HOKA Speedgoat 6 Review
Published: May 20, 2024
The HOKA Speedgoat 6
Likes
- Reliable underfoot protection
- Top-the-line outsole traction
- Excellent weight-to-stack ratio
Dislikes
- Stiff upper and rigid heel collar
- Midsole may be too firm for some
What's New
The HOKA Speedgoat 6 represents the latest evolution of this do-it-all trail running shoe, incorporating upgrades to improve performance while maintaining its reputation as a protective, stable, and durable trail companion for anything from short, easy jaunts to ultramarathon races.
The Speedgoat 6 features an engineered woven material in the upper, offering a secure fit and exceptional durability with minimal stretch. The newly reinforced midfoot enhances the Speedgoat's inherently stable feel, ensuring a snug, supportive, irritation-free feel throughout your run. Continuing with the theme of stability, HOKA has also introduced an all-new CMEVA foam formulation in the midsole, which is lighter and more resilient than previous versions, and promises improved longevity and protection for any trail run.
We all know that when you see a Vibram rubber outsole, you are in for a ride with unwavering traction, and the Speedgoat 6 will never falter on tough, technical terrain thanks to its high-performing, durable outsole. So if you are seeking a trail running shoe that can keep up with you and all your adventures, look no further than the HOKA Speedgoat 6. Do not be surprised if you get bit by the goat.
The Bottom Line
The HOKA Speedgoat 6 arrives as a highly anticipated addition to the trail running scene, and this Goat is poised to maintain the revered legacy of its predecessors. But does version 6 have the goods to be king of the mountain? Let's see what the RWA Testers thought.
One of the standout upgrades for our team was the Speedgoat 6's refined CMEVA midsole foam compound, which delivers an excellent balance of protection and responsiveness. Furthermore, testers praised the Speedgoat's ability to deliver adaptable protection and consistent comfort across various terrains and distances. One thing is certain: the Speedgoat 6 is still a highly versatile trail shoe that is great for daily training and long trail adventures alike. The upper's newly updated internal chassis was another appreciated update, as it ensured a secure and supportive fit for both our testers and enhanced the already inherently stable Speedgoat. Confidence was always high when our testers had the Speedgoat laced up, regardless of the challenges the trails presented.
The outsole of the Speedgoat 6 has undergone refinement, with a redesigned lug orientation inspired by a goat's hoof for optimal traction and stability. The Vibram rubber outsole excels at delivering tacky traction on diverse surfaces, and it was a highlight of version 6. The outsole will not lack any durability, as testers reported no signs of abnormal outsole wear. The outsole is not the shoe's only feature that is durable, as the new woven mesh upper adds to the Speedgoat's gritty, tough working personality.
Overall, the Speedgoat 6 represents a modest upgrade for the Speedgoat line, offering enhanced protection, stability, and traction for even more versatility on the trails. That said, the Speedgoat did not blow the RW testing team away, and the shoe's stiff midsole and structured upper caused some issues throughout the testing period, leaving room for growth for future iterations of this iconic shoe. Again, its blend of comfort and performance makes it a standout choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile trail companion. Whether tackling technical terrain or logging daily miles, the Speedgoat 6 is poised to deliver a rewarding trail running experience for enthusiasts of all levels.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Stack Height | 5 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Trail |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | May run .5 size long |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Jon: "The upper was more of a hit for me. Like most HOKAs, the midfoot was a bit snug around my foot, though not uncomfortable. The toe box provided an average width fit, but the Speedgoat was slightly long lengthwise. It was not so long to justify sizing down, but just a tad long to be ideal.
My least favourite aspect of the upper was how stiff the heel collar felt against my heel, causing rubbing against my ankle bones that produced discomfort throughout my runs. I must admit that shoes rubbing against my ankle bones is not an uncommon experience for me, so this may not be an issue for other runners who choose to get the Speedgoat 6. In terms of breathability, the shoe performed well. I did feel hotspots underneath the balls of my feet around 10 miles into a long run, but that could have been caused by the socks I was wearing."
Risa: "I had no issues with the Speedgoat 6's upper. It was breathable and easy for me to get a secure lockdown. It is quite structured and stiff, and I would personally prefer a softer upper, like something similar to the Pegasus Trail's. However, I could see the benefits of a more structured upper, especially on more technical trails."
Midsole
Jon: "Upon initial step-in and during my first run, I found the foam surprisingly firm; not harsh, but unquestionably firm. The highlight for me was the level of protection that the midsole offered. The Speedgoat's midsole has a good amount of stack throughout the shoe and despite a few rare moments, I never experienced the harshness of the terrain, even when running on more technical trails with sharp, jagged rocks.
Another positive feature of the midsole is how lightweight the ride felt despite how much foam HOKA has packed in underfoot. I found the shoe surprisingly nimble and had zero hesitation while navigating trails in the Speedgoat 6. Although this shoe does not fit into the "road-to-trail" category, I collected quite a few road miles (I do not like driving to trails) in these shoes. The Speedgoat always performed just fine. It is not the ideal use for the shoe, but it adds to the Speedgoat's level of versatility nonetheless. After 35 miles in the shoe, it still feels firm overall, but it did break in a bit from my initial test run, which has been a more than welcome change."
