REASONS TO BUY
Versatile
Comfortable
Well-tractioned
Stable
Well-updated design
REASONS TO AVOID
Unlike previous iteration
Less sensitive than some
Hoka Speedgoat 6 - Women's Review
If a versatile and comfortable trail shoe is what you are after, this well-tractioned and comfortably redesigned powerhouse is a solid choice
For well-rounded comfort and performance, this shoe is one of the best.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Our Verdict
Hoka dramatically changed the design and feel of the new Speedgoat 6. Runners who previously loved the Speedgoat may be disappointed with the changes. We, however, are delighted by the redesigned internal chassis, upgraded underfoot feel, and more comfortable tongue. Though Hoka removed 1 mm from the Speedgoat's total stack height, its heel-to-toe differential remains the same (5 mm), yet somehow, the overall ride feels significantly more stable, comfortable, and closer to the ground. Allowing in just enough trail information, the updated Speedgoat is now a stable and well-tractioned trail shoe to run in. When comfort and a versatile performance are key, this shoe is one of the best.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Hoka Speedgoat 6 - Women's | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Trail Running Shoe for Women |  Best Bang for Your Buck |  Best for Comfortable Zero Drop Performance | ||
| Price | $155.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $108.69 at REI Compare at 4 sellers | $130.00 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $104.04 at Amazon Compare at 4 sellers | $100 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | For a versatile and stable ride, this is a great option | If a well-tractioned powerhouse of a shoe is what you're after, this 7 mm-drop, stacked-with-tech shoe is the one for you | This is our go-to recommendation for runners seeking a comfortable, well-tractioned shoe for short and long distances alike | Featuring an upgraded upper and a stable zero-drop design, this shoe is a dependable and comfortable trail running option, ensuring comfort even during extended runs | An affordable and functional trail shoe that is great for new runners, budget-conscious runners, any anyone looking to tackle moderate terrain |
| Rating Categories | Hoka Speedgoat 6 -... | La Sportiva Bushido... | Hoka Torrent 3 - Wo... | Altra Lone Peak 8 -... | Brooks Divide 4 - W... |
| Foot Protection (25%) | |||||
| Traction (20%) | |||||
| Sensitivity (15%) | |||||
| Stability (15%) | |||||
| Comfort and Fit (15%) | |||||
| Weight (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Hoka Speedgoat 6 -... | La Sportiva Bushido... | Hoka Torrent 3 - Wo... | Altra Lone Peak 8 -... | Brooks Divide 4 - W... |
| Sizes Available | 5 - 12 US regular, wide | 5.5 - 11 US regular, wide | 5 - 11 US regular |
5.5 - 12 US regular and wide |
5 - 12 US regular |
| Measured Heel Stack Height | 32 mm | 28 mm | 26 mm | 20 mm | 29 mm |
| Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop | 5 mm | 7 mm | 4 mm | 0 mm | 7 mm |
| Rock Plate | No | 1.5 mm Dual-Density compressed EVA Rock-Guard in forefoot | No | TPU | No |
| Measured Lug Depth | 4.0 mm | 3.8 mm | 4.0 mm | 3.2 mm | 3.0 mm |
| Measured Weight | 7.57 oz | 9.11 oz | 7.52 oz | 8.14 oz | 7.82 oz |
| Upper | Woven textile | Air Mesh / Thermal Adhesive Microfiber / High Frequency Welded Ripstop Overlays | Mesh | Ripstop Mesh | Mesh |
| Midsole | Compression molded EVA | 4mm LaSpEVA / Compression Molded MEMlex | EVA | Altra EGO | DNA Loft |
| Outsole | Vibram Megagrip + Traction Lug | Bi-Compound FriXion® XT 2.0 V-Groove3 | Rubber | MaxTrac | TrailTack rubber |
| Heel Tab Type | Finger loop | Finger loop | None | Finger loop | None |
| Claimed Heel-to-Toe Drop | 5 mm | 6 mm | 5 mm | 0 mm | 8 mm |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The redesigned Hoka Speedgoat 6 is unlike its predecessor. With a mild 5 mm heel-toe drop, a rugged Vibram outsole, and 360-degree comfort, this shoe is one of the greats if your running takes you across a huge variety of terrain types.
Performance Comparison
We love how at-home we feel in all terrain types in this trail running shoe.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Foot Protection
The protection of the Speedgoat 6 is similar to that of versions past. The weight of the outsole has been redistributed for comfort, but the 32 mm stack still provides ample underfoot protection sans a rock plate. The engineered mesh upper deflects particles well but doesn't provide a ton of protection from moisture — our socks felt damp after traversing a dewy field. This penetrable upper dries well, making it a solid choice for warm summer running. The toecap isn't the burliest we've seen, but it provides adequate protection from rogue rocks, stumps, and whatever else you may encounter on the trail.
The Speedgoat is shoe we choose (and recommend) when the trails are calling. It is fun, quick, and comfortable enough to wear all day, if that is what you feel called to do.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The tongue and heel collar weave together beautifully for comfort and protection. In many trail shoes, we prefer to wear ankle-height running socks, but the thick-enough comfort of the Speedgoat's heel collar allowed lower socks to work well. While the Speedgoat 6 is not the beefiest shoe we've seen in terms of protection, it provides enough to have you scampering through the mountains with ease.
