HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4
An All-New GOAT
Likes
- Generous cushioning
- Better grip
- More breathable
- Improved fit
- Increased durability
Dislikes
- Pointed toebox
- Slightly narrow
What's New
After a few seasons with little change, the new HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 has received a full makeover with tweaks to almost every part of the shoe. The Vibram Megagrip outsole has a new tread pattern that's designed to increase both grip and durability with the help of textured lugs. The midsole was updated with a lighter EVA foam that balances softness with a responsive ride, and the shoe is finished off with an all-new mesh upper for increased breathability and durability.
The Bottom Line
The HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 4 is a versatile and highly cushioned trail running shoe that delivers both speed and comfort so you can maintain GOAT (greatest of all time) status over any distance. Designed with ultramarathons in mind, it combines soft cushioning, grippy traction, and a responsive ride. Our testers found that the Vibram Megagrip outsole clawed through any terrain they encountered, and the soft cushioning allowed them to bomb over sharp rocks and down steep descents. Despite the shoe's high stack height, the responsive midsole and stable base kept our testers feeling nimble on technical trails, and the new upper provided an improved fit, which allowed for extra toe-splay without sacrificing support. Although the toe box remains on the narrow side, wide-footed runners will appreciate the addition of a more generous width.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Width: Medium | Height: Medium | |
| Midfoot Volume | Men's: Medium to Low | Women's: Low | |
| Heel Width | Men's: Medium to Narrow | Women's: Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium to High |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.8 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.9 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 32 mm (Heel), 28 mm (Forefoot) | 4 mm Heel-Toe Offset | |
| Terrain | Trail | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Our testers found that the modifications made to the EVA midsole produced a soft yet responsive ride. There is a slight sinking-in feeling that provides comfort on even the steepest descents without slowing the runner down.
David: "Despite the loads of cushioning underfoot, the Speedgoat 4 offers a balanced blend of softness without feeling too mushy or too firm."
Liz: "These shoes feel very soft underfoot without feeling too vague on technical trails. They do a great job of keeping my body feeling good on long mileage days."
Ride/Energy Return i
Our testers found that the Speedgoat 4 offered a surprising amount of responsiveness for how soft it felt. Although they didn't describe the cushioning as bouncy, they agreed that the shoe provided a smooth and efficient ride.
Jody: "The Speedgoat 4 has a responsive but soft feel that doesn't weigh you down. It keeps me feeling fast and protected at the same time."
David: "The responsive cushioning, Meta-Rocker design, and grippy traction work together to provide a smooth transition between each stride. This shoe felt responsive and comfortable on flat trails, and thanks to its sticky Vibram Megagrip outsole, it made climbing uphill much easier."
Underfoot Protection i
With 28 mm of stack height under the forefoot, the Speedgoat 4 offers plenty of protection from rocks underfoot as well as the impacts of running long distances. Our testers felt that the cushioning provided a nimble platform while guarding against rugged terrain.
Jody: "This shoe was built for the ultramarathon distance, and there's enough underfoot cushioning to keep me feeling fresh for many miles."
Liz: "There is an amazing amount of underfoot protection in the Speedgoat 4. The cushioning absorbs shock, so I don't feel beat up even after bombing down steep terrain. This shoe lets me run over anything without feeling the sharpness of rocks or debris underfoot."
Underfoot Flexibility i
Despite the Speedgoat 4's high stack height, our testers found that it delivered the feel of a more flexible shoe thanks to its rockered midsole design. They agreed that it provided a smooth ride at any pace.
David: "With the high amount of cushioning underfoot, flexibility is limited, but the rocker design allows for a smooth and natural transition between each stride."
Liz: "Although the Speedgoat 4 doesn't have much flexibility due to its stack height, it still provides a smooth ride that makes it feel more supple than it is."
Upper Feel i
Updated with a more durable and more breathable mesh upper, the Speedgoat 4 boasts a secure fit with the help of 3D-printed overlays. Although our testers agreed that the mesh material had a stiffer feel than the previous version, they found the fit to be more accommodating thanks to the roomier toe box.
Jody: "I found the new upper to be improved over the Speedgoat 3. The shoe felt more breathable and not as rigid. Overall, it was roomier and more adaptable to my foot."
Liz: "I was worried that the upper would be too restrictive for my wide feet, but even in the regular width, the upper did a good job of securing my foot without causing hot spots or discomfort."
Individual Thoughts
The Speedgoat 4 really surprised me. I generally don't like high stack trail running shoes because they make me feel unstable on the steep and rugged terrain that I usually run on, but the Speedgoat 4 did a great job of providing a cushioned platform without making me feel like I was going to twist an ankle on uneven ground. The cushioning was soft and relatively responsive, and it provided amazing protection during long trail runs. I did find that the cushioning softened more and more as I used the shoe. Because of this, I would use the Speedgoat 4 for long trail runs or ultra races. I might also move to the wide width for longer runs where my feet might swell. For efforts where I wanted more nimbleness and speed, I would probably go with a lower stack trail running shoe.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptableOverall, I was pleased with the performance of the Speedgoat 4. I wore it on long runs, short runs, muddy runs, and creek crossings. So far, I have put about 150 miles on these shoes. I found that the midsole was slightly firmer than the Speedgoat EVO, and it feels like a more responsive version of the cushioning that HOKA generally uses. The fit is much improved from the Speedgoat 3, and although the toe box is still somewhat pointed, there is room for my toes to stay flat while running. The upper has increased breathability compared to the Speedgoat 3, and the lugs seem to be very grippy in mud and on wet stones. The shoe will drain after it is submerged, but it does seem to hold onto some water, making it heavy for a few miles.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The Speedgoat 4 crushed my expectations for performance. This shoe's maximal cushioning and Meta-Rocker design combined to provide a smooth footstrike over and over again, even on rocky trails. I felt confident in its grippy Vibram Megagrip outsole, and I trusted it enough to bomb down some steep downhill sections without worrying about slipping.
The upper was very protective against rocks and nasty trails, but it doesn’t offer much in terms of flexibility. I have a slightly wider foot, and the Speedgoat 4 is just a bit narrow for me so I am looking forward to the wide version when it becomes available