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HOKA Anacapa 2 Freedom vs Columbia Newton Nimble

The HOKA Anacapa 2 Freedom is the more comfortable, more sustainable shoe, with a plush sugarcane EVA midsole, a Vibram Megagrip outsole and a slip-on heel that flexes for easy entry. The Columbia Newton Nimble is the simpler, more traditional pick, with a lugged Omni-Grip outsole, lace closure and water-resistant leather. Owners praise the HOKA's cushioning and easy on-off for long days, while the Columbia suits hikers who want a lighter, lower, lace-up shoe for moderate trails.

  • Choose the HOKA Anacapa 2 Freedom if you want maximum cushioning, a grippy Vibram outsole and slip-on convenience for long or mixed-terrain hikes.
  • Choose the Columbia Newton Nimble if you prefer a lighter, low-cut lace-up shoe with water-resistant leather for day hikes and trekking.

Prices

  • HOKA Anacapa 2 Freedom: $92.00 at vipoutlet.com (last seen Nov 9)
  • Columbia Newton Nimble: $100.00 at Backcountry (checked today)
  • Difference: the HOKA Anacapa 2 Freedom is $8.00 cheaper than the Columbia Newton Nimble at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 11)
HOKA
Mens Anacapa 2 Freedom Grey

HOKA Anacapa 2 Freedom

Mens Anacapa 2 Freedom Grey

$92.00at vipoutlet.comChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit vipoutlet.com
Pros
  • Plush sugarcane EVA midsole soaks up long descents
  • Vibram Megagrip outsole holds on wet rock and loose dirt
  • Slip-on heel flexes for quick on and off
  • Recycled polyester and gold-rated tannery leather
Cons
  • Heavier than the Columbia
  • Slip-on fit may feel loose on narrow feet
  • No waterproof membrane listed
Columbia
Columbia Newton Nimble

Columbia Newton Nimble

$100.00at BackcountryChecked 1 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Backcountry

Store links may earn us a commission. Price via Klarna.

Pros
  • Lighter, lower feel for fast day hikes
  • Water-resistant leather with Omni-Tech
  • Lace-up gives a dialed fit
  • Omni-Grip lugs handle trail surfaces
Cons
  • Less cushioning underfoot
  • Outsole grip trails Vibram Megagrip on wet rock
  • Fewer recycled materials

What separates them

HOKA Anacapa 2 FreedomColumbia Newton Nimble
ClosureSlip-on with a flexible TPU heel counterTraditional lace-up
OutsoleVibram MegagripOmni-Grip lugged outsole
Midsole cushioning30% sugarcane EVA, high stackTechLite and Omni-MAX cushioning, lower profile
Water resistanceNubuck leather upper, no waterproof membrane listedWater-resistant leather with Omni-Tech
WeightAbout 403 g per shoeLighter, low-cut build
SustainabilityRecycled polyester and soy-based socklinerStandard materials
Ankle coverageAnkle-height collarLow collar

Price history

$155.00$88.00
Nov 9Nov 11
  • HOKA Anacapa 2 Freedom: lowest $88.00 on Nov 9 at Mountain Sports; $155.00 on Nov 11.
  • Columbia Newton Nimble: lowest $99.99 on Nov 11 at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Prices at every store

HOKA Anacapa 2 Freedom

  • vipoutlet.comNew

    In stock

    $92.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit vipoutlet.com
  • Mountain SportsNew

    In stock

    $88.00+ $7.95 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Mountain Sports
  • Sun & Ski SportsNew

    In stock

    $109.83Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Sun & Ski Sports
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownReturns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $99.99+ $11.99 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 17 stores and price history →

Columbia Newton Nimble

  • ZapposNew

    In stock

    $99.99Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Zappos
  • BackcountryNew

    In stock

    $100.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Backcountry
  • ColumbiaNew

    In stock

    $100.00+ $6.00 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Columbia
  • Dick's Sporting GoodsNew

    In stock

    $99.99+ $9.99 shippingChecked 1 h ago
    Visit Dick's Sporting Goods

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 6 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecHOKA Anacapa 2 FreedomColumbia Newton Nimble
Age GroupAdult—
Weight402.56 g—
Heel-To-Toe Drop8.00 mm—
Midsole30% Sugarcane EVA—
OutsoleVibram® Megagrip—
Recycled Polyester55% recycled polyester in collar, tongue, and v…—
SocklinerSoy-based PU sockliner—
UpperLeather Working Group gold-rated tannery nubuck…—
Heel CounterTPU Freedom external step-in heel counter—
ClosureSlip-on—
Footwear HeightAnkle—
LiningTextile—
Show all 24 specsShow fewer specs
SpecHOKA Anacapa 2 FreedomColumbia Newton Nimble
GenderMen's—
Sole height—From 2 cm to 4 cm
Sole pattern—Lugged outsole
Material—Genuine leather
Surface—Trail
Uses—Hiking
Sport—Climbing, Hiking, Trekking
Technology—Omni-Grip™, Omni-Tech™, Omni-MAX™, TechLite™
Feature—Water-resistant, Cushioning, Shock absorption
Lace—

What reviewers say

HOKA Anacapa 2 Freedom

Owners of the Anacapa line praise the cushioning and grip, and the Freedom version draws attention for its step-in heel. Feedback on the slip-on design is mixed: some find it convenient, others want a more secure, adjustable fit on rough ground.

What people mention
  • CushioningPraisedRiders like the soft, responsive midsole for long days on the trail.
  • TractionPraisedThe Vibram Megagrip outsole is trusted on wet rock and loose dirt.
  • Slip-on fitMixedSome love the easy entry; others find it less locked-in than laces.
  • WeightCriticisedThe leather upper and cushioned sole feel heavier than lighter trail shoes.

Questions and answers

Which is better for long hikes?
The HOKA Anacapa 2 Freedom. Its thicker sugarcane EVA midsole and Vibram Megagrip outsole stay comfortable and secure over many miles.
Which has better grip on wet rock?
The HOKA. Vibram Megagrip is widely regarded as one of the best wet-traction rubber compounds, ahead of Columbia's Omni-Grip.
Is the Columbia water-resistant?
Yes. The Newton Nimble uses water-resistant leather with Omni-Tech, while the HOKA lists no waterproof membrane.
Which is lighter?
The Columbia Newton Nimble. It is a lower, lighter shoe, while the HOKA weighs about 403 g per shoe.
Is the HOKA worth stepping up to?
If you hike often on varied or wet terrain and want more cushioning and easier entry, yes. For short, dry day hikes the Columbia covers the basics.

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  • Best cushioned hiking shoes for older hikers
Yes
Collar—Low
Fit—Regular Fit