Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review

Whether you're tackling technical trails, climbing steep hills, or simply enjoying a scenic jog, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 delivers unparalleled performance and comfort. Discover the nuances that make this shoe a potential staple in your trail running gear and learn if it's the right fit for your trail running adventures.
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Join Alastair in this in-depth review of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 as he explores the latest iteration of this beloved trail running shoe. Known for its exceptional performance and versatility, the Speedgoat series has dominated the trail running scene. But how does the Speedgoat 6 stack up against its predecessor, the acclaimed Speedgoat 5, and other leading trail shoes on the market? With a price tag of $155 and several updates, including a snugger fit and a new upper material, find out if the Speedgoat 6 continues the legacy of its forerunners and maintains its status as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in trail running footwear.
In this review:
Pricing & Updates: Insights into the Speedgoat 6's pricing compared to competitors and key updates from the Speedgoat 5.
Performance on the Trail: Detailed analysis of how the Speedgoat 6 performs on various terrains, from steep climbs to fast descents.
Pros & Cons: An overview of the shoe's enhanced features and areas where there's room for improvement.
Comparisons & Verdict: How the Speedgoat 6 compares to other trail running shoes and whether it's worth the investment for your trail adventures.
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#HokaSpeedgoat6 #TrailRunningShoes #TrailAndKale #TrailRunning #OutdoorAdventures #RunningShoeReview #TrailRunners #SpeedgoatReview
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[@EC-rp8ne]

Best reviews on KZbin for trail and running shoes

[@trailandkale]

Thanks so much!

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

Thanks for your review. I’m an uncommon ultra runner who doesn’t get along with the Speedgoat line, although the Hoka Tecton X original was my shoe of choice in the Cowboy 200. SGs just don’t fit my feet, whereas nearly all the other premium trail shoes do. However, I got the Arc’teryx Sylan Pro on your recommendation and they are outstanding!

[@trailandkale]

That’s awesome! So glad you like them!

[@suggg]

Love all your guys' reviews...... can you use that top eyelet for lace-up_______is the tongue long enough?______does the tongue stay in place?_______how about fore-foot flexibility compared to the 5s. I"M currently using the Novablast TR 3 and enjoy FF Blast + much more than the Hoka chemistries. My 6 SG EVOS and my single pair of ver5 SG felt compacted and toasted between 50 and 100 miles........ I'm 155lbs...... Any lace strap on the upper? Once again, big time thanks for your guys' vid reviews!!!!!

[@trailandkale]

Thank you - appreciate that!! Yes you can use the top eyelet to get the racers loop setup (although I don't need it for Speedgoats): kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmmooop7bNqom68 - The tongue is long enough and has padding over where the laces sit now. Forefoot flexibility is a little stiffer now due to the new responsive foam. The midsole should last longer now due to the more resilient new foam being used (time will tell). No lace strap to pin the laces to the shoes.

[@ozenfant_ozn]

cheers for the review, actually yours us the first review of v6 i've stumbled upon. will give these a very close look indeed! btw v5 came out in '22.

[@trailandkale]

Good spot, I meant to refer to that as the time when I reviewed it, which was early ‘23. Glad you enjoyed the review! ✌🏼

[@VinceFowler]

As a heavier athlete - 235 lbs - the Speedgoat 5 was my go to shoe after trying so many others. It’s a brilliant shoe, very forgiving on the body, and I can wear them fresh out of the box with requirement to break them in. Having said that, I haven’t had a pair last longer than 250 kms. One pair was done by 175km. I’m hoping I have better luck with the v6 Re: sizing. While I typically wear a size 12 shoe, I found the v5 in 12 too small, thus I discounted the shoe until a a friend encouraged me to try a 13 wide. Perfect fit. Aside for the limited mileage, I love the Speedgoat for all my trail running and ultras.

[@trailandkale]

Heavier runners will definitely see less miles out their shoes unfortunately (tread and midsole energy return) - I’ll keep you posted how this new foam improves longevity there but outsole will be the same for you, although I find Vibram megagrip to be pretty durable

[@VinceFowler]

I definitely don’t have any Vibram grip deterioration issues… they’re bombproof despite the 175-225kms cushion limitations .

[@christopherhillam7286]

I have same issues but love them nonetheless.

[@kemalkeza6795]

was that the mid version? I have the mid version which I've used alot and it still looks solid

[@christopherhillam7286]

I absolutely love Speedgoats, ever since SG2. I have had multiple pairs of each (just had 5th pair of SG5 delivered today!) My one and only one single complaint about Speedgoat is the durability of the outsole. By the time I have done around 150 miles, my heel lugs have all but gone, particularly on the inside. I am aware that this is because of my running style and also because of the mile and a half of road I need to do before and after hitting the trails. However, a tougher outsole would really improve it. Great review. Will definitely be buying a pair of these but they won’t be out in time for me to break in for the Lakeland Trails 100k in July I don’t think. We’ll see… Thanks v much.

[@trailandkale]

Ah yeah that will be a close one for you!! You may be able to get some great deals on the 5!! I think just may buy a couple too as I love the colorways so much

[@christopherhillam7286]

@@trailandkale Thanks for reply. I got a great deal on SG5: £81 (rrp £140). May have to buy another pair at that price and put away in cupboard. Saying that, with all the rain we’ve had here in the UK this winter, I have spent most on my time in my Inov8 Mudclaws! Not had a chance to wear away lugs of SGs! 😩 Thanks again

[@trailandkale]

That’s a bargain! Hope the sun makes a proper appearance soon!

[@Rainyfeels]

SG4 had much higher durability, but was less bouncy. I think it's all a tradeoff, sounds like maybe the SG6 is slighly firmer to fix this, my SG5 is also spent after 100-200km

[@christopherhillam7286]

@@Rainyfeels I preferred the SG4 over the 5s. For my first couple of pairs of SG5s, I used the inners from the SG4s and that made them feel so much better. Actually got a great deal on the Mafate Speed 4 around Christmas time (£76)so have been in them for a few months now. Comfy but not nearly as much go-forward. Looking forward to getting back to SGs.

[@D_Foldager]

How big an upgrade is the SG6? There are some good deals on the SG5 now so wondering if I should grab a pair at 30% off or wait for the new version

[@trailandkale]

It's not a huge upgrade, biggest things are the new midsole foam and more durable upper material. At 30% off and being able to get them now, I'd go for the deal

[@StevenYDG69]

Do you know if the wide version will have an actual wider base, or just more upper material like some other models?

[@trailandkale]

That’s a good question! I imagine they’ll have a slightly wider base too. Don’t quote me on the though as it’s not out yet and I don’t have details on it just yet

[@makb5354]

Thank You for detailed review. I may end up waiting and get 6 due to better durability. Do you think that getting 1/2 size up in 6 would be better than getting true to size in wide for more toe room since they feel snugger? I am pretty sure wide will be available since they have it on 5. I normally wear 1/2 size up on most other shoes but like Brooks Cascadia, Akasha from La Sportiva and Speedcross. I never had Hoka before but I figure I will give it a go with 6. Smaller elf heel seems more appealing as well and will not get dirt and rocks trapped as 5.

[@trailandkale]

If you get normal width in the Cascadia, Speedcross and La Sportiva shoes then I’d just go up a half size in the SG6 too, and you should get a consistent size there 👍🏼 ps that articulated heel counter never has issue with dirt getting in, at least never for me and I’ve run a hell of a lot of dirt trails in the Speedgoats

[@makb5354]

@@trailandkale Thank You, I will keep that in mind. Also, thank you for the great review . So far, I looked up and down the Web for reviews and yours was the only one that qualifies as true review, where you actually test the shoe on various terrain and and give proper feedback. Hoka Rep at the running shoe event gave below poor review. No info about the actual forefoot height and heel changes on Hoka. Any way you can verify and list side by side height changes of 5 compare to 6? Hoka doesn't even list this on their own website. According to my search 5 had heel stack in men's version 33 mm, forefoot 29mm + 4mm drop vs 6 seems to be 40mm, forefoot 35mm+5mm drop.

[@trailandkale]

Thank you, really appreciate those words! Especially at a time when Google is decimating our website in favor for Ai generated ravishing reviews- it’s a sad time for real reviewers. Yeah the SG6 is 40mm at the heel and 35mm at the toe: www.trailandkale.com/gear/hoka-speedgoat-6-review/ - I’ll try to find out the SG5 as I still have a pair here that I run on.

[@brianmarkbarqueros612]

Thanks for the review. WIll there be new colorways anytime soon? Not really a fan of this colorway.

[@trailandkale]

Thanks for tuning in! Oh I’m sure there will be plenty of extra colorways soon. I hope so anyway!

[@slapfan1]

It would be great to see a review of the NNORMAL Tomir 2, and a comparison of both shoes.

[@trailandkale]

I’ll do my best to get hold of a pair

[@Dogwalkerdave]

I don’t mean to interfere with this video but I have reviewed it over on my channel. Now to get my hands on the SG6… eventually.

[@trailandkale]

👋🏼 I have the Tomir 2 and Kjerag on the way to me for review 👍🏼 I’ll be sure to compare the Tomir 2 with the SG6 👍🏼

[@Dogwalkerdave]

@@trailandkale I had the Kjerag on but there was a manufacturer defect and had to send them back sadly :(. Keep up the great work! Cheers from Calgary, Canada.

[@trailandkale]

@Dogwalkerdave that’s annoying! Are they sending a replacement?

[@uloutdoors]

The biggest problem for me and many others was the mesh stretching to a point where you could not get a propper lockdown anymore, does the new mesh also stretch so much?

[@trailandkale]

The mesh is more hardy and less breathable than the SG5. For the record, I never had that over-stretch issue in the upper that some viewers have mentioned. It has me curious as to what may cause it in some cases though.

[@lmaniviney1255]

My concern is you said they are more snug. What do you recommend for us that have wider feet?

[@trailandkale]

I’d definitely recommend the wide version 👍🏼 and you may also need to go up a half size too

[@Eatsleeprun_rescuecats]

Altras

[@pauldandurandboots]

How would you rate the shoe's stability relative to the Speedgoat 5? I will be using the shoes for hiking, not running. I know that others who reviewed the Speedgoat 5 said they were great across the board except for stability because of the tall cushion framework. I assume it's the same for the Speedgoat 6. Any thoughts?

[@trailandkale]

The stability is great - I ran lots of technical Ultramarathons in the SG5 and never had a problem with stability - they’re great! SG6 feels the same 👍🏼

[@pauldandurandboots]

@@trailandkale Thanks!

[@trailandkale]

@pauldandurandboots you’re welcome

[@chrisrouaux9157]

Merci 🙏👍🇫🇷

[@AmyLawranceAmyFish]

I’m on my 5th pair of the 5s and I absolutely love them but the tread just doesn’t last, so I’m hoping the 6 (I’ve just ordered today on Hoka’s website! £140) has more durable lugs. Exceptional cushioning though so I’m amped.

[@trailandkale]

The outsole durability should be very similar… but to be honest, it wears down because it’s working. The Speedgoat is just awesome

[@AliDixongoogle]

🔥🔥🔥

[@trailandkale]

❤️❤️❤️

[@JS-JackSparra21]

Looking for a high comfort option for the Spine Race. These look like a promising candidate. I have read criticism re the SG5 of both the durability of the uppers and the poor performance in UK muddy conditions. Do you think these are addressed in the SG6?

[@trailandkale]

I’ve never had issues with the upper, I think it must be those with toes that poke upward or wiggle upward when running. The sg6 upper material is more durable now however 👍🏼 they should be pretty good in mud as they’re using Vibram Megagrip with 5mm traction lugs ok them.

[@cuperativa]

Spine Race in Winter with the Speed Goat is not recommended (personal experience). May be in summer, if it is more dry. The Vibram is excellent on dry condition and on rocky dry/wet terrain, pretty everywhere in Europe Alps, also if it rains. But England and Scotland are very different terrains. The mud picks on SG sole and after few minutes you don't have grip anymore because the mud stick on the whole sole. The wet grass and the boggy terrain is also a nightmare. The Inov8 Mudclow ist the opposite. Absolutely sticky in the mud, but very slippery on wet rocks. Probably the better choice is something between the two extreme. If a will start the Spine Race again, I will try this time the Scarpa for the most boggy and grassy terrain (i.e. day 1-2) and only change to SG on sections that are more on hard terrain (i.e day 3-4).

