HOKA Speedgoat 5 || REVIEW

[@Lloyd364]

No matter how much I tighten the shoe still never locked down. Plus I’ve noticed after about 250miles they feel somewhat stale/flat.

[@Davercrooks]

That’s what I found and why they were returned. So many good things, but when they don’t work, they don’t work. Thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for watching. 👍

[@Curbietann]

After watching tons of reviews from the bigger youtubers, yours was a breath of fresh air. I recall watching another reviewer whom liked their speedgoat 4 over the 5s due to the issues you have mentioned. Could be a good option to look at since you mentioned you wished you had the base of this shoe in a body of a similar shoe without the issues you pointed out.

[@Davercrooks]

Thanks for the kind words. Yes, the 4’s are an option but they have not been on sale here at all. Thanks for watching!

[@parkerliang]

Speedgoat 4 is better after 100km on my speedgoat 5.

[@lewis5076]

Loved these shoes initially and I still like them up to the 15 mile mark but anything more my toes seem to start going numb and my foot strike starts to become cumbersome. I’ve got narrow to regular size feet and have never had a problem with the other speedgoat versions which also felt more stable.

[@Davercrooks]

Numb toes after a relatively ‘short’ run (considering they are made for ultra trail runs) is not good. I wish I could get my hands on a SG4 to try. So many people loved them. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Appreciate the support!

[@lewis5076]

@@Davercrooks sg4 were certainly more stable

[@chrisl3856]

So nice to hear a review that isn’t following the trend of every other. I got mine the day they were released. The fit was a no go from the start. I ran miles in three pairs of Speedgoat 4. Felt these were MORE tapered in the toebox. Now in the 4s stretching out was a good thing. These? Even in my house I could tell they were going to stretch and be difficult to lock down in technical terrain. A no go and they went back.

[@Davercrooks]

Thank you. I am in the process of trying to take them back as well. I heard great things about the 4’s and even better things about the 3’s. I would love to be an insider and see why they change up the design, especially with old models that have almost a cult following. IMO they need to listen to people other than the sponsored athletes and get real feedback. Thanks for watching. I appreciate the support and I will ALWAYS give an honest opinion - based on how they work for me. Cheers, Dave

[@alvaropacheco5891]

Good Review. The Ginger Runner reports the same problem of the lose adjust of the upper!

[@Davercrooks]

Thank you. Yes, many reviewers and viewers are reporting the same thing. Thank you for taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate it. Cheers, dave

[@alvaropacheco5891]

@@Davercrooks HELLO DAVE! I will tell you my opinion after having bought them and driving about 50 km with them. I did a trick and is that I bought half a number less and then the upper is tighter but I was lucky that they weren't too small for me and they don’t hurt the tips of my fingers. On the other hand, if you pay attention, you can put a thicker insole on it since the one it comes with is very thin, that will help you to better adjust the upper, although it is also true that I have a wide foot. With these modifications I can say that these are the best trail shoes that I have ever had. Thnxs 4 your channel!!!

[@Davercrooks]

That’s a great tip. Thanks for sharing this.

[@SamoRovanPhotographer]

I had SG3 - 2 pairs (1070 km and 820 km), with both of them my heel broke off around 500 km. I have 3 pairs of SG4 (2 have about 750km, one is still in use), here my heel did break but it did not fall off. For the SG5, which has only 64km, on quite different terrains, I can say for now that I like it the most so far. The most comfortable, and the most accurate. They also solved the issue with the braking heel. After several runs, the upper mesh no longer expands, so I have no problem with that. It probably all depends on the foot. Nothing is pressing on my ankle either. However, it is true that I have custom-made sneaker inserts, which probably raises the sole a bit. The only thing I've noticed compared to previous models is that the sole has a slightly elongated heel, which has been hooked to the root several times during descents, which took my leg off. In 20 days I am going to 50k ultra so I will get more info there on how they are behaving. We’ll see what happens to the toenails. :-)

[@Davercrooks]

Now that’s some great information about the previous model’s and more than enough mileage on each to give great feedback. I am glad to hear the 5’s are working well for you so far. Yes, I would love to hear how the 50k goes for you (and the shoes). Thanks for the great comment! Cheers, dave

[@markosajn5776]

99% of this review is spot on with my experience of using SG5. Only difference is that collar rubbing your ankle bone. I don't have that problem and man i like to run in them. Specially long runs on not so technical terrain. Great straightforward review. Thumbs up

[@Davercrooks]

Thanks so much. I wish they had worked for me.

