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During the last 10 years of Colorado path operating, one shoe has persistently 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 making an attempt to essentially work out 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 rather a lot once you like every new iteration as a result of typically 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 at all times, I observe that I’m tremendous sincere in my evaluations about what works, doesn’t work and naturally I’ve preferences in sneakers after 20+ years operating and testing lots of! 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 unsuitable 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 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 sneakers and my second was that I’d lined gravel, grime, massive vert, slick rock and extra with out as soon as worrying about if the shoe had sufficient traction.
It at all times did. And I by no means obtained 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 in search of average cushion, loads of safety and grip to cowl quite a lot 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 very good strong cushion that’s going that can assist you cowl many lengthy runs in consolation, nevertheless 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 exchange it sooner than anticipated. I imply path sneakers look beat up fairly rapidly, however these truly regarded 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 quite a lot of miles in each sneakers, I can’t say that it feels any completely different by way of stage of cushion, however I did really feel just like the help 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 subject, whereas nonetheless being gentle and breathable.
And final, however actually not least they made some adjustments to the lugs. Largely alongside the heel aspect the place they altered course, 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 blissful to see they maintained the Vibram megagrip and located methods to reinforce it.
Specs
As famous, I’ve cherished 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 expertise 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 highway sneakers. It’s not slim and never extensive, it’s good within the center and lengthwise I at all times go along with my commonplace 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 section me, however may very well 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 chopping 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 once I put them on which is widespread in different sneakers. It completely is offering some stability, which for many of us feels actually good when the ft are rolling over different terrain. It’s not overbearing, however a advantage of the shoe that the majority most likely 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 look like I’m biased in the direction of Hoka, nevertheless it’s actually their path sneakers which have gained me over. I nonetheless can’t do the Rocket, 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 as a consequence of bouncy foam and a carbon plate, the Speedgoat simply feels gentle on the ft. You might have nice floor contact with out my ft getting fatigued from lack of cushion.
The traction has at all times been a winner for me, as somebody who will get nervous on steep downhills! And total the shoe has at all times really feel like my foot each because the room it wants and but isn’t sliding round.
Related Footwear to the Speedgoat 6
That is at all times an attention-grabbing trick for me to attempt to discover the sneakers which are closest…as a result of every model is completely 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 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 comfortable it adjustments your foot strike
- Gentle cushion that also permits for velocity
- A shoe that feels steady, however isn’t a stability shoe
Actually, you’ll see novice to superior runners on this mannequin as a result of it actually does examine off so many bins whereas remaining at a very good 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 seems like a quick path shoe, however completely different than a thinner snappier race shoe.
- Some could really feel like the brand new higher is just too comfortable.
- It’s not a roomy toebox.
- It’s not an opulent cushion.
All proper, I hope this Hoka Speedgoat 6 evaluation helped you with making an knowledgeable shoe selection!!
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