Hoka Speedgoat 6 vs HOKA Speedgoat 7

Ride profile: high cushion , firm_responsive feel , high energy return .

• The Speedgoat 6 walks back the v5's stretchy, floppy upper and returns to the locked-down v4-era feel that the model is known for, paired with a noticeably firmer midsole that's better on roads and rebound but less forgiving over long, repetitive terrain.

  Ride:Firmer midsole than v5 with more rebound and a springier feel — less vibration dampening but better energy return. Same ground feel as previous generations. The half-ounce weight drop and new lighter compound are noticeable.

  Fit:Locked-down fit returns after the floppy v5. Internal cage strapping connects laces to midsole; less stretchy upper holds foot in place on technical downhills. Padded tongue (top half only) with bulbous pillow under the top lace lock-down point. Toe box similar to v5 with stretchy mesh panel for breathing room.

  In their words: "getting back to the roots" · "firmer sort of springier type of feel" · "locks your foot in considerably better"

  — iRunFar , source

• A solid, durable, and serviceable update to a fan-favorite trail shoe with great grip and nimble feel, held back by a fussy new upper/lacing and a non-premium midsole.

  Ride:Regular EVA midsole, not as premium as Mafate Speed 4's ProFly. Felt quick, nimble, and compact on technical trails. Vibram Megagrip outsole performed well across mud, stream crossings, and road sections. Lower cushion, not stable, not super bouncy.

  Fit:Didn't love the new upper; changed lacing pattern and shorter tongue made it hard to get dialed in. Required mid-run lacing adjustment (Marathon Loop) to get comfortable.

  In their words: "didn't love the new upper as much" · "felt very quick and Nimble" · "it's not a stable shoe"

  — Run Moore , source

Ride profile: high cushion .

• A strong update to the Speedgoat line — controlled, reliable, with excellent Vibram Megagrip and a livelier midsole than the Speedgoat 6. One of the best jack-of-all-trades trail shoes on the market, though specialized shoes beat it in extreme conditions.

  Ride:New super critical EVA midsole adds a bit more pop and responsiveness vs the Speedgoat 6's compression molded EVA, while keeping a controlled, stable, ground-connected feel. Not the most cushioned trail shoe but stable on uneven ground.

  Fit:Standard fit is fairly narrow; reviewer recommends going half a size up for trail use to allow toe room on descents; wide version available for those who don't get on with Hoka's narrow fit. Heel lockdown excellent thanks to thin laces and padded heel collars.

  In their words: "lean towards going 1/2 size up" · "really nicely versatile, reliable workhorse" · "jack of all trades trail running shoe"

  — The Run Testers , 31 mi tested , source

• The Speedgoat 7 corrects the fit and midsole missteps of v5 and v6 with a plush super critical EVA midsole and a longer, more secure tongue, putting the franchise back on track as a versatile everyday trail shoe.

  Ride:New super critical EVA midsole is noticeably softer than the previous compressed EVA but still has pop. The hollowness at the heel felt in v6 has been corrected.

  Fit:Much longer tongue than previous versions with wide wings that lock in well; still feels a pinch narrow out of the box but loosens up quickly. Available in standard and wide widths.

  In their words: "It is so much softer" · "truly like a baby Mafhate" · "fits just a pinch narrow"

  — Run Moore , source

• The Speedgoat 7's supercritical midsole and tighter cage upper bring back the locked-down, technical-trail confidence that the v5/v6 lost — a return to the shoe's classic identity.

  Ride:Supercritical foam is the most lively and active Speedgoat midsole to date — bouncier than v6 while keeping the softness that v5 and v6 lost. Absorbs trail impact well and deforms around obstacles without feeling stiff.

  Fit:Cage-like upper attached to the lacing locks the midfoot down for off-camber terrain. Lengthened gusseted tongue cuts top-of-foot irritation. Fits a quarter-size smaller than previous Speedgoats — size up if you're between sizes.

  In their words: "most lively and active feel" · "back to what the Speed Goat was" · "fits smaller than any other speed goat"

  — iRunFar , 100 mi tested , source

• A solid, versatile trail runner that finally modernizes the Speedgoat midsole with supercritical EVA while keeping its stable, confident character, but it doesn't feel especially standout in today's crowded trail category and has some early delamination and fit concerns.

  Ride:New supercritical EVA midsole adds character, airiness, and a bit of pep versus prior compression-molded EVA versions, while maintaining stability and ground feel. Medium density — not the cushiest or bounciest, but consistent, protective, and stable despite a relatively narrow base. Woven textile forefoot provides secure fit with some flexibility. 5mm Vibram Megagrip chevron lugs with micro-traction knobs inspire confidence on any terrain and even perform adequately on gravel and short pavement sections.

  Fit:Comfort-oriented heel collar with a more fitted, business-like midfoot and forefoot. Forefoot runs slim/torpedo-shaped — borderline narrow. Reviewer experienced pinky-toe rubbing and big toe hitting the stout toe bumper on downhills. Recommends going a half size up or opting for the wide version. Heel lockdown is excellent with a soft liner and moderately cushioned tongue.

  In their words: "one shoe trail running quiver" · "go a half size up" · "best on single track and more technical terrain"

  — Believe in the Run , source