[@ScottJMayer]

I sent them back after two runs. I love the 4s, these didn’t even feel like speedgoats to me. The tongue, upper and lacing are a major step back. You should get the 4s and give them a go. They’re incredible

[@Davercrooks]

Thanks for the input. I am hoping the 4’s go on sale here because right now they are still full price. For a 2 year old shoe, that shouldn’t be the case. Thanks for watching! Cheers, Dave

[@jeffspicoli2643]

I've had 2 pair of the speedgoat 4. I started running way farther and more often because of the shoe. I'm gonna pass on the SG 5.

[@john.maynard]

100% agree w you about the heel collar. I’ve had both SG3 and SG4, and they never gave me any problems around the ankles. But, after 3 runs and 50 miles, I’m still feeling it. Might be sending these back, unfortunately. Because otherwise they are great.

[@Davercrooks]

The more people commenting on this leads me to believe it’s not just a ‘me’ issue which is a little reassuring. And the more that tell me the 3’s and the 4’s were that good is frustrating. This is a perfect case of ‘if it’s not broke, don’t fix it’. Thanks for taking the time to watch and commenting. Hopefully you are able to send them back. Cheers, dave

[@john.maynard]

@@Davercrooks I will say, there are aspects to the SG5 that are better - for sure. To me, they just introduced a problem that they never had before.

[@Davercrooks]

Solve one issue, create another. Seems to me that makes sense 😂

[@Mookiethedog]

Yo Dave....great review. Just yesterday I ordered a pair of 10.5's from MEC using a gift certificate. I watched all the positive reviews before and just came across yours just now. My foot is flat and wide so hope I won't get a lot of movement but that ankle bit sounds a little annoying for sure. Like you, these will be my first Hoka shoe. I guess we should keep in touch for shoe swaps my fellow 10.5! Haha! Peace...and subbed!

[@Davercrooks]

Thank you so much. Good luck with them. I have a pair of Clifton 9’s right now and I will be putting up a review very soon. They fit me perfectly so it’s not that I am ‘against’ Hoka. Some shoes just don’t work.

[@getoutsidenow420]

Have you tried the north face vectiv enduris? Ordered some, annoyed i didnt get the slightly different model with kevlar mesh, i alwahs tear fabric, probably wasted 90 bucks

[@Davercrooks]

No I have not tried them. That’s not good when you order a pair of shoes and they literally fall apart too soon. Good luck finding a pair that works and is durable. A rare occurrence apparently…. Thanks for watching.

[@grantwallace1882]

I was really excited to run in my Speedgoat 4s (Limited Edition), but my Speedgoat 5s concern me. They look great, but the lockdown is sketchy.

[@Davercrooks]

I could not get them locked down for the life of me. Everything else (aside from the heel collar riding too high for me) was amazing. Too bad. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment. Cheers!

[@cerrone8905]

I have the same issue with my feet sliding around. I have had to stop and retighten the laces several times to help with this but it’s still an issue. Like you I have never worn Hokas before but find them super comfortable. I am training for my first ultra. I am actually going to try the speedgoat 4s which have a different upper to see if this remedies the problem. Otherwise I love them but I worry about getting blisters with the friction from my feet sliding around

[@Davercrooks]

By the sounds of it, you and I are not alone. From what I have seen, the 4’s were not the best of the bunch but the 3’s. Unfortunately I can’t find one to try. I am going to try the Peregrine 12’s next because, like you, I am training for another Ultra but need shoes that work. Thanks for taking the time to comment and watch. Good luck with the 4’s. Let me know how they work out for you. Cheers, Dave

[@steveedwards7111]

Totally agree with your review. Had a pair of these 5's for a couple of weeks with the aim of using them for a 100k ultra. I've used Hokas for about 6 years and these are probably the 15th pair I've brought. I've always found Hoka to be comfortable straight from the box, so was surprised with the unusual high heel cuff. The insoles are so thin, I replaced them with sorbothane double strikes which instantly remedied the heel rub. Although the sloppy forefoot still remains. I think I will use my Mafate's which are a much better fit but nowhere near as plush a ride.

