HOKA Speedgoat 5 Review

Published March 24, 2022

The HOKA Speedgoat 5 is Speedier than Ever

An energized midsole and a new upper refine this HOKA classic

Likes

Updated upper
Softness over long distances
Lightweight
CMEVA midsole
Traction

Dislikes

Sharp edge on tongue

What's New

The HOKA Speedgoat 5 is the same great trail crushing shoe in a lighter and faster package, now featuring a CMEVA midsole similar to the one seen in the limited-edition EVO Speedgoat. This foam compound is lighter and more responsive than the past Speedgoat midsoles and gives the shoe a faster feel when racing down the trail. On the outsole, an updated Vibram Megagrip provides confidence-inspiring traction even in the harshest of conditions. The upper is a double jacquard mesh that is softer than previous models and more adaptable to accommodate a wide range of foot sizes, especially with the availability of a wide option. All of these features combine to create a familiar feeling Speedgoat but with a lightness and pop unlike any generation before.

The Bottom Line

Our reviewers thoroughly enjoyed the updates to the Speedgoat. The fifth model reminded them most of the performance-oriented EVO Speedgoat, but with a much more accommodating toe box. The Speedgoat 5 has the classic ride of the previous models, but it has been refined to be more energetic while still delivering the soft comfort that the shoe is known for. Additionally, the new engineered knit mesh upper offers a more adaptable fit that reduces pressure points and discomfort. Our testers appreciated that this updated model didn't drastically deviate from the core elements that make the Speedgoat such a popular trail shoe for everyone from ultramarathoners to hikers to weekend trail warriors.

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Shoe Performance

Shoe Softnessi

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Returni

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protectioni

LowHigh

Flexibilityi

RigidElastic

Upper Supporti

StructuredAdaptable

Specifications & Fit

How It Fits

Toe Box	Medium
Midfoot Volume	Medium
Heel Width	Medium
Arch Height	Medium

Shoe Specs

Weight
Stack Height
Terrain	Trail
Stability	Neutral
Sizing	True to Size

Our In-Depth Look

Shoe Softnessi

Liese: "I could feel the softness on impact, but it let up through my stride, so there was a springy lightness to each step. This is handy on long runs where the lightweight nature of these shoes is clutch. They are protective yet soft, keeping me as comfortable on mile 15 as I was on mile 3."

Connor F.: "Initially, the shoe had a super-soft step-in feel. However, after getting some miles in, the shoe became much firmer. I thought that it felt slightly firmer underfoot than the previous models. The Speedgoat 5 is still a well-cushioned shoe, but its initial plushness faded once it was broken in."

Ride/Energy Returni

Liese: "Due to the meta-rocker, the Speedgoat provides a responsive kick through each stride. When I first laced them up, I wasn't expecting them to be fast and nimble due to the high stack. But when I got going, I was surprised by how fun they felt on fire-roads and hard pack where I can really get going and fly down some descents, and the rocker definitely helped move me along."

Connor F.: "This shoe has a great ride. The previous models have always been versatile shoes for me, and this model is no different. The update to the midsole foam lightens the shoe up and adds some responsiveness. This makes the shoe feel faster than ever while still providing a comfortable ride on trails or dirt roads. For me, the Speedgoat 5 is a do-it-all shoe."

Underfoot Protectioni

Liese: "I've only worn the Speedgoat 5s on a few technical trails, and I'm excited to see how they handle with the updated grip. When I got in the gnar on descents, there was no slipping and sliding on rocks. The multi-directional lugs were super grippy as I took the trail from every angle. These shoes are also very nimble on ascents, rambling through roots, ruts, and rocks."

Connor F.: "The Speedgoat line has always had a lot of underfoot protection with high stack heights. This new Speedgoat is no different, with plenty of protection for all trails. It doesn't feature a dedicated rock plate, but the shoe has enough foam underfoot to protect from most rock impacts."

Flexibilityi

Liese: "From a sole perspective, this shoe is as rigid as it needs to be. The rocker geometry uses the rigidity to propel each step, so I wouldn't want it to be more flexible underfoot. That said, I'm still able to scale rock faces and steep hardpack without feeling limited."

Connor F.: "The Speedgoat 5 has a good amount of flex considering the large midsole. It does have a bit of flex in the forefoot, which helps it feel smooth when running up steep terrain. The stiffness through the rest of the shoe gave me the confidence to push the pace when running uptempo and descending."

Upper Supporti

Liese: "From an upper perspective, this is where the update really shines; this may be the best Speedgoat yet. HOKA has removed the overlays, and the full mesh upper is very comfortable, flexible, and forgiving. Those who may have had issues with the Speedgoat's fit in the past should definitely try this year's model. I have had issues getting a good fit dialed in with other HOKAs, but these felt great the first time I put my foot in them. There is plenty of room for my foot to swell at the end of my long run, and I don't have to size up and worry about heel collar issues. Well done, HOKA!"

Connor F.: "The Speedgoat 5's upper has a nice adaptive feel with a good hold. The mesh has a small amount of stretch to adapt to your foot shape but not so much that it slips around while running. However, the upper does feel a bit roomy. To get the desired lockdown, I had to pull the laces until the eyelets of the shoe were close together. This is more of a cosmetic problem than a functional one, but it is a factor to consider if you have narrower feet."

Women's HOKA Speedgoat

Individual Thoughts

LieseOverall Score: 9/10

I've been a fan of HOKA trail shoes for a while now; I run in the Challenger and Zinal regularly. But I hadn't tried a Speedgoat until this year's model. It's no wonder this is Running Warehouse's number-one trail shoe! It's lightweight but can go far, and it's super comfortable. HOKA really dialed in the fit, and this is now the most comfortable shoe I own. I've even been wearing it on my road runs. I feel like I can just put this shoe on and then forget about my feet. It's been a long time since that's been the case. It's nice to just enjoy the running bit.

Shoe Softness

FirmSoft

Ride/Energy Return

Less SpringyMore Springy

Underfoot Protection

LowHigh

Flexibility

RigidElastic

Upper Support

StructuredAdaptable

Reviewer Picture

Connor F.

The HOKA Speedgoat 5 is a nice update to previous models. The shoe is still very reliable and capable, but it is now lighter and a bit more responsive. I was able to use the Speedgoat 5 on almost all of my runs, and the shoe felt great whether tackling technical trails or going for a few hours on smooth paths. This new model took a bit of effort for me to get the hold that I felt confident in, and this is something that I did not experience with the previous Speedgoats. The volume of the upper has increased, so although it was harder initially to lace up, I did appreciate the extra space through the midfoot. The Speedgoat 5 is a great shoe, and I will continue to use it as my go-to for anything from short, easy runs to all-day efforts.