Hoka Speedgoat 5 vs Mafate Speed 4

[@alexkhan2000]

Nice review. I have both and love both but, if I had to choose one, I'd go with the Mafate Speed 4 as it's a bit lower to the ground and that makes it feel a little more nimble and stable for technical trails. You can't go wrong with either and they are both great for straight ahead smooth gravel trails but I'd choose the Speedgoat 5 for such terrains. But, for steep rocky trails with lots of abrupt twists and turns, I feel more secure and confident with the Mafate Speed 4 which has a slightly better ground feel.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Absolutely! Thanks!

[@thepatternforms859]

Which is best for a 200 mile race?

[@BenNotley]

Awesome comparison Steven! Been waiting for a trusted person to make a comparison between these two shoes and I completely trust your judgement. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and opinions mate! 😎🤘

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Happy to help! Thanks, Ben!

[@aliball4163]

I have both and love both but for me the Mafate takes the cake. I have tendinitis in my foot and the speedgoats were too plush for me. After a 50 mile race in the speedgoats my feet were soo achy. I ran No Business 100 in the Mafates and they did perfect! The firmer base is what I need for the tendinitis! The Mafates speed 4 are my new go to shoes!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Awesome! Glad you like them!

[@dougiedoesstuff]

I have the SG5s and am now starting to struggle with it since Autumn has took hold here in the north of England. They absolutely do not hold their grip of wet rocks such as what I was trying to run on in the Lake District a couple of weeks ago. Also, wet, soggy grass slopes are pretty bad. Saying that, Speedgoats are my go to trainer for trail runs. The are jack-of-all-trades and perfect for UK Ultras which often have lots of solid tracks, road sections and technical terrain as well as slop and rock. Great review. Cheers

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Thank you, Christopher!

[@Dee.K.Mikaelson]

They wear so quickly though I'm in UK too.

[@mikenorris232]

I went with the SG5 because it’s hard for me to justify 185$ for a pair of shoes. But I will say I can tell a difference in lateral stability while running in the SG5. Iv mostly worn moderately cushioned shoes and while I love the comfort of the speedgoat sometimes that lack of ground feel really bothers me. As far as the grip on the SG5 you can’t beat it. I think it’s a better grip than my beloved Perigrines. And that’s saying a lot. All in all I think the Speedgoat is an excellent shoe for what it is: a long distance shoe designed for comfort. But for highly technical running not so much. For me at least. Great video as always!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Totally agree Mike! I prefer more ground feel for technical terrain, and I too think both of these shoes grip better than the Peregrines. The Vibram compound is much more "tacky" compared to the PWRTRAC in my opinion. Thanks, Mike!

[@LeeSmales]

SG5 is the ONLY shoe I've ever had to do the runner's know to get a good lockdown. Once I had a secure fit I really liked it - although not as much as my Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Glad you like it!

[@RunFreeandStrong]

Thanks for the detailed comparison. I'm sold on the Mafate Speed 4! Only concern would be breathability for my Canyons 100, which can be hot, but that's a small issue.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yeah they aren’t the most breathable, but not bad

[@kevinhewitt3907]

I have the sh5 two observations The sole is wearing much faster than my othe Hoka and the in sole moves around soooo much! In wet conditions it has even folded up on itself

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Interesting!

[@Aorist1]

I run the Speedgoat when it's wet and the terrain is difficult. But my favorite shoe is the Challenger and the Mach 5 for speed runs without difficult terrain.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I like the Challenger 7 as well!

[@seekingUltraNick]

Another great review, thanks Steven! I’ve mentioned before that I tried the SG5 this past summer but had to return them due to the tongue. Put about 20 miles on them and otherwise was a fantastic shoe. Midsole is great, upper fit amazingly well, stayed on dry trails so the grip was perfect. Just wasn’t as comfortable as the Xodus Ultra’s in my rotation. I’m interested to try the MS4… but likely won’t spend $185 (Hoka gets enough of my money as is!) Thanks again! 👍

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Thanks for sharing!