[@Davercrooks]

Thanks for your feedback. I was thinking of replacing the insoles as well but I agree that the forefoot is too sloppy. Thanks for watching and your support. Cheers!

[@seanwise7464]

Mine also hit ankle bone just slightly only on the one right at first, but then it magically stopped after first two runs, just before i planned on trimming it with a razor. Maybe a break in issue, but this version is cut differently around the ankle than the previous models. Had to crank laces all the way due to the upper material, but once dialed in these are great for me, I have been preferring them over the 4’s.

[@Davercrooks]

Glad you found a fix for the little issue. I tried and tried, but the foot movement along with the rubbing on the ankles did it for me. Other than that, they were so nice to fun in (even though it was very little overall). Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Cheers!

[@parkerliang]

Finally, a KZbinr that has the same problem as me. I had run over 100km with these pair of shoes. The collar on the speed goat 5 really digs into my ankle as I bomb down hill. A problem that I never have in the speed goat 4s. Also the mesh upper makes it easier for water or dirt to get absorbed.

[@Davercrooks]

Thanks for the feedback Parker. Yes, because I pay for all the gear myself, I can give my 100% complete honest feedback. No sense telling people half truths and it’s great to hear other people are having the same issue. Too bad though, the rest of the shoe was fantastic. Thanks for watching. Cheers, dave

[@HenrikForsberg]

I think the Salomon Ultra Glide could be a shoe you'd like, they are often compared to Speed Goats in cushioning and grip. I love my pair.

[@Davercrooks]

That is one I am considering. I have heard great things about them as they have great grip, fit like Salomon’s (which I like) and have more cushioning (and softer). I wanted to try another brand, but might go back to either Salomon or Saucony. Thanks for the info and thanks for watching. Cheers!

[@Davercrooks]

Ultra Glide’s purchased and initial review dropping on the channel tomorrow morning. In short, they are FANTASTIC! Thanks for the input Henrik!

[@bikeinmotion]

@@Davercrooks I have both tough I haven't run in the sg5 yet and only twice in the salomon ultra glide. But I have >1500km in EVO speedgoats. I just did a quick fit comparsion and am kinda surprised you have a problem with the ankle because the Salomon definately go higher?

[@rschreck876]

I’ve seen a lot of reviews saying that the Ultra Glide’s midsole isn’t that great. They are like a 250 mile shoe.

[@Davercrooks]

@@rschreck876 I’ve heard some reviews about that as well. So far I really do like the feel of them. Let’s see how long they last.

[@deepdhawle3590]

Hi! Have you tried the Speedgoat 6? I have wide feet ( I think!) so I ordered in Wide. I don't really do a lot of trail running but love hiking Look forward to your comments! Thanks

[@Davercrooks]

@@deepdhawle3590 hi back! No I have not. From what I have seen, they don’t look promising but that all depends on the user. I might have to pick them up, but since I just got a few pair of other trail shoes in the last month or so, I might be holding off (or getting a divorce 😜).

[@zheyeah4902]

Thanks for your review, it helps me to consider buying speedgoat5.

[@Davercrooks]

Glad I could help and thanks for watching.

[@olivierzozo]

Hi, maybe you should have swapped the insole by a thicker one so that your foot would be higher in the shoe, hoping it will solve your lack of guiding and anckle bone contact. Next time then !

[@Davercrooks]

That might have worked but I prefer a shoe that fits without any modifications needed. Thanks for watching.

[@RHR147]

Finally i found review is usefull i would like your opinion about the 4 or the mafate

[@Davercrooks]

Thank you. I have not tried the 4 but have heard many good things about it. I can’t find my size anymore, and if I could, they are still charging full price for it which is a shame. Same goes for the Mafate. Thanks for watching though.

