Hoka Speedgoat 6 trail running shoes

The Hoka Speedgoat 6 trail running shoes is sure to be as popular a running shoe as its predecessor was, as it is a versatile, technical trail running shoe that can take on tough terrain. It’s lightweight, feels good and holds the foot in place, and has extremely good traction thanks to the Vibram Megagrip outsole. Almost every part has been redesigned by Hoka. The upper, which used to be easier to stretch, and the midsole, which wore out faster than average, have been redesigned, making Hoka an even better trail running shoe. The Hoka Speedgoat is now almost 10 years old and has always been one of the most technically sound trail running shoes for difficult terrain. Named after the popular and famous cross-country ultra runner Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, who currently holds more records and no other ultra runner has won more races than Karl.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 upper

The Hoka Speedgoat 6 trail running shoe upper is made from a knitted material that has slightly less breathability than the previous version, but is more durable and doesn’t stretch out after a longer period of time. The upper has a narrow design that keeps the foot well and securely in place, but for those with a wide foot it may be better to go up a size. The tongue is wide and fixed on both sides, with medium cushioning. Because it is wide and fits snugly on the foot, it protects well against debris. The tongue has a short design, so if you also use the lacing hole on the top, the laces can keep the foot in place for longer. The heel collar is well padded tall, stiff, has a pull tab. As the heel collar is stiffer than average, it is advisable to tighten the laces firmly for a secure fit.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 midsole

The midsole of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 trail running shoe is made from the same CMEVA, or Compression Molded Eva, material as the previous version, but it’s a lighter and stiffer foam than before. The CMEVA foam in the previous version has been criticised by many for losing its initial grip and dynamism after 100-150 km of running. Hoka listened to these critics and created a completely new foam for the Speedgoat 6 trail running shoe. The new sole is slightly stiffer, but more durable. It’s tall, with a 40 mm midsole at the heel, has good shock absorption, but despite the high height, it manages to remain stable and resilient. The thicker and harder midsole provides very good protection against sharp rocks and uneven ground. Even though the midsole is harder than before, it remains flexible. All in all, the Speegdgoat 6 midsole remains a versatile, stable midsole with good protection, allowing for faster runs and longer runs, even ultra distances.

Hoka Speedgoat 6 Outsole

The outsole of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 trail running shoe is the same Vibram Megagrip as the previous version, with a slight change in pattern. The rubber spikes are 5mm thick, which provide very good traction, even on wet, rocky ground. The treads have a different orientation to help you turn, run downhill or uphill. The sidewalls of the tire spikes also have tiny rubber spikes, which improves running in deep mud. The outsole is ribbed between the spikes, so no wet mud sticks between the spikes, which means extra weight when running. Vibram’s rubber compound is a harder compound, so it has good wear resistance. The only weakness of the outsole is that there is a depression in the midsole at the heel where mud gets stuck more easily.

Summary

Over all, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 trail running shoe is a versatile, safe, lightweight trail running shoe that you can run longer distances in. Learning from the mistakes of previous versions, Hoka has improved the upper, making it less flared in use and the midsole more durable. Traction is still provided by the Vibram outsole, which grips well on all surfaces. To maintain the Speedgoat’s popularity, Hoka has done its best to make improvements, but in the Speedgoat’s nearly 10-year career, most competitors have also improved a lot, so success is not up to Hoka.