For balanced comfort and protection, this do-it-all shoe scores well.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Traction
Vibram-soled trail shoes often perform incredibly well in this metric, and the Speedgoat 6 is no exception. With a Vibram Megagrip outsole, the ride in the Speedgoat is nothing if not confidence-inspiring. Hoka reconfigured the outsole pattern — which allegedly mimics a goat's hoof — for ultimate grip. The multidirectional, 4 mm deep lugs boast updated texture and new, sharper angles to help runners bite down on the trail. The epic grip of the Speedgoat's outsole pairs wonderfully with its new midsole and chassis. These pieces come together to create an agility-ready shoe that is ideal for rock scrambling, unpredictable terrain, and your local dirt track.
The shape and sharpness of the Vibram lugs provide plenty of traction for moderate to rugged trails.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Sensitivity
Whew. Where do we begin? The previous version of the Speedgoat felt thick and almost marshmallowy underfoot. The bulk of the weight of the Speedgoat 5 rode underfoot, which led to a somewhat clunky and dull trail feel. Enter the Speedgoat 6, a completely reimagined trail shoe with an updated midsole that provides a more responsive pep, while the levity of the textiles allows you to feel the trail beneath you. It is far from the most sensitive trail shoe on the market, but if you are looking for a bit of trail information, a responsive kick, and overall comfort, the Speedgoat has just enough for us to recommend it to you.
We cannot say enough nice things about the updates to the Speedgoat 6. From sensitivity to comfort, this new version is where it's at.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Stability
The slight rigidity of the heel cup and lateral walls of the Speedgoat 6 make it feel super stable as you run. While not necessarily a shoe built to compensate for overpronation, it is certainly stable enough for runners who want confidence out on the trails. The reconfigured design of the Speedgoat allows your feet to feel like they are sitting a bit more securely toward the ground than in the previous model. This creates a feeling of natural stability and lockdown that far surpasses that of Speedgoats that came before.
The Speedgoat's fit provides strong stability thanks to its secure heel cup and solid midfoot lockdown.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Comfort and Fit
From the moment we slipped our tired feet into the Speedgoat 6, we knew we had a pretty comfy running shoe on our hands. Gone are the days of needing to adjust to the underfoot stack, meshy upper, and pillowy undercarriage. The Speedgoat has had a comfort glow-up, and our crew of rowdy testers is here for it.
Hoka redesigned the underfoot feel of the Speedgoat, making it much better suited for granite-filled alpine trail days.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
The heel cup and lateral edges are a bit rigid but remain soft to the touch without sacrificing durability. Hoka dropped the aggressive Achilles structure, creating a less polarizing rearfoot feel. The redesigned upper feels light and breathable, making the Speedgoat great for warmer runs. The dual-edged gusseted tongue is incredibly forgiving and stretchy, with just enough cushion under the lace bed for all-day comfort. The Speedgoat represents a lovable balance of strength and comfort, especially in the worth of durable, clunky trail shoes. From a fit standpoint, we think that the Speedgoat will suit most runners' anatomies. The taper of the toebox might feel a bit cramped for some runners, but Hoka manufactures a wide version, which can likely rectify this feeling. The Speedgoat is not a soft, squishy pillow of a trail shoe, but if you are seeking a trail runner with ample protection, durability, Vibram-based traction, and rugged comfort, this shoe will serve you well.
The Speedgoat 6 has proven itself to be a shoe that we reach for when we know we need to perform but aren't sure about the terrain types we will encounter.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Weight
Weighing in at 7.57 ounces per shoe in women's size 6.5 regular, the Speedgoat packs balanced cushion and protection into a moderately weighted shoe. As shoes are trending lighter and lighter, our testers prefer these middle-of-the-pack shoes for most efforts (road races and track days notwithstanding). Moderately weighted shoes tend to offer more robust durability, more functional reactions, patterning, and lugs, and better overall protection. All of these elements ring true when it comes to the new and super-improved Speedgoat 6.
The weight distribution of the Speedgoat's 7.57 ounces is balanced and comfortable.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Hoka Speedgoat 6?
We recommend the Speedgoat 6 for runners seeking a durable, beefy, do-it-all trail shoe that is well-balanced across our rating criteria. Sure, other shoes outscore it individually, but the sum of the parts of the Speedgoat makes it a capable, comfortable, and rugged trail companion. Hoka's decision to offer a wide version of this beautifully redesigned further stokes our enthusiasm for it.
There is much to love about the redesigned Speedgoat 6, making it a great choice for runners seeking performance, comfort, and versatility.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?
If you have previously been a Speedgoat fan and are horrified by the changes made, check out the updated Hoka Stinson 7. It has a much bubblier outsole with a thickness that is reminiscent of the old Speedgoat 5. If a chunky-soled trail shoe is not for you, some of our more sensitive favorites include the rugged and tech-ready La Sportiva Bushdio III and the Salomon S/Lab Ultra 3. Both of these options provide comfort and sensitivity and are suitable for long distances. If you want a plush runner but feel that Hoka's stack heights are a bit stacked, the Salomon Pulsar Trail Pro 2 is a comfortable contender to consider.
—
Ally Arcuri
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