[@BroccLeeAV]

I took them for their first run up the crazy technical trail Speedgood trail up Sugarloaf and I had to retie my laces like 3 times from coming loose. Love the shoes but not super locked in.

[@Davercrooks]

So many people are saying the same thing. I wonder if Hoka Would ever listen to the average person? Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Cheers, Dave

[@BroccLeeAV]

@@Davercrooks I'm going to look to see if new laces will do the trick. I kinda overtighten them and they eventually feel normal after they loosen up a bit more lol

[@Davercrooks]

That might work. Let us all know if it does.

[@kobusduplooy8039]

Hi Dave you can send them to me in South Africa currently training for my first Ultra trail . Yes started this year and i would love to do the 100km Sky-Run in 2024. Started running at the age of 55 and i would love to tick the bucket with a 100km before im 60. Problem with the exchange rate to the Pound and Dollar is very high running shoes in SA are R3000-00 for a good pair. What shoe do you recommend ? THX great channel

[@Davercrooks]

Sorry I returned them to Hoka. I don’t really recommend anything specifically. The shoe has to fit your foot. From there, then look for comfort and, depending on the terrain, the outsole and other factors. Good luck with your training and enjoy the journey. Thanks for watching.

[@mokefish8126]

Absolutely loved these shoes out of the box, but had the exact problem with my lateral ankle on my first long run in the mountains. Relegated to lawn mowing shoes unfortunately.

[@Davercrooks]

It’s quite amazing the number of people having the same problem. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Cheers!

[@rschreck876]

Man I’ve only had mine for less than 20 miles and the upper has stretched so much I have nowhere to go with the laces. Can’t get a good lockdown and the tongue keeps moving to the side. And I don’t have particularly narrow feet. Really disappointed with them.

[@Davercrooks]

You are not the first to mention this other than me. If it wasn’t for the upper, they would be awesome. Unfortunately, the upper is a major part of the shoe. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers, Dave

[@76yacumo]

great review Dave!

[@Davercrooks]

Thank you @running ram! Appreciate the support and thanks for watching. Cheers.

[@DirtRiderLife]

My brand new SG5 smell bad, like someone has run a marathon in them already, is this typical?

[@Davercrooks]

I would say that’s not typical. That seems a little off. Did you end up getting them directly from Hoka or a running shoe store? Maybe they were used and returned? If that’s the case, that should not be common practice or acceptable practice. Thanks for taking the time to comment though.

[@trishthorne9044]

I had the sg4. Ended up wearing a pad across my ankle bones as they rubbed so much, and the uppers cracked and developed holes, after 500km. The tongue was so thin and I had to lace them so tight or my foot moved around. After your review of the 5 I won’t be buying that either! I do have the Hoka mafate 2, and I have no problems at all except for a bit of foot movement - I also have to buy a mens 10.5 which means a bit bigger in the ankle than a woman’s shoe which may account for the foot movement. The perils of big feet.

[@Davercrooks]

Thanks for the great information. Shoes should fit basically right out of the box without any modifications necessary. If they don’t fit your foot, don’t wear them is my motto. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Appreciate the support! Cheers Trish.

[@trishthorne9044]

Thanks Dave - new subscriber here!

[@Davercrooks]

@@trishthorne9044 thanks for the support Trish!

[@alexanderfessler7491]

Great review and I totally agree! I probably owned more than 10 pairs of the Speedgoat. Best model for me is the Speedgoat 3. The Speedgoat 4 is still a good shoe. But in my opinion they totally messed up the Speedgoat 5 with that flexible material in the front. Had the same issues with the Speedgoat Evo and the Mafate Evo. 🤷‍♀️

[@Davercrooks]

Thank you for the kind words and your feedback. This is the first video I’ve had where a lot of people are making comments on a product that I reviewed which is awesome. I ended up sending mine back and picked up the Solomon ultra glide. My initial review will go up shortly. Yes, I agree with the Speedgoat 3’s From what many people have said. Thanks again for taking the time to watch and comment. I appreciate the support. Cheers, Dave

[@mortennielsen1093]

Nice honest review. Have you Tried another lacing with a Heel lock, that works for me. Otherwise, please send Them to me in Denmark.

