A well-respected dynasty in the trail-running shoe world, the HOKA Speedgoat has been on the feet of mile-hungry adventurers for almost a decade. The most recent iteration of this long line of trail crushers, the Speedgoat 6 has recently hit the shelves. We have been testing out this shoe for the past few weeks and are looking forward to sharing our thoughts with you.
Before receiving this shoe we decided to think about our testing in 3 ways:
1. How does it compare with the previous version?
2. Our testing: What will we use it for?
3. Does it live up to the hype?
1. How does it compare with the previous version?
The HOKA Speedgoat lineup has gone through many different looks and feels in the past few iterations. The step from the 5 to the 6 seems to be a small update upon first inspection, but as we began testing the shoe we noticed many more changes that weren’t initially obvious.
Rubber & Foam
The midsole foam (cushion) of the Speedgoat 6 is an updated material compared with previous Speedgoats. The new midsole is lighter and more durable while retaining almost the exact same feeling underfoot as the last iteration. This makes the shoe feel both nimble and reliable on uneven terrain which makes it the perfect grab-and-go option for any type of terrain.
The outsole rubber (grip) is also very similar to what we have come to love and expect from the Speedgoat line. An aggressive and hard-wearing VIBRAM outsole with 5mm lugs and great coverage gives the runner confidence on muddy or wet ground. The bottom of the shoe also features a small gap in the grip on the outsole called a decoupled groove with a small amount of exposed midsole showing. This has been done to save weight as well as further improve stability.
Upper & Laces
The biggest update we noticed with this shoe was in the upper. It is very comfortable. HOKA has stepped away from the mesh upper they used on the previous iteration and instead opted for a lightweight woven textile upper. This results in a more long-lasting, snug fit, better breathability and a reduction in the shoe’s ability to absorb water on wet runs. A massive plus for Irish trails!
The tongue of the shoe also received a welcome update. The tongue is now gusseted on both sides meaning there is elasticated fabric attaching the tongue to the base of the shoe which adds comfort and stability. The shoe also has increased padding for added comfort at the pressure points of the laces.
Speaking of the laces, there are a few small changes there too. The laces do not go as far down the shoe as they did before. This results in the toebox feeling a bit wider without them adding any additional fabric to the shoe. This will be a welcome change for people with wider feet or people whose feet swell during long days on the trails.
2. Our testing. What will we use it for?
Testing
Our very first run in the HOKA Speedgoat 6 was a mixed terrain run in the Wicklow Mountains as part of a two-day HOKA Speedgoat testing weekend. The route brought us into the Glendalough Valley through the early Christian monastic settlement before climbing one of the most underrated mountains in Wicklow, Derrybawn.
The 16km route tested the shoe on all the different types of terrain you would experience in Ireland. Country roads, forest roads, walking trails and mountain tracks. Since that run, we have brought the Speedgoat 6 on numerous easy runs, long runs and even a few hard workouts. It has thrived. At easy paces, the shoe feels plush enough to absorb some of the impact, leaving your legs fresher. At higher intensities, the shoe feels responsive and agile, even on very uneven terrain. This is the first Speedgoat we have ever tested that I would comfortably lace up for a sub-ultra race.
A Trail Running Trip in Wicklow
What will we use it for?
Moving forward, we will use the HOKA Speedgoat 6 for easy runs and long runs. The Speedgoat 6 will also be our grab-and-go shoe for travelling when we only want to bring one shoe, as we are confident we would be able to execute all the different types of runs in it, from recovery runs to hard hill sprints.
3. Does it live up to the hype?
Yes
The Speedgoat 6 will be one of the best-selling trail shoes for the next few months. It’s inevitable. It’s widely available, reliable and durable. Just because it’s popular doesn’t make it overhyped though. We have tested a lot of trail running shoes over the past few years at outsider.ie and these training shoes genuinely excited us. There is no carbon plate, it is not ultra light, it doesn’t have a crazy amount of cushioning, and you definitely won’t be the only person wearing it. However, that’s not why you buy a Speedgoat. You buy a Speedgoat to have the one shoe you can rely on, no matter the run, no matter the weather, no matter the terrain.
Is it the GOAT of the trails? Possibly. One thing is for sure though. The Speedgoat 6 is not a show pony, this shoe is a workhorse.
Where to get your GOATS?
The Speedgoat 6 is available across the country at some of the most reputable running and outdoor shops
The Sports Room – Located in the heart of Wicklow Town, The Sports Room is one of our favourite shops. Sharing the space with the Firehouse Bakery and stocking some of the very best products on the market, this shop is a must-visit. As well as the HOKA Speedgoat 6, The Sports Room is a bike and swim shop. It’s the one-stop shop for your swimming, biking and running needs.
Great Outdoors – Ireland’s largest and oldest independent outdoors store, Great Outdoors is heaven for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want to run on trails in Speedgoat 6s, climb Mount Everest or backpack the Kerry Way, you will find everything you need in Great Outdoors. Their expert staff will ensure you always get the perfect kit for your adventure.
Elvery’s – With stores dotted nationwide you are sure to never be far from a pair of Speedgoat 6s. Elvery’s is 100% Irish Owned & Operated making it an excellent choice for your Speedgoat 6 purchase.
