Trail running has gained massive popularity over the years, and more people are venturing into the great outdoors to push their limits. Trail running comes with a unique set of challenges, including unpredictable terrain, and as such, it’s crucial to invest in the right gear, starting with the shoes. Among the most popular trail running shoes is the Hoka One One Speedgoat 5. These shoes have been around for some time, and the fifth iteration is a vast improvement over its predecessor. However, like with anything, it has its pros and cons.
The HOKA Speedgoat 5 holds a special place in the hearts of some trail runners who consider it their go-to shoe for running. However, others find the shoe’s underfoot feel to be uncomfortable and unwieldy. After I got used to the fit, I fell in love with the cushioning and grip it provided. While it may not be the most responsive shoe, I have enjoyed using it on a variety of trails after a brief period of adjustment.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the Hoka One One Women’s Speedgoat 5 trail running shoes, examining its new design, performance, comfort, style, and durability.
The Test
Over the past 10 years, I’ve slowly evolved from a summer hiker and mountain biker to an enthusiastic trