A good shoe for trail use
I switched to the Speedgoats after Salomon screwed up the XA Pro 3D line. I find the fit to be similar and the comfort to be there. It's certainly more cushion than the XA Pro 3Ds. I will say I would go back to the XA Pros if Salomon fixed the issues it introduced in the 8th gen. The Speedgoats foam and sole aren't as durable over the long run and the XA Pro 3Ds are certainly stiffer. If I hadn't been in the Salomons since 2007, I'd probably make the Speedgoats my overall preferred trail-runner/lightweight hiking shoe. I'll be sticking with the Hokas for now though.Definitely not a shoe I wear when the majority of my walking will be on concrete as it will just tear the sole up. Great grip on the trail though, even when moderately wet.... Show more
Seth
originally posted on REI
Awesome trail walking/running shoe
My first Hoka's. Was interested for a very lightweight shoe for both trail walking and running. I did the Three Capes walk in Tassie last year and doing the Milford Sound track in NZ in a few months. Already have a great shoe from LaSportiva but wanted something lighter. Shopping experience was great. Tried in store to ensure sizing was accurate based on my other runners ( eg. Adidas ultraboost ) and it was true to size. They did not have this green colour I wanted available and the store assistant serving me advised that if I ordered online I would receive delivery in a few days. And I did. I have had these shoes for 4 weeks now and have done around 50k's in them. Fantastic ! ... super lightweight, great fit and excellent traction. If I was to be very picky my only ... MoreMy first Hoka's. Was interested for a very lightweight shoe for both trail walking and running. I did the Three Capes walk in Tassie last year and doing the Milford Sound track in NZ in a few months. Already have a great shoe from LaSportiva but wanted something lighter. Shopping experience was great. Tried in store to ensure sizing was accurate based on my other runners ( eg. Adidas ultraboost ) and it was true to size. They did not have this green colour I wanted available and the store assistant serving me advised that if I ordered online I would receive delivery in a few days. And I did. I have had these shoes for 4 weeks now and have done around 50k's in them. Fantastic ! ... super lightweight, great fit and excellent traction. If I was to be very picky my only suggested improvement would be a longer tounge, which seems to be consistent with numerous other reviews. But functionally a non issue really and would not stop me recommending highly.... Show more
IKT
originally posted on ewavedemo.com
Comfortable for a Few Miles, and then Kaput
It was a comfortable shoe for the first 100 or so miles. The cushion wore out QUICK. After 200 miles, they were finished. I had went through 2 pairs of the Speedgoat 5s totaling a little under 500 miles before I gave up on this shoe. Pair one lasted 200 miles with some padding left but completely blew out on the inside of both shoes. Pair two lasted almost 300 with no cushion remaining after 200 miles, and then blew out. Prior to purchasing the 5s, I had been through 2 pairs of Speedgoat 2s, 2 pairs of Speedgoat Mids, 2 pairs of Speedgoat 3's and 2 pairs of Speedgoat 4s. Prior to the 5s, they were consistently a 500+ mile shoe for me with several 600, and 700 mile pairs sprinkled in there as well. They tended to have some cushion remaining at the end of their life ... MoreIt was a comfortable shoe for the first 100 or so miles. The cushion wore out QUICK. After 200 miles, they were finished. I had went through 2 pairs of the Speedgoat 5s totaling a little under 500 miles before I gave up on this shoe. Pair one lasted 200 miles with some padding left but completely blew out on the inside of both shoes. Pair two lasted almost 300 with no cushion remaining after 200 miles, and then blew out. Prior to purchasing the 5s, I had been through 2 pairs of Speedgoat 2s, 2 pairs of Speedgoat Mids, 2 pairs of Speedgoat 3's and 2 pairs of Speedgoat 4s. Prior to the 5s, they were consistently a 500+ mile shoe for me with several 600, and 700 mile pairs sprinkled in there as well. They tended to have some cushion remaining at the end of their life with the common point of failure being the inside blowing out. I haven't heard any other complaints on the Internet concerning the issue with cushion durability but I have had conversation on trail with several other individuals experiencing similar issues. I've also met people that haven't had any issues whatsoever. So maybe I had some bad luck. Just a heads up, I've seen claims that this shoe as a whole is more durable than past models; I believe this to be completely false, as the entire upper part of the shoe is made of a thin mesh instead of synthetic as past versions were. I've lightly brushed rocks on trail in passing and put large incisions through the mesh like I ran a knife across it. To Hoka's benefit, they've got a good warranty on their shoes, and have sent me a new pair that I wear as a casual shoe. They're pretty comfortable, but they won't be going back on trail.... Show more
