Hoka One One Speedgoat 5

Who should buy the Hoka Speedgoat 5

Buy a pair of the Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 if: 

• you're a trail runner who wants to run swiftly on rough trail surfaces
• you're looking for a trail shoe that's fit for short to long-distance runs
• you're an ultrarunner who want a responsive racing shoe
• you're training for a 50K competition
• you're planning to train long miles on the mountain (~30 to 50 miles) 

Who should NOT buy it

If you have wide feet, the fifth version of the Hoka Speedgoat might be a letdown. If you want a shoe that's roomy in the toe box, go for the Topo MTN Racer 2 instead.

You can also skim through trail running shoes from Altra. They are very popular for their very wide toe room. 

Hoka Speedgoat 5 vs. 4: From better to best

The Speedgoat 4 has been hailed as the better version of all Speedgoats. Come the Speedgoat 5, and trail runners agree it's the "best among its class" because of: 

• amped-up traction, thanks to its redesigned lug pattern
• a more forgiving fit
• lighter midsole that leads to weight trimming (US M10 goes from 11.25 oz to 10.25 oz)

Traction that goes above and beyond

The Speedgoat 5's Vibram outsole bites on frozen surfaces, moderate mud, and loose off-trail surfaces. Experts say that they "love it" so much as it is "exceptionally versatile" and sticky. 

This is owed to the shoe's updated lug spacing. They're not too far apart, generating a very tacky grip.

Adding pep to your step

If you're a fan of the Hoka Speedgoat, the Speedgoat 5 runs and rides like the Hoka One One Evo Speedgoat but "bouncier" and with "better energy return," stated testers. 

Add in the late-stage Meta-Rocker, toe-offs are made easy and seamless. So if you want to set PRs, you can with this shoe. 

Strength level: Speedgoat

The Hoka Speedgoats are solid AF. They employ the Vibram outsole which is practically indestructible. And the midsole is just as awesome. After 30+ miles on rough terrains, runners report it is NOT showing any sign of compression. 

It's built like a tank. They expect it to last 350 to 400 miles. 

Looks light, is light

At 276 grams or 9.7 oz (US M 9), the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is light. For comparison, the average weight of trail running shoes on the market is 300 g (10.6 oz). The majority agrees that on hand and on foot, it doesn't weigh you down.

The Speedgoat 5 fits like a dream

Contrary to the Speedgoat 4 and the Evo Speedgoat, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 has a more flexible upper that's also more forgiving. This makes it a great pick for high mileage when the foot starts to swell.

Despite this, it doesn't waver in support, especially in the heel and midfoot. When cornering fast, and during off-camber sidehilling, reviewers say that they don't feel tippy.

The tongue is also gusseted, making the lockdown even better. And it has a butterfly design that wraps around the top of the foot securely. 

No heel slips

The Hoka One One Speedgoat 5's heel offers a locked-in fit. It's sufficiently padded and cups the rearfoot excellently. 

Shields the foot from the harsh trail

A toe rand is present in this shoe, which protects the foot when bumping on rocks and roots. It's complemented by the shoe's copious amount of cushion that mutes out ground feel in favor of protection.

Rubs the toes

Because it has a racer-oriented fit, those with really wide feet warn that the upper "press up" on the pinky toes. 

Nice to know about the Hoka Speedgoat 5

• The upper is constructed using recycled materials. 
• The upper is also vegan, meaning that the Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 doesn't use any animal products or products tested on animals.