Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX vs Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX: Which Should You Choose?

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If you are gearing up for a season of bagging Wainwrights in the Lake District or tackling the rugged coastal paths of Cornwall, finding the right footwear is absolutely paramount. The UK hiking scene has seen a massive shift towards lightweight, agile footwear that does not compromise on weather protection.

Gone are the days when you had to lug around heavy, stiff leather boots just to keep your feet dry in a Welsh bog. Today, the market is dominated by hybrid designs that blend the nimble feel of a trail running shoe with the ankle support and waterproofing of a traditional hiking boot.

Two of the most popular contenders in this highly competitive space are the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX and the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX. Both boots have garnered stellar reputations among British hikers, and if you have been browsing outdoor gear forums or chatting with fellow walkers on the trail, you have likely seen these two models pitted against each other.

They both sit in a similar price bracket and target the same demographic: hikers looking for a lightweight, waterproof, three-season boot. However, their approaches to achieving this goal are remarkably different.

In this comprehensive comparison, we will break down exactly how these two heavyweights stack up against each other. We will look at key decision factors such as comfort, traction on slick UK terrain, durability, and overall value for money, helping you decide which boot deserves a spot on your gear rack.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX	Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX
Weight (per boot)	~425g	~494g
Waterproofing	Gore-Tex Membrane	Gore-Tex Bootie
Upper Material	PU leather & synthetic	Nubuck leather & recycled mesh
Midsole	EVA + ADV-C Chassis	30% Sugarcane EVA
Outsole	Contagrip TA	Vibram Megagrip
Heel-to-Toe Drop	11mm	7mm
Fit Profile	Narrow, precise	Roomy toe box
Typical UK Price	£185-250	£200-300

Overview of Each Product

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX Overview

Salomon has long been a dominant force in the outdoor footwear market, and the X Ultra series is arguably their crown jewel. The X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is designed to offer the agility of a trail running shoe whilst providing the stability and grip required for technical, uneven terrain.

What sets the Salomon apart is its proprietary Advanced Chassis (ADV-C) system – an internal framework that wraps around the outside of the foot, targeting the outer ankle articulations to optimise stability without severely limiting mobility.

Combined with their aggressive Contagrip outsole, the X Ultra 4 is built for hikers who want to move fast and confidently over rocky scrambles and muddy descents.

Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX Overview

Hoka burst onto the running scene with their maximalist cushioning, and they have successfully translated that philosophy into their hiking footwear. The Anacapa 2 Mid GTX is the second iteration of their wildly popular day-hiking boot, bringing sustainable updates and refined comfort to the trail.

The defining characteristic is its plush, forgiving ride – utilising a thick, sugarcane-derived EVA midsole and Hoka’s signature SwallowTail heel geometry, this boot is engineered to absorb impact and provide a smooth heel-to-toe transition.

Paired with a Vibram Megagrip outsole, it is designed for the hiker who prioritises all-day comfort and joint protection above all else.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Weight & Packability

When it comes to weight, the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX takes the lead at approximately 425g per boot – exceptionally light for a mid-cut hiking boot. The Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX weighs in at around 494g per boot.

While still lightweight compared to traditional leather options, the extra bulk comes from the generous midsole cushioning. However, the rockered sole design creates a propulsive feeling that makes the boot feel lighter on the foot than the numbers suggest.

Durability & Build Quality

The Salomon utilises a mix of PU-coated leather and synthetic textiles, allowing for immediate out-of-the-box comfort with virtually no break-in period. However, some long-term users have noted that the synthetic upper can begin to show signs of wear at the flex points after a season or two of heavy use.

The Hoka Anacapa 2 features a more substantial Leather Working Group Gold-Rated waterproof nubuck leather upper, giving it a slight edge in upper durability. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is incredibly sticky, though the softer rubber compound may wear slightly faster on hard tarmac.

Weather Performance

Given the notorious unpredictability of British weather, reliable waterproofing is non-negotiable.

The Salomon features a standard Gore-Tex membrane with a gusseted tongue, performing admirably in wet grass and shallow streams, with synthetic materials that dry out remarkably fast.

The Hoka utilises a Gore-Tex bootie construction providing a comprehensive waterproof barrier, with nubuck leather that naturally repels water well when treated.

Both boots will keep your feet perfectly dry during a typical rainy day in the Peak District.

Comfort & Usability

The Hoka Anacapa 2 is widely regarded as one of the most comfortable hiking boots on the market. The thick EVA midsole provides unparalleled shock absorption – a godsend for hikers who suffer from knee or lower back pain. The generous toe box allows natural foot splay, and the SwallowTail heel creates a buttery smooth walking gait.

The Salomon X Ultra 4 offers a different type of comfort: less about plush cushioning and more about a secure, locked-in fit. The ADV-C chassis provides exceptional torsional stability on off-camber terrain, making you feel nimble, sure-footed, and connected to the trail.

Price & Value for Money

Both boots sit in the mid-to-high tier, typically retailing between £185 and £300 in the UK. The Salomon offers incredible technical performance and low weight, making it superb value for hikers who tackle challenging, technical routes. The Hoka offers premium materials and unmatched comfort, making it an excellent investment for those who want to protect their joints and enjoy long, fatigue-free days on the trail.

Pros and Cons

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX

Pros:

• Exceptionally lightweight design reduces fatigue
• Advanced Chassis provides superb ankle and midfoot stability
• Contagrip outsole offers reliable traction on mixed terrain
• Zero break-in period required
• Synthetic upper dries very quickly

Cons:

• Less underfoot cushioning compared to rivals
• Narrower fit may not suit hikers with wide feet
• Upper materials may show wear faster under heavy use

Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX

Pros:

• Class-leading, plush cushioning for all-day comfort
• Vibram Megagrip outsole provides exceptional grip on wet rock
• Roomy toe box allows for natural foot splay
• Smooth, rockered walking gait via the SwallowTail heel
• High-quality, durable nubuck leather upper

Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier than the Salomon
• Thick midsole reduces ground feel on technical terrain
• Can feel slightly stiff around the ankle during initial break-in

Best For (Use Cases)

Who should choose the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX?

You should opt for the Salomon if you are a fast-and-light hiker who values agility, precision, and stability. If your typical routes involve technical scrambling, steep ascents, and uneven, rocky paths – think the rocky ridges of Snowdonia or the Cuillin in Skye – the locked-in feel and low weight of the X Ultra 4 will serve you brilliantly.

Who should choose the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX?

The Hoka is the ultimate choice for the comfort-conscious hiker. If you are planning long-distance treks, multi-day backpacking trips, or simply suffer from joint pain and foot fatigue, the Anacapa 2 is a revelation. It is ideal for well-trodden paths, undulating moorland, and long days out where shock absorption is your top priority.

Final Verdict

Choosing between these two boots ultimately comes down to your personal hiking style.

If you view hiking as an athletic pursuit and want a boot that feels like a rugged extension of a trail running shoe – prioritising low weight, lateral stability, and a precise fit – the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX is the clear winner.

However, if your priority is absolute comfort, joint protection, and premium grip on wet surfaces, the Hoka Anacapa 2 Mid GTX takes the crown. Both are exceptional boots for UK conditions.