Naming a trail shoe "GOAT" takes confidence. No, I’m not talking about the usual reference to some of the greatest athletes ever. I’m talking about the actual goat, a unique mountain creature, a fearless climber, and creator of mountain paths. The new now lives up to this name more than ever.
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Honestly, the Speedgoat models I’ve tried never quite topped my list. Not because they were bad, but because my needs were beyond what these shoes could offer.
I run either very flat or very steep trails. On flat trails, I like something soft and fast like the Hoka Tecton X3, and on steeper sections, I’m more of a Hoka Torrent guy with its lower stack and better technical ability. The new Speedgoat 6 from leans towards the latter in this exciting update.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 - Fit
Compared to last year’s version, the upper has been updated with a mix of very breathable materials and more robust sections.
One thing the new Hoka Speedgoat 6 has is a great grip around your midfoot and heel, thanks to the new upper. My feet feel comfortable and secure, with no signs of heel slip.
The shoe is a bit narrower around the midfoot, which may not suit everyone, but this snug midfoot fit really keeps the shoe locked onto your feet, even when running steeper routes. Personally, I really like this! More on this in the last section, “goat abilities”!
The toebox is roomy enough for longer runs, and the stretchable "vamp" over the toes helps accommodate different foot widths. The tongue is thin, attached on both sides for minimal movement while running, and has added padding to reduce lace bite risk (foot irritation from laces).
Overall, the upper has a slightly narrower fit and a very comfortable and secure grip. The secure fit enhances technical ability and makes Speedgoat 6 capable of tackling more varied terrain.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 - Feel
The biggest difference from Speedgoat 5 to 6 is the midsole. The new midsole is higher and features updated CMEVA foam. Essentially, this shifts the cushioning from a more mattress-like feel to a lighter, more responsive, and higher energy return feel. Along with the new upper, these midsole changes have resulted in a 15% weight reduction compared to the previous model (internal measurement)!
The new midsole feels a bit firmer and more stable while maintaining that fantastic Hoka Speedgoat 6 running feel Speedgoat is known for.
The cushioning level is good, and I had no issues running longer sections on asphalt, but the new midsole truly shines when you hit forest trails, where the combination of a stable and quick midsole with market-leading grip really makes a difference.
And speaking of the outsole. Under the shoe, you’ll also find the trusty Vibram Megagrip rubber, always keeping Speedgoat stuck to all kinds of surfaces. Vibram knows what they’re doing, and the small changes in the midsole only make Hoka Speedgoat 6 better on every surface.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 - Goat Abilities
Back to my initial mention of mountain goats. Goats are amazing climbers, finding grip on the steepest cliffs, and have pioneered hiking trails (along with sheep) in many mountain regions, making it easier for us to run.
And that’s why I think the Hoka Speedgoat 6, now more than ever, lives up to its name. An improved upper, a firmer midsole, increased grip, and weight reduction. All improvements in Hoka Speedgoat 6 point towards being more versatile, more technical, and more stable.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 is now a shoe that truly lives up to its name and is the one true king of the mountain, GOAT!
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