HOKA Speedgoat 6 GTX review

We believe that the HOKA Speedgoat 6 GTX is an ideal choice for:  

• Runners who love the regular Speedgoat 6 and need a winter-ready version with waterproof protection.  
• Anyone looking for a durable, grippy, and stable trail running shoe equipped with Gore-Tex.  
• Those in cold, wet climates who frequently run or walk on dirt roads or trails.

We believe the Speedgoat 6 GTX is not the best choice for those seeking a versatile Gore-Tex shoe that can handle mixed terrains. It’s heavily trail-focused, limiting its adaptability for runners who split time between asphalt and dirt roads. Instead, we suggest the HOKA Clifton 9 GTX for road running or the HOKA Challenger 7 for a hybrid option that balances road and trail performance.

Additionally, we think heel strikers might struggle with the Speedgoat 6 GTX due to its moderate drop, which doesn't offer the best geometry for rearfoot landings. For a more accommodating ride, we recommend the Nike Pegasus Trail 5 GTX or the Nike Pegasus 41 GTX, depending on terrain preferences.

The Speedgoat 6 GTX retains the same well-cushioned heel as the standard version, measuring 32.9 mm—right around the average. It’s a solid choice for heel strikers looking to take on moderate to long adventures, even in wet and challenging conditions.

The forefoot, as usual with most HOKA shoes, exceeds the average at 27.9 mm, providing excellent underfoot protection. This makes it a great option for midfoot and forefoot strikers seeking a well-cushioned and supportive ride.

In a surprising twist, we measured the exact 5.0 mm drop that HOKA advertised—something we rarely see from this brand. Based on our findings, their specs often deviate significantly, yet this time, the numbers lined up perfectly with our lab tests.

This moderate offset further reinforces why we believe the Speedgoat 6 GTX is best suited for midfoot and forefoot strikers.

HOKA continues to rely on its Compression-Moulded EVA (CMEVA) midsole for the Speedgoat 6 series, a decision that left us unhappy in the lab. We believe this shoe really deserved the supercritical EVA upgrade found in other models for a more energetic and fun ride.

When we pressed our durometer, we recorded a firm 40.6 AC, confirming what we felt on the run—this midsole offers none of the plush, cloud-like softness some runners might expect from HOKA.

Those seeking a rockered ride will find it in the Speedgoat 6 GTX, as it features a moderate curvature for a trail shoe. However, it's not even close to the ultra-rockered adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra.

This rocker offers a smooth-forward transition. At the same time, it remains subtle enough to avoid interfering with hiking or walking, striking a good mix between forward momentum and stability on varied terrain.

Using our custom gel formula, we crafted a precise replica of the shoe's interiors and measured it at 95.4 mm—an average width in the broadest part of the upper. According to our findings, this might seem unusual given HOKA’s reputation for snug-fitting designs...

However, we found that the Speedgoat 6 GTX still delivers that signature snug fit, despite what this result suggest. Let's find out why.

Our second measurement of the gel mould revealed a narrow 70.6 mm result in the big toe area—an aggressive taper that’s even tighter than the non-GTX version, which measured 73.0 mm. It's clear to us that the waterproof membrane plays a role here.

It's clear now that the Speedgoat 6 GTX maintains HOKA’s signature snug fit, making it a tough match for runners with wide feet.

We measured the toebox height at our standard testing point and were surprised to find more space than expected—definitely more than we had anticipated before testing. This generous vertical room contrasts with the shoe’s otherwise snug profile.

At 28.5 mm, the toebox provides plenty of upward toe space—a key benefit for those wearing thick wool socks in winter, especially since the upper has zero stretch, making any extra room even more valuable.

Closing out our outsole analysis, let’s focus on the 3.9-mm lugs. Vibram’s Traction Lug technology enhances grip, providing extra security when navigating sharp turns or tackling steep inclines.

The shape, depth, and orientation of the lugs remain unchanged from the non-GTX version except for minor manufacturing tolerances, ensuring the Speedgoat 6 GTX delivers the same reliable and familiar off-road performance.

The standard Speedgoat 6 registered 28.6N in our 90-degree bend test, but the Gore-Tex version jumped to 34.6N—its added stiffness a direct result of the waterproof membrane, nothing else.

An unavoidable trade-off with waterproof shoes is the added weight from the Gore-Tex membrane, but in our view, HOKA handled it impressively in the Speedgoat 6 GTX. It came in at 10.2 oz or 289g—just slightly above the 9.8 oz or 278g of the standard version.

This difference is practically negligible, and in our experience, it’s on par with the minor variations that naturally occur between a shoe’s left and right pair due to manufacturing tolerances.

