HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review

Publication date: 29 Apr 2026

GearHiking shoes

HOKA is back with the Speedgoat 7’s! The newest in this line from the iconic running brand, the Speedgoat 7’s have some aesthetic updates to the 6’s as well as a change in the midsole and some new colorways. But what remains the same is the super comfort and not needing to break them in.

Apart from being a running and hiking shoe, the Speedgoats are also very comfortable for days out on the town, and in the more neutral colors, can even be nice for a city trip. They’re one of HOKA’s most popular shoes, and that’s for good reason! I’ve taken them on trails and then directly afterward to the pub and felt comfortable doing both. They’re just as comfortable as the 6’s, and so far I’m really liking the new midsole design.

Editor

Jochem de Jong

Jochem de Jong is a Dutch photographer and the technical guy behind this website. With his passion for photography and design he makes sure that every page on this website looks perfect. The last years Jochem hiked 20+ long-distance trails, mainly in Europe from the Coast to Coast in England to mountain hut trekkings in the Dolomites. Most of the photos on this website Jochem shot on the trails.

Besides hiking, Jochem loves Italy and most of all the dreamy countryside of Tuscany which at one day, he hopes to run a small B&B besides his work as a photographer.

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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.

backside of a trail running shoe by HOKA

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 HOKA

HOKA was founded in France in 2009 by two trail runners who wanted to design shoes that would perform better on long descents. Their solution was to create a shoe with more cushioning and a wider, more stable base. What started as a niche idea quickly caught on, and HOKA has since grown into a major player in both the running and hiking markets. Their shoes are now known for high stack heights, rockered soles, and a strong focus on comfort and support, especially over long distances.

In recent years, HOKA has expanded beyond ultra-running into hiking, walking, and everyday wear, while continuing to invest in lightweight materials and performance-focused design.

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.

Specifications

HOKA Speedgoat 7
Weight	275g
Heel-to-toe drop	5mm
Lugs	5mm
Stability	Neutral
Cushion	Sensitive
Midsole	EVA Super Critical Foam
Features	Integrated gaiter, protective toe bumper

pro's

New orientation of the lugs means better grip

The midsole cushioning is even more comfortable

Integrated gaiters

Reflective detailing for low-visibility adventures

con's

The more structured material feels more restrictive

The shoe is narrower than the Speedgoat 6’s

Feels like the shoe is taking a different turn than the previous Speedgoats

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.

HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review

Specifications

Conclusion

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Happy trails!