap Technology:- GORE-TEXThe garments are made with GORE-TEX fabric to provide comfort and maximum protection for a wide range of activities and weather conditions. The GORE-TEX membrane is water and wind-resistant, guaranteeing maximum waterproofing while providing breathability for the feet. Thanks to the porous membrane that is 20,000 times smaller than a droplet of water, but 700 times bigger than water vapour molecules. Therefore, water cannot enter, but the skin can breathe. Each membrane is tried-and-tested in the toughest environmental conditions.- Vibram Offers maximum guarantee of grip, stability, impact absorption, traction, duration and resistance to temperature changes. The comfortable, lightweight outsoles are made with a compact polyurethane for good grip on uneven terrain. The comfortable, flexible outsoles adapt perfectly to your walking style.
Last updated at 05/06/2025 12:30:40
originally posted on hoka.com
I bought the Anacapa Mid GTX in Eggnog & Shifting Sand, size 8. The boot is visually gorgeous despite being extra long. I have narrow feet and found the toebox to fit great. The boots have great grip and the soles feel plush.The reason for the low rating is due to the backing of the middle boot lace hook on the left boot. It digs painfully into my inner ankle bone, after 1 hour of walking my cat I knew I had to return these. The right boot had the same issue; it wasn't as severe, but wearing these boots on a proper hike would likely result in agony.Another minor issue with the boots is a soft "popping" or "clicking" noise that occurs when pushing off, I believe this is caused by the flexing of the material near the front of the boot. This may be just a matter of ... MoreI bought the Anacapa Mid GTX in Eggnog & Shifting Sand, size 8. The boot is visually gorgeous despite being extra long. I have narrow feet and found the toebox to fit great. The boots have great grip and the soles feel plush.The reason for the low rating is due to the backing of the middle boot lace hook on the left boot. It digs painfully into my inner ankle bone, after 1 hour of walking my cat I knew I had to return these. The right boot had the same issue; it wasn't as severe, but wearing these boots on a proper hike would likely result in agony.Another minor issue with the boots is a soft "popping" or "clicking" noise that occurs when pushing off, I believe this is caused by the flexing of the material near the front of the boot. This may be just a matter of breaking the boots in, but I'll never know because I couldn't wear them for more than an hour.I wish I could keep these.
originally posted on REI
I bought the Anacapa Mid hiking boot to have a cushioned boot that doesn’t put pressure on my forefoot when laced. I have had bunion surgery on both of my narrow feet and my thick orthotics fit in these with room to spare. There aren’t any laces or pressure points to hit the screws in my feet, and even though I prefer a wide motion control shoe to have enough room for my orthotics & different socks (like the Hoka Arahi 6 in wide, or Brooks Ariel in wide), the Anacapa Mid has plenty of forefoot room and I don’t feel like I pronate.I wear an 8.5 Brooks Ariel, and I ordered the Hokas in a 9. This gives a thumb width at the end of the toe for when feet get hot.Although these boots have allowed me to hike for the first time in three years without being constantly ... MoreI bought the Anacapa Mid hiking boot to have a cushioned boot that doesn’t put pressure on my forefoot when laced. I have had bunion surgery on both of my narrow feet and my thick orthotics fit in these with room to spare. There aren’t any laces or pressure points to hit the screws in my feet, and even though I prefer a wide motion control shoe to have enough room for my orthotics & different socks (like the Hoka Arahi 6 in wide, or Brooks Ariel in wide), the Anacapa Mid has plenty of forefoot room and I don’t feel like I pronate.I wear an 8.5 Brooks Ariel, and I ordered the Hokas in a 9. This gives a thumb width at the end of the toe for when feet get hot.Although these boots have allowed me to hike for the first time in three years without being constantly conscious of my foot placement, I gave 4/5 stars because the lacing can be touchy by being too tight or too loose around the ankle and across the top of the ankle. Some days I get it right & others I’m constantly adjusting. Also, I find wearing any socks other than knee socks seem to sneak down around the heel.I did buy the light blue, as it was the only color in stock that seemed wouldn’t clash with most things, but I’m not crazy about the blue.Lastly, I have had the Hoka Kaha boots in an 8.5 for three years and find the Anacapa to have a softer cushion (Kaha does not have the cushiony softness I was looking for at all) and more roomy forefoot - likely due to its thinner material (think sneaker vs boot) and lacing configuration.
