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During the last 10 years of Colorado path operating, one shoe has persistently been in my rotation: the Hoka Speedgoat. Nevertheless, I admit the Challenger knocked it out for a couple of yr, however then I slipped in to the brand new Hoka Speedgoat 6 for the previous couple of months and as soon as once more remembered why that is such a go to path runner.
Throughout my final run within the Speedgoat, I used to be attempting to actually determine what it’s about this shoe that has me reaching for it by way of fashions 3,4,5 and now 6. I imply it says loads once you like every new iteration as a result of generally they will simply make too many shifts.
For my newer path runners, you’ll really feel actually safe in footing and for my superior path runners you’ll really feel actually safe in footing! With the deep lugs and grip, it’s a shoe that’s going to cowl inexperienced to black trails with ease.
As all the time, I observe that I’m tremendous trustworthy in my evaluations about what works, doesn’t work and naturally I’ve preferences in footwear after 20+ years operating and testing lots of! So take what appears most beneficial to you from right here and resolve if it’s a shoe value including to your rotation.
All proper, that’s sufficient chatter, let’s get extra in to this path shoe.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 Assessment
Once I’m able to hit the paths with confidence I do know I can’t go mistaken with the Hoka Speedgoat. On this latest mannequin they’ve made a few key adjustments to lugs, the midsole foam and the higher.
Nevertheless, the shoe didn’t tackle a brand new really feel underfoot, which is an excellent factor. It will not be the flashiest or latest tech, nevertheless it’s a very darn dependable shoe.
Ending my latest 11 mile path run, my first thought was how good my legs felt. Sure due to the footwear and my second was that I’d coated gravel, filth, huge vert, slick rock and extra with out as soon as worrying about if the shoe had sufficient traction.
It all the time did. And I by no means received any little pebbles in my shoe, which I’ve began to note in testing another manufacturers.
This shoe is greatest for path runners who’re on the lookout for average cushion, loads of safety and grip to cowl a wide range of terrain and distances. Nice path race day choice as properly.
Whereas some would name this a closely cushioned path shoe, I simply can’t after operating throughout New Zealand within the Hoka Challenger 7. Now, that could be a plush cushioned path shoe. The Speedgoat 6 has an excellent stable cushion that’s going that will help you cowl many lengthy runs in consolation, nevertheless it’s not plush.
They waited 2 years to launch an replace and I believe that was good as a result of it allowed them to deal with key points and but not launch an entire new shoe.
First, I’ll say that in loving the Speedgoat 5 I completely wanted to exchange it quicker than anticipated. I imply path footwear look beat up fairly shortly, however these really appeared beat down.
The higher and midsole each gave the impression to be breakdown quicker leaving me feeling a bit much less locked in and supported. Do not forget that when cushion breaks down it really adjustments your gait, no bueno for staying damage free.
So what modified?
A more recent model of the compressed EVA midsole foam. Having coated numerous miles in each footwear, I can’t say that it feels any totally different when it comes to degree of cushion, however I did really feel just like the assist stayed true for much longer.
Subsequent, they made a change to the higher which provides the shoe a way more fitted really feel. As famous stretching was a little bit of a problem beforehand (I can vouch for that) and the brand new textile woven higher eliminates that situation, whereas nonetheless being gentle and breathable.
And final, however definitely not least they made some adjustments to the lugs. Principally alongside the heel aspect the place they altered path, as famous by HOKA the “revised lug orientation impressed by the hoof of a goat (what else?)”. Since traction is perhaps one of many largest issues I search for to hit the Colorado mountain trails, I’m fairly comfortable to see they maintained the Vibram megagrip and located methods to reinforce it.
Specs
As famous, I’ve liked just about each iteration of the Speedgoat and this one holds true to that as properly.
Stack peak has not modified from the Speedgoat 5, the shoe has misplaced perhaps a .5 oz in weight.
The Speedgoat additionally options their metarocker know-how which helps with that heel to to transition. I can’t say I actually really feel all of it that a lot, so this isn’t like rocker shoe you may need seen marketed!
Speedgoat Match
I’d say the Speedgoat matches similar to different Hoka street footwear. It’s not slim and never huge, it’s excellent within the center and lengthwise I all the time go together with my normal measurement 11.
The brand new higher for some felt somewhat snugger than previous variations. I don’t have a excessive arch or huge foot, so this actually didn’t section me, however may very well be value going up 1/2 measurement if these are points you run in to.
The skinny tongue, now has a smidge of padding within the center, however the high stays very skinny. No points with it slicing in to the ankle or using too excessive.
Whereas they’re listed as a impartial shoe, I used to be thrilled to see my foot didn’t drop in a single bit after I put them on which is widespread in different footwear. It completely is offering some stability, which for many of us feels actually good when the ft are rolling over diversified terrain. It’s not overbearing, however a advantage of the shoe that the majority in all probability don’t understand is going on.
The padded heel collar felt nice and alongside the higher, lengthy laces for a heel lock, I had no points with heel slippage or foot motion.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 Really feel
I admit it’s beginning to appear to be I’m biased in the direction of Hoka, nevertheless it’s actually their path footwear which have gained me over. I nonetheless can’t do the Rocket, now not love the Clifton, however give me the Tecton, the Challenger or the Speedgoat and I’ll fortunately run and run!
The Speedgoat is much less padded than the Challenger or Tecton. 
The place the Tecton is quick attributable to bouncy foam and a carbon plate, the Speedgoat simply feels gentle on the ft. You will have nice floor contact with out my ft getting fatigued from lack of cushion.
The traction has all the time been a winner for me, as somebody who will get nervous on steep downhills! And total the shoe has all the time really feel like my foot each because the room it wants and but will not be sliding round.
Comparable Footwear to the Speedgoat 6
That is all the time an attention-grabbing trick for me to attempt to discover the footwear which can be closest…as a result of every model is totally different in how a lot cushion they supply and many others.
Who Will Just like the Speedgoat 6?
Undecided if that is the path shoe for you? Let’s look….
- Nice for newer runners who may want somewhat stability
- Going to carry up properly for tremendous lengthy path days with each cushion and safety
- Strong cushion that feels good, however isn’t so mushy it adjustments your foot strike
- Comfortable cushion that also permits for velocity
- A shoe that feels secure, however will not be a stability shoe
Actually, you’ll see novice to superior runners on this mannequin as a result of it actually does verify off so many packing containers whereas remaining at an excellent worth level.
Who Will Not Just like the Speedgoat 6?
This isn’t the identical because the Tecton X3 path shoe with a carbon plate and designed to fly. It nonetheless looks like a quick path shoe, however totally different than a thinner snappier race shoe.
- Some might really feel like the brand new higher is just too comfortable.
- It’s not a roomy toebox.
- It’s not a luxurious cushion.
All proper, I hope this Hoka Speedgoat 6 assessment helped you with making an knowledgeable shoe selection!!
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