A shoe that offers customizable fit.
First off this version “Anacapa 2 Freedom” offer adjustability built into the shoe with a breathable leather mixed textile upper with a slip in heel if adjust for such. Three different lace lock positions offering a hand full of lockable heel support positions using heel lock loop techniques. Using the heel lock loop with the two lower lace positions from the tongue makes switching laces from heel lock to heel slip with a flick of a wrist so to speak.Now some on the toe box., the shoe preforms very well and have ample room though with standard lacing the toe box eventually gets cramped however the core comfort is still there. These shoes almost require the toe box lacing to be locked using the exact method of lock loop lacing. There is more than enough lacing to lace the toe box with two, yes two lock loops laterally and still have enough to lock the heel in if needed. One set lock loops is probably enough at 2-3 lace position. With two the toe box is very adjustable to accommodate both my feet individually. I think thats the shoes slogan “Freedom” it very well could be. To lace a shoe right.?? Takes time and such.The overall ride and comfort., hmm yes these shoes are comfortable so much so you may forget they are on at times. Be that it a fair warning, these are hiking shoes, right?? Ok they are the more flexible of the anacapa 2 collection and these offer a slightly softer ride without all the rigidity, NO GTX and a lower heel ramp. GTX can be a stink.. been there.Break-in yes these shoes got a little extra pre-exercise break-in and treatment. For one week the heel fabric was protected with silicone tape, replaced everyday and the heel counter compressed by hand before and after using. I recommend this for most shoes , yes there is always a break-in period. After, the lacing adjusted is a must.My last pair of Hoka anacapa 2’s GTX made it to the thousand mile range before the front tread bottomed out, heels hit the plastic counter shortly before. Comfortable all the way.Will see how far these can go., are they going to make it to 1000 miles.. hmm probablyUpdate. No star reduction though a mindful note is the outsoles tend to over heat at times after the five mile mark for the day depending on work load.