originally posted on hoka.com
I've bough this boot TWICE despite having some issues with it. I've recently bought a newer model in their higher price point, so im hoping I like that one better (TBD).pro's!: you don't need to break this boot in. I bought these and started hiking Sedona right away. plush, comfortable. true to size. they look cool. people always ask me about them on the trails LOL. I feel my foot and ankle are supported, and can take on most terrains, but not all.cons: the sole (vibram) is TOO SOFT! it started SHREDDING, within the first few hikes both times I bough the boots. I mean chunks, scuffed from the sole and sides of the boot. not what you expect from a boot thats nearly $200.... ALSO the boot is marketed and displayed standing in a river LOL, I would not suggest it. I ... MoreI've bough this boot TWICE despite having some issues with it. I've recently bought a newer model in their higher price point, so im hoping I like that one better (TBD).pro's!: you don't need to break this boot in. I bought these and started hiking Sedona right away. plush, comfortable. true to size. they look cool. people always ask me about them on the trails LOL. I feel my foot and ankle are supported, and can take on most terrains, but not all.cons: the sole (vibram) is TOO SOFT! it started SHREDDING, within the first few hikes both times I bough the boots. I mean chunks, scuffed from the sole and sides of the boot. not what you expect from a boot thats nearly $200.... ALSO the boot is marketed and displayed standing in a river LOL, I would not suggest it. I believe its "water resistent" but your foot will flood. wouldn't even suggest crossing a very shallow river in these, you'll be soaked. great for dry terrains. but perhaps not the rocky terrains I frequent around Southern California usually -- perhaps the rocks shred the sole. hopefully the next pair will be more durable and last longer than a few months.
I bought the Anacapa Mid GTX in Eggnog & Shifting Sand, size 8. The boot is visually gorgeous despite being extra long. I have narrow feet and found the toebox to fit great. The boots have great grip and the soles feel plush.The reason for the low rating is due to the backing of the middle boot lace hook on the left boot. It digs painfully into my inner ankle bone, after 1 hour of walking my cat I knew I had to return these. The right boot had the same issue; it wasn't as severe, but wearing these boots on a proper hike would likely result in agony.Another minor issue with the boots is a soft "popping" or "clicking" noise that occurs when pushing off, I believe this is caused by the flexing of the material near the front of the boot. This may be just a matter of ... MoreI bought the Anacapa Mid GTX in Eggnog & Shifting Sand, size 8. The boot is visually gorgeous despite being extra long. I have narrow feet and found the toebox to fit great. The boots have great grip and the soles feel plush.The reason for the low rating is due to the backing of the middle boot lace hook on the left boot. It digs painfully into my inner ankle bone, after 1 hour of walking my cat I knew I had to return these. The right boot had the same issue; it wasn't as severe, but wearing these boots on a proper hike would likely result in agony.Another minor issue with the boots is a soft "popping" or "clicking" noise that occurs when pushing off, I believe this is caused by the flexing of the material near the front of the boot. This may be just a matter of breaking the boots in, but I'll never know because I couldn't wear them for more than an hour.I wish I could keep these.
I bought the Anacapa Mid hiking boot to have a cushioned boot that doesn’t put pressure on my forefoot when laced. I have had bunion surgery on both of my narrow feet and my thick orthotics fit in these with room to spare. There aren’t any laces or pressure points to hit the screws in my feet, and even though I prefer a wide motion control shoe to have enough room for my orthotics & different socks (like the Hoka Arahi 6 in wide, or Brooks Ariel in wide), the Anacapa Mid has plenty of forefoot room and I don’t feel like I pronate.I wear an 8.5 Brooks Ariel, and I ordered the Hokas in a 9. This gives a thumb width at the end of the toe for when feet get hot.Although these boots have allowed me to hike for the first time in three years without being constantly ... MoreI bought the Anacapa Mid hiking boot to have a cushioned boot that doesn’t put pressure on my forefoot when laced. I have had bunion surgery on both of my narrow feet and my thick orthotics fit in these with room to spare. There aren’t any laces or pressure points to hit the screws in my feet, and even though I prefer a wide motion control shoe to have enough room for my orthotics & different socks (like the Hoka Arahi 6 in wide, or Brooks Ariel in wide), the Anacapa Mid has plenty of forefoot room and I don’t feel like I pronate.I wear an 8.5 Brooks Ariel, and I ordered the Hokas in a 9. This gives a thumb width at the end of the toe for when feet get hot.Although these boots have allowed me to hike for the first time in three years without being constantly conscious of my foot placement, I gave 4/5 stars because the lacing can be touchy by being too tight or too loose around the ankle and across the top of the ankle. Some days I get it right & others I’m constantly adjusting. Also, I find wearing any socks other than knee socks seem to sneak down around the heel.I did buy the light blue, as it was the only color in stock that seemed wouldn’t clash with most things, but I’m not crazy about the blue.Lastly, I have had the Hoka Kaha boots in an 8.5 for three years and find the Anacapa to have a softer cushion (Kaha does not have the cushiony softness I was looking for at all) and more roomy forefoot - likely due to its thinner material (think sneaker vs boot) and lacing configuration.
