BY Trail running fans will be familiar with HOKA’s storied Speedgoat line of running shoes and its blend of cushioning and grip with the necessary support, protection and comfort. Inspired by the exploits of ultrarunner Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, a serial race winner of extreme trail running events and GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in the ultra-trail running circuit for his successes, the Speedgoat line has evolved as quickly as the seasons can shape a trail, with six iterations of the much-loved trail runner released since its launch back in 2015.
HOKA Speedgoat 6 Updates
In its latest iteration, the HOKA Speedgoat 6 brings several key updates that will elevate the running experience off the beaten track. Here are some of our favourite highlights from our experience with the Speedgoat 6.
It Fits Snug and Comfortable
Complaints about the previous iteration have been addressed with HOKA’s design and engineering team updating the Speedgoat 6 with a highly durable yet soft when lightweight woven upper.
It's now has a patent pending dynamic vamp and internal support chassis and plush, dual-gusseted tongue for an accommodating fit that keeps our feet stable and secure at a range of paces spanning easy warm up efforts to full trail surfing efforts on the most technical sections of our nature park trails.
Immediately noticeable when laced up, was how soft and comfortable the shoes feel underfoot. Fitting true to size, it fits securely around the foot without freeplay that could cause abrasions. We also noticed that the upper has been reinforced for durability, both on the inside, and with a toe bumper to protect against scruffing from rocks and roots.
If first impressions are all about feelings, we like the bright orange and yellow tones and the sense of security that comes from the shoe’s sturdy, structured construction up top.While it does seem to trap heat on long, hot afternoon runs, it’s not something thinner socks can’t solve.
Stable and Responsive
Weighing in at 280g for the US 9 sample we got, the Speedgoat 6 is light and features a rocker shape that facilitates quick transitions and momentum building. It’s also got a 40mm stack for ample cushioning with a 5mm drop.
Much of the weight savings can be credited to the new ultralight CMEVA cushioning in the midsole that gives the shoe a very sturdy, stable feel. It’s well cushioned, yet firm enough to offer a goat-like sure-footedness when tacking obstacles. It’s also responsive and nimble, reacting well to directional changes and changes in pace, even on technical sections of the trail.
On test runs that featured a mix of damn and dry trails with sections of loose rocks, we experienced how the Speedgoat 6 inspired confidence, giving us the assurance that it was always watchful in tracking our steps and alert to moments when its needs to compensatewith foot guidance to make up for missteps or slips. An essential yet understated feature, this can be likened to a car’s traction control systems which help drivers maintain control on sketchy sections of road, and was a standout quality for us.
Superior Traction
Another standout quality of the Speedgoat 6 is how much grip theThe Vibram Megagrip outsole offers.
With traction lugs and a sole pattern mimicking a goat’s hooves, we loved just how much grip we had, especially when the trails were wet, and how much ground feel we had.
Expect to feel intuitively connected, in the same way you could feel your feet grip the ground, as you ‘surf’ over trail features in confidence that you won’t miss a step. And even if that happens, the Speedgoat 6 would have got you covered by assisting your feet in making the necessary corrections so you can focus on moving on.
The Last Word
Updates to the upper, midsole and outsole have put the Speedgoat 6 back amongst the top picks for a versatile trail running companion you could train in and race with.
It’s a comfortable, albeit firm, trail runner that looks sharp, fits snug, and grips tremendously. Best of all, is how understated, yet pivotal, it delivers stability and responsiveness to your run as you push limits off the beaten track.
The HOKA Speedgoat 6 is priced at $259 and available atthe HOKA ION Orchard and Raffles City concept stores, as well as from authorised retailers.
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