[@trailandkale]

@cuperativa oh yeah for sure the boggy mud of the spine needs a special kind of shoe! Some serious lugs are required! Have you considered the Speedcross 6 for it? I recon that may do the trick! It has worked very well for me on a couple of UK based Tough Mudders in the past!

[@trailandkale]

@cuperativa ps, thanks for your insights there, very informative!

[@diocha7324]

Nice review, thanks. So midsole less soft, upper hotter and less forgiving. The advantages of Speedgoat are gone... I will need to stack on 5s or switch brand.

[@trailandkale]

They’re worth giving a go as it’s marginally different in terms of feel. They do feel a bit tighter however

[@ericagor327]

Any thoughts about it as a good road to trail shoe?

[@trailandkale]

Yes it’s pretty good, especially if you like technical trails. If you run light trails and more roads, go with the Challenger ATR7: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHate5eYe5mtiMUsi=mpI3lNVpi4cvLGBo

[@Rainyfeels]

I much preferred the speedgoat 4s so hoping these go a bit more back to thats style. They were more durable, slightly firmer and more supportive.

[@trailandkale]

It sounds like that’s the case. I skipped v4 but that’s how these have been updated over the 5

[@Rainyfeels]

@@trailandkale Interesting! How did you get a pair so early? I thought these weren't out until July?

[@trailandkale]

I’m a lucky boy with very accommodating contacts at Hoka ❤️

[@trailandkale]

Let me know if you have any specific questions about these 👋🏼

[@youpigirl5731]

Je confirme l'extreme confort et relatif dynamisme des challenger 7. J'avais les 6 , je les trouvais étonnemment durables, j'ai pris les 7 et pas déçue. Le seul petit reproche : ne tiennent pas sur bitume mouilé dans les virages : vigilance donc. Mais ce sont de vraies pantoufles

[@trailandkale]

For those who ned the English version "I confirm the extreme comfort and relative dynamism of the challenger 7. I had the 6, I found them surprisingly durable, I took the 7 and not disappointed. The only small complaint: they don't hold up on wet bitumen in the bends: be careful therefore. But these are real slippers" ------ I agree, the lugs on the Challenger ATR 7 hybrids are not very deep so they're not the best on wet trails.

[@fra165]

How do they perform on road. Can they be worn on the road?

[@trailandkale]

They’re good for any road sections you may have on a trail run, or for running to a trail head, but there more trail focused. It depends how much road/trail you plan to do in them. There are hybrid Hokas that cater more to the road if that’s what you’re after?

[@mitchellsmith9531]

Had speedgoat 3,4and now 5 in wide but starting to not like them as much after using mafate speed 4 .more stable ,wide enough and so much more lively ride lot more energy return.plus awsome grippy vibram lightbase

[@trailandkale]

The Mafate Speed 4 is an awesome shoe too. It's well overdue a new version too

[@helend2820]

What socks do you suggest for these?

[@trailandkale]

I’m into Feetures No Show Tab right now

[@MidnightDUB]

How well does this compare as road-to-trail shoe? My Pegasus Trail 4 are almost done and dead and I need a new pair. Was thinking either Pegasus Trail 5 or Speedgoat 6 🤔

[@trailandkale]

The speedgoat 6 is better tuned for trail. The peg trail 5 is an awesome upgrade over v4. I’d recommend trying it out for road to trail use. Review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKitcqeoi89_gKc

[@MidnightDUB]

@@trailandkale sorry to bother you again, but what about Challenger 7 vs Pegasus Trail 5? I really loved Pegasus Trail 4 so going to 5 would be logical choice, however I dont want to miss out on other great shoes..

