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The HOKA Speedgoat are one of the most popular trail running shoes. Naturally, this means there’s a lot of interest when a new edition is released. While the HOKA Speedgoat 6 Trail Running Shoes feature a number of updates, the DNA hasn’t been altered. This is probably welcome news to previous wearers.
HOKA kindly supplied us with a pair so we could review them properly, and give you our thoughts on how they feel, fit, and what they’re best suited to.
HOKA Speedgoat 6 versus Speedgoat 5 - The Tech Rundown
- Updated midsole - lighter and more responsive compression moulded EVA.
- Adjusted outsole design - takes inspiration from a goat hoof.
- New woven upper.
- Plusher tongue design.
- Differently shaped Dynamic vamp on toe box.
How does the cushioning feel?
The midsole isn’t dramatically different to the last version. It’s essentially slightly lighter and more responsive. The main difference you’re likely to notice is that it feels firmer and more energetic. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? The answer to this depends on what you’re using the Speedgoat for.
To elaborate, the new midsole should perform better on technical terrain, such as rocky slopes. It feels exceptionally stable, and more nimble than the previous version. The firmer sensation also makes it easier to run faster and throw your foot down. If you’re like me, and you tend to run down descents in a ‘hit and hope’ sort of fashion, the midsole should really help you. This is because it feels very stable, and it makes it hard to go over your ankle.
It’s also easier to run up steeper inclines. This is because your feet don’t sink or slip in the shoes. Simply put, you get more of what you put in back. As a result, you should find it easier to power up short and steep climbs.
In contrast, the firmer sensation doesn’t feel overly comfortable on hard-packed flat ground. For example, on tarmac. Ultimately, the Speedgoat has never been designed for the road, but the original model almost felt softer than some well-cushioned road running shoes, so a lot of people used them in this way. If you’re doing a lot of door-to-trail running, you’d be much better off choosing the HOKA Challenger 7 over the HOKA Speedgoat 6.
It’s worth highlighting, the midsole does soften up after you’ve run in them. It also feels ultra-protective. This means the cushioning should feel great for long-distance trail runs. Just as long as you’re not running for prolonged periods of time on flat and compact terrain.
How do they grip?
The HOKA Speedgoat still feature a Vibram MegaGrip with Traction Lug Outsole. However, as mentioned, the outsole pattern is different to the last version. You can see for yourself in the following image how the outsoles differ:
Top Shoe: HOKA Speedgoat 6 / Bottom Shoe: HOKA Speedgoat 5
It’s hard to say it feels massively different, because the original Speedgoat 5 gripped so well. In saying that, it’s likely you’ll feel more confident in the Speedgoat 6. This might also be down to the new midsole, but the heel area felt as if it offered more traction and purchase down descents.
Overall, it’s unlikely you’ll be overly aware of the 5 mm lugs or outsole on firmer packed ground, such as dry mud and grass. When you hit the steeper slopes and rocky tracks, the grip feels amazing.
If you’re running on really wet mud or boggy trails, the chances are you’ll benefit from a more aggressively lugged outsole. In reality, 7 mm lugged outsoles are the best options for very soft ground.
How does the new upper feel and fit?
Even though there’s a number of changes to the upper, it feels very similar to the last model. The standout change is probably the new Dynamic vamp on the toe box. It feels more comfortable and softer across the top of the foot. The benefit of this design is that it can adapt to foot swelling over the course of a run. A common occurrence in longer distance events, such as ultras.
Left Shoe: HOKA Speedgoat 6 / Right Shoe: HOKA Speedgoat 5
From a fit perspective, you might want to consider going up half a size in comparison to your normal running shoe size. While I normally wear a 10.5UK (11UK in HOKA), I ended up testing the Speedgoat 6 in an 11.5UK, and they fitted perfectly.
Overall, the upper offers a supportive feel that compliments the structured midsole/outsole setup. There’s a high chance you’ll forget about the upper pretty quickly when you’re out running, which is what you want to happen.
HOKA hasn’t mentioned anything about durability, but the expectation is that the new woven fabric should last longer than the previous model.
HOKA Speedgoat 6 Trail Running Shoes Summary
The HOKA Speedgoat 6 Trail Running Shoes are one of the best options for technical trail runs on rocky routes. This also includes hard-packed mud and grassy tracks. The outsole and midsole should make you feel very confident on steep slopes. Importantly, if you’ve enjoyed running in previous versions of the Speedgoat, you should be able to transition into the new model with ease.
There’s no doubt the competition is catching up with the Speedgoat though. The Salomon Genesis and NNormal Tomir 2.0 are the clear rivals. While the Genesis arguably offers better support on rocky routes, as a result of an Active Chassis Support system; the Tomir 2.0 offers considerably more cushioning than the Speedgoat, thanks to a supercritical midsole.
Having said that, the HOKA Speedgoat 6 Trail Running Shoes are probably going to remain the benchmark for other brands.