[@alexsika7160]

Great review, the mafate is definitely a firmer ride at first. It takes about 70 miles to break in the midsole on the Mafate line, IMO. After that, it's money. I'm with you on the price, I'm not sure why the Mafate is so much more. I have both shoes and I love them both. I use the Goats for daily training and the Mafate for my long runs and races. I feel way more secure on tech terrain and wrt ground in the Mafate.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Great info! I’m close to 70 miles in them so I’ll pay attention to that. Thanks!

[@thepatternforms859]

Which is better for a 200 miler?

[@alexsika7160]

@thepatternforms859 IMO the malate would probably be better but you could go either way. That really depends on your personal preference. If you want a shoe that is designed for a 200 miler. Check out the Speedland GS TAM. They don't come out say it's for 200 but that think looks like a beast. I have never ran in the before but everyone that wears them swear they are the best.

[@john.maynard]

I put 400 miles on the SG5 before setting them aside for the Xodus. I liked almost everything in the SG5. Besides the lockdown (had to do the lace lock, too), my key complaint was discomfort on the medial heel collar (right foot only). During the SAMO100, it destroyed the outside of my ankle 😂, but still got it done. If HOKA could add a little love around the heel collar, I’ll pick up another pair. The Mafate seems a bit pricey for now. Thank you for the great comparison!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Thanks, John. Great job getting the 100 done! Maybe try the Salomon Pulsar Trail. They aren’t as cushioned as the SG5, but man that heel lock/comfort is amazing!

[@john.maynard]

@@UltraTrailSteven thanks for the tip! I’ll have to take a look!

[@erinb4919]

Agree with a lot of your comments. I love the speedgoat... Like you, needed to do heel lock and pull the laces pretty tight. Midsole feels cushy and nice and feet don't get tired on long runs.. But slightly less stable on really technical rocks, you don't have as much ground feel for precision foot placement... In general, love them. Mafate fits a bit tighter and I didn't need a heel lock. Ride a bit firmer, but still energetic. Slightly more stable. Traction awesome on both. Great shoes for mtn running.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Awesome

[@pghguitarist]

Used the Speedgoats at the Bryce Canyon 100. Mid foot and ride were great, only the ankle scoop ended up digging in to my ankle during the more narrow single track sections. Foam ended up pretty chewed up after the race. Would still recommend. Got a deal on Tecton X and wondering if that’s just not enough cushioning for 100 miles . Thank for review

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I had the same issue with the heel cup digging into my ankle during a 48 hour race. I just reviewed the Tecton X2’s. Really like them. I didn’t test the original.

[@pghguitarist]

@@UltraTrailSteven I just watched that one, and now of course I want those! Great reviews.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@pghguitarist thanks!

[@grstahl]

Thanks for the great review! I have plantar plate issues, and both of these are on my radar as relatively stiff shoes with forefoot rocker that may reduce toe flexion for trail runs and peak bagging. Can you speak to which is stiffest/rolls best through the forefoot? Or another recommended option?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

The foam in the Mafate Speed 4 is more firm. My feet felt like they squished into the Speedgoat 5.

[@DevRunner]

Is it safe to assume the Speedgoat would be plenty for the 50k to 50 mile distance on easy to moderately technical trail races? Thanks Steven!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yea, Paul, the goats would be fine for that. Many people wear them for 100 milers too. You may want to look at the Torrent 2 as well.

[@maxkuhn7024]

Excelent review! What would be the most comfortable for trail walking?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Both would be. The Speedgoat 5 is more cushioned

[@torrancepoon7645]

My local Marshall’s had the SG5 99$ CAD And MS4 119$ CAD. First time ever buying running shoes and the MS4 felt locked down with more stability. So I ended up grabbing the MS4

[@UltraTrailSteven]

That’s a heck of a deal! I hope you like them!