Risa: "I found the midsole to be on the firmer side. I prefer a softer midsole, more like a softer overall shoe, and because of this, the Speedgoat 6 was not my favourite option for the trails.
I would describe the ride as snappy and bouncy, especially when picking up the pace or bombing downhill. Unfortunately, I had a fit issue and experienced uncomfortable rubbing in the arch, which is not typically an issue I have while testing shoes. I appreciated how protective the Speedgoat 6 was, and l definitely understand why so many trail runners love this shoe, but it was not the best for me and my preferences."
Outsole
Jon: "When you see the words, "Vibram MEGAGRIP" on the outsole of a shoe, you know you are in good hands. Although I only got in 35 miles in the Speedgoat 6, I ran on almost every type of terrain a runner could encounter on the trail. Whether I was running on smooth fire roads, muddy segments, or rocky sections, the grip on these shoes never wavered. The durability has held up throughout testing, as well, but I will need to get more mileage to make a fairer assessment."
Risa: "I think the outsole is the best part of this shoe. It features Vibram rubber, which is the gold standard for outsole compounds at the moment. The Speedgoat always provided me with confidence-inspiring grip, and I felt like I could take the shoes on any trail with the sizeable lugs and consistent ride."
Comparable Shoes
HOKA Speedgoat 6 vs. Nike Terra Kiger 9
Risa: "As someone who identifies as a road runner, I feel more comfortable in the Nike Terra Kiger 9 for trail runs. The Terra Kiger 9 midsole features soft Nike React foam that I always feel at home running in, and it also fits my foot perfectly. Meanwhile, I experienced rubbing issues in the Speedgoat 6 and found its midsole overly firm. The Speedgoat 6 is more protective than the Terra Kiger and better suited for longer, more arduous trail runs. The Speedgoat is a good option for runners looking for a midsole that provides a lot of protection with a firmer, more stable ride."
HOKA Speedgoat 6 vs. Saucony Peregrine 14
Jon: "Another relatively new release that is trail-tested, trail-approved, and boasts high-level versatility, is the Peregrine 14. I really enjoyed testing the Peregrine as it was the perfect shoe for my trail running needs.
To paint a fuller picture, I am a road runner who occasionally hits the trails for easy efforts and fun adventures around 5-8 miles long. Although the Speedgoat has a lot more stack and protection than the Peregrine, it is still relatively lightweight and agile, making for a comfortable ride and underfoot experience on a variety of trails. The amount of protection the Speedgoat offers is superior to the Peregrine, and I suspect it would feel better over longer distances. Typically, that would be a sufficient reason for me to lean towards the Speedgoat over the Peregrine, but in this comparison, the upper was the difference maker.
Despite softening up after a break-in period, the heel collar of the Speedgoat was just too stiff and abrasive for me. On the other hand, the Peregrine 14 has a very comfortable fitting upper that offers a distraction-free (for the most part) fit. As I said before, it could just be that my ankle bones are atypically low, as I do experience similar rubbing in several other shoes. That said, I imagine many runners will enjoy the fit and feel of the Speedgoat."
Risa: "This is another tough comparison, mostly because the Terra Kiger and Peregrine are my two favourite trail shoes! The Peregrine and Speedgoat are more closely related than the Terra Kiger and Speedgoat, as both shoes have a firmer underfoot feel compared to the Terra Kiger. Though, the Peregrine is still softer than the Speedgoat. The Peregrine is also nimbler than the Speedgoat thanks to its lower stack and slightly lower weight. The shoe you prefer will come down to personal preference, especially in terms of midsole firmness."
Individual Thoughts
JonOverall Score: 7.5/10
If there is any one thing we testers want to impart to all the runners out there, then it is that not every shoe is for every runner, and what shoe works best for you, ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Therefore, when I say, "I did not find the Speedgoat to work the best for me," I am not saying that the Speedgoat is an objectively bad shoe. Though for a runner like me, a roadrunner who wants to qualify for the Boston Marathon, the Speedgoat is not the trail shoe for me. The upper was too ill-fitting around my heel, and ultimately, the foam did not feel lively or energetic enough for my taste. I should note that while I found the shoe relatively stiff underfoot, it did not result in any notable discomfort. The Speedgoat's midsole also felt surprisingly snappy when I picked up the pace on the flatter trail segments. Overall, there were some things I really appreciated about the Speedgoat 6 (i.e., protection and traction), but it is not a shoe I plan to incorporate into my shoe rotation as I move forward.
RisaOverall Score: 7.5/10
I will preface this review by saying that I have not run on trails in a while, as I am coming off my LA Marathon training cycle and race, and I have been mostly sticking to the roads these days. However, I do have my trail favourites and unfortunately, the Speedgoat did not quite stack up to the competition.
I had some issues with rubbing around the arch of the foot, making these goats uncomfortable depending on the length of the run. The midsole was also firmer than I typically prefer. While the Speedgoat 6 wasn’t the best fit for me, I can see why so many people like this shoe since it is so protective while being relatively lightweight.
