The new Hoka Speedgoat 6 came out earlier this summer, touted by the company as redesigned and built with “an optimal balance of cushioning and traction” for training or racing.
The updated Speedgoat was revealed during The Running Event last November in Texas, with a midsummer intro. It had more cushioning but was lighter, by a smidge, than the 5 and had different fabric on the upper. Best of both worlds? When the new shoe arrived in summer it was welcomed by trail runners who enjoy consistency, reliability and performance.
“HOKA was born on the trails and remains deeply rooted in the authentic essence of trail running. The Speedgoat 6 was meticulously crafted to excel in these rugged environments, offering a seamlessly smooth ride that can conquer myriad elements,” said Colin Ingram, Vice President of Product at HOKA. “We are excited for trail enthusiasts to experience the GOAT, whether on their next trail race, a thru-hike, more technical terrains or even stepping onto the trail for the first time.”
New Cushioning, Lugs
The Speedgoat 6’s new “Ohhhhhh” factor is ultralight CMEVA cushioning in the midsole and more aggressive traction. The Speedgoat’s Vibram Megagrip outsole is equipped with Traction Lug, which delivers aggressive traction on wet and dry surfaces. The 5mm lugs feature a revised orientation, increasing grip and adaptability.
The Speedgoat 6 also features a new lightweight woven upper designed for breathability and durability. A HOKA patent-pending dynamic vamp and internal support chassis offer an accommodating fit to keep your foot stable and secure at a variety of paces. The dual-gusseted tongue and reinforced toe bumper allow for enhanced support and protection.
The shoes weigh 8.2 oz for a women’s size 8 and 9.8 oz for a men’s size 10. They have a 40mm stack height and 5mm drop.
Proven Performance
Years ago when I started doing trail runs, I had zero insights or experience about the whole process. My first trail run was about 4 miles long, with more than 900 feet of elevation drop and then gain, and I was in road sneakers with cotton socks.
Halfway down that first drop and while having a blast, I thought about having to climb. Hmmm, what goes down must go up. Eh, so be it. Made the loop, didn’t fall and I was hooked. But I needed shoes, socks and, I learned eventually, things like hydration and fueling were incredibly important. It’s all a learning process, right?
The first trail shoes I got were good but eventually I ended up with Speedgoats. I think they were the 4s, and I was amazed at the difference between them and my previous shoes. More cushioning. More durability. Less pain in my forefoot (thanks to the cushioning). The laces stayed tied. Damn! Shoes that actually worked!
Since then I’ve tried different brands, of course, and still have some that I wear occasionally. The Brooks Cascadia are solid. While I enjoyed the Arc’teryx Norvan LD, they’re not my gig for some of our more technical trails. Good, but just not for me. Ditto for the Altra Lone Peak, which now is in its seventh iteration. You have to be doing something right if you’re on the sixth or seventh or 18th version of a shoe, given the demands of trail runners.
Solid, As Usual
Hoka sent me a pair of the Speedgoat 6, which I wore for most of the summer on several runs. Among those were at Monte Sano and Blevins Gap, and also on the less-technical hardpack at Red Top State Park in July. That was for the Dirty Spokes Red Top Roaster, a fun summer sizzler. I bought a second pair of the Speedgoat 6, as well.
Due to a continually barky ankle, I wear an Aryse brace during my trail runs. The IFast is flexible enough to allow me to move but has stability during those twisty-tweaky moments. It is thin enough to not be bulky, and with the Speedgoats it isn’t even a consideration. The ample cushion around the top of the cuff doesn’t both me with the brace, and I can lock down the laces if necessary or let them be a bit looser.
As a clydesdale, it’s easy for me to grind the lugs or soles and smash cushioning on the trail or road. Neither has been an issue with the Speedgoat. During muddy or wet conditions, I don’t have any worries about slippin’ or slidin’ on the trail or rocks. Unless, of course, it’s something like Mountain Mist last January, when everyone was on double-waxed skis.
Hoka’s designers must’ve taken peyote or something when it came to choosing colors, because they squeezed all the tubes. The GTX and Mid GTX versions also have interesting shades. New models in low and mid versions will have the Gore-Tex Invisible Fit tech that offers waterproofness and breathability.
The Speedgoat 6 has an MSRP of about $155.