[@Kosthoms]

I find them both at 110€ now, so it will be a tough choice 😂 Maybe go with a pair that can be used in the summer as well

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Both are great choices.

[@ajohnson6416]

Thanks for the review! I've been using the SG since the 3rd version and wish they didn't change anything from that shoe. I've worn the 4 and now the 5 for 100 milers and I may have to change to another shoe. I haven't had a chance to try the Mafate 4 out yet, so hopefully that's a possibility. The reason for me not being happy with the 5's is I guess two things. That tongue is basically no existent and left a hole in the top of each foot after my last 100 which was on technical terrain. I also found that I couldn't truly lock my foot down in the shoe which resulted in my foot twisting inside a little which gave me a blister on the outside of each heel. I never got a blister in 3's and only some slight discomfort on my right pinky toe. The tongue on the 4 didn't feel good either but not to the extent of the 5's. I have a very hot 100 in January so no I'm fearing I'll have to find another brand entirely. Again, thanks for the great review!!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I loved the SG3 as well (probably my favorite of the SG). Yep, I’ve heard that from many people that they can’t get a good lockdown. Maybe check out the Saucony Xodus Ultra. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYumdWB7drqXorc

[@ajohnson6416]

@@UltraTrailSteven , thank you, will do!

[@steveehh4567]

Love this! I now have both and love them both too. I give a slight advantage in performance to the new mafate 4, more to come. SG5 is still a champ!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Nice!

[@karmaforgotme]

I returned the Mafate Speed last month after spraining my ankle in them. In the end probably my fault, but I no longer trust them. Still even before that the SG5 felt more stable and firmer (no lockdown issues for me), but I am 6ft 185 pounds which can change how a shoe feels.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Ugh that stinks! I hope it was a minor sprain! I know how you feel though; after rolling mine multiple times in the different Goats, I have lost confidence in them too.

[@Wingnut2312]

Great review! I have a question though, I don't run the 100's or 50's. My wife does that and I drive to get her. I run mainly for the fun of it and love trails, but mostly 5 miles or less. With that in mind, is there a major pro/con between the two shoes? I have Hokas and love them, so I'd like to stay in that family. The SG's looked perfect. Would it be fair to say the main differences you point out are from an ultra race pov? Would those cons you stated show their face in my level of running? Just looking for your opinion. Thanks!!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Thanks! Well both shoes are great for any distance, but they are both engineered for the longer efforts. Have you tried the Hoka Torrent line? The Torrent 3 just came out today. I haven't tested it yet, but I liked the original and the 2 for 50k or less. It is a lighter weight shoe, lower stack, with great grip!

[@Wingnut2312]

@@UltraTrailSteven I will definitely give that a look. Thank you!!

[@GoodkatNW]

What's interesting is that a Speedgoat 5 won at the TDS UTMB, and the Mafate 4 wasn't anywhere close. So for a shoe that is supposedly better in rocky/technical terrain and shorter distances, it's somewhat strange to not see it beat out the SG

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Well that is largely dependent on the quality of the athletes wearing the shoes too

[@GoodkatNW]

@@UltraTrailSteven Of course! But you tend to see trends in each distance category, and the trend for 90+mi appears to be medium to heavy cushion, regardless of the terrain. UTMB is not a friendly course for unstable shoes, but most of the top 5 are wearing shoes that arguably provide more cushion than terrain feel. It almost seems that they come full circle, heavy cushion for training>low cushion high feel for more "expert" level running, and then right back into cushion for competitive long distance terrain of all varieties

[@TristinKing]

Both are bloody brilliant, just buy both!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Haha exactly

[@nicklodge7770]

I have been running for many years (50?) I’m 73 yrs and in the last 20 months I’ve had both hips replaced. I have normally run in New Balance and more recently Saucony. I’m doing a significant amount of walking, in March I did 570,000 steps (approximately 300miles). I was wondering if there is a Hoka shoe that you could recommend, I may do roads or well maintained trails. Many thanks.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

That’s a lot of walking! Check out the Hoka Bondi or the Clifton 9

[@nicklodge7770]

@@UltraTrailSteven many thanks, will do.