Speadbloat
originally posted on REI
Could be amazing, but falls short
This is a great shoe. It's well cushioned without losing too much sensitivity to the ground. I've taken it on technical scrambles and it held up far better than I expected and feels comfy even running on roads. Vibram rubber is a nice touch and means that this shoe can handle anything. I can and have run in these shoes all day long and never had any issues; this is one of the few pairs that I don't even need to tie a heel lock on.Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks that just kill these shoes. First and foremost: the toebox. WHY IS THE TOEBOX SO NARROW?? I ordered a 13Wide (normally just 13) but the taper after the forefoot is SO NARROW. SO NARROW. It squishes all my small toes together and causes heinous blisters. Is anyone's foot shaped like that? My 12.5 ... MoreThis is a great shoe. It's well cushioned without losing too much sensitivity to the ground. I've taken it on technical scrambles and it held up far better than I expected and feels comfy even running on roads. Vibram rubber is a nice touch and means that this shoe can handle anything. I can and have run in these shoes all day long and never had any issues; this is one of the few pairs that I don't even need to tie a heel lock on.Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks that just kill these shoes. First and foremost: the toebox. WHY IS THE TOEBOX SO NARROW?? I ordered a 13Wide (normally just 13) but the taper after the forefoot is SO NARROW. SO NARROW. It squishes all my small toes together and causes heinous blisters. Is anyone's foot shaped like that? My 12.5 Saucony Peregrines are wider than the 13 wide Speedgoats. This is a dealbreaker for me.Less of an issue, but still annoying: the tongue. It's way too thin and way too short. This trend of making unusable tongues needs to stop. If you do tie a heel lock, the laces will overextend the tongue and sit directly on the top of your foot. Ouch. If you cinch the laces at all, the laces dig into your feet. Again, ouch. The tongue should be there for padding.Finally, this is preferential, but I find the stack height and squishiness of the midsole to be too destabilizing. It's not as bad as Altra Timps and Olympus where you're rolling your ankle on every descent, but I've found steep descents to be nearly unmanageable with these shoes. I can prance around at speed on steep rocky terrain in the Peregrines, but with the Speedgoats I really have to watch my speed or feel like I'm giraffe with balloons on my feet. YMMV.Overall, could be a fantastic shoe, but they need to widen the toebox to a normal foot width and add some padding to the tongue.... Show more
Corey
originally posted on REI
Great shoe. Not as durable as previous versions.
This is my 5th pair of Hokas. I primarily use them for walking and hiking on pavement and trails. I've kept track of my mileage for each pair that I've owned. I really like Hokas comfort and cushioning. I have to get a wide so some of the models aren't available to me. I purchased the Speedgoat 5s because my first pair of Hokas were the Speedgoat 4s. I got almost 500 miles out of the 4s. I still have the 4s and use them for "work" shoes around the house. The Speedgoat 5s have been comfortable but I've been disappointed by the durability of the sole. I'm just over 300 miles on the 5s and the soles are almost completely worn down. I hope to squeeze another 50 miles or so out of the 5s before I get something else. In fact, the last 2 pair of Hokas I've purchased seemed ... MoreThis is my 5th pair of Hokas. I primarily use them for walking and hiking on pavement and trails. I've kept track of my mileage for each pair that I've owned. I really like Hokas comfort and cushioning. I have to get a wide so some of the models aren't available to me. I purchased the Speedgoat 5s because my first pair of Hokas were the Speedgoat 4s. I got almost 500 miles out of the 4s. I still have the 4s and use them for "work" shoes around the house. The Speedgoat 5s have been comfortable but I've been disappointed by the durability of the sole. I'm just over 300 miles on the 5s and the soles are almost completely worn down. I hope to squeeze another 50 miles or so out of the 5s before I get something else. In fact, the last 2 pair of Hokas I've purchased seemed like the durability has gone down. I really like Hokas but it seems like the quality/durability has waned a bit.For reference sake, here is the mileage I got out of each pair:Speedgoat 4 - 487.5Gaviota 3 - 568.0Challenger ATR 6 - 621.5Bondi 7 - 307.9Speedgoat 5 - 304.6... Show more
Mike Z
originally posted on REI
High marks for these trail running shoes!
