Test: HOKA Speedgoat 5 – Still one of the best trail shoes

Fan favorite HOKA Speedgoat 4 was released in late 2019, and I think one reason HOKA waited a few years for a new version was worldwide fans truly loved the shoe as it was. But now HOKA has made an update, and it doesn't disappoint.

HOKA Speedgoat is the perfect shoe if you want to run in a versatile trail shoe. It is also optimal if you want to run long distances. The shoe is comfortable and fits the foot very well.

The new HOKA Speedgoat 5 has several updates, without fundamentally changing the shoe.

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HOKA Speedgoat 5 – The Midsole

The design of the midsole in HOKA Speedgoat 5 has been updated. The foam itself is the same, but the shape and design have been updated, making the new HOKA Speedgoat 5 slightly softer and more responsive compared to HOKA Speedgoat 4.

Photo: Malte Kirkebæk Weis

HOKA Speedgoat 5 - The Upper

The upper has also been updated, now featuring a double-layer jacquard mesh that is more breathable than the mesh on HOKA Speedgoat 4.

The tongue itself has also been changed from a straight and relatively ordinary tongue on HOKA Speedgoat 4, to a “butterfly tongue” on HOKA Speedgoat 5, which lays over the instep of your foot, ensuring the shoe stays snugly on the foot.

The last change to the upper is the heel. HOKA Speedgoat 4 was equipped with a heel loop for easy on. This heel loop has been removed and replaced with a higher heel on HOKA Speedgoat 5. This is truly a nice update, and my Achilles tendons thank me every time I go for a run in the shoe.

Photo: Malte Kirkebæk Weis

HOKA Speedgoat 5 – The Outsole

HOKA has stuck with Vibram Megagrip, which was also on HOKA Speedgoat 4, but the lugs have been updated to provide even better grip . HOKA Speedgoat 4 was already known as the shoe from HOKA with the best grip on the ground. This has not changed with the new lugs. On the contrary.

Conclusion

It’s no surprise that you often see trail runners in HOKA Speedgoat, it’s truly a great trail shoe , capable of handling most types of terrain while being super comfortable to run in.

With the new HOKA Speedgoat 5, HOKA has managed to further develop a shoe that already worked very well.

HOKA Speedgoat 5 remains one of the absolute best trail shoes on the market.

Photo: Malte Kirkebæk Weis

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