The HOKA Speedgoat has lengthy been the gold commonplace shoe in path operating, and the Speedgoat 6 continues its reign. Revamped to deal with any path with larger precision and luxury, this newest iteration is prepared for wherever you’re taking it. Whether or not scaling rocky ascents or navigating muddy paths, the Speedgoat 6 is constructed to maintain up with each problem.
As a path runner within the excessive altitude of the Colorado Rockies, I’m continually on the lookout for a shoe that may deal with unpredictable circumstances. Speedgoats have been my go-to alternative for years, and I used to be excited and slightly nervous to see how this model would maintain up throughout my runs.
After I first ran within the HOKA Speedgoat 6, I used to be intrigued by the updates — particularly after studying that it was lighter, extra responsive, and, most significantly to me, had a redesigned higher. I didn’t love the fifth model, so I had excessive hopes for this up to date iteration.
This mannequin takes issues a step additional with some key enhancements. From a extra structured higher to a lighter, bouncier midsole, this shoe was thoughtfully up to date for runners who’ve come to count on a dependable efficiency from HOKA.
Briefly: The HOKA Speedgoat 6 ($155) is a reliable possibility for path runners on the lookout for a shoe that balances cushioning, sturdiness, and flexibility. The updates to the higher, midsole, and outsole proceed to make it a dependable, all-around performer. It’s a strong possibility for knowledgeable runners in addition to these new to path operating. Nonetheless, those that favor a extra versatile, stretchier higher would possibly discover the match of the Speedgoat 6 slightly too cosy and like the fifth iteration.
Learn GearJunkie’s Guides to one of the best males’s and ladies’s path trainers to see how the Speedgoat 6 stacks up in opposition to the competitors. The Speedgoat 6 can also be an important all-around mountaineering shoe.
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Presents vast sizes -
Extremely cushioned for consolation -
Nice at draining water -
Vegan
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A few of our testers don’t like the brand new, much less stretchy higher
HOKA Speedgoat 6 Overview
Higher Updates
Probably the most noticeable replace within the Speedgoat 6 is the redesigned higher. The brand new mesh feels extra supportive and fewer stretchy than the Speedgoat 5, offering a extra locked-in match. This transformation was an enormous bonus for somebody like me who appreciates a comfortable midfoot really feel.
In a side-by-side comparability, the Speedgoat 6 felt safer, particularly throughout steep climbs the place I like a strong, secure match. The four-way stretch vamp nonetheless allowed for slightly give, which saved my toes snug with out feeling unfastened or overly tight. Nonetheless, I do know some runners who most popular the stretchier, extra versatile really feel of the Speedgoat 5’s higher, so it comes down to private choice.
On the opposite finish of the shoe, the brand new heel pull loop made sliding the shoe on quite a bit simpler, particularly contemplating the taller heel cuff HOKA is understood for.
Laces
The laces are barely stretchy and flat, which is my most popular lace form. Earlier than operating, I by no means knew I cared a lot about laces — seems I do! The flat laces are simple to cinch tight the place I want them to, however don’t dig into the foot, inflicting ache. The flat laces and the brand new further cushioning on the highest of the tongue, the place the laces relaxation, assist stop lace fatigue once I actually have issues tied tight.
As soon as tied, the laces stayed in place all through my runs, and the additional size allowed me to make use of the heel lock lacing technique for added safety. Nonetheless, with the longer laces, I did discover myself wishing for a lace guard to tuck them in, as they sometimes snagged on brush or branches whereas I used to be operating via the paths. A bit of added safety would have saved them out of the way in which.
Midsole Updates
The midsole of the Speedgoat 6 has been up to date to be lighter and extra responsive whereas nonetheless sustaining HOKA’s signature high-stack cushioning. The result’s a barely bouncier really feel that delivers loads of consolation and help, with an added 1mm of drop — transferring from a 4mm to a 5mm drop.
This midsole change made a distinction throughout my lengthy, rocky runs, because the cushioning nonetheless did an important job absorbing the shock and retaining my toes feeling contemporary. The lighter midsole additionally gave me a extra energetic, much less sluggish really feel when operating uphill or navigating rocky stretches. Whereas the Speedgoat 6 nonetheless doesn’t function a rock plate, the upper cushioning makes it pointless — it does an important job of defending my toes with out one.
Grip and Traction
By way of grip, the up to date Vibram Megagrip outsole lug sample is an enormous enchancment. I examined these sneakers on numerous terrains — from dry desert trails to snow-packed mountain roads — and felt assured on each run.
I assumed the up to date sample and extra lugs supplied nice traction whether or not I ran on unfastened gravel, moist rocks, or over icy patches. HOKA has put quite a bit into its outsole design, taking an already strong design and ensuring it might proceed to deal with a number of environments.
Nonetheless a Roomy Toe Field
HOKA has stayed true to its roomy toe field within the Speedgoat 6, giving my toes loads of area to unfold out. The roomier toe field is without doubt one of the issues that first drew me to Speedgoats a few years in the past. It’s vast sufficient for some wiggle room however not too vast to really feel sloppy.
The Speedgoat 6 even is available in a large model for individuals who want additional room. HOKA additionally affords a GTX model and a GTX Mid, which wears extra like a mountaineering boot with a taller collar.
Room for Enchancment
The one factor I’d say might use slightly enchancment is including a lace guard. The longer laces are inclined to snag on brush, and having a method to tuck them in could be good. Aside from that, I actually just like the updates — one thing that doesn’t all the time occur with new variations. Typically redesigns mess with a great factor, however for my toes and my operating fashion, I just like the Speedgoat 6
Conclusion
Whether or not navigating difficult, rocky mountain trails or cruising alongside smoother, rolling hills, the Speedgoat 6 affords the help and cushioning that I’ve come to understand from the road. The brand new higher, midsole, and outsole all come collectively to supply a safe, snug match, whereas the improved traction ensures I can tackle quite a lot of terrains with out hesitation.
The Speedgoat 6 is a well-rounded path shoe that excels at each lengthy and quick runs. It has wonderful grip, help, and cushioning to deal with regardless of the path comes up with.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a flexible possibility for various terrain or want a shoe that gives additional room, the vast model is a superb possibility. Whereas the cosy match of the higher is probably not for everybody, it stays a strong alternative for runners in search of a reliable, high-performance path shoe.