I’ve been loyal to ASICS for over 20 years. I purchased my first pair of HOKAs (Speedgoat 5) recently. Took them on a short 3 mile run to test form, fit, and function. The following day I ran Pilot Mt in North Carolina with my new HOKAs. 5 miles and 1000 ft+ elevation gain, lots of rocks, roots, and loose gravel. The HOKAs were fabulous. The shoes performed well above my expectation in every category. I did have to tighten the laces a couple times as I came back down the mountain (I don’t believe that was the fault of the shoes), but the shoes gripped feet well with very little slippage. Stability was excellent as I hopscotched large rocks. I’ve read concerns about the narrow toe box in other reviews, but I found that it was a feature that I appreciated. These shoes ... MoreI’ve been loyal to ASICS for over 20 years. I purchased my first pair of HOKAs (Speedgoat 5) recently. Took them on a short 3 mile run to test form, fit, and function. The following day I ran Pilot Mt in North Carolina with my new HOKAs. 5 miles and 1000 ft+ elevation gain, lots of rocks, roots, and loose gravel. The HOKAs were fabulous. The shoes performed well above my expectation in every category. I did have to tighten the laces a couple times as I came back down the mountain (I don’t believe that was the fault of the shoes), but the shoes gripped feet well with very little slippage. Stability was excellent as I hopscotched large rocks. I’ve read concerns about the narrow toe box in other reviews, but I found that it was a feature that I appreciated. These shoes will certainly test my loyalty to ASICS. I definitely recommend the Speedgoats.... Show more
Hidalgo
originally posted on REI
Hokas haven’t disappointed me yet
My first pair of Speedgoats, and so far, so good. I was convinced I was going to buy the Mach 5 after having worn down a pair of Mach 4’s. Tried Clifton’s as well and on a whim, asked to try these. Somehow they just fit the bill in every way. Spent the next three days in them and though I wasn’t running trails, I did walk tons of city miles. Couldn’t be happier with them so far. I have a narrow foot, so the toe box has just enough space without feeling crowded. I hate a high heel-to-toe drop, so these are the next best thing to zero-drop for me. Cushion is amazing without feeling like I’m falling off the edges. A rigorous trail run will be the true test of the stated purpose for these shoes, but after walking miles in them and then hitting a couple of climbing walls ... MoreMy first pair of Speedgoats, and so far, so good. I was convinced I was going to buy the Mach 5 after having worn down a pair of Mach 4’s. Tried Clifton’s as well and on a whim, asked to try these. Somehow they just fit the bill in every way. Spent the next three days in them and though I wasn’t running trails, I did walk tons of city miles. Couldn’t be happier with them so far. I have a narrow foot, so the toe box has just enough space without feeling crowded. I hate a high heel-to-toe drop, so these are the next best thing to zero-drop for me. Cushion is amazing without feeling like I’m falling off the edges. A rigorous trail run will be the true test of the stated purpose for these shoes, but after walking miles in them and then hitting a couple of climbing walls and a high ropes course, they seem pretty versatile for a casual athlete like me.... Show more
Panhandler
originally posted on REI
Insane comfort
I should start by saying that these are hands down the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, period. They just fit my feet perfect and have the perfect amount of cushion and support, and the uppers are barely noticeable. Took me a few tries to find the right fit (10.5 wide, I usually wear a 10.5 standard) but once I did these felt like slippers.Now, these are trail runners, keyword being trail. There intended use is for running on trails, and with that in mind, I have certainly misused them. I have about 50 miles and 16,000 ft elevation gain on these so far and have used them exclusively for high alpine hiking and class 3 climbing. Miles of off-trail bushwhacking, climbing and scrambling on all sorts of surfaces, just taking it to them. Having put them through ... MoreI should start by saying that these are hands down the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn, period. They just fit my feet perfect and have the perfect amount of cushion and support, and the uppers are barely noticeable. Took me a few tries to find the right fit (10.5 wide, I usually wear a 10.5 standard) but once I did these felt like slippers.Now, these are trail runners, keyword being trail. There intended use is for running on trails, and with that in mind, I have certainly misused them. I have about 50 miles and 16,000 ft elevation gain on these so far and have used them exclusively for high alpine hiking and class 3 climbing. Miles of off-trail bushwhacking, climbing and scrambling on all sorts of surfaces, just taking it to them. Having put them through that level of abuse, they certainly look like poo. The foam midsoles are tearing at the sides