Shoe Review Stu - Hoka Speedgoat 5
Named after legendary ultramarathoner, Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, the Hoka Speedgoat range has evolved since launching a number of years ago and this version is my favourite version so far. The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is possibly the most popular trail running shoe in New Zealand, if not the world. Standing on the start line of the Tarawera 100km this year, I’d estimate about 40-50% of runners were wearing Speedgoats!
In short, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a max cushion trail tank that bombs over most terrain offering comfort and excellent grip. The shoes are not without their issues though and certainly won’t suit everyone.
Likes
⚡Lightest and fastest Speedgoat to date
🥾Outsole and grip are market leading in terms of versatility
🤗Supreme comfort for long days out on the trail
🏎️Pretend you’re Jim Walmsley shopping for groceries at New World
Dislikes
🔒Lockdown could be better
😞The heel flare lets debris into the shoe
😡Multiple accounts of premature tearing of the upper (not in my experience)
Facts & figures
● Mens listed weight 276g - my 11.5 US weighs 325g Womens listed weight 234g
● I’m on my second pair, testing period is 530km in pair one and 233km in pair two
● Vibram megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs
● Hoka’s own CM EVA midsole compound
● Heel stack height of 33mm and 29mm in the toe for 4mm drop
● No plate
● Good value now as the new model will be due out soon. I paid about $250 for them last year on Running Warehouse. Tons of colour options!
Upper & fit
The upper is made with a stretchy mesh that was designed to be more breathable and
durable than previous models. I’d agree that this is the case - the shoe does breathe well andalso drains quickly. Version 4 had lots of overlays, where as the Speedgoat 5 is more flexible. There is also a flared heel - this is a feature that has become popular with road running shoes. I’m not convinced this makes sense on the trail as it tends to let debris in when the weather conditions are sloppy.
Generally the Speedgoat series has always been more on the snug side in the toe box for me and this continues with version 5 but the flexible mesh does help counter this. I’ve had both the regular version and the wide, and on reflection think moving to the wide was a mistake because the lockdown for me isn’t as secure. This would probably be my main complaint for the shoe.
Hoka has had durability issues in the past with their uppers ripping along the side of the toe box. I’ve not had this issue in the Speedgoat 5, but two friends I run with regularly have experienced this so it’s certainly worth pointing out.
Overall, the lockdown for me is the key disappointment. I think the flared heel is partly to blame, as well as the mesh upper being a little too stretchy. In my experience, the lockdown is good enough for most of the runs I would use the Speedgoat for, but it lets me down when the conditions are wet or muddy. That’s when I notice my foot sliding around more than I’d like it to.
Midsole & Ride
This is my favourite upgrade component of the Speedgoat 5 in comparison to the last model. The midsole is slightly firmer, more responsive and feels quicker than any other Speedgoat I’ve tried. Furthermore the shoes are lighter than their predecessors and this adds to the quicker feeling.
Hoka uses what they call CM EVA - basically a big slab of foam that provides tons of protection while still allowing you the responsiveness to pick up the pace. With both pairs I have run in, I’ve found the foam does soften up underfoot after about 200km. Some might like it better here, but for me the shoes are at their best when fresher - I do tend to prefer a firmer ride though.
Overall, the midsole is a great upgrade and I think it brings the Speedgoat more into the ultra-racing category than any previous model (other than the discontinued EVO) because they feel pretty good at faster paces, while still providing that all day comfort many ultra and trail runners desire. The Speedgoat 5 doesn’t quite tick the race day box for me personally - I prefer something a little lower to the ground when I’m attempting to shuffle faster than normal.
Outsole & Grip
After 230KM
Vibram megagrip - it sets the standard for trail shoes at the moment and that’s what you’ve got underfoot here. I think the Speedgoat outsole is my favourite of any shoe I’ve tried. The lugs are deeper than the standard 3-3.5mm that many brands opt for and the grip on wet surfaces of the rubber is fantastic.
I don’t find the lugs to be an issue for a bit of smoother trail or road either. Genuinely awesome outsole and very durable too - the picture above might not be the best but both that pair and the previous ones with 530km have barely worn.
Summary & Best use
I always like to have a pair of max cushion shoes (usually Speedgoats) to turn to if I’m feeling like I want a bit more protection underfoot. The Hoka Speedgoat 5 are certainly the best version of the Speedgoats so far in my opinion with a smoother, faster ride when picking up the pace while still holding onto that max cushion feel that gets so many of the worlds best runners through long ultra races.
I’ve tended to use the Speedgoat 5s for longer runs. They excelled for me on the West Highland Way (Scotland) over 5 days where we covered 160km on a range of terrain.
Where the Speedgoat 5 has let me down is when the conditions get sloppy, the lockdown and ride of the shoe has followed suit. The heel flare design doesn’t make sense on the trails as it just lets muck in and stops the lockdown being as dialled in as it could be. The only other issue to be wary of is that other runners have had durability problems - I’ve not encountered this but the issue is widespread enough that I have to point it out.
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is still an improvement over the previous version and continues to set the bar for max cushioned trail shoes in the ultra and trail running world. That being said, there is a heck of a lot of competition in the max cushion category now and brands like Salomon, Brooks, Saucony and even Hoka themselves have similar style shoes that are worth considering alongside the Speedgoat, but for now the Speedgoat remains the GOAT in the max cushion category.
One more thing to add is that higher stack shoes tend to make me a sloppier runner. I feel way more efficient in lower or mid-stacked shoes. Just because you’re running longer does not mean you need more cushion. Have a real think about what suits you best!