[@Davercrooks]

Thank you. Yes, I have tried the heel lock. I ended up sending them back to Hoka fortunately. Thanks for watching.

[@DaviCupra]

Great review! I was going to buy these new Speedgoat 5, but the upper and one or two other issues changed my mind for what i have been seeing in many KZbin videos. Yes i'm sure the midsole and the grip are great, but i changed my mind and bought the Salomon Ultra Glide, cheers.

[@Davercrooks]

Thank you very much. Yes, it is unfortunate that shoe companies change things up too much sometimes and they turn a very good shoe into something that doesn’t work for a lot of people. Thanks for watching. I appreciate the support. Cheers, Dave

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

Thank you. To each his own but I really don’t get the Speedgoat line. The foot shape is oddly narrow., the ride underwhelming. The quality is questionable; ripped an eyelet after less than 30 miles. I like other shoes in the Hoka line, including the brilliant Tecton X. To me there are so many better options for longer ultras, including the Tecton X and X2; the Norda 001; the Craft CTM Ultra Carbon; and the Speedland GS:TAM.

[@Davercrooks]

Yes I was not happy with mine either. Many people love them, but not this runner. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@Ecoroof1986]

Great honest review. I'm just in the process of putting together a vid after a 16 mile run in them straight out of the box. You beat me to it with several of your comments. I also struggled to get the lacing right and for some reason especially on the left foot 🤷🏻‍♂️. I think the tongue is to short compared to the Speedgoat Evo's and 4's. I didn't get a problem with the ankle section though. The Peregrine 12's are brilliant although a completely different shoe to the Hoka. I posted a short vid on the 12's. I loved the 10's wasn't a fan of the 11's but love the 12's 😀

[@Davercrooks]

Thank you. No sense sugar coating, especially when one is spending their own $$ on something. By the sounds of it, we are not the only ones struggling with the fit. I’ll have to take a look at the 12 vid. I just ordered a pair of the new Arc’teryx Norvan LD3 shoes. Let’s see how they are.

[@fjskj6529]

Oooof, I have these on order and I think I know what you're talking about in terms of your feet moving too much around (the worst Ive experienced are the Nike React Infinity. Absolutely dont have a clue how people run on those) I have yet to receive them but if they indeed have a very flexy upper, think Ill be keeping the Saucony Peregrine 12s. Too bad, everything else sounded very promising.

[@Davercrooks]

From what I have heard, the 12’s are a solid choice. Less stack height, etc, but overall a v good shoe. Thanks for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Good luck with your P12’s.

[@MidnightSky69]

I tried these on the other day at a store and yes, it is comfy, but my heel felt weird in these shoes, it felt like there was no heel support at all.. strange experience.. I wanted to love these so much.. but.. well, no.

[@Davercrooks]

Yes, there were so many good things about them but overall I could keep them. Thanks again for watching.

[@cnybackpacker4503]

Did the ankle bone issue go away with break in?

[@Davercrooks]

I didn’t keep them long enough as they were too irritating

[@tigerbalm666]

Can I use these for golf?

[@Davercrooks]

I wouldn’t if I were you. Personal preference though.

[@KeViN4444PATRA]

Great analysis about them 👏🏻 I have Saucony peregrine 10 and after 10klm my ankle turn some times. I want to buy the next trail shoe, can someone give me advice about which to choose?😁

[@Davercrooks]

Hmmm. In my experience, the shoes can be a bit of a factor, but the Peregrine have quite a low stack height. It comes down to, again, with my experience, getting your body and feet accustomed to running on trail. It’s a different type of running than the road, and running on trails make you a stronger trail runner. That’s just my 2 cents worth.

[@KeViN4444PATRA]

@@Davercrooks thanks for your time and advices! 👌🏼

[@southwestendurancecolorado22]

As an avid Speedgoat fan, I am completely disappointed in this model 5. The upper is the issue and it kills the shoe when it comes to technical running through rock gardens, roots, etc. I also have a hole in the side from a stick hitting the shoe. Not sure what they were thinking this go around.