and even have a few spots that tore out, the mesh upper has a good tear on the left shoe due to sliding a bit and scraping a rock(didn’t feel the rock pierce my foot through the shoe), other parts of the mesh upper are showing signs of fraying from brushing against rocks, willows, roots, ect.They look like heck, but still feel like heaven and perform just as good as day one. Unfortunately, I don’t expect these to last too long; certainly, the Vibram sole will outlast the mesh upper. But, their comfort level and light weight feel give me such a performance advantage that I will most likely buy another pair. The Vibram megagrip and tread pattern is superb and performs well in all sorts of conditions on all sorts of rock, scree, mud, etc. It gives me so much confidence.The comfort of these just does not give up and even after a day of 13+ miles and 5000 ft of elevation gain my feet are still happy. They breathe well and dry quickly.Due to my misuse of these shoes, I have decided to reinforce them along the toecap and along the bottom of the mesh upper with aquaseal to help with the off-trail abuse and climbing and will do so immediately when I purchase another pair. If you stay on trail these shoes should be plenty durable.Overall, I’m happy. They are just amazingly comfortable, and I suppose that level of extreme comfort sacrifices a bit of durability. Like most things, they should be cheaper.My 10.5EE wide weigh 21.33oz for the pair.... Show more
TokinGuitarGuy
originally posted on REI
Soft and stable, great for trail running
Started running again a few months ago, after years off, and running shoes are much different. I had to be coaxed into the super-cushy style, and found them to be great for me, as back and hip pain are typically just a few miles away. Then I moved from road to trail, and after putting a thorn through my road shoes, I asked some other trail runners for advice, and ended up with these. I love them. Wish they came in less garish colors, but oh well.I've run in them ~10 times now, including one 5k trail race and multiple steep trail training runs, as my weekly mileage is nearing 20. I don't think about the shoes while I'm running, and that's a good sign. They just do the job. Excellent traction when needed, good stability in all situations, much-appreciated padding ... MoreStarted running again a few months ago, after years off, and running shoes are much different. I had to be coaxed into the super-cushy style, and found them to be great for me, as back and hip pain are typically just a few miles away. Then I moved from road to trail, and after putting a thorn through my road shoes, I asked some other trail runners for advice, and ended up with these. I love them. Wish they came in less garish colors, but oh well.I've run in them ~10 times now, including one 5k trail race and multiple steep trail training runs, as my weekly mileage is nearing 20. I don't think about the shoes while I'm running, and that's a good sign. They just do the job. Excellent traction when needed, good stability in all situations, much-appreciated padding while pounding the downhills.If you run only on pavement, you may not need to pay the price for these. But if you're a trail runner, you'll appreciate them. When I run on pavement, I use my other shoes, so as to save these for trails only — don't want to waste the miles.... Show more
Robert
originally posted on REI
Wear and Tear and REI's Guarantee.
I purchased these as a replacement for another pair of Speedgoat 5's that I bought less than a year ago. The first pair's sides ripped and the stitching on the toe box was torn. Although I had a letter from an expert at the Hoka store stating the shoes were defective, REI would only give me a 20% credit toward purchase of this new pair. So much for the touted REI guarantee.Now, as to the Hoka shoes themselves -- first pair of Speedgoats were extremely comfortable and I put about 350 miles on them; however, the tread was seriously worn. I found that I had to go another 1/2 size up from first Speedgoats to this new pair. Measuring the bottom tread, I found the new pairs are 1/8th inch narrower than the old pairs. On the web site, the Speedgoats are only Wide while ... MoreI purchased these as a replacement for another pair of Speedgoat 5's that I bought less than a year ago. The first pair's sides ripped and the stitching on the toe box was torn. Although I had a letter from an expert at the Hoka store stating the shoes were defective, REI would only give me a 20% credit toward purchase of this new pair. So much for the touted REI guarantee.Now, as to the Hoka shoes themselves -- first pair of Speedgoats were extremely comfortable and I put about 350 miles on them; however, the tread was seriously worn. I found that I had to go another 1/2 size up from first Speedgoats to this new pair. Measuring the bottom tread, I found the new pairs are 1/8th inch narrower than the old pairs. On the web site, the Speedgoats are only Wide while the label on the tongue states they are 2EE. That's odd.... Show more
BHREI
originally posted on REI