[@trailandkale]

@MidnightDUB the Challenger 7 is a closer competitor as it’s a true all terrain shoe but the grip on the Peg Trail 5 is better thanks to Nike’s new ATC rubber outsole. Here’s my challenger review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHate5eYe5mtiMU

[@maracas23]

are you in the US or the UK? You're defo British by the accent?

[@trailandkale]

Hey 👋🏼 yes, I’m from England but live in Northern California (just north of San Francisco)

[@gaetantiberghien]

My SG 5 are very comfortable, etc. But built quality is disappointing. Lugs are mostly gone and the upper shows cracks after a long WE hike in a - admittedly abrasive - rocky mountain environment (about 200km total). I have experience better durability with Saucony (going strong with more than 800 km). Maybe not made for rocky terrain?

[@trailandkale]

THey're definitely built for rocky terrain as well as most other types of terrain. The Vibram outsole must have worn down as it did it's job providing traction. Really sticky rubber compounds like this tend to leave rubber on the rocks they grip onto, making them extremely grippy but sometimes in certain conditions, less durable over time. It's always a trade off unfortunately - unless you go for a graphene outsole.

[@user-pp5or5og4k]

Speed goat 5 was gabage compared to the speedgoat 2-4 and evo. On the 5 Elf heel is a dirt funnel, mid sole is narrower than previous models and foam is much harder and wears out faster.

[@mitchellsmith9531]

You're right, not one shoe review pointed out a narrower base, especially the heal on speedgoat 5 think was how they made it lighter

[@erinrichards7738]

Which one are better for trail running speed goat or altra timp?

[@trailandkale]

If you’re a zero drop lover, try the Timp 5 (kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHe2eWqPediSoLs), else I’d recommend the speedgoat. Here’s our best trail running shoes roundup which has the Sg5 and Timp 5 in spots 1 and 2 : www.trailandkale.com/gear/best-trail-running-shoes-buyers-guide/

[@erinrichards7738]

@@trailandkale I actually hike more than run in my speed goats. They are really old and I need to replace them. I am intrigued by the Altra's, but felt very confident in my grip in the speed goats. Do u feel like the Altra's grip is as good as the speed goat?

[@trailandkale]

@erinrichards7738 yeah grip is on par for sure. They both use Vibrams Megagrip outsole

[@Kaisersozze]

Funny how with running shoes the new version has a decent chance of being worse then the last. In this case it seems to be the breathability. So the toebox in width is more snug as well? Thats a bummer, not into sizing up.

[@trailandkale]

I know, it’s tricky for brands when they have a near perfect shoe… do you do nothing or continue to innovate and risk making it worse… 😄 The toe box is about the same… but the shoe overall is more snug.

[@Kaisersozze]

@@trailandkale Thanks. Would you say the Salomon Ultra Glide 2 has a wider toe box? I know some people complained that the toexbox on the Speedgoat is too tight (Hokas in generally really), they should have just widen it slightly and done nothing else with the shoe. Or at least that's what I would have done for version 6. In my opinion the toes need to be able to splay a bit as that's how a foot works naturally, it also helps with balance and overall foot health. Tight toeboxes is why people have foot issues like bunions.

[@trailandkale]

The SG5 wasn't narrow in my experience, not when you've got a proper fitting shoe, and they do offer a 'wide' version for those who need it. I agree, toes need to be able to splay properly when running.

[@Kaisersozze]

@@trailandkale Much appreciated. I don't get wide versions as my foot is fairly narrow, I just like decent toebox room.

[@OutdoorSugar]

The SG4 was the best. The 5’s are horrible, hopefully the 6 will be better. The best review will be on my feet.

[@runswithhorses1]

Totally agree!

[@JackBauerDev]

Very worried about the less plush feeling. Thats the whole reason i bought 5 pairs of the 5. If they feel less plush im ditching the 6

[@trailandkale]

It’s marginal, so I’d recommend giving them a chance if you love the SG5

[@thegmancx]

Hiked 240 miles in my speedgoat 5 on pennine way, the upper has split, In the bin looking for more robust trail runner

[@trailandkale]

That’s wild! Did you enjoy how they felt until they split on you? If so the SG6 has a more durable upper that should perform better for you now

[@coraandtheexplorer]

​@@trailandkaleI must say they are super comfortable and fit great

[@trailandkale]

@coraandtheexplorer 👌🏼

[@bestbass42]

Never tried them myself but those soles look MASSIVE! Like a pair of teddy boy creepers! Dont you turn your ankle in them? The quality dosent look good either. I've been using LA Sportivia Bushido II for the past 3 years, I've got several pairs & for me they are the best ever trainers for trail running, never had an issue with them not even a slip. And quality is second to none.