[@Davercrooks]

Thanks for the info. Wonder if Hoka (or other companies) would consider getting feedback from people other than their sponsored athletes. I have seen this for many years. Perfectly good shoe changed for the sake of change. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Cheers!

[@pourikman]

Unpopular opinion indeed! But very very true. I sold mine on 50km mark.

[@Davercrooks]

Did you have the same issue with foot movement? Thanks for taking the time to comment and watch. Appreciate the support.

[@pourikman]

@@Davercrooks Yeah, the lockdown is terrible for a shoe in this price range. Now i'm looking for a replacement and i'm leaning to peregrine 12. Do you have any input on this?

[@Davercrooks]

That’s the exact shoe I am looking at to replace this. I have the 11’s and love them (and a lot of people didn’t). Now if I could find someone to buy my SG5’s 😆

[@pourikman]

@@Davercrooks LOL i wish you the best of luck!

[@Ecoroof1986]

@@pourikman Peregrine 12's are brilliant I posted a vid a couple of months ago. I'm just about to post a vid on the 5's which are good but not brilliant

[@davidcallan7844]

Looked at this, went with the Scarpa Spin Inifinity instead.🏃‍♂️🤘

[@Davercrooks]

Good idea. In my opinion you saved yourself a lot of frustration. Thanks for taking the time to watch comment. I appreciate the support. Cheers, Dave

[@jeffgreene3059]

Bravo ol chap ! Based on your review it sounds to me like the only good thing I would get out of that shoe is grip. I have never tried, nor will I ever, a Hoka product. In my opinion they have way too much cushion and for me that's a problem. SAUCONY SAUCONY SAUCONY hehehehehe.

[@Davercrooks]

Thanks Jeff. I will never be swayed by a specific brand because the shoe, as they say, has to fit in order to work. And that goes for any activity. I’ll try to sell these and I am leaning towards the Peregrine 12’s as my next ones. By the way, what part of the world do you hail from? I’m getting to know a few of my ‘regular’ commenters and love the interaction. Thanks again for watching. Cheers.

[@jeffgreene3059]

@@Davercrooks Im located in Southern California near the city of Temecula. Keep on runnin

[@Davercrooks]

Excellent. I have been to Temecula before (at least passing through). Keep on runnin as well!

[@tigerbalm666]

I can never wear Adidas due to my arch I think.

[@Davercrooks]

The shoe definitely has to fit first!

[@grassrunner7983]

good

[@Bleckyyyy]

You bought too big of a shoe :D try smaller number if your foot is moving around and your ankle is too low.

[@Davercrooks]

I don’t believe so since I have been a runner for almost 40 years and worked in a run specialty shop years ago. The big prob I have is that my right lateral malleolus (ankle) sits lower than my left, and my left foot is almost a half size bigger. Too bad though, they are nice shoes.

[@tonebenderx]

Two minutes in and he’s still talking about reviewing the shoe … without actually reviewing the shoe.

[@Davercrooks]

Thanks for the feedback, I’m trying to work on the process and it is a working process. All we have to do is try to get better every time but I appreciate the honesty.

[@lelandkeur1307]

@@Davercrooks seen tons of reviews on Sg5 from “expert” KZbinrs out there. Yours is one of the better ones and offers some more of a real perspective

[@Davercrooks]

@@lelandkeur1307 thank you. I find when you pay for things yourself you’re more likely to give an honest opinion. Thanks for watching

[@O1sson]

I think you could actually be a little less humble about how personal your review on this shoe is!

[@Davercrooks]

Probably true, but I try to look for the good in everything. They are the first shoe that has not been for me, and I have seen a lot of shoes in my days. Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment. Cheers, dave

[@afrobian1]

6:12 Day two of wearing these. And it hurts too. 😌

[@Davercrooks]

They had so much potential, but not for me. Thanks for watching. Appreciate the support.

[@BadClamsVideos]

I'm a runner and raise goats, yet don't wear the speedgoat

[@Davercrooks]

Love it!