Would it be a shocker to anyone if I said I wanted the Hoka Speedgoat 4 for the limited edition color? No? Ok, great, because that is exactly why I got the Hoka One One Speegoat 4. I ran and hiked in the Hoka Speedgoat Midi Shoe but haven’t had anything since. No real reason why other than I gravitated towards other Hoka models, including the Torrent 2 and the Challenger. When the new white Speedgoat 4 came out, I knew it was for me.
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Quick Facts:
Weight: 9 oz
Heel to toe drop: 4 mm
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Intro:
I haven’t run in the Hoka Speedgoat for a while, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. That is a lot of update in shoes. According to Hoka, the Speedgoat 4 has more traction and is more durable. It also has a wider toe box.
Hoka Speedgoat 4 Fit:
Hoka has updated the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 to have a Gore-Tex liner designed to keep feet dry. As someone who runs in the rain and on muddy trails (seriously, why does it rain so much in Norcal?), this is welcomed. The extra Gore-Tex layer does not really affect the fit, and I wasn’t worried that it was too tight.
Hoka has claimed the Speedgoat 4 is wider than previous Speedgoat models. As someone who wears a wide, this is always welcomed. My initial reaction when putting them on were: these feel good, and I can run in them with no problems. The updated mesh in the Speedgoat 4 provides more breathability. I also appreciate everything has gone to 3D print overlays, which means more breathable as well as more midfoot support.
Finally, I also appreciate the tongue in the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4. Some of the newer Hoka models have a paper-thin tongue, but luckily this is not one of them.
Typically I wear a women’s size 10-11 wide in running shoes. Hoka runs longer and wider, so some people find they need to size down. For me, the size 10.5 fits perfectly, and I have no complaints.
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Ride:
One of the most important features in a trail shoe is the traction. What’s the point of a trail shoe if you have zero traction? The outsole of the Hoka Speedgoat 4 has plenty. You don’t need to worry about wet or muddy trails, tree roots, or anything else.
The Speedgoat 4 features 5 mm lugs (which is fairly deep). Only a few shoes, including the Saucony Peregrine 11 ST, offer more. The Vibram Megagrip rubber also offers even more traction.
Enough about the traction; how does it feel running? The Speedgoat 4 feels smooth and plush. If you are looking for a maximally cushioned trail shoe, I suggest it. I find that it’s best for me on days my legs feel like they need more cushion or I am going longer or don’t want to feel the ground. If I’m looking for speed, I gravitate towards Torrent 2.
I also like the Hoka Speedgoat 4 on muddy and technical trails. If I’m doing a lot of climbing or wading through mud, they are ideal.
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Conclusion:
I like the Hoka Speedgoat 4, and I’ve found it to be a great trail shoe. It has more cushion, and my legs do feel fresher on days I run in it. If you are looking for a wider-fitting trail shoe for technical trails, the Speedgoat 4 is a good option.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs Saloman Sonic 3 Balance, Brooks Glycerin 18, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Brooks Ricochet 3, Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v11, Hoka Bondi 7, Asics GlideRide.
Speed Work: Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Speedgoat 4, Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: adidas Adizero Pro, Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you run in the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4?
What is your favorite trail shoe?
I love my Speedgoats. They are the best trail shoe that I have tried, although I am partial to Hokas anyway. Not sure about a white shoe and keeping it clean. At any rate, I second your recommendation!