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Over the last 10 years of Colorado trail running, one shoe has consistently been in my rotation: the Hoka Speedgoat. However, I admit the Challenger knocked it out for about a year, but then I slipped in to the new Hoka Speedgoat 6 for the last few months and once again remembered why this is such a go to trail runner.
During my last run in the Speedgoat, I was trying to really figure out what it is about this shoe that has me reaching for it through models 3,4,5 and now 6. I mean it says a lot when you like each new iteration because sometimes they can just make too many shifts.
For my newer trail runners, you’ll feel really secure in footing and for my advanced trail runners you’ll feel really secure in footing! With the deep lugs and grip, it’s a shoe that’s going to cover green to black trails with ease.
As always, I note that I am super honest in my reviews about what works, doesn’t work and of course I have preferences in shoes after 20+ years running and testing hundreds! So take what seems most valuable to you from here and decide if it’s a shoe worth adding to your rotation.
All right, that’s enough chatter, let’s get more in to this trail shoe.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review
When I’m ready to hit the trails with confidence I know I can’t go wrong with the Hoka Speedgoat. In this newest model they’ve made a couple of key changes to lugs, the midsole foam and the upper.
However, the shoe didn’t take on a new feel underfoot, which is a very good thing. It may not be the flashiest or newest tech, but it’s a really darn reliable shoe.
Finishing my recent 11 mile trail run, my first thought was how good my legs felt. Yes because of the shoes and my second was that I’d covered gravel, dirt, big vert, slick rock and more without once worrying about if the shoe had enough traction.
It always did. And I never got any little pebbles in my shoe, which I’ve started to notice in testing some other brands.
This shoe is best for trail runners who are looking for moderate cushion, plenty of protection and grip to cover a variety of terrain and distances. Great trail race day option as well.
While some would call this a heavily cushioned trail shoe, I just can’t after running all over New Zealand in the Hoka Challenger 7. Now, that is a plush cushioned trail shoe. The Speedgoat 6 has a good solid cushion that’s going to help you cover many long runs in comfort, but it’s not plush.
They waited 2 years to release an update and I think that was brilliant because it allowed them to address key issues and yet not release a whole new shoe.
First, I’ll say that in loving the Speedgoat 5 I absolutely needed to replace it faster than expected. I mean trail shoes look beat up pretty quickly, but these actually looked beat down.
The upper and midsole both seemed to be breakdown faster leaving me feeling a bit less locked in and supported. Remember that when cushion breaks down it actually changes your gait, no bueno for staying injury free.
So what changed?
A newer version of the compressed EVA midsole foam. Having covered a lot of miles in both shoes, I can’t say that it feels any different in terms of level of cushion, but I did feel like the support stayed true much longer.
Next, they made a change to the upper which gives the shoe a much more fitted feel. As noted stretching was a bit of an issue previously (I can vouch for that) and the new textile woven upper eliminates that issue, while still being light and breathable.
And last, but certainly not least they made some changes to the lugs. Mostly along the heel side where they altered direction, as noted by HOKA the “revised lug orientation inspired by the hoof of a goat (what else?)”. Since traction might be one of the biggest things I look for to hit the Colorado mountain trails, I’m quite happy to see they maintained the Vibram megagrip and found ways to enhance it.
Specifications
As noted, I’ve loved pretty much every iteration of the Speedgoat and this one holds true to that as well.
Stack height has not changed from the Speedgoat 5, the shoe has lost maybe a .5 oz in weight.
The Speedgoat also features their metarocker technology which helps with that heel to to transition. I can’t say I really feel it all that much, so this isn’t like rocker shoe you might have seen advertised!
Speedgoat Fit
I’d say the Speedgoat fits very similar to other Hoka road shoes. It’s not narrow and not wide, it’s just right in the middle and lengthwise I always go with my standard size 11.
The new upper for some felt a little snugger than past versions. I don’t have a high arch or wide foot, so this really didn’t phase me, but could be worth going up 1/2 size if those are issues you run in to.
The thin tongue, now has a smidge of padding in the middle, but the top remains very thin. No issues with it cutting in to the ankle or riding too high.
While they’re listed as a neutral shoe, I was thrilled to see my foot didn’t drop in one bit when I put them on which is common in other shoes. It absolutely is providing some stability, which for most of us feels really good when the feet are rolling over varied terrain. It’s not overbearing, but a benefit of the shoe that most probably don’t realize is happening.
The padded heel collar felt great and alongside the upper, long laces for a heel lock, I had no issues with heel slippage or foot movement.
Who Will Like the Speedgoat 6?
Not sure if this is the trail shoe for you? Let’s look….
- Great for newer runners who might need a little stability
- Going to hold up well for super long trail days with both cushion and protection
- Solid cushion that feels good, but isn’t so soft it changes your foot strike
- Soft cushion that still allows for speed
- A shoe that feels stable, but is not a stability shoe
Honestly, you’ll see novice to advanced runners in this model because it really does check off so many boxes while remaining at a good price point.
Who Will Not Like the Speedgoat 6?
This is not the same as the Tecton X2 trail shoe with a carbon plate and designed to fly. It still feels like a fast trail shoe, but different than a thinner snappier race shoe.
- Some may feel like the new upper is too snug.
- It’s not a roomy toebox.
- It’s not a plush cushion.
All right, I hope this Hoka Speedgoat 6 review helped you with making an informed shoe choice!!
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