Hoka Speedgoat 7 Review
The Hoka Speedgoat is a trail running shoe designed to perform well across a wide range of terrain and distances, from a short morning run by the river to a 100-mile ultra. The ride is responsive and suits runners who like the feel of a quicker shoe. If you prefer a softer, more cushioned ride for ultra distances, then the Hoka Mafate 5 may be a better option. Hoka have made several updates to the Speedgoat 7. The most noticeable change is that the ride has become slightly softer. The Speedgoat 6 had a firm, responsive midsole that made the shoe feel quite stiff. This limited its versatility because the midsole was not soft enough to absorb rocks or roots on the trail. This is particularly important in a trail running shoe with an oversized midsole, as Hoka shoes have.
In Hoka shoes, the foot sits inside the midsole. This offers a high level of stability and protection but means that, rather than running nimbly and stepping over obstacles, you are more reliant on the midsole absorbing everything except the largest rocks and roots. In the Speedgoat 6, this didn’t happen particularly well, which made the shoe better suited to hard-packed trails. While the Speedgoat 6 did feel faster and more responsive than the previous version, it lacked the versatility needed for more broken terrain.
This has been addressed in the Speedgoat 7. The midsole is now made from a supercritical EVA, which remains relatively firm and responsive compared to the Speedgoat 5 but is absorbent enough to be used on more technical ground. The midsole bends to absorb rocks and roots and also flexes to follow the contours of the trail.
When running in the Speedgoat 7, I found the cushioning comfortable. There is some compression on impact and a bit of bounce or rebound, but the midsole never feels soft or mushy. I still felt able to run quickly in the shoe. Despite this responsive feel, the cushioning noticeably reduced fatigue after a two-and-a-half-hour run. There was no stiffness in my joints afterwards, something I often experience in less cushioned or firmer trail shoes. Those shoes can feel great while running, but the impact often shows itself a few hours later. That wasn’t the case with the Speedgoat 7.
The stack height is a high 40mm in the heel and 35mm in the forefoot, but when standing and running in the shoe it feels much closer to the ground than those numbers suggest. Stability is very good. Like all Hoka shoes, the midsole is rocker-shaped, which helps keep the foot moving once it contacts the ground. This helps maintain a quick cadence and a more upright posture, making you feel lighter on your feet.
The 5mm heel-to-forefoot drop and rocker-shaped midsole also help reduce heel striking. This makes the runner more efficient by reducing the initial impact when the foot touches the ground. It also increases stability on the trail and makes it easier to change direction to avoid obstacles.
Hoka shoes were originally designed to keep runners moving forward while reducing stress on the body, allowing them to enjoy longer runs or ultra races. Although the Speedgoat 7 is designed to be a more responsive and quicker trail shoe than some other Hoka models, it still retains these core characteristics.
The heel cup is firm and holds the foot securely inside the midsole. Padding inside the heel cup and around the collar has been increased slightly and feels softer than on the previous version, improving step-in comfort. The tongue is partially gusseted at the top to reduce movement and help prevent debris from entering the shoe. It is very thin but made from a soft, pliable material that moulds well to the foot. There is also zonal padding across the tongue where the laces are tied, which reduces pressure on the top of the foot.
There is an additional lace hole at the top of the shoe, allowing you to pull the heel in more securely or use a runner’s knot.
The outsole is made from Vibram Megagrip, which provides excellent traction on wet and dry rock. It is so sticky that you can hear it gripping smooth indoor surfaces when walking. On tarmac, the lugs sound a little like football boots, but they remain comfortable underfoot. The lug pattern has been adjusted slightly but still uses 5mm lugs. This lug depth makes the shoe versatile enough for hard-packed trails and short road sections while still offering good traction on softer ground. The lugs are not long enough for cross-country racing, but with good foot lift you can still make steady progress through muddy fields. On firmer tracks and trails, the lugs roll smoothly underfoot.
The toe box has a similar shape and volume to the Speedgoat 6 and still uses the Dynamic Vamp. This is a stretch panel through the centre of the toe box that allows it to expand when feet warm up and swell during longer trail runs or ultra races.
In terms of sizing, Hoka shoes are similar in length to New Balance, Karhu, Inov-8, and La Sportiva. If you usually run in Brooks, Saucony, 361, Topo, or Altra, we would suggest trying half a UK size larger to achieve a similar length. The Speedgoat 7 is also available in wide fit options for both men’s and women’s versions, allowing you to get a more precise fit.
Alternatives to Hoka Speedgoat 7
La Sportiva Prodigio Max: Like the Speedgoat 7 the midsole of the Prodigio Max is quite firm, especially initially. Traction is of a similar level although the ride does feel a little more protective and a bit more of a plodding shoe. Better for long runs than shorter quicker outing. The Speedgoat 7 is more versatile in that it feels nice on both short quick runs and longer jaunts. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/la-sportiva-prodigio-max-review/
Topo MTN Racer 4: A broad rounded toe box allows the feet more room to spread and function inside the shoes. The traction level is similar and the cushioning equally firm and responsive. There is no rocker in the MTN Racer 4 so the ride is more natural as you are relying in you glutes and hamstrings to pick your feet up without the assistance of a rocker. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-mtn-racer-4-review/
New Balance Hierro v9: Available in three width men’s and two width women’s. The lug depth and shape are more suited to firmer tracks and trails and the high cushioning level makes the Hierro feel less nimble. The cushioning isn’t over soft and you can feel the rocker urging you into your next stride. So, despite their oversized look they aren’t just a slow plodding shoe. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/new-balance-fresh-foam-x-hierro-v9-review/
Brooks Cascadia 19: The Nitrogen infused midsole has a bit more bounce. Traction level of similar. I was more aware of the width of the base of the Cascadia than the Speedgoat although they both have wide bases and in both cases your feet sit inside the midsole. Available in two width men’s and two width women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/brooks-cascadia-19-review/
Inov-8 Trailtalon Max: A broad rounded toe box gives the feet the room to spread and function on impact. The midsole is a bit bouncier and more flexible. There is no rocker which allows a much more natural ride. The 6mm lugs give better traction on soft, muddy ground but, don’t ride as smoothly on tarmac. Available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/inov-8-trailtalon-max-review/
Altra Mont Blanc Speed: A broad round toe box allows the feet the room to spread and function. The midsole is firm and responsive which promotes a quicker cadence and has the feel of a quick shoe. The zero drop platform promotes a more midfoot landing which helps to load the feet correctly to allow for more foot function. It also makes the running lighter on their feet. The traction is good on hard packed trails and wet rock but, not as good on soft, muddy ground. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/altra-mont-blanc-speed-review/
Topo Pursuit 2: These have a broad rounded toe box to promote more foot function. Zero drop like the Altra Mont Blanc but, with a softer feel due to a nitrogen infused insole. The outsole pattern is the same as the Topo MTN Racer which is a 5mm lug that bites effectively into soft ground but, rides well on firmer a surface. Offering a similar level of versatility to the Speedgoat 7. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/topo-athletic-pursuit-2-review/
Ronhill Freedom Ultra: A nitrogen infused midsole gives the Freedom Ultra some bounce but, doesn’t take away all of the ground feel. The traction level is good and can be used on some softer trails however, it doesn’t bite into soft ground and has been designed for harder packed tracks and trails. The straight big toe line and sutle rocker gives the Freedom Ultra a nice natural feel to the ride. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/ronhill-freedom-ultra-review/
361 Futura 2: A very soft midsole gives the Futura a nice soft, cushioned ride. The 6mm long lugs bite well into soft ground. Available in two width men’s and women’s. https://www.northernrunner.com/blog/361-futura-2-review/
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