Hoka Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoe: Review

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Review

See our review methodology here.

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a highly rated trail running shoe designed for multi-terrain use and technical trails. In this review, we will take a closer look at the shoe’s features and performance.

Hoka Speedgoat 5: Key Features Summary

1. Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug Outsole: Enhanced grip on loose soil, providing more surface contact and traction for increased stability on various terrains.
2. Lighter Midsole Compound: Offers the same stack height and rocker profile but with a lighter weight for improved cushioning and responsiveness.
3. Double Layer Jacquard Mesh Upper: Made from recycled polyester, providing increased durability and breathability while allowing more room for feet to move on the trails.
4. Confidence-Inspiring Cushioning: The shoe’s cushioning delivers excellent support and protection, making it ideal for tackling technical trails.
5. Reworked Upper Design: Provides a snug, secure fit and ensures optimal support and comfort during runs.
6. Weights and Geometry: Men’s – 10.3oz (291g), 33mm heel, 29mm forefoot; Women’s – 8.5oz (242g), 31mm heel, 27mm forefoot.
7. Sustainable Materials: The upper is partially made from recycled materials, making the Speedgoat 5 an environmentally friendly choice for trail runners.

Design and Features

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is an upgrade from the previous Speedgoat 4 model, with a new sock-like mesh upper made from recycled materials. The shoe features an excellent midsole rebound, great traction, and grip from the Vibram Megagrip sole with Traction Lugs. It has a secure, snug fit for multi-terrain use and performs well on muddy and technical trails.

The shoe’s excellent mid-sole rebound, great traction, and grip make it an ideal choice for trail runners looking for a shoe that can handle different types of terrain. Additionally, the shoe is made from recycled materials, making it a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious runners. The shoe comes in a variety of awesome colours to suit individual preferences.

Fit and Sizing

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is true to size and has a comfortable, snug fit straight out of the box. The welded-seam fish-tail-shaped tongue fits nicely around the ankle area, and the laces can be drawn in easily for a very comfortable, snug fit. However, the shoe’s toe box is a bit narrow, which may not be suitable for runners with wider feet. The sock-like upper does have a bit of give for your little toe, but it still may not be as wide as needed for trail and ultra running where feet tend to swell and widen.

Performance

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is lightweight and has an excellent rebound, which propels runners forward, giving them a feeling of extra-zing. The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides good surface contact and traction on all surfaces, from pavement to grass to rock and mud. The lugs on the outsole are deep enough to cope well with sloppy ground, but combined with enough protection and cushioning from the sole and midsole to be comfortable on roads too.

Price and Availability

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is available for purchase directly from Hoka, with a recommended retail price of $155/£130. It is also available on Amazon Prime starting at around £99.

Real-Life Testing: The Hoka Speedgoat 5 on the Trails in Spring

To provide a more accurate assessment of the Hoka Speedgoat 5, we took the shoes for a test run on the trails of Bedfordshire during the spring season. The mixed terrain and wet conditions proved to be an ideal testing ground for these shoes.

Mud and Slippery Trails

The Vibram Megagrip sole with Traction Lugs provided excellent grip and traction on muddy and slippery trails. The deep lugs ensured that the shoe could handle the challenging conditions, and we felt confident in every step we took. The Speedgoat 5 also performed well on wet grass, ensuring a stable and secure footing throughout the run.

Rock and Roots

While running on rocky sections and trails with roots, the Speedgoat 5 offered excellent protection and support. The shoe’s cushioning absorbed the impact, while the redesigned outsole maintained a good grip on uneven surfaces, allowing us to navigate the trails with ease and confidence.

Uphills and Downhills

The Speedgoat 5 provided great support and traction on both uphill and downhill sections. The responsive midsole and the shoe’s lightweight design allowed us to tackle uphill sections effortlessly. On downhills, the shoe’s grip and cushioning made it easy to control our speed and maintain stability, even on steep and technical descents.

Breathability and Comfort

The sock-like mesh upper provided good breathability during our testing, keeping our feet dry and comfortable throughout the run. Despite the wet and muddy conditions, the shoe did not feel heavy or waterlogged, and the snug fit ensured our feet were well-supported throughout the various terrains we encountered.

Verdict

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is an excellent choice for trail runners looking for a shoe that can handle different types of terrain. It combines unrivalled bounce, extreme comfort, and excellent grip into one fantastic trail running shoe. However, the shoe’s narrow toe box may not be suitable for runners with wider feet, and the stretchy laces may not be suitable for everyone. If you have narrow feet or know you get on well with their fit usually, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a top pick for trail running.

Rating 8/10

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