I've bough this boot TWICE despite having some issues with it. I've recently bought a newer model in their higher price point, so im hoping I like that one better (TBD).pro's!: you don't need to break this boot in. I bought these and started hiking Sedona right away. plush, comfortable. true to size. they look cool. people always ask me about them on the trails LOL. I feel my foot and ankle are supported, and can take on most terrains, but not all.cons: the sole (vibram) is TOO SOFT! it started SHREDDING, within the first few hikes both times I bough the boots. I mean chunks, scuffed from the sole and sides of the boot. not what you expect from a boot thats nearly $200.... ALSO the boot is marketed and displayed standing in a river LOL, I would not suggest it. I ... MoreI've bough this boot TWICE despite having some issues with it. I've recently bought a newer model in their higher price point, so im hoping I like that one better (TBD).pro's!: you don't need to break this boot in. I bought these and started hiking Sedona right away. plush, comfortable. true to size. they look cool. people always ask me about them on the trails LOL. I feel my foot and ankle are supported, and can take on most terrains, but not all.cons: the sole (vibram) is TOO SOFT! it started SHREDDING, within the first few hikes both times I bough the boots. I mean chunks, scuffed from the sole and sides of the boot. not what you expect from a boot thats nearly $200.... ALSO the boot is marketed and displayed standing in a river LOL, I would not suggest it. I believe its "water resistent" but your foot will flood. wouldn't even suggest crossing a very shallow river in these, you'll be soaked. great for dry terrains. but perhaps not the rocky terrains I frequent around Southern California usually -- perhaps the rocks shred the sole. hopefully the next pair will be more durable and last longer than a few months.
After loving my tennis shoes, i decided to try rhese boots for hiking. Just wore these for the first time on a 2 mile hike. I hike this trail weekly. It's a moderate trail with large rocks, roots, leaves, etc and today it was muddy in places due to heavy rains. These boots were great! The traction held up on all parts of the trail. In places where I'd normally slide, these boots kept my feet firm, and the ankle support was great. Laces stayed tied with a single knot. Although I didn't submerge my foot in water, they did stay dry while trekking through the mud puddles. I could have easily continued hiking as these kept my feet comfortable. If you're not sure what size, definitely measure. I did and got an 8.5 (typically a 8 or 8.5). Fit great and didnt rub my feet. ... MoreAfter loving my tennis shoes, i decided to try rhese boots for hiking. Just wore these for the first time on a 2 mile hike. I hike this trail weekly. It's a moderate trail with large rocks, roots, leaves, etc and today it was muddy in places due to heavy rains. These boots were great! The traction held up on all parts of the trail. In places where I'd normally slide, these boots kept my feet firm, and the ankle support was great. Laces stayed tied with a single knot. Although I didn't submerge my foot in water, they did stay dry while trekking through the mud puddles. I could have easily continued hiking as these kept my feet comfortable. If you're not sure what size, definitely measure. I did and got an 8.5 (typically a 8 or 8.5). Fit great and didnt rub my feet. You should wear taller socks bc these come just above the ankles
I have been a postal worker for 22 years, and i have never been able to find the perfect winter boot. For the most part, they are comfortable (except for a slight ankle rub, even with socks and long underwear as a barrier). No blisters though, even after wearing them for the first time. They are very structured (no turning my ankle!), but it is a very tight fit to get on and off. The quality is very good, and the blue colour is lovely. The grip is also good, although i have not tried them on ice yet. The biggest problem for me, though, is they are not warm enough. As long as i am walking and moving around they are fine, but once i am standing in one spot for any period of time, my feet are cold. These would NOT be ideal for someone waiting for a bus or watching ... MoreI have been a postal worker for 22 years, and i have never been able to find the perfect winter boot. For the most part, they are comfortable (except for a slight ankle rub, even with socks and long underwear as a barrier). No blisters though, even after wearing them for the first time. They are very structured (no turning my ankle!), but it is a very tight fit to get on and off. The quality is very good, and the blue colour is lovely. The grip is also good, although i have not tried them on ice yet. The biggest problem for me, though, is they are not warm enough. As long as i am walking and moving around they are fine, but once i am standing in one spot for any period of time, my feet are cold. These would NOT be ideal for someone waiting for a bus or watching outdoor sports in winter temperatures (negative degrees celcius).
