It feels like we’ve been waiting for the Hoka Speedgoat 5 forever. That isn’t true, but it feels that way. The Speedgoat 5 came out in March, but I haven’t been running as many trails as usual, so it took me a long time to commit to a new trail shoe. I like the Speedgoat but buying shoes gets expensive and I didn’t need any new shoes. Unlike other Hoka trail shoes, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 has more cushion and traction.
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Quick Facts:
Weight: 10 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 4 mm
Price: $155
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Introduction:
I’ve used almost every version of the Speedgoat. The updated Hoka Speedgoat 5 has a new upper and different midsole, and the traction has been updated on the outsole. Is it better? We will see. If you’re new to the Speedgoat, it’s a trail shoe with a ton of cushion that can handle almost any terrain. The longer you go, the better it goes. It’s also a great beginner trail shoe because it’s a “jack of trades” trail shoe and handle most things.
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Fit:
The most significant update to the Speedgoat 5 is in the upper. It has a much stretchier fabric with a more minor overlay. Like many running shoes, it uses engineered mesh. Previous versions of the Speedgoat had a ton of seams and overlays. Thankfully Hoka has gotten rid of most of those. Running shoes don’t need a lot of extra stuff on the upper. First, it can rub and annoy the feet. Second, it doesn’t breathe well. All of the rubbery overlay from previous versions of the Hoka Speedgoat is gone. Yay thank you Hoka.
I firmly believe the best running shoe uppers disappear off your feet, and for once, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 does just that. The tongue and heel are slightly padded to provide cushion and stay comfortable.
In running shoes, I wear between a size 10-11 wide. The Speedgoat 5, in size 10.5, fits well and I also wear a size 10.5 in most Hoka shoes. The toebox feels more narrow than previous versions, and so if you have a wider foot, you might want to come up with a half size.
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Ride:
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 uses the Vibram Megagrip outsole, similar to the previous versions. Even the lug pattern is the same with forward-facing lugs for more traction going uphill. You’ve got a few backward lugs that can be used for traction when braking. I believe the Hoka Speedgoat 5 has some of the best traction for any trail shoe. I’ve run in several spots, including sand, mud, and wet terrain, and it always performs well.
There is no rock plate in the Hoka Speedgoat 5, so you rely on the thick midsole to absorb shock and prevent any rocks from coming through the shoe. For the most part, it works, and you don’t have to worry about that. I haven’t ever had an issue with a rock coming through the Speedgoat 5, and I’ve run several rocky and technical trails.
The draw of the Speedgoat 5 is that it works for most types of trails. It doesn’t matter if it’s smooth, rocky, technical, wet, or a combination; the Speedgoat is an excellent option.
The update in the midsole is easy to spot. It just “looks different.” But as far as the ride, the midsole of the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is much softer.
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a slightly more bulky trail shoe than I prefer. I think it’s a great option if you’re doing 20 or even 30 miles on the trails. (I know some of you’ll crazies do more) but I’m usually going up to 12 and don’t need that much cushion. The Speedgoat 5 would be my first pick if I were running an ultra marathon but the thought of that (even living close to Western States) is not for me. That being said, it’s definitely fine for shorter trail runs too. It can handle any trail and is one of the best trail shoes when you don’t know what the conditions will be like.
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Conclusion:
If you’ve used the Speedgoat before, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 isn’t going to feel too different. The midsole is softer, and the upper fits slightly differently. If you have. a wider foot, I do recommend going up a half size. Regarding rides, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 performs well on almost any trail. Really I haven’t found a trail it doesn’t perform well on. It’s a great option if you have no idea what kind of trail shoe you’re running on or if you’re looking for an opportunity that can handle several types of trails.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: New Balance 1080v12, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Saucony Triumph 19, Brooks Launch 9,
Speed Work: Brooks Hyperion Elite 3, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Reebok Floatride Energy X
Long Runs: Saucony Freedom 4, Hoka Clifton Edge,
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Speedgoat 5, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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