Hoka Speedgoat Review: One Shoe for Hiking and Running
The Hoka Speedgoat is the trail shoe I have been using for the last couple hundred miles, both for hiking and for trail running. After a year and a half, the grip is still excellent, my feet don’t hurt on 15-mile days, and it handles hiking and trail running equally well. If you want one shoe that grips everything and stays comfortable all day, this is it.
Reasons to buy
- Excellent grip on everything
- Comfortable all-day
- Hikes and runs equally well
- Vibram Megagrip outsole
Reasons to avoid
- Runs narrow
- Not waterproof
- Takes time to break in
| Spec | Hoka Speedgoat 7 |
|---|---|
| Weight | About 9.1 oz (men’s) |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Outsole | Vibram Megagrip, 5mm lugs |
| Cushion | High stack, max cushion |
| Price | Around $165 (men’s), $185 (women’s) |
What it is and how I use it
The Speedgoat is Hoka’s trail shoe, and the pair I use is the Speedgoat 5, though the newest model is now the Speedgoat 7. I use mine for both hiking and trail running. I switched to it from a road running shoe because I wanted more traction on the trail. I didn’t want a boot. Boots get hotter, and from what I’ve heard they can weaken your ankle over time. A trail runner has a wider sole, so you roll your ankle less, and your ankle does more of the work, which is supposed to strengthen it. The shoe has been plenty of support for everything I’ve put it through.
The grip is the reason to buy it
The Vibram Megagrip outsole is the standout. I’ve taken these across everything from slippery rock in a rainstorm to dry sandy desert, and the traction holds. The one thing to watch is thick mud. If enough of it packs into the lugs you can slip, but that is true of any hiking shoe, not just for this one.
Comfortable enough for all-day miles
The tall Hoka cushion is really great. I’ve done 15-mile days in them and my feet don’t hurt at the end. They took some time to break in, but once they did they’ve been comfortable for long days on the trail.
The downsides worth knowing
They aren’t waterproof. The mesh breathes well, which is great in the heat, but it soaks through in creek crossings or steady rain. I wear merino wool socks with them, so even when they get wet everything dries out pretty fast in the sun.
The other thing people bring up is the fit. The Speedgoat is known to run narrow with a snug toe box. It fits me fine true to size, so it has never been a problem for me, but if you have wide feet that is the thing to watch.
Would I buy it again, and who should skip it
Yes. I got mine for $100 on sale, and I would buy them again. The Speedgoat line changes little year to year, so the current Speedgoat 7 is a safe buy, and if you catch a previous model on sale it is the same shoe for less.
Who should skip it: if you have wide feet, look at something roomier like an Altra. And if you need a fully waterproof shoe for cold, wet conditions, get the GTX (Gore-Tex) version instead. These are also a natural fit with the rest of my day hike essentials.
Hoka Speedgoat FAQ
Is the Hoka Speedgoat good for hiking? Yes. I use mine for hiking as much as trail running. The grip and cushion handle long, rocky days, and plenty of hikers pick trail runners like this over boots for the lighter weight and breathability.
Does the Hoka Speedgoat run true to size? It fits me true to size. The Speedgoat is known to run a little narrow with a snug toe box, so if you have wide feet you may want to size up or try a wider shoe.
Are Hoka Speedgoats waterproof? The standard version is not. The mesh soaks in creek crossings and rain, though it dries fast, especially with merino socks. There is a GTX version if you need waterproofing.
Is the Hoka Speedgoat worth buying? Yes. The Speedgoat line changes little year to year, and with the newer Speedgoat 7 out you can usually find an older pair on sale for a good bit less. Same shoe, less money.
How long do Hoka Speedgoats last? Mine have a couple hundred miles on them over a year and a half and still grip and cushion well. The outsole wears down eventually like any trail shoe, but they have held up.