[@nicklodge7770]

I’ve just bought a pair of Clifton 9’s. I’m currently in Lanzarote in the Canary Islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s about 28 degrees C, 83F. Time for a gentle test run.

[@mikes7654]

Hey Steven 🙂. A lot of folks like the SG 4’s better than the SG 5’s…… What do you think ? I’m assuming you have tried the 4’s ? Thx

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I’ve not tried the SG4, but everyone I know that has it or has tried does not like it. The 5’s are pretty nice.

[@mikes7654]

@@UltraTrailSteven Really!!! I have the 3’s ( old school I know ),…..and really really like them. Was getting some info on what to upgrade to next in the future.

[@adamtyson1257]

I liked the 4, thought it was a better fit than the 5

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@mikes7654 I loved my SG3’s! Until I rolled my ankle in them.

[@mikes7654]

@@adamtyson1257 I thought the 3’s has really good cushioning, handles the trails (roots,rocks,etc) really well….. You think the 4’s are that good ? I know I’ll eventually need to upgrade. Thx 🙂

[@adamtyson1257]

I wanted to like the SG5 but did not fit my narrow, pronated foot well and did not provide enough stability. I want to try the MS4 seems like a better option.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Give them a shot!

[@spacewalktraveller1]

Thanks for doing the review, I wish you all the best.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Thanks for watching!

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Great comparison, love to hear your thoughts on Hoka Mafata Speed 4 vs Speed Mafata 3? Is the upgrade worth it or catching the Mafata 3 on sale is a better option…Have a great weekend

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I have not tried the Mafate Speed 3 unfortunately.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

have a great weekend as well!

[@wakiko007]

I am so confused with these two shoes. According to some reviewers the mafate is one of the softest and squishiest shoes ever.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@wakiko007 just my opinion. To me it felt more firm than I was expecting.

[@RoyBurt007]

Have both, run in both, love both. The MF for me just pips the SG. I’ll let you know how they hold up after UTCT next month.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Both great shoes!

[@thepatternforms859]

Which would you pick for a 200 mile race?

[@RoyBurt007]

For a 200 mile race..🤔 depends on the technicality of the trail and the weather. MF beasts the technical stuff and its the stickiest shoe i’ve run in (and i have a shoe problem in that i have Altra’s, Salomons, Saucony’s and Hoka’s in my rotation).

[@thepatternforms859]

@@RoyBurt007 nothing too technical. Conditions mild. Let me put it this way… which shoe would you rather run 200 miles in if it was all on hard pack surface? Like, which shoe would be best to prevent feet ache and pain. Some have said the sg5 is softer which makes u think it the winner but others have said the softness is what hurt the feet? Maybe I’m dumb but can you explain?

[@RoyBurt007]

I’d personally go for the SG, it will be more forgiving than the MF’s over that distance.

[@TrailSage]

Dang it, this comparison just made choosing that much more harder, lol. Both have pluses and minuses and you did a great job illustrating it all. Aside pricing, I feel like the Mafate edges out the Speedgoat by a slight margin. Thanks Steven.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I agree. Especially knowing what kind of runner you are. I think you would like the Profly+ midsole!

[@twmUX]

Have SG5, testing out challenger 7’s for flats and easier trails in Boulder CO, but I think I might turn in SG5 for mafate 4’s. SG5 tongue and less lateral support over time I think will be an issue.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I definitely prefer the MS4 over the SG5. I am loving the Challenger ATR 7's now too.

[@twmUX]

@@UltraTrailSteven Thanks for the thoughts. Yeah I think I’m gonna switch over for sure now. I tried them on in the store and they felt great. I’ve run long enough to get a pretty good idea but the speed goats kind of took a minute, they’re not bad but after trying on Mafate’s, I quickly realized just how much more comfort there is. I saw you run the Challenger downhill, how do you think it did? It might be nice to have those as the every day runner on shorter distances and even on some what technical trail, and save the Mafate’s for longer efforts. (Running Pawnee/Buchanan this summer- MP4’s would be perfect for it)

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@twmUX I will be publishing my full review on the Challenger tomorrow morning!

