What’s New in the Hoka Speedgoat and Why You’ll Love It

If subliminal messaging works the hearts all over the outsole of the Hoka Speedgoat 7 means we’re going to love this updated trail shoe.I saw the new Speedgoat at TRE in December, but they refused to let us talk about it. Then mailed me a color that I’m actually still not allowed to share with you. That’s not a great start for a shoe review, luckily the Speedgoat has been one of my go to shoes for Colorado Trails since version 3.

Putting on the 6 and 7 side by side for a few miles, I could instantly tell the 7 was an upgrade in all the right ways.

The Speedgoat has been a top performing trail shoe for many years. This edition is no different! Let’s get into what’s changed and why we think it’s better than ever.

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.

Hoka Speedgoat 7 Overview

When you love a shoe, there’s always a little trepediation that the updates will leave you wishing for the older model. This time around I immediately took my very dirty disgusting Speedgoat 6’s (and ok I still had the 5’s) and put them in the donation pile.

Seriously, the upgrade felt that good.

There are three major changes, but first I’m going to touch on the one that I noticed immediately on the trail.

The heel provides so much more stability. For all the miles I put in the Speedgoat 6, I don’t know that I realized just how much I wished for some additional support through the heel and ankle until I felt it so clearly in the 7.

It’s not a stability shoe. Instead, the heel base seems wider and they’ve refined the heel collar to hold you better in place. Each time my foot rolled through a rocky section I could tell there was less dipping of my heel than in the 6. It was a glorious feeling and I already know my ankles are going to be much happier. I’d say anyone with Achilles issues will also appreciate it.

The next update which is actually much bigger is the change to the midsole foam. Running shoe foams are confusing with all the jargon thrown around, i.e. if I said they went from a CMEVA to a Supercrtical EVA most of you would glaze over, but assume it’s better.

And it is better.

I’m happy to say they didn’t add foam to the shoe because I don’t want it to get any more max. Part of the appeal is that you’re getting cushion while still getting good ground contact feel.

Instead, the new foam is a little softer, it feels like there’s a bit more in the forefoot which is really comfortable. The shoe remains light, able to pick up the pace, but with even more energy return from this superior foam. It’s not bouncy like a super foam, it’s not crazy plush, it’s just a really perfect amount of foam for a trail shoe!

I’m gushing and it’s embarrassing, but when you like a shoe, you like a shoe.

For some reason I’ve seen a wide variety of number reported on the stack height of the shoe, so I confirmed all numbers with the brand to ensure we’ve got it right. It’s definitely in the realm of what we’ve previously called max cushion, but compared to so many of the road shoes now at 45mm, the Speedgoat continues to feel moderate and we approve.

While this is not a carbon plated race shoe like the Tecton, it’s absolutely a shoe you could race in for the majority of us. Or honestly just enjoy for a long day on the trails because it’s light and moves so well.

I admit I’ll never understand white trail shoes, but whatever. At this point I figure they all get dirty pretty quick so I guess it could be any color and shortly it will be brown…but still…white?

But that brings us to the final big update which is the outsole. Remember how excited I was for the pizza and tacos on the Hoka Mafate X, well this one is just as fun. The hearts are cute, however not just for fun. They actually changed the direction of some of the 5mm lugs to improve grip on more terrain.We’ve seen this in other shoes as well from Hoka. The front lugs point forward for grip going uphill while the back lugs point towards the heel providing more grip going downhill.

Hoka Speedgoat Fit

Length and width remain the same from all past models for me. I would say get your normal running shoe size.

I found there to be plenty of room through the midfoot, so it should accommodate higher arches and medium feet. Luckily it’s available in wide for those who need even more space.

I liked on the tongue that it’s actually laced through in 2 spots which helps to prevent any movement. It’s a thin tongue and feels exactly like what was in the 6, gussetted on both sides and general nothing to write home about (exactly what I want in the tongue).

The heel collar fit well and is nicely padded. I have not yet needed to do heel lock lacing in the 7 which was step one for me in the 6, so I think that speaks to the improved heel fit.

The woven upper felt not just comfortable, but locked in. That’s ideal in a trail shoe where your foot can be moving so many different directions. The one weird thing for me was that when I go up on my toes I could hear the fabric. My initial concern was feeling fabric break on the top of the foot. That’s happened in other shoes and I couldn’t get past the dig in sensation, but it never occurred here…just a noise.

Of course once out on the trail I didn’t notice the noise or any feel issues. Mostly noting in case you try it on and wonder.

I took the 7 out on dirt packed steep trails, up and down some loose rocky trails and over bigger rocks. It performed everywhere.

I’m the person who is cautious on downhills convince that I’ll go rolling or slip, but this is confidence giving grip. Which is exactly what we’ve all come to expect from Vibram Megagrip outsoles.

I haven’t yet needed it in muddy conditions, but hit a few wet spots on slick rocks in Sedona and had no issues. As always if you think you’ll be doing a lot of winter running or really wet weather I do recommend the GTX version (unless it’s summer then it’s too hot).

Hoka Speedgoat 6 vs 7

We’ve talked a lot about the updates to the shoe already, but if you’re still wondering whether the discounted 6 is a good choice, let’s further break it down.

Yes, it’s a shoe I clearly loved based on the miles put in to it…but I’d absolutely say go for the 7.

• Same stack height and weight
• Improved cushion feel
• Improved energy return
• Better support through the heel
• More traction from the varied lug directions
• Gaiter integration

The updates weren’t small this time, they were very thoughtful and pretty impactful.

A few folks have asked about that white line you see up the middle of the foam. It’s just a design element, nothing about the structure or the foam.

Looking for more running shoe tips?

• 10 Best Trail Running Shoes
• How should a running shoe fit?
• Why you must rotate running shoes