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During the last 10 years of Colorado path working, one shoe has persistently been in my rotation: the Hoka Speedgoat. Nonetheless, I admit the Challenger knocked it out for a few yr, 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 via fashions 3,4,5 and now 6. I imply it says loads while 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 all the time, I be aware that I’m tremendous sincere in my evaluations about what works, doesn’t work and naturally I’ve preferences in footwear after 20+ years working and testing tons of! So take what appears most respected to you from right here and resolve 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 Evaluation
After I’m able to hit the paths with confidence I do know I can’t go fallacious with the Hoka Speedgoat. On this latest mannequin they’ve made a few key modifications 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, however it’s a extremely darn dependable shoe.
Ending my current 11 mile path run, my first thought was how good my legs felt. Sure due to the footwear and my second was that I’d lined gravel, grime, huge vert, slick rock and extra with out as soon as worrying about if the shoe had sufficient traction.
It all the time 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 greatest for path runners who’re searching for reasonable cushion, loads of safety and grip to cowl quite a lot of terrain and distances. Nice path race day choice as nicely.
Whereas some would name this a closely cushioned path shoe, I simply can’t after working throughout New Zealand within the Hoka Challenger 7. Now, that may be a plush cushioned path shoe. The Speedgoat 6 has a very good strong 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 believe that was good 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 quicker than anticipated. I imply path footwear look beat up fairly rapidly, however these truly seemed beat down.
The higher and midsole each appeared to be breakdown quicker leaving me feeling a bit much less locked in and supported. Do not forget that when cushion breaks down it truly modifications your gait, no bueno for staying damage free.
So what modified?
A more recent model of the compressed EVA midsole foam. Having lined lots of miles in each footwear, 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 subject, whereas nonetheless being mild and breathable.
And final, however actually not least they made some modifications to the lugs. Principally alongside the heel aspect the place they altered path, as famous by HOKA the “revised lug orientation impressed by the hoof of a goat (what else?)”. Since traction could be one of many largest issues I search for to hit the Colorado mountain trails, I’m fairly joyful to see they maintained the Vibram megagrip and located methods to boost it.
Specs
As famous, I’ve liked 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 might need seen marketed!
Speedgoat Match
I’d say the Speedgoat suits similar to different Hoka street footwear. It’s not slim and never extensive, it’s good within the center and lengthwise I all the time go together with my commonplace measurement 11.
The brand new higher for some felt a bit snugger than previous variations. I don’t have a excessive arch or extensive foot, so this actually didn’t section me, however might 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 high stays very skinny. No points with it slicing 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 after I put them on which is frequent in different footwear. 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 the majority in all probability 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.
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 a bit 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 comfortable it modifications your foot strike
- Delicate cushion that also permits for velocity
- A shoe that feels secure, however will not be 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 containers 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 appears 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 an opulent cushion.
All proper, I hope this Hoka Speedgoat 6 overview helped you with making an knowledgeable shoe selection!!
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