[@vspatmx7458]

Besides running, How good are these for trekking.. Or does slow walk treckin With or Without rain Between 10 centi to 35 centigrade and no snow Need a different set of features. I pretty much have to buy blind after Treadmil test And then relocate to greens and hills for a few months where there are no shops.. I will comfort run on Mondays Intense run on Tuesdays Comfort run on Wed Comfort on Thursday And just treck and camp From Fri eveng to Sunday eveng After plantar fas issues I switched to Asics Nimbus. Its very slow However it's soft cushion has helped heal plantar fas issues And I am now itching to go fast again Slightly faster.. I won't compete this year. Just focus on PR and fun.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Both would be fine for trekking/hiking. I will say though, my buddy has PF and the Goats have not helped him. He is giving the MS4 a try now

[@vspatmx7458]

Got it.. Thanks buddy @@UltraTrailSteven

[@Thefifaplayeryant]

I guess if you can handle the tighter toebox of the SG, it comes down to plush vs "firm" (more responsive). I'm a Mafate-guy, the soft cushion of the SG is nice, but running is easier in the Mafate for my running style, feels more fluent. It feels like running in a more direct/closer to the trail shoe and still has lots of cushion to go the distance. Apart from mud I prefer the sole unit of the SG though, it's perfect...And the MS4 is a huge step from the MS2 (didn't run the 3), equally cushioned, more responsive, lots lighter, more nimble, much better upper...

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Excellent info; thanks!

[@thepatternforms859]

Which would you pick for a 200 mile race?

[@Thefifaplayeryant]

@@thepatternforms859 uups, I could never run this far, but I think the dthe softer SG would be more comfortable. And there might be a good amount of slower running or walking, therefore the more responsive Mafate hast no advantage over distance.

[@st_ve3333]

How about the width of Mafate 4? I wear the SP4 in the wide version. Do you think I'd find the Mafate 4 too narrow?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Probably. If you need the wide in the Speedgoats, then the Mafate Speed 4 would likely be too narrow.

[@Dee.K.Mikaelson]

Im finding the speedgoat 5,s wearing after 150 miles . .. before even .. and I'm a lightweight female. Not tried the mafate speed 4 .

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I prefer the MS4.

[@Ianshrew]

Great review and very tempted by the M4’s - In terms of price however the tecton x isn’t that much more expensive. How would you compare or is that for another video 😀.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I haven't tested the Tecton X yet, so not sure. Thanks

[@waltm4121]

MS4 was more cushion than the SG5 I felt like the SG5 midsole was much stiffer and clunkier . I’ve had two pairs of the SG5 and 3 of the MS4s I’ve been getting about 350 miles out of both before the lugs start wearing off and the Foam compress to a point I’m not longer happy with Also in complete agreement on the tongue, MS4 MUCH BETTER! And a better lock-down

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yep MS4 is much better in my opinion

[@thepatternforms859]

Which of these is better for a 200 mile race?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Mafate Speed 4 in my opinion. I wore them for a 48 hour race and they were great

[@thepatternforms859]

@@UltraTrailSteven cool thanks. It confuses me bc they are more firm?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@thepatternforms859 depends on what you like. For me, the SG5 is too squishy soft and caused blisters.

[@thepatternforms859]

@@UltraTrailSteven seems like softer would be better over the 200? No?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@thepatternforms859 again, it depends on what you like. It’s a personal preference.

