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Over the past 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 couple of 12 months, however then I slipped in to the brand new Hoka Speedgoat 6 for the previous couple of 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 fashions 3,4,5 and now 6. I imply it says quite a bit once 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 at all times, I be aware 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 tons of! So take what appears most dear to you from right here and resolve if it’s a shoe value including to your rotation.
All proper, that’s sufficient chatter, let’s get extra in to this path shoe.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 Overview
After 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 might not be the flashiest or latest tech, however it’s a extremely 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 coated 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 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 average cushion, loads of safety and grip to cowl a wide range of terrain and distances. Nice path race day possibility as nicely.
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 may be a plush cushioned path shoe. The Speedgoat 6 has a very good stable cushion that’s going that will help 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 good as a result of it allowed them to handle key points and but not launch a complete new shoe.
First, I’ll say that in loving the Speedgoat 5 I completely wanted to interchange it sooner than anticipated. I imply path sneakers look beat up fairly rapidly, however these truly seemed beat down.
The higher and midsole each appeared to be breakdown sooner leaving me feeling a bit much less locked in and supported. Keep in mind that when cushion breaks down it truly adjustments your gait, no bueno for staying harm free.
So what modified?
A more moderen model of the compressed EVA midsole foam. Having coated lots of miles in each sneakers, I can’t say that it feels any completely different by way of degree 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 difficulty, whereas nonetheless being gentle and breathable.
And final, however definitely not least they made some adjustments to the lugs. Largely 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 is perhaps one of many largest issues I search for to hit the Colorado mountain trails, I’m fairly completely happy to see they maintained the Vibram megagrip and located methods to boost it.
Specs
As famous, I’ve beloved just about each iteration of the Speedgoat and this one holds true to that as nicely.
Stack peak has not modified from the Speedgoat 5, the shoe has misplaced possibly 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 matches similar to different Hoka highway sneakers. It’s not slender and never huge, it’s good within the center and lengthwise I at all times go together with my commonplace dimension 11.
The brand new higher for some felt just a little snugger than previous variations. I don’t have a excessive arch or huge foot, so this actually didn’t part me, however could possibly be value going up 1/2 dimension 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 toes are rolling over assorted terrain. It’s not overbearing, however a advantage of the shoe that almost all in all probability don’t notice 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 would possibly want just a little stability
- Going to carry up nicely for tremendous lengthy path days with each cushion and safety
- Strong cushion that feels good, however isn’t so mushy it adjustments your foot strike
- Smooth cushion that also permits for velocity
- A shoe that feels steady, however just isn’t a stability shoe
Truthfully, you’ll see novice to superior runners on this mannequin as a result of it actually does verify off so many bins whereas remaining at a very good 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 looks like a quick path shoe, however completely different than a thinner snappier race shoe.
- Some might really feel like the brand new higher is simply too comfortable.
- It’s not a roomy toebox.
- It’s not a luxurious cushion.
All proper, I hope this Hoka Speedgoat 6 overview helped you with making an knowledgeable shoe selection!!
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