The HOKA Speedgoat 6 GTX proved to be one of the least breathable trail shoes we've tested.With a very low result of 36 BR, it struggles to move sweat away from the foot, allowing moisture to build up quickly and increasing the chances of damp socks, discomfort, and blisters during longer efforts.

That outcome was hardly surprising, though, as waterproof Gore-Tex membranes almost always come with a significant breathability tradeoff.

The Speedgoat 6 GTX also showed weak drying potential once moisture accumulated inside the shoe.

Using the same breathability machine with an artificial foot warmed to 38°C, we found that the shoe evaporated just 35% of the moisture after 3 hours. As expected from a Gore-Tex shoe that features a waterproof membrane, it tends to retain moisture inside the shoe, making it a poor choice for warm days.

Our field testing suggests that the Speedgoat 6 GTX brings noticeable stability enhancements over the Speedgoat 5 GTX—an impressive feat for a series already praised for its reliable support. 

We found redesigned midsole sidewalls, a broader base, and subtle internal tweaks that clearly contribute to these improvements.

One of the most striking updates is HOKA’s decision to make the Speedgoat 6 GTX exceptionally rigid, as it scored 25.9 Nm in our test, making it feel like a carbon-plated shoe. If you don’t favor a stiff feel underfoot, this won’t be the best choice for you.

We found that the heel counter closely resembles those found in max-cushioned daily trainers like the Bondi 9, offering a well-balanced mix of support and comfort and scoring just 3/5.

It stabilises heel landings effectively without creating a harsh, Achilles-biting sensation like some stiffer designs. Instead, HOKA incorporated its signature extended-heel design, which we found helps alleviate and distribute pressure from this area.

One of the most straightforward ways to enhance stability is by widening the midsole, and that's exactly what HOKA did with this Speedgoat iteration. We measured the forefoot at an impressive 118.1 mm—a record for the series—providing a noticeably more stable and planted ride.

The heel followed the same trend, measuring 95.7 mm—well above the average for trail running shoes. This makes the Speedgoat 6 more accommodating for heel strikers, though it comes with the trade-off of reduced agility, particularly at higher speeds.

The upper of the SG6 GTX seems really durable, but we put it to the test with our high-speed Dremel. True to its rugged look, it earned an outstanding 5/5—a rare feat in our lab and a testament to its solid construction!

The heel area exceeded expectations in our rigorous back-to-back Dremel tests, securing an impressive 4/5. This result reinforces that the shoe is made to withstand serious wear.

Now, we shift our focus to the outsole, which remains identical to the standard Speedgoat 6. While some may see this as a drawback for a shoe designed for wet conditions, we think otherwise—it’s actually a great choice!

That's because HOKA again used the ultra-reliable Vibram Megagrip outsole, which we measured at 86.5 HC. This high-performance compound excels in both dry and slick conditions, making it a gold-standard pick for trail running. We’re convinced that keeping the same rubber and tread design was the right move for this shoe.

When it comes to durability, the Megagrip rubber held up well, showing a 1.0 mm indentation in our test. However, we found it slightly more worn than expected from Vibram.

Our measurements revealed a thick outsole at 2.8 mm, which adds a solid layer of protection. In our view, this design effectively compensates for the absence of a rock plate, ensuring reliable underfoot defence on rugged terrain.

The insole measures 3.9 mm—slightly thinner than what we typically see. However, the difference is negligible compared to the average and virtually impossible to notice underfoot.

If you need to insert custom orthotics or remove the insole for extra toebox space, we found that nothing stands in your way.

Great news here! After placing the Speedgoat 6 GTX in the freezer for 20 minutes, we found it only became 11% firmer. That’s an impressive result for a shoe designed primarily for cold-weather conditions.

In a bizarre move, HOKA removed the glowing Speedgoat logo from this shoe, leaving the SG6 GTX completely non-reflective and making it a less practical choice for nighttime adventures.

The tongue maintains the same minimalist design, featuring a small foam insert precisely where the laces tighten—an intentional balance between weight reduction and comfort.

We measured 4.7 mm of padding in this critical spot—slightly below average but effective. In our experience, it provides just enough cushioning without compromising the shoe’s lightweight build. Just make sure to secure the laces properly in that area.

The tongue is attached to the sides, effectively blocking water from seeping in. However, we would have preferred it to extend slightly higher for added protection—but in our experience, it still does the job well enough.

The heel retains the same horizontal finger-loop tab as the regular edition—a welcome addition, especially since it was missing from the Speedgoat 5 series.

A £10 increase over the regular Speedgoat 6 feels like a reasonable trade-off for a Gore-Tex membrane—especially for those who really need it. In fact, keeping your toes dry instead of soaked just once might already make it worth the price.