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During the last 10 years of Colorado path operating, one shoe has constantly been in my rotation: the Hoka Speedgoat. Nonetheless, I admit the Challenger knocked it out for a few 12 months, however then I slipped in to the brand new Hoka Speedgoat 6 for the previous few 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 work out what it’s about this shoe that has me reaching for it by fashions 3,4,5 and now 6. I imply it says rather a lot if you like every new iteration as a result of generally they’ll 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 sincere in my evaluations about what works, doesn’t work and naturally I’ve preferences in footwear after 20+ years operating and testing a whole lot! So take what appears most precious to you from right here and determine if it’s a shoe price 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 incorrect with the Hoka Speedgoat. On this latest mannequin they’ve made a few key adjustments to lugs, the midsole foam and the higher.
Nonetheless, the shoe didn’t tackle a brand new really feel underfoot, which is an excellent factor. It is probably not the flashiest or latest tech, however 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 lined gravel, dust, large 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 acquired any little pebbles in my shoe, which I’ve began to note in testing another manufacturers.
This shoe is finest for path runners who’re searching for reasonable cushion, loads of safety and grip to cowl a wide range of terrain and distances. Nice path race day possibility as effectively.
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 a great strong cushion that’s going that can assist you cowl many lengthy runs in consolation, however it’s not plush.
They waited 2 years to launch an replace and I feel that was sensible as a result of it allowed them to handle key points and but not launch an entire new shoe.
First, I’ll say that in loving the Speedgoat 5 I completely wanted to switch it sooner than anticipated. I imply path footwear look beat up fairly shortly, however these truly seemed beat down.
The higher and midsole each gave the impression to be breakdown sooner leaving me feeling a bit much less locked in and supported. Do not forget that when cushion breaks down it truly adjustments your gait, no bueno for staying harm free.
So what modified?
A more recent model of the compressed EVA midsole foam. Having lined plenty of miles in each footwear, I can’t say that it feels any completely 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 difficulty beforehand (I can vouch for that) and the brand new textile woven higher eliminates that difficulty, whereas nonetheless being gentle and breathable.
And final, however definitely not least they made some adjustments to the lugs. Principally alongside the heel facet the place they altered course, as famous by HOKA the “revised lug orientation impressed by the hoof of a goat (what else?)”. Since traction may be one of many largest issues I search for to hit the Colorado mountain trails, I’m fairly completely satisfied 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 effectively.
Stack top 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 suits similar to different Hoka street footwear. It’s not slim and never extensive, it’s excellent within the center and lengthwise I all the time go along with my customary measurement 11.
The brand new higher for some felt slightly snugger than previous variations. I don’t have a excessive arch or extensive foot, so this actually didn’t part me, however could possibly be price 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 prime stays very skinny. No points with it reducing in to the ankle or driving 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 frequent in different footwear. It completely is offering some stability, which for many of us feels actually good when the ft are rolling over various terrain. It’s not overbearing, however a good thing about the shoe that the majority in all probability don’t understand is occurring.
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.
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 slightly stability
- Going to carry up effectively for tremendous lengthy path days with each cushion and safety
- Strong cushion that feels good, however isn’t so tender it adjustments your foot strike
- Smooth cushion that also permits for pace
- A shoe that feels secure, however is just not 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 containers whereas remaining at a great value level.
Who Will Not Just like the Speedgoat 6?
This isn’t the identical because the Tecton X2 path shoe with a carbon plate and designed to fly. It nonetheless appears like a quick path shoe, however completely different than a thinner snappier race shoe.
- Some might really feel like the brand new higher is just too cosy.
- It’s not a roomy toebox.
- It’s not an opulent cushion.
All proper, I hope this Hoka Speedgoat 6 overview helped you with making an knowledgeable shoe selection!!
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