Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX
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I also returned a pair of SG6. Mine were the GTX Mid version. They are just too stiff and narrow. I needed a waterproof shoe for running in the rain and also trails. I went with the Hoka Challenger 7 GTX and couldn’t be happier.
There are many great recommendations in r/Rucking. Try this thread: [https://www.reddit.com/r/Rucking/comments/1k8q1j0/lets\_talk\_footwear/](https://www.reddit.com/r/Rucking/comments/1k8q1j0/lets_talk_footwear/) Personally, I’ve rucked the Bataan Memorial Death March (a full marathon with 35 pounds dry weight, terrain is part road / part desert sand) a couple of times in Hoka Speedgoat mids, with zero foot problems. But I don’t think they come in all black. Could perhaps paint them? (I’m only half joking.)
Btw I have been a lover of Hoka Speedgoat for several years. I use a GTX mid version & use it for mostly trail running in ❄️ winter time. I use the La Sportiva Bushido outside of winter. * hiking boots vs trail runners https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouverhiking/comments/1ltydv7/hiking_boots_vs_trail_runners/ * What shoes do you swear by? https://www.reddit.com/r/vancouverhiking/comments/o77olh/what_shoes_do_you_swear_by/
Same, I've got 2 pairs and they do great for Trifectas, super comfortable. For people considering, you'll want the cheaper regular version, not the MTX, since you don't want waterproof.
Waterproof helps for shallow water like snow to avoid your socks getting wet. If water gets inside the shoe through the top, like deep water, swimming, dunk wall, it just means the water is trapped inside. The non-waterproof one lets water seep out above the toe box. I have both since I do prefer the waterproof on regular trails, but a lot of the Spartans have some deep water.
I've got both of the same shoes. The Speedgoats are perfect, I generally like the Spartan shoes too but they have two issues: a lot less padding makes them tear up my heels (even when I taped to try to prevent), and they seem more slippery and don't grip surfaces super well, like Olympus and the rope climb.
Trail runner Mids might just be your new travel MVP, ankle hugs without the boot bulk. Check out: [Hoka Speedgoat Mid GTX](https://www.hoka.com/en/us/mens-trail/speedgoat-6-mid-gtx/1155152.html?dwvar_1155152_color=OTC) / Weatherproof clouds for your feet [NNormal Tomir 2.0 Mid](https://www.nnormal.com/en_US/men/shoes/tomir/nnormal-tomir_2_0_boot-N2BTR02-002) / Allround Kilian-approved mountain beast One shoe to explore, run and roam.
Hey OP, I asked a similar question a few years ago and I got the same spiels but I do still think that a high-cut runner isn't a bad idea. I don't think it's completely removing your ankle from the running equation, just giving you extra support. Something like the hoka speedgoat mid seems like a good shoe provided they fit right for you. I've also really wanted to try the Nike Kiger because it's a pretty low stack trail shoe and I think that would feel a lot more stable. Currently I have the Nike zegama and the fit is perfect just feels a bit tall.
I have both the non-goretex traditional speedgoats and the ankle height goretex version. I'd get the non-goretex version, the goretex are not breathable.
Hello, here my feedback based on my experiences with trying on these shoes in store: Altamesa: I found it had good cushion except for where my toes were and it felt like they wouldn't soften no matter how many km's I put into them. Speedgoat 6: toe box felt weirdly roomy for a narrowish shoe and they didn't quite fit right. Hierro: I was able to try on the v7, v8 and v9 models all at one store. The v9 we're the best out of the 3 but I still didn't like the v9. It just felt oddly bulky which was a shame as I love NB shoes. The 1080's are my favourite. Stinson 7: I just bought a pair from MEC yesterday and they felt so good on my feet as soon as I put them on. I'm a little used to heavier shoes so that doesn't bother me. I really want a max cushion trail runners that doesn't need to be super technical trail focused. Salomon Ultra Glide/Ultra Flow: i really wanted to like these but they were a little narrow and just didn't have the comfy impact I was expecting. Altra Timp 5: I think these shoes are awesome except for the way the upper material bends at the toe box. It just feels weird and I can tell it will create problems for me a few km's into a run. I also have the Topo Ultraventure 4 which are great but I don't know how well I would enjoy them past 30km. I have Columbia Ecolite (the ones that look like they infused golf balls into the form) which have been great but just aren't on the same level as other trail shoes. I had the Brooks Caldera 6 which were okay and had great traction but they hurt my feet and caused blood blisters on the outside of my big toes so I was able to return them when I got the Stinson. I've tried on many other runners and I have the believe that you should go with the shoe that fells the best on your foot. E: forgot to add that I also tried on the hoka mafate speed 4 and I almost bought them as they were don't in the toe box compared to the speed goats 5 & 6 but I wanted slightly more cushioning. I think the mafate is a great comparison to the topo Ultraventure 4
You probably want to go to a store and try a few, or order a few and return the ones that don't work. Lots of speedgoat mentions so I'll add the Salomon Genesis - I loved the speedgoat 5, but the 6 doesn't work for me so I switched to the Genesis instead. Loving it so far. I know this is controversial but I also love the quicklace system, feels so much more secure and consistent than standard laces.
Not similar necessarily, but as someone who loved the SG5s and was sorely disappointed by the 6s, I'm really enjoyed the Salomon Genesis. I also tried the Merrell AP5s and while they did feel very good they wound up giving me foot pain, probably from a slightly off fit
I was really disappointed by the speedgoat 6 (I feel like I was running in a brick), now I only use them for hiking. Be carfull with the 7.