Gear review: HOKA Speedgoat 6

Publication date: 05 Dec 2024

GearHiking shoes

The HOKA Speedgoat 6 continues the legacy of HOKA’s flagship trail-running shoe, offering exceptional cushioning and durability designed to dominate challenging terrains. Known for its unbeatable blend of comfort and performance, the Speedgoat series takes another leap forward with refined materials and enhanced traction capabilities. The HOKA Speedgoat is extremely popular among long-distance hikers and thru-hikers. For example, it’s perhaps even the favorite choice of hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail.

Equipped with a redesigned upper for improved breathability and fit, a plush midsole for all-day comfort, and a Vibram® Megagrip outsole with Traction Lug for superior grip, the Speedgoat 6 is built to inspire confidence on technical trails. Whether you’re tackling steep climbs or rocky descents, this iteration of the Speedgoat is ready to support your most ambitious adventures.

Chris König

Chris works as an outdoor photographer and can regularly be found in nature with his camera and tent: the higher the mountain, the better. He is always on the lookout for the balance between real emotion, atmosphere, and lively action. Next to his passion for photography, he organizes workshops in countries such as Iceland, Kyrgyzstan and Greenland.

Chris is also active as a travel and photojournalist for various media, including Columbus Magazine, NatGeo Traveler, Lonely Planet NL and the NKBV.

You can find more of Chris’ work on his website and Instagram!

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Testing the Speedgoat 6

The HOKA Speedgoat 6 is a trail-running shoe built for tackling rough and technical terrains. Newer on the scene, this shoe has already made a name for itself because of its exceptional cushioning and stability, which people love for both its comfort and support over long distances. With a durable Vibram Megagrip outsole and a lightweight design, the Speedgoat 6 is perfect if you’re looking for a dependable performance on a variety of trails.

back of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 trailrunning shoe

close up of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 trailrunning shoe

I had the chance to test the HOKA Speedgoat 6 in Germany’s Black Forest, which was an interesting experience. Covering both rocky terrain and forest trails, I found that the shoes handled the landscapes with ease. The Vibram Megagrip outsole gave me secure footing on uneven, slippery rocks, while the cushioning absorbed impact, even on harder surfaces. Walking through the dense forest trails felt smooth and comfortable, with minimal foot fatigue even after quite some hours of hiking, which I’ve been prone to with other shoes. I loved that shoe’s grip and support made it so comfortable to walk in. But a large question lingered in my mind: would they last?

About HOKA

HOKA, established with a focus on creating innovative, high-performance footwear for athletes, has built a strong reputation among trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts. Known for their maximalist approach to cushioning, HOKA shoes provide comfort and support for different terrains, which makes them ideal for endurance athletes and long-distance hikers alike. The brand’s focus on lightweight designs combined with superior grip and durability has made HOKA a recent popular choice for trail running and hiking enthusiasts.

About the Speedgoat 6

The HOKA Speedgoat series is named after famed ultramarathoner Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer and has become one of HOKA’s flagship models for trail running. The Speedgoat 6 is an upgrade from previous versions, the Speedgoat 4 and the Speedgoat 5, this time focusing on enhanced stability, traction, and comfort without sacrificing the lightweight feel. This model’s key features, such as its Vibram Megagrip outsole and HOKA’s signature cushioning, make it a great option for tackling different trail conditions. Next to the ¨normal¨ version of the Speedgoat, you can also go for the HOKA Speedgoat GTX, the GORE-TEX and with that the waterproof version of this trailrunning shoe. This model is not only suitable for trail runners, it’s also a great shoe if you want to tackle a thru-hike.

Specifications

HOKA Speedgoat 6
Upper	Breathable mesh with reinforced overlays for durability and protection
Outsole	Vibram Megagrip rubber with traction lugs for excellent traction on wet and dry surfaces
Weight	Approximately 280 grams
Stack Height	Moderate-to-high stack for extra cushioning and stability

long exposure shot of man running in forest

pro's

Fantastic cushioning: I found them to be comfortable for long distances as they reduced the strain on my joints.

Good traction: The Vibram Megagrip outsole has excellent grip on rocky and slippery terrain.

Lightweight: I could move with agility without compromising comfort and protection.

Durable: I liked that the materials were reinforced to withstand rough environments and debris.

Breathable: The upper mesh kept my feet cool, so they’re ideal for warm-weather hiking and running.

con's

Cushioning wear: They may lose responsiveness with heavy, prolonged use.

Limited warmth: The lightweight upper layer lacks insulation for colder climates.

High stack height: This may not suit you if you prefer a closer ground feel.

Conclusion

I found the HOKA Speedgoat 6 to be a standout trail shoe that combines cushioning, traction, and durability in a lightweight design. I thought the grip was reliable and I felt stable as I moved between different terrains in the forest. It’s well-suited for technical terrains, especially rocky and forested paths (in my experience!).

I’d recommend this shoe as a fantastic option for trail runners, hikers, and anyone covering long distance trails especially when you’re thru-hiking over varied terrain. While it may not appeal to minimalists, if you’re looking for a cushioned, stable shoe, you’ll find the Speedgoat 6 is a great choice for your upcoming outdoor adventures.

Gear review: HOKA Speedgoat 6

Testing the Speedgoat 6

About the Speedgoat 6

Specifications

Conclusion

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