Hoka Speedgoat 7 - Women's Review

The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is a modern trail shoe that's built for speed. The moderate cushioning within the synthetic and textile upper forgoes waterproofing in exchange for all-day comfort and breathability. The Vibram outsole is perfect for technical terrain, and the lightweight construction provides ample comfort and support that's perfect for trail runs and day hikes in warmer climates.

Comfort

The Speedgoat 7 features a thick, lightweight foam underfoot that is comfortable as soon as you slip them on. The newly redesigned upper includes an unpadded, stretchy tongue along with padding around the ankle and heel.

Our testers found the sizing to run small and favor a more narrow fit, so size up if you're between sizes, and consider the wide fit if you need extra space in the tapered toe box.

The Speedgoat 7 is one of the lightest and most comfortable trail shoes that we tested, and the moderately-cushioned design offers more joint support for longer days on the trail. Still, they aren't overly cushioned and won't change your gait.

The shoe doesn't include any waterproofing and is more breathable than most other shoes in our lineup, making it a great choice for warm-weather hikes and trail runs. This comfort comes at the cost of some trail protection and durability you might be used to in a leather hiking shoe, but we think it's a fair tradeoff for those prioritizing all-day comfort.

Support

The Speedgoat 7 features a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop along with a foam EVA midsole that enhances both comfort and support. The lacing system, dual-gusseted tongue, and solid heel cup to hold your foot in place within the shoe, creating a secure fit, which is especially appreciated on steep descents or while navigating more technical terrain.

There is plenty of flexion in the synthetic and textile upper, which allows ample range of motion; however, it's not the best choice for those seeking ankle stability when carrying a heavier pack. The design also forgoes a rock plate to protect the feet from trail debris, but we didn't have any issues with this due to the extra foam underfoot dampening impact. Although not the most supportive shoe we've tested, it's great for those seeking a lightweight, breathable design that prioritizes all-day comfort on a secure, stable base.

Traction

The Speedgoat features a Vibram Megagrip traction outsole and is on par with the best in the industry for those seeking maximum grip in a variety of terrain. These confidence inspiring outsoles are just what you want for popular trails with slippery steps, river stones, or decomposing granite.

Although quite grippy in most terrain, we found that the 5mm lug pattern wasn't aggressive enough to keep us from sliding on steeper descents with slushy snow and mud during spring runoff. We found ourselves wishing the multi-directional lugs had more aggressive talons to really dig into the terrain. Overall, this agile shoe is a great choice for those seeking a lightweight design that's built to tackle more rugged terrain.

Water Resistance

The Speedgoat 7 doesn't feature any waterproofing in the design which creates a lightweight and breathable construction that's perfect for warm hikes during the peak of summer heat.

After our controlled buckets and stream tests, we can confirm that these fill with water almost immediately, yet dry quickly once you continue down the trail since the water is easily released through the thin and breathable synthetic and textile upper. The higher flood level measures 3 1/2 inches, which is also helpful for those who want to keep their feet dry. If you are after a breathable, non-waterproof design, we highly recommend the Speedgoat 7.

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Weight

Weighing in at only 1.02 pounds for a pair of US Women's size 8 regular shoes, the Speedgoat is among the lightest trail shoes we have ever tested.

While we love forgoing a clunky and traditional leather hiking shoe design for a lightweight and breathable construction like the Speedgoat, it's not without a few durability trade-offs. The lack of a rock plate, substantial toe cap, and rand overlays lightens the design but also limits its protection on the trail. That said, if you plan to stay on the beaten path and want a little extra support for your back and knees, the Speedgoats don't disappoint.

Durability

After our extensive spring testing period, we noted some cosmetic abrasions on the synthetic and textile upper of the Speedgoat design. We also had some scratches on the softer foam exterior, likely from sharp rocks and tree branches. Although not waterproof, the design features a thick synthetic overlay on the upper, which adds durability. And while the design doesn't include a rock plate, the ample cushioning provides enough protection between your feet and trail debris.

The Speedgoat 7 design doesn't include an aggressive toe cap, durable waterproof coating, or thick leather overlays. Although the lightweight design forgoes a little durability, we think you'll appreciate the extra comfort and support while you're out there pushing the pace.

Should You Buy the Hoka Speedgoat 7?

The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is worthy of your consideration thanks to its lightweight, breathable, and stable design that optimizes all-day comfort on the trail. The moderately cushioned design strikes a nice balance between a clunky and minimalist construction, and feels quite stable while you negotiate more technical terrain. The non-waterproof design is perfect for day hikes in warmer climates.

What Other Women's Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

If you like the sound of a lightweight, breathable design like the Speedgoat 7 but don't want all that extra foam, check out the Topo Athletic Terraventure 5. While also a non-waterproof option with ample breathability, it has a 3mm heel-toe drop and less cushioning for those after a minimalist construction. If you are interested in a more durable construction, the La Sportiva Spire GTX is a great choice for a more substantial, protective design with a super-aggressive lug pattern to tackle slushy conditions. If you're on a budget, our testers like the Columbia Crestwood, which outperformed our initial expectations for a more traditional shoe.