HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review

Testing the HOKA W Speedgoat 7’s

I took the HOKA Speedgoat 7’s with me to the Azores this March, where we hiked for five days around Santa Maria, one of the smaller islands in the archipelago. The trek was supposed to be rainy for the most part, so I was curious how they would hold up. But luckily, we had sun for 4.5 of the days, so they weren’t stress-tested too much.

This was my first time wearing the 7’s out on the trail, and I was happy with them! The tongue now has a bit more coverage and keeps out more debris, which is always a plus, and the top material is a bit more structured. Although I tend to like a lot of breathability and flexibility in my shoes, and this version has gotten rid of some of that, I’m still pleased with them and didn’t find the update to be restrictive.

Finally, the new midsole update was great! I’d gotten used to the compression EVA, but the update to Super Critical EVA made for a fantastic hiking experience. It’s softer and feels more cushioned, but not so that you’re sinking into the shoe. It just meant that by kilometer 25, I still felt good on my feet instead of the aching that can set in after long days.

About the HOKA Speedgoat 7

The HOKA Speedgoat 7 has definitely been updated from the previous versions, and you can feel it as soon as you try it on. If you like the updates will be your own opinion, but I know I did. The shoe feels a bit narrower than the 6’s or even the 5’s, which is by design. They promote that this is to help with increasing comfort over long distances, and similarly the flat lip is there to do the same.

Like the other HOKA Speedgoats, these are a trail running shoe that is commonly used in the hiking world as well. They’ve got great grip and are flexible and easy to jump around in. What I like the most about the Speedgoats is how light they are (only 275 grams), which then keeps me light on my toes.

The shoes are shiny and feature lots of bright colors, plus new reflective materials scattered throughout. They definitely can’t be missed.

Conclusion

I’ve tried the last three or four versions of the Speedgoat now, because I love them. Every time one pair wears out, I just buy the next version, because I trust they will be even better. And the 7’s are no exception! While this one is definitely a bit narrower and tighter, they were still comfortable. I think switching the midsole helped negate any constricting feelings that could come with the different material on the upper textile. You should try them out before buying, as they do feel different in some key ways, but I’m a fan nonetheless.