REASONS TO BUY
Crazy light
Solid support
Surprising durability
REASONS TO AVOID
Not waterproof
Can fit tight
Some comfort issues
Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review
This ultralight trail runner is one of our favorite hiking shoes for lightweight adventures
Credit: Hoka
RELATED: Best Hiking Shoes for Men of 2024
Our Verdict
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is the latest in a long line of very popular trail running shoes that have become well-known for their ability to hike long distances. This updated model includes features like a dual-gusset tongue that keeps more rocks and dirt out, as well as keeping your foot securely in place. The CMEVA midsole feels stiffer than the previous model, making them more useful for the hiker even if some trail runners wish for the softer previous edition. We tested the non-waterproof version of this shoe, though it is available to purchase with Gore-Tex. We found these shoes, despite their incredibly light weight, to be surprisingly durable as we hiked for miles and miles without any signs of premature wear. It is certainly not the shoe for everybody, so be sure to check out our men's hiking shoe review to compare the many models we tried out.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Hoka Speedgoat 6 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Hiking Shoe |  Best for Scrambling | Best Lightweight Technical Hiker |  Best Bang for Your Buck | |
| Price | $155.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $180.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $159.99 at Public Lands Compare at 3 sellers | $149.95 at Backcountry Compare at 4 sellers | $59.99 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | This hiking shoe can do it all from thru-hiking to trail running | Unbelievably comfortable and supportive, these awesome hiking shoes can do it all | This is a supportive hiking shoe that is perfect for scrambling and peak bagging | This is the definition of a solid hiking shoe, and is a perfect choice for those not wanting to compromise on off-trail performance | This inexpensive but good quality hiking shoe is a perfect choice for just starting out on the trails |
| Rating Categories | Hoka Speedgoat 6 | Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX | Salewa Mountain Tra... | Salomon X Ultra 4 G... | Columbia Crestwood |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Support (20%) | |||||
| Traction (15%) | |||||
| Water Resistance (15%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Hoka Speedgoat 6 | Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX | Salewa Mountain Tra... | Salomon X Ultra 4 G... | Columbia Crestwood |
| Measured Weight (per pair, size 11) | 1.34 lbs | 1.99 lbs | 2.16 lbs | 1.76 lbs | 1.83 lbs |
| Upper | Woven textile | Recycled mesh, nubuck leather | 3F System with Kevlar® Cables, Armoured Mesh, Protective TPU rand | Synthetic, textile | Suede leather, mesh, webbing |
| Lining | None | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit | Gore-Tex Extended Comfort | Gore-Tex membrane | None |
| Flood Height | 1.5 in | 3.0 in | 3.5 in | 3.25 in | 1.5 in |
| Last Board/Shank | Not specified | Not specified | Nylon | ADV-C chassis | Not specified |
| Midsole | CMEVA (Dual density EVA) | EVA (30% sugarcane) | EVA | EnergyCell | Techlite |
| Outsole | Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug | Vibram Megagrip rubber | Pomoca MTN Trainer Lite | Contagrip MA rubber | OmniGrip |
| Width Options | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular, Wide |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
While the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is advertised as a trail running shoe, it has earned a place as a rightfully popular hiking shoe among the lightweight hiking crowd. It is nearly a pound lighter per pair than the next lightest shoes in this review, and still delivers many of the necessary attributes we expect from a hiking shoe. With a CMEVA midsole that is stiffer than the Speedgoat 5, these are a step up in stiffness and stability for hikers. This model adds in a dual-gusset and internal foot supporting chassis, making them feel like they are part of your foot.
Performance Comparison
These rugged trail runners do great as ultralight hiking shoes as well.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Comfort
Hoka shoes have long been built with comfort in mind, from their running shoes to their hiking boots, and this new Speedgoat 6 model is no exception, although those who have been fans of the line for a while will note some changes in this edition that differ from previous models. This shoe fits more snugly than the Speedgoat 5, and with the addition of the dual-gussets may be tighter than you are used to. We found them to fit well with a thinner sock, and did not feel like the gussets or short tongue had an impact on comfort though others have. The internal chassis keeps the foot in place, so there is not a ton of extra room to wiggle around. For really long hikes where foot swelling might be a concern, sizing a half size up might be a good idea. We also like the addition of a heel tab, which makes pulling them on a lot easier.
Lots of miles on hard granite makes us appreciate the comfort of these shoes.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Support
We found that the CMEVA midsole used in the Speedgoat 6 is notably stiffer than in the 5. Some trail runners have complained about that stiffness, but for hiking we think it is a great improvement. There is a bit less spring and bounce when soaking up jarring impacts on the trail, but they feel damper and ultimately more supportive underfoot. The dual-gussets and internal foot stabilizing chassis ensure that the foot is locked in place and we never felt like we were at great risk of rolling an ankle.
These stable and supportive shoes help us from worrying about rolling an ankle when hiking quickly over often uneven terrain.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Traction
The Hoka Speedgoats use a Vibram Megagrip rubber compound with traction lugs to ensure that you aren't slipping around on the trail. These lugs are 5mm deep, and are sharp and narrow, with a wide spaced pattern that puts more lugs around the perimeter. We found this sole to have slightly better traction on loose and smooth surfaces than the prior model, with the most diminished performance occurring in mucky conditions where the smaller number of lugs do not provide as much bite.
The Speedgoats really chew up packed trails like this.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Water Resistance
We tested this version of the Speedgoat 6 in a non-waterproof version. Without any kind of a waterproof barrier, its resistance to permeability is limited to the woven textile upper. While this means that they breathe exceptionally well, it means that once you step in a puddle deeper than the outsole, you are getting wet. Hoka does make this in a Gore-Tex version, though, which would be worth checking out if you want to hike in wet climates.
Very shallow crossings are about all the the non-waterproof version of this shoe can handle.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Weight
Without a doubt, weight is the metric that the Hoka Speedgoat shines the brightest in. Weighting a mere 1.34 pounds in a size 11, they are ridiculously light. We found ourselves reaching for this pair the most when we were heading out on long hikes where weight and foot comfort needed to be prioritized.
The Speedgoats are so light they are almost floating off of our scale!
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Durability
Ever since we first started testing Speedgoat shoes, we have been concerned about durability. They are so light and made of materials that often are the first to suffer from abuse, like woven textiles, that we have rightfully been dubious about their longevity. Yet, time after time, we are proven wrong! We had no notable issues during our testing, and we surmise that like the other models we have used, the midsole will pack out from excessive mileage before the uppers fall apart, as long as you are not subjecting them to abuse beyond what a normal hiking shoe would receive.
The only thing we noticed after much use was the recessed portion of the outsole starting to get chewed up a bit.
Credit: Ryan Huetter
Should You Buy the Hoka Speedgoat 6?
We like to think of the Speedgoat 6 as a niche hiking shoe. It is comfortable, and supportive, and crushes the competition in weight. This makes it a great shoe for dry climates and for those wanting to push it. This makes it a great value in our opinion.
What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
For another great model that is supremely comfortable but also is waterproof and has more durable materials, be sure to look at the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX. And if you want a lightweight shoe that is waterproof and a bit more supportive, then the Salomon X Ultra 4 Gore-Tex is a solid option
—
Ryan Huetter
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