[@trailandkale]

Nope, total control in Speedgoats - among the best of all the trail shoes I review. Bushido 2 is a good shoe too.

[@chrisrouaux9157]

Et aussi Asics trabuco 3 voilà j’ai fini merci à bientôt

[@trailandkale]

Not tried these yet!

[@jasonstine2297]

I’m in need of a new pair of trail shoes after over 500 miles on my Speedgoat 4’s. Would you get the 5, or wait 2 months for the 6 to come out?

[@trailandkale]

I really enjoyed the 5, and you can probably get a good deal on them right now. Or you can wait for the latest

[@Rainyfeels]

Personally prefer the SG4 also over the SG5 so i'd wait for the 6.

[@trailandkale]

The 6 certainly sounds like it’s headed back more to how the 4 was

[@rschreck876]

Saying the SG5 was the best trail running shoe of 2023…. Yeah if you like a midsole that died after 250 miles and an upper that stretched after about a week.

[@SergiuSalcau00]

LITERALLY. Thanks for the comment.

[@trailandkale]

Something worth noting about a soft cushioned ride is that by the very nature of it, durability, in terms of 'energy return' over time, is going to take a hit. So it's usually a trade off as to weather you want a shoe with a more responsive (firmer) midsole and with it, extra mileage, OR a softer cushioned midsole that provides more comfort over longer distances but doesn't last as long. Hoka has clearly opted for making the midsole of the SG6 more responsive with better longevity, with the introduction of their new CMEVA foam.

[@Kvnwkr7]

250 miles is generous! And the taper in toe box for people with triangular feet makes no sense. Blister machine.

[@rschreck876]

@@trailandkale Yeah and worth noting, my comment was in regards to you saying that the SG5 was the best trail runner in 2023. The Mafafe 4 had a soft, cushioned ride and that ride lasted way longer than the SG5.

[@trailandkale]

Mafate Speed 4 is great too

[@MrTCFIRE]

Switched to the Tecton X2…Speedgoat loses its snap way too fast…I’m a “bigger” runner (190lbs)…

[@trailandkale]

That carbon fibre plate will certainly give you your snap. Shane the outsole’s not all that aggressive. Here’s hoping for X3

[@gogolaklazlo]

Promotion or review??

[@trailandkale]

The clue is in the title, where it says “review”

[@chrisrouaux9157]

Pardon ce sont mes prochaines chaussures mais je les comparerai à la Brooks Caldera 7 😂😂😂

[@trailandkale]

Hope you enjoy them!!

[@stevenmeldrum1944]

Speedgoat 4s upper fell apart quickly, the Speedgoat 5s outsole peeled off at heel on both shoes very quickly. Do not trust Hoka now.

[@trailandkale]

Never had a peeling off outsole, that’s a bummer that happened to you

[@SergiuSalcau00]

The SG5 is a loooooong way from being ANYTHING. The mesh stretches ALOT, the outsole is overly eaten up in 400 kms, the midsole is flattening after only 400 kms, the toebox is a freaking joke.

[@trailandkale]

I never had this upper stretch issue with my 3 pairs of SG5's - not sure why that was happening to some runners. Regarding the midsole: something worth noting about a soft cushioned ride is that by the very nature of it, durability, in terms of 'energy return' over time, is going to take a hit. So it's usually a trade off as to weather you want a shoe with a more responsive (firmer) midsole and with it, extra mileage, OR a softer cushioned midsole that provides more comfort over longer distances but doesn't last as long. Hoka has clearly opted for making the midsole of the SG6 more responsive with better longevity, with the introduction of their new CMEVA foam.