This summer at Run Oregon, it’s all about Hoka, and now we’re taking to the trails with the updated Hoka Speedgoat 6. Our last review of this shoe was nearly four years ago—back in February 2020, just before the pandemic hit. You can check out our review of the Speedgoat 4 here. That shoe was one that was raved about and went unchanged for a few years – for good reason.
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A lot has changed in the world since then, including a couple of new versions of this shoe. Let’s dive into the details of the Speedgoat 6.
Fit:
After recently testing several shoes with accommodating (i.e. wider) platforms, the difference in design and fit of the Speedgoat 6 is noticeable. While it’s not exactly narrow, the forefoot is definitely more streamlined and sleek. My feet were immediately and noticeably up against the sides—though not uncomfortable, the snugness was apparent.
This might be a desirable feature for some, but others may find it too constricting. The fit in the midfoot and heel feels more standard.
In summary: know your feet. If you need room to wiggle, the Speedgoat 6 might not be for you. But if you prefer a secure, locked-in feel without having to fuss with the laces, the Speedgoat 6 delivers.
Construction:
Upper:
We’ve heard through the grapevine that the upper on the Speedgoat 5 was less durable, tending to stretch out more over time than some users preferred. While we don’t have firsthand experience with this issue, it seems Hoka took note and reengineered the upper in the Speedgoat 6. The new upper is made from an engineered woven material with reinforced toe bumper coverage. While woven uppers can sometimes compromise breathability, I didn’t notice any issues during testing.
The gusseted tongue holds the foot securely, contributing to an overall lockdown that blends seamlessly with the rest of the upper. I feel like it’s a tad bit short for me – and I kept having a feeling like I wanted to tug it a little higher. Not a dealbreaker. If you’re looking for a simple, secure fit, the Speedgoat 6 delivers—I hardly needed to tighten the laces to feel fully supported.
Midsole:
Another update from the Speedgoat 5 is the refined midsole. Hoka describes it as offering a balanced and lightweight cushion, and we agree. The CMEVA midsole provides good support without the ultra-cushioned, max-stacked feel that Hoka is sometimes known for—or something like the Brooks Caldera 7.
The midsole feels straightforward and leans more toward the firmer side of the spectrum. While this level of groundfeel isn’t new to the Speedgoat line, it was noticeable to me as a first-time wearer. If you go in knowing that the fit falls within this firmer category, you’ll be fine. That’s not to say it isn’t cushioned – it absolutely is! It’s just more a standard feeling – truly balanced – that I think many trail runners can appreciate. The Speedgoat 6 offers a great fit and feel, with firm ground contact paired with just the right amount of cushion. Just keep this in mind when choosing the shoe.
Outsole:
The Speedgoat 6 features an outsole developed in partnership with Vibram, known for its grip and durability. With Vibram involved, it’s hard to go wrong—the outsole is built to handle many miles. We’ll have to see how the exposed portions of the outsole perform in muddy conditions during wetter weather, but we’re confident it will hold up well.
Final Thoughts:
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 might have been absent from Run Oregon reviews for 4.5 years, but we’re thrilled to have it back. The shoe’s striking visuals, reminiscent to me of cross-polination of camo and snake skin, highlight its outdoor-ready design. It remains true to the Speedgoat line, with subtle updates that enhance its performance.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 $155
Specs & Socials:
- Weight: 9.8 oz (Size M9)
- Drop: 5mm
HOKA
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Thank you to HOKA for providing us with test shoes. Please read our transparency page for info on how we do our reviews.
