Hoka - Speedgoat 5

I hope this isn’t a completely pointless post as the specific model - HOKA Speedgoat 5 - isn’t available and I can’t vouch for the 6 but hopefully it’s similar. North of 200lbs, this shoe was a revelation to me, I didn’t realise at the time that trail shoes could be as cushioned. I never had any issues with stability either. I’m not looking forward to replacing them.

The 5’s were my favourite trail runner hands down. Just the right balance between cushioning and stability. The 6 was a disappointment being too stiff. Such a shame.

I loved as well the 5th iteration of the speedgoat, and I have been enjoying the mafate speed 4 more than the speedgoat 6.

The last of my SG 5’s are toast, went the same route and ordered Prodigio. Scheduled to arrive tomorrow.

My SG5 was cooked at only 250 miles, midsoles were dead and uppers started to tear. La Sportiva prodigio lasted around 260 before both uppers torn on both sides of both shoes and midsoles were dead Norda 001 is at 300+ miles of the same and even worse trails and have zero signs of wear except the sole

I can’t speak too much for speedgoats but I can for Norda and LS. Both the 001 and 001A as well as the prodigio feel firmer, but still well cushioned. On all three pairs if you step on a sharp rock you will feel it, but they’re all super precise and feel great on technical terrain. I ran 2 50k’s in my Prodigios and that’s just about the limit for them, they did super well though especially since I’m 180lbs and tall. Norda is supremely comfy though, never once been blistered by them anywhere at all, they’re nice and roomy but not clunky. Even if you get them wet the insole doesn’t absorb water like the open celled foam in the Prodigios. Prodigios are comfy if you have light socks and avoid water, if they get wet they quickly start sucking and gave me blisters and gnarly nasty toes after 50k. Speedgoat was very comfy during my training runs, but felt a little too high up and often time clunky. Overall I’d give it to Norda, my 001 have 550 miles and the uppers are still mint while the outsole is getting pretty worn with at least another 100 miles of running left. 001A is also solid, definitely more responsive under foot

I’ve moved away from Hoka, but curious, do you notice/feel the packed foam for the speedgoat when running? Couldn’t tell if it was mostly cosmetic (looked like the foam was delaminating?) but your upper and outsole look decent? The upper on speedgoats was always the first thing to go for me.

I second this! One tip though I would consider staying away from the super squishy shock absorbing shoes like a Norda 001 or Speed goat 5. With a back pack the higher stack height might make you more prone to rolling ankles. I’ve done some long 100km plus fast packs in a few pairs of trail runners and do recommend it, you’ll just want to keep your pack weight down. Hiking is much more fun with a light pack anyway!!

I also found the toebox quite narrow on the speedgoat which can be uncomfortable for longer distances

I've run a couple trail marathons where the course is proper woodsy trails, plus some old asphalt utility roads. I also took a beating on the roads, hips mostly. I was using the Spartan OCR Speed, and switched to a Hoka Speedgoat 5.

If you're comfortable with the Altra road shoe, then the Altra trail shoe is likely to fit similarly. Personally I've had good luck with Hoka Speedgoat and the Spartan OCR Speed. Hokas have better padding for races (non-spartan) where there is a mix of trail and some road. Critically, make sure you get in some runs PRIOR to your race. No new gear on race day, especially shoes.

I've the Speedgoat 5 and Zegama 2. The Zegama are way better for me, in particular for long runs 20k+, as I'm getting blisters with the SG5s. Zegama's are so much more comfortable and better fitting and they work very well on tarmac too. Due to the stack height, they are not the most stable, so I wouldn't recommend them for highly technical trails or muddy stuff (but I'd say that's true for the SG5s too). Next trail shoe purchase will be Zegama's again, my feet do love them.

11 Road: - Saucony Endorfine Speed 3 (retired) - Adidas Takumi Sen 8 (intervals, ~5k races) - 2x Adidas Evo SL (daily trainer, 3rd pair ready to go) - Adidas Pro 4 (just used for a HM) - ASICS Superblast 2 (used for long runs, ultras, dislike) - Brooks Adrenaline 22 (retired, just for hikes) Trail: - Saucony Peregrine 13 (stiff, only when muddy) - Hoka Speedgoat 5 (have miles left, but Zegama are infinitely more comfortable - sort of retired) - Nike Zegama 2 (daily trail trainer / trail ultras, new pair ready to go) - Adidas Agravic Speed ultra (short trail races, gives me heel blisters)