Shoe of the Week: Hoka One One Speedgoat
The Speedgoat is one of the lightest, cushiest and most grippy trail shoes from Hoka yet.
Fit-feel-ride: Although this shoe is technically the third version of the Rapa Nui model (it was renamed Speedgoat in honor of Hoka runner Karl Meltzer), it’s really a completely revamped shoe with a narrower fit, more aggressive outsole and a softer midsole. No matter what you call it, the Speedgoat is the most aggressively lugged Hoka trail running shoe to date. The Vibram rubber traction does a great job of gripping onto everything from steep and rocky terrain to loose dirt. The hard rubber tooth-like outsole means this isn’t the best choice for runs on partial road or all-mellow trails, but for mountainous adventures, we appreciated the sure-footedness. This is a very smooth-running shoe—the massive foam midsole provides ample cushioning that’s forgiving on joints without compromising control. The upper feels burly and has a solid toe bumper for added protection, hence this shoe’s ability to charge in rugged terrain. A few testers found this shoe to feel a bit stiff at first; it takes some breaking in before the upper feels soft and conforming.
This shoe is for you if … You’re a Hoka devotee (or want to be), like soft cushioning and run technical terrain of any sort.
Price: $130
Weights: 9.7 oz. (men), 8.6 oz. (women)
Heel-toe Offset: 5mm; 33mm (heel), 28mm (forefoot) for men; 31mm (heel) 26mm (forefoot) for women
Info: Hoka One One