[@pabloclemente4391]

I´m so lost when it comes to choose any of them...plus I am considering the zinal or the tecton for a 42k here in the Canary Island. I got the sg4 and had a somewhat good experience...but I would some lower midsole so I can relay more on the shoes when it´s about going down fast. It´s all about making the right decisions now, also considering the price...I don´t know, I was even thinking of going back to the Torrents 2.... PLEASE HELP!!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Well for a 42k, when you want more ground contact feel, the Zinal or Torrent 2 would be best. The Zinal is lighter and faster. These two here, the SG5 and MS4 are meant for longer distances and don’t offer much ground contact feel.

[@UltraTrailSteven]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5rCpnmqjLqSaKc

[@ludovicpiejos4379]

I have my second attempt to a 50k race this September and had the ATR 6 on a technical terrain, I am really considering getting the Mafate for more comfort and feel the ground better. Will they have a mafate 5?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I am pretty sure Hoka will make a Mafate Speed 5, but that would likely be a fall release. However, the Mafate Speed 4 does not provide much ground feel. If you want more ground feel, then you need less cushion. Something like the Torrent 3.

[@ludovicpiejos4379]

@@UltraTrailSteven Thank you so much, would the Torrent 3 be enough though in term of protection and grip for a 50k race?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@ludovicpiejos4379 well that depends on the person. For me, yes. I have run numerous 50k’s in the Torrent 1 and 2, and the even less cushioned Hoka Zinal. I love them!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

@@ludovicpiejos4379 oh and the grip of the Torrent line has always been great!

[@ludovicpiejos4379]

@@UltraTrailSteven Thank you so much and good luck on the 2023 race season.

[@ekkybaihaqisaid]

my foot is super wide, is it good for wide foot?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Which one? If you have a super wide food, you should get a wide shoe.

[@wissquek]

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 wide

[@juancibert]

How they compare to asics trabuco 12?

[@UltraTrailSteven]

I am not sure. Haven’t tested them

[@JavierISampedroTNF]

I really enjoyed when I had the SG3 and was able to put over 1000kms, eventually it was the upper which suffer more. I skipped version 4 and heard lots of good things about the new iteration. I am tempted to get a pair (now on sale) but the Mafate is a serious contender with its pros/cons. Pretty good shoe battle right here. Maybe someone would say: "why don´t you get both?" it could be an option, depending on the type of workout, right? I think in the end SG5 has the cards to be my next choice after also enjoying the Torrent 2 very much (got 2 pairs). Cheers!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

The SG3 was great! I really liked the SG2. I think either way, the SG5 or MS4, it’s a good choice. BUT if you will run on trails with elevation, the tongue of the SG5 could be an issue.

[@JavierISampedroTNF]

@@UltraTrailSteven Well noted about the tongue. A bit of elevation here and there, not all single track definitely.

[@stefankaltes9555]

Ad out sole: the speedgoat is a jocke ... this decresed significatly

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Ok then. I prefer the Mafate Speed 4 to the goat

[@dmac6119]

Funny that you think the mf4 is firmer then the speedgoat. I have both and think the complete opposite!

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Interesting for sure. They definitely feel more firm and responsive to me than the Goats

[@yalokim5264]

I have actually done a store shoe battle ;) Goat is surely compressing a lot more/deeper in the heal. I guess you might be bottoming out quicker that way... Dual foam is spreading that force, and this is why I chose Mafate. Time & mimes will tell more.

[@timpfluger]

I also feel, at least in the forefoot, that the Speedgoat is more firm. It actually bothered my forefoot after a few weeks. The dual foam in the Mafate seems to me a great balance of cushion. Thanks for the comments and the review.

[@yichenlin2769]

Same

[@mtnrnnr107]

Speedgoat for sure firmer than Mafate for me too

[@andrewh7599]

Hoka is so far behind Nike, Saucony, and Asics that I don't know if they'll ever catch up. If there was ever a case to demonstrate the importance of cutting edge R&D, then this is it. Hoka had no idea what was going on in the field and really they still don't. They continue to produce shoes with EVA foam that can't hold a candle to the new foams.

[@ElliotChaim]

Nike

[@UltraTrailSteven]

Yep that’s another shoe brand