Hoka Speedgoat 5 Review

Karl Meltzer first used the nickname “Speedgoat” when a race director friend put it in the place of his name on a race entry. Ever since the name became identical with ultra-running. Now almost 30 years later HOKA, a sponsor of Karl’s has released their 5th iteration of this “trail shoe” that was perceived in Karl’s head. The HOKA Speedgoat has become remarkably popular over the past few years. If you go to any trail race you will see these chunky, colourful, shoes toeing the start line.

I have used all versions of the Speedgoat. The Hoka Speedgoat 5 for men & women have a new upper & different midsole, & the traction is updated on the outsole. If you are new to the Speedgoat, it is a trail shoe with a load of cushion that can handle almost all terrain types. The longer you go, the performance will be better. It is also a great beginner trail shoe since it is a “jack of trades” trail shoe and can handle most things.

I bought them a few months ago and so far, I have used them in some backpacking and long walks and a few day hikes. So, let me evaluate it based on criteria that I thought are important for the shoes used in mountain terrains for long-term backpacking and hiking purposes as that is what I do.

Hoka Line Up

Best Hoka Shoes: Let’s Have a Look!

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 shoes are an impressive addition to the trail running footwear industry, offering a balanced blend of features that cater to both beginner and experienced trail runners. Let us explore the specifics:

BEST FOR:	Trail Running, Hiking
FEATURES:	Double layer jacquard engineered mesh
	Protective toe rand
	Late stage MetaRocker™
	Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug
	Vegan
	Lay-flat gusseted tongue
	Bolstered heel collar
	Molded EVA sockliner
	Compression-molded EVA foam midsole
	5mm lugs
	34% recycled polyester upper mesh
	Laces with 70% recycled nylon and 30% recycled polyester
	100% Recycled polyester sockliner top cloth

Hoka Line Up

Best Hoka Shoes: Let’s Have a Look!

What’s New:

The upper is the most noticeable update, the facelift extends profoundly into the midsole. The lighter CMEVA compound is ready for racing and helps promote a bit of extra turnover at the end of long efforts, instead of feeling sloppy or heavy. This is the most responsive and lightest Speedgoat yet.

It feels sportier, zippier & faster than previous iterations. Even without a rock plate, this shoe felt plenty protective, even on rough and tumble trails. The Speedgoat 5 is half an ounce lighter than its previous version, with the same stack height & midfoot rocker profile found in the Speedgoat 4. The foam feels softer than in previous editions.

To me, Comfort is the most important part

Comfort is a strong point of the Hoka Speedgoat 5. The cushioning is plush without sacrificing responsiveness. The shoe’s wider toe box accommodates a range of foot shapes, dropping the risk of uneasiness or blisters during long runs. Moreover, the breathable upper helps keep your feet cool on hot days.

I found that the upper holds the foot securely & comfortably, so you do not get the lateral movement of the foot while changing direction suddenly.

This is the most comfortable pair of shoes I have ever possessed. You’ll know when you try them. It is so comfortable that you will feel awkward at the start because no other shoe has given you that feeling before.

Fit & Sizes

Hoka Speedgoat 5 fits true to size, & one of my favorite features is how roomy the toe box is. I do not have wide feet, yet some popular athletic shoe brands make my toes feel a little squeezed. The Speedgoats had amply of room for my toes to splay & move as I ran.

The heel area is secure, with a little extra cushion that adds more comfort & support as you move on uneven terrain. It also works like a little tab to help you pull the shoe on—not essential but a nice little touch.

The upper felt a bit loose, like the tongue was too stretchy. It truly wraps down around the midfoot with an elastic band, and that is what felt kind of loose. It was easy to fix by just tying the shoes tighter than I generally would.

Weight

This 10.76-ounce shoe (US size 10.5) features a lot of punch & technical ability. This is a model where a little additional weight goes a long way toward reducing fatigue and providing comfort.

Given the durability of the upper & rubber outsole, this weight makes sense. The Speedgoat 5 is not the fastest-feeling shoe & we would not take it for tempo runs on less technical terrain. For all running except more than 2 hours of speed, Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a clear winner.

