Seeing the Hoka Speedgoat 2 hit the shelves feels like deja vu. In a year where trail running shoes are getting lighter, more plated, and more niche, Hoka made an unexpected move: they brought back the Speedgoat 2. Yes, that Speedgoat 2. First launched in 2017, the second version of Hoka’s now-legendary trail shoe helped kick off the Speedgoat craze and now, nearly a decade later, it’s back in stores and on trails.
So what makes the rereleased Hoka Speedgoat 2 (2025) special? Did Hoka rerelease the Speedgoat 2 just for nostalgia, or is there something timeless about this shoe that still holds up?
Read this honest review of the Hoka Speedgoat 2.
Quick Facts
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Weight: 8.2 oz
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Stack Height: 32 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot
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Drop: 4 mm
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Price: $160
A Legacy Built on Dirt
The original Speedgoat was groundbreaking in its own right, but the Speedgoat 2 fixed the biggest issue people had with version 1: the fit. Specifically, the toebox was widened and the upper was redesigned to hug the foot better without feeling restrictive. The 2 became a go-to for ultrarunners, mountain runners, and trail athletes alike. There is no mistake that the Hoka Speedgoat 2 put Hoka on the trail running map and who knows if the shoe had not been a hit if Hoka would have risen as fast in the trail running community.
Back then, cushioning that thick was still considered a little weird on trails. Now? It’s the norm. And the Speedgoat 2 helped pave that path.
What’s New in the 2025 Release?
What has changed on the Hoka Speedgoat 2 rerelease? Let’s be clear: this isn’t a modern reinterpretation. The rereleased Hoka Speedgoat 2 2025 is a faithful revival of the original 2017 model. From the neon colorways to the old-school Hoka logo, it’s a stitch-for-stitch throwback. Even the specs haven’t changed.
The only updates? A few new colorways and slightly refined materials to improve durability and style for today’s market. It’s still going to be the same shoe as 2017 and now even feeling a bit out of place with the release of so many options that are lighter, faster, and more durable.
Hoka Speedgoat 2 Fit
The engineered mesh upper returns with its signature secure feel. It’s not as breathable as modern trail shoes, but it still manages to balance comfort and lockdown on long runs. Protective overlays offer some extra structure, especially around the midfoot.
One of the biggest wins for the Speedgoat 2 is how it fits a range of foot shapes. The wider platform (compared to the original Speedgoat 1) helps prevent hot spots, while still providing that secure “trail glove” feel. The best running shoes disapear off your feet and the Hoka Speedgoat 2 does just that. I haven’t had any hot spots and it’s been a great option for the trails.
If you’ve struggled with narrow trail shoes in the past, this is still a solid option even years later. In running shoes I wear between a womens size 10-11 wide and the Hoka Speedgoat 2 size 11 fits the best.
Hoka Speedgoat 2 Ride:
The midsole is where the magic happens and it’s been interesting to run in this compared to modern running shoes. The Speedgoat 2 uses compression-molded EVA foam to deliver Hoka’s classic maximalist cushioning. While it’s not quite as springy or responsive as some of the new foams in models like the Tecton X3 it delivers a consistent and predictable ride especially over long distances. It’s a great long distance effort that you know if going to provide cushion mile after mile.
Where does the Hoka Speedgoat 2 fit into my rotation? Honestly this is a bit funny. It’s a great and predictable trail shoe…think daily trainer but for trails. I know it’s going to feel good at mile 1 or mile 15 (I’m not usually running further than that in the Mojave Desert summer…but I assume mile 100 for you ultrarunners). That being said, when I put the Hoka Speedgoat 2 on my foot and started running I was like wow this feels like a blast from the past. In the era where carbon plated, fast shoes are king, it’s just fun to run in a basic running shoe. I miss the era of basic daily trainers with sufficient cushioning.
Outsole
Even after all these years, the Vibram Megagrip outsole still holds its own. With 5 mm multidirectional lugs, the Speedgoat 2 grips just about everything: dusty fire roads, muddy singletrack, rocky descents, even a bit of snow. I’ve used them up sand dunes and on super sandy/technical trails with no issues. I’m a fan.
In fact, the Speedgoat 2’s outsole is so good that Hoka still uses a version of it in current trail models. There’s no rock plate, but the cushioning is thick enough that you won’t miss it on most terrain.
As far as durability, I predict that the Hoka Speedgoat 2 will last somewhere above 500 miles. It’s definitely one of the more durable options.
Hoka Speedgoat 2 Conclusion:
The Hoka Speedgoat 2 2025 helped define an era in trail running and it’s fun to run in it 7+ years later again.
It might not be your race-day shoe, but it could easily become your everyday trail trainer. It’s durable, grippy, and surprisingly nimble for how much cushioning it delivers. So yes, Hoka did rerelease the Speedgoat 2. And no, it wasn’t just for show and it’s one you don’t want to miss. In fact, it’s nearly sold out online already.
Who Should Buy the Hoka Speedgoat 2
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Runners who loved the original and want a piece of history
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Trail runners looking for cushioned comfort on long efforts
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Athletes who prefer wider platforms and more toe room
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Anyone needing a reliable, all-around trail shoe for training…no you don’t have to be an ultra runner
Who Should Not Buy the Hoka Speedgoat 2
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Runners chasing the lightest or most responsive trail shoes
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Those who need rock plates for extra protection on sharp terrain
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Athletes wanting the latest foams or plated tech
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Degrees Eleos Shoe Review
Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Questions for you:
What is your favorite trail running shoe?
Did you ever try the Hoka Speedgoat 2?