With regards to identify recognition, the Hoka Speedgoats rank very extremely. In addition they rank terribly in relation to efficiency, recognition and desire amongst path and extremely runners.
Cushioning Sort
Cushioning Quantity
The Speedgoat 5 is maximally cushioned
Little cushioning
Extremely cushioned
Flexibility
Stability
Not significantly steady
Very steady
image of HOKA Speedgoat 5
Hoka made some important upgrades from the already wonderful 4s to the 5s. Among the many most notable enhancements was the lighter midsole, much like what Hoka used within the EVO Speedgoat. The brand new midsole additionally made the shoe lighter. A males’s measurement 10 slimmed down from 11.25 ounces to 10.25 ounces within the new model. (Girls’s fashions have been decreased by an identical proportion.)
The heaviness in earlier fashions had been certainly one of my few hangups with the Speedgoats. However now, with almost 10% of its weight shed, the Speedgoat 5 (with a 4 mm drop) seems to be speedier and is extra responsive that earlier variations.
Modifications additionally embrace a brand new Vibram Megagrip outsole together with utterly redesigned lugs that one way or the other present even higher traction.
You might be able to nonetheless discover the Speedgoat 4s at an ideal low cost. They’re an ideal shoe, however as in contrast with the 5s, the 4s are weightier, firmer and fewer responsive. Whereas I just like the 4s, I might advocate spending a little bit additional to get all of the enhancements Hoka made in the latest model.
image of HOKA Speedgoat 5
No want to fret about your toes as you cruise across the trails, mountains or wherever the path takes you. The Speedgoat’s protecting toe rand is versatile, but wraps across the entrance of the shoe.
Through the latter phases of my lengthy runs once I wasn’t choosing up my toes as excessive, I tended to bang my toes on rocks and roots. However the Speedgoats prevented any harm or damage.
Similar to the earlier variations, the tongue may be very skinny and gusseted. Nonetheless it protects the foot from the laces. That is one other delicate change. The Speedgoat 4s design was rounded, letting the tongue lay over the ankle. The 5s tongue design has a titled or forked look. Nonetheless, it nonetheless handles its job properly.
Rockplate
Not current
Strong safety
Lugs
Lack Traction
Present Traction
Water resistance
image of HOKA Speedgoat 5
Some customers in earlier variations of the Speedgoats complained about sturdiness points. Hoka appeared to clear these up in earlier variations and the 5s do nothing to decrease that progress.
After 50-plus miles in these Speedgoats, they seem like have worn properly. I absolutely count on to get my typical 400 to 600 miles out of those, relying on terrain. And actually, I might suppose that increased up in that vary would be the eventual consequence.
image of HOKA Speedgoat 5
Lighter is best for positive! The aforementioned discount in weight signifies that this model of the Speedgoats are higher fitted to being responsive and selling velocity that its predecessors. Nonetheless, if it’s a quick and flat path race you’re doing, there are higher and lighter shoe choices obtainable.
The responsiveness comes from the brand new CMEVA midsole. It’s a lighter, extra responsive materials than the earlier Speedgoats, however will be discovered within the EVO Speedgoat.
Not solely does the brand new midsole enhance the Speedgoat 5’s responsiveness, however it accounts for a major chunk of the shoe’s weight reduction. Lighter shoe means you go quicker. Win, win.
Whereas it was enhancing these different areas, Hoka didn’t neglect consolation. Identified for its cushioning, Hoka one way or the other improved the cushioning within the Speedgoat 5s.
Proper out of the field, the footwear felt comfy. I’ve by no means had a difficulty with the consolation or match with the Speedgoats and the 5s aren’t any totally different.
For runners who usually are not used to the stack heights or cushioning that Hokas function, it’s possible you’ll need to attempt a special mannequin earlier than utilizing the Speedgoats. A street shoe or a path shoe made for extra fundamental trails can be entry degree so you’ll be able to take a look at how the shoe works for you on simpler terrain.
If that works on your personal pure operating fashion or gait and also you need to deal with extra gnarly trails, then by all means degree as much as the Speedgoat 5.
Sizing
Purchase measurement smaller
Purchase measurement larger
image of HOKA Speedgoat 5
Once I pulled the Speedgoat 5s out of the field, it was with a mixture of trepidation and pleasure. I liked my Speedgoat 4s and knew there have been modifications within the brightly coloured footwear earlier than me.
Would Hoka ship on its supposed enhancements with out sacrificing the standard that I had skilled in earlier variations? It seems, sure, completely. The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is among the finest trainers I’ve ever worn. It has improved traction, lighter weight, extra comfy match and a extra responsive midsole.
One actually has to go looking lengthy and arduous to seek out one thing flawed with the Speedgoats.
The Speedgoat 5 will serve runners properly on difficult terrain. It handles roots, rocks, mud and extra with ease. Whereas it doesn’t fairly match another path footwear for velocity, that’s not its area of interest. If you’re wanting a quick shoe for flat half marathon on trails, there are different good choices.
However for longer or more difficult runs, the Hoka Speedgoat 5s are arduous — if not, inconceivable — to beat.