Protection is a Significant Feature

You do not need to think about toes as you tour around the trails, mountains or wherever the trail takes you. The Speedgoat 5’s protective toe rand is flexible and wraps around the front of the shoe.

During the latter stages of my long runs when I was not picking up my feet as high, I tended to bang my toes on rocks & roots. The Speedgoats prevented any injury or damage.

Just like the previous iterations, the tongue is very thin & gusseted. It protects the foot from the laces. This is another delicate change. The design of Speedgoat 4 was rounded, and the tongue lay over the ankle. The tongue design of 5 has a titled or forked look. Yet, it still handles its job well.

Traction

The outsole of the Speedgoat 5 is where these shoes truly shine. They offer exceptional traction on various surfaces, from rocky terrain to muddy trails. The multidirectional lugs deliver a good grip, instilling confidence in runners as they tackle challenging landscapes.

Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug gives the best traction and on your run, you will feel secure and stable. The sole provides enough cushioning & bounce to give a comfortable experience on short tarmac road sections.
I also used it during some slippery treks in mild rains and I think it worked fine considering the conditions. The Vibrant Sole does its work well. The upper features a new jacquard-engineered mesh. Made from recycled materials, it is a bit more flexible than previous iterations and cuts down on overlays to reduce the chances of blisters from friction points.

Durability and Breathability

The upper is made from durable mesh and synthetic overlays that hold well against scratches and resist tears or fraying, even when meeting rough surfaces or brushy trails. A small rubber toe bumper offers protection, as do the overlays on the uppers, leading the Speedgoat 5 to good durability for trail-running shoes in this weight class. I expect to walk 400 to 500 miles in my Speedgoat 5 before any wear & tear in the outsoles & midsoles.

The new jacquard mesh uppers breathe extremely well—my feet never got sweaty, even on trail runs in temp 80° F under a hot sun.

Sensitivity

Increased sensitivity decreases overall compliance & increases fatigue. The Speedgoat 5 is not trying to be ultra-nimble. It is meant to last, and that is why we laud this shoe for its extended all-day comfort, mainly when tackling big days of vertical up and down. We found no concerns on technical terrain while keeping our speed moderate. For racing-style efforts, we think a shoe with less stack height would deliver more confident footing.

Stability

Luckily, Hoka has kept the heel drop negligible, letting the foot to sit more naturally despite the big stack. The upper & toe box have a more relaxed performance fit than single-knit upper designs. The wider platform decreases constriction, which helps your foot to be more stable. While not as stable as lower stack & shorter drop shoes, we had no stability concerns with the Speedgoat 5 except in ultra-technical rocky terrain.

Shoe Technology

Upper: Double jacquard mesh made from recycled material for sustainable protection. Long heel pull tab lets easy on and off capabilities. Protective toe rand adds durability in high-wear areas.

Midsole: CMEVA midsole offers more speed, agility & responsiveness for trail runs. Late-stage Meta-Rocker technology drives you onward with a smooth rolling stride to improve efficiency.

Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug improves traction on loose soil. 5mm lugs offer extra support and stability for ascending & descending on trails.

Hoka Speadgoat 5 Women

The Speedgoat 5 will feel surefooted on the roughest of terrains. Featuring a new midsole that is lightweight and delivers a more responsive ride with even more traction than before. The wider forefoot offers a more stable ride & an accommodating fit. The Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole delivers exceptional grip in wet and dry conditions. The all-new updated upper brings this running package together providing breathability as well as overall comfort.

Speedgoat 5 Cons

The only dislike I have of the Speedgoat 5, is the tongue form & fit near the top of my ankle. It tends to fit a little too cozy against the tendon that runs from the bottom of my shin to my foot. I find this to be slightly less comfortable than the Speedgoat 4 tongue design.

Yet this might be amplified by the fact that I use heel lock lacing. Either way, it is less comfortable than the Speedgoat 4. I find myself leaving a slight bit slacker in the fit when tightening my laces.v

Conclusion

With a nicer fit, lower weight, and improved traction, while maintaining their exceptional cushion, comfort, and breathability, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 remain the best shoe out there for trail runners, day-hikers & lightweight backpackers who prefer very airy & light footwear.