I'll start by saying that the reviews are correct; size up for a better fit. I'm a women's 7.5 usually and I ordered an 8. They fit perfect with a little extra room for socks if you know what I mean. These shoes would have been too small if I ordered my regular size.Everyone says Hokas are the most comfortable but I'm serious when I say these are like clouds straight out of the box.The toe box is slightly wider than average which makes for lots of room for toes and socks.Laces stay tied, tongue only digs into your ankle if you lace them super tight. My feet stayed put and did NOT slide forward in the shoe like some other reviews mentioned.I'll also say this, my feet are small and these shoes make my feet look MASSIVE ! But I don't care because they fit me well, ... MoreI'll start by saying that the reviews are correct; size up for a better fit. I'm a women's 7.5 usually and I ordered an 8. They fit perfect with a little extra room for socks if you know what I mean. These shoes would have been too small if I ordered my regular size.Everyone says Hokas are the most comfortable but I'm serious when I say these are like clouds straight out of the box.The toe box is slightly wider than average which makes for lots of room for toes and socks.Laces stay tied, tongue only digs into your ankle if you lace them super tight. My feet stayed put and did NOT slide forward in the shoe like some other reviews mentioned.I'll also say this, my feet are small and these shoes make my feet look MASSIVE ! But I don't care because they fit me well, keep my feet dry and are very capable in the muck. Excellent traction and stability on trails as well as wet asphalt.I'd buy this shoe again!
I was looking for a day hiking shoe with more ankle support than my running sneakers but not as stiff/heavy as the clunky Asolo boots I wear backpacking. Enter the Anacapa!! They run small and narrow, especially if you plan to wear with hiking socks consider sizing up. I have narrow feet and liked how they hugged my arches so went tts. Overall these are exactly as advertised- theyre a really comfy sneaker with some boot-like features (namely the ~light~ ankle support). To me, these definitely feel like a sneaker first and are not a replacement for a true hiking boot. If you’re prone to foot/knee issues like me, they’re probably not suitable for backpacking bc they’re a little on the flimsy/soft side (or at least I prefer a stiffer boot to keep my floppy ankles in ... MoreI was looking for a day hiking shoe with more ankle support than my running sneakers but not as stiff/heavy as the clunky Asolo boots I wear backpacking. Enter the Anacapa!! They run small and narrow, especially if you plan to wear with hiking socks consider sizing up. I have narrow feet and liked how they hugged my arches so went tts. Overall these are exactly as advertised- theyre a really comfy sneaker with some boot-like features (namely the ~light~ ankle support). To me, these definitely feel like a sneaker first and are not a replacement for a true hiking boot. If you’re prone to foot/knee issues like me, they’re probably not suitable for backpacking bc they’re a little on the flimsy/soft side (or at least I prefer a stiffer boot to keep my floppy ankles in check when carrying weight). The price tag is high considering they’re a somewhat limited in use, but I scored a pair at the garage sale/resupply for a steal!
I could tell these would be the best hiking boots ever if they weren't so narrow!I have slightly wide feet (more high volume than wide), but I have never really "had" to buy wide shoes unless the shoe runs very narrow. This is definitely that shoe... they visually LOOK narrow. I wore them around the house for an hour or so and my feet went numb. I could feel the edges of the sole at the ball of my foot, and my foot definitely felt pinched. It's really important that I can spread the ball of my foot out during my 20-mile hikes otherwise my feet cramp up and my tendons aren't stretched out as they should be. There NEEDS to be a wide option for this hiking boot because otherwise, I LOVE IT. The toe box width was fine but just extremely narrow at the ball of the foot ... MoreI could tell these would be the best hiking boots ever if they weren't so narrow!I have slightly wide feet (more high volume than wide), but I have never really "had" to buy wide shoes unless the shoe runs very narrow. This is definitely that shoe... they visually LOOK narrow. I wore them around the house for an hour or so and my feet went numb. I could feel the edges of the sole at the ball of my foot, and my foot definitely felt pinched. It's really important that I can spread the ball of my foot out during my 20-mile hikes otherwise my feet cramp up and my tendons aren't stretched out as they should be. There NEEDS to be a wide option for this hiking boot because otherwise, I LOVE IT. The toe box width was fine but just extremely narrow at the ball of the foot where the foot is typically the widest.The ankle support is amazing, I have never stepped into a boot that so perfectly supports my foot pronation. There were no edges digging in or weird pulling/tension in the boot with nearly ZERO give at all when I relax my foot. It's like the pronation never existed! They are super lightweight yet still feel durable and reliable. So if you have narrow feet, these are for you! Please make some wide options, or suggest a similar boot that may work for my high volume feet!
I've been waiting over a year to buy this since I originally began my hunt. Finding this shoe in a store to actually try on is basically impossible. I was SO excited to find this shoe on sale in my size (IN A COLOR THAT ISNT ABSOLUTELY HIDEOUS FOR A HIKIKG SHOE)!I thought to myself, "Finally found it!" and ordered them for my birthday.I found the box on my door step today and literally let out a squeal of joy for them to arrive! I happily pulled my shoes off to try on the new hiking shoes and to my absolute dismay, these shoes look like freakin' clown shoes on me. They're so big that fluffy socks don't help the issue.I wear a 7.5 in Nike, Puma, Converse, Adidas, Vans, Sorrel, DC's, & cowgirl boots. I size up to an 8 in Bearpaws & Uggs so I can comfortably wear ... MoreI've been waiting over a year to buy this since I originally began my hunt. Finding this shoe in a store to actually try on is basically impossible. I was SO excited to find this shoe on sale in my size (IN A COLOR THAT ISNT ABSOLUTELY HIDEOUS FOR A HIKIKG SHOE)!I thought to myself, "Finally found it!" and ordered them for my birthday.I found the box on my door step today and literally let out a squeal of joy for them to arrive! I happily pulled my shoes off to try on the new hiking shoes and to my absolute dismay, these shoes look like freakin' clown shoes on me. They're so big that fluffy socks don't help the issue.I wear a 7.5 in Nike, Puma, Converse, Adidas, Vans, Sorrel, DC's, & cowgirl boots. I size up to an 8 in Bearpaws & Uggs so I can comfortably wear fluffy socks and these shoes are STILL BIGGER than my size 8s.I came back to the website and was delighted to find out the sale is still going, EXCEPT A SIZE 7 ISNT EVEN AN OPTION. I don't even know if 7 is sized down enough!I'm so angry I'm crying.
Perhaps I'm getting a size too small, I thought going up .5 to 1 size higher would be fine. With hiking socks on, my toes almost touch the tip. Not quite a thumbs length away. I have to also be mindful there' some cushioning on the shoes and thick socks behind my heels.With that being said, the goretex material is quite unforgiving, based on my effort to stretch it for 2 days using a shoe stretcher. The width feels more narrow than medium. And there are these stitchings horizontally straight across the end of the lacing section, that forces it to fold right there.All these aspects come together to cause toe pinching when I walk in these shoes. To clarify, it feels fine when I'm walking on flat ground, but when I walk on incline, there's a tendency to grip towards ... MorePerhaps I'm getting a size too small, I thought going up .5 to 1 size higher would be fine. With hiking socks on, my toes almost touch the tip. Not quite a thumbs length away. I have to also be mindful there' some cushioning on the shoes and thick socks behind my heels.With that being said, the goretex material is quite unforgiving, based on my effort to stretch it for 2 days using a shoe stretcher. The width feels more narrow than medium. And there are these stitchings horizontally straight across the end of the lacing section, that forces it to fold right there.All these aspects come together to cause toe pinching when I walk in these shoes. To clarify, it feels fine when I'm walking on flat ground, but when I walk on incline, there's a tendency to grip towards the toe area than the heel, causing a fold that digs into the base of my big toe joint, in the already kinda tight toe cage. Perhaps if one of two of the issues above weren't there, I'd still be able to wear these shoes.Sadly, I bought from a reseller, as the color and size is not available, and I've very much worn it, so can't return. As it's not cheap, I'll be putting my faith in another pair of hoka hiking boots this time.But some good parts:The gore tex does not stretch, but is pretty maliable in shape, so if your sizing is correct and feet are not too wide, it would be really comfortable.The shoes are really light, almost as if you're not wearing anything, yet, you're standing on springy clouds. So you just feel like jumping and running and jogging.The grip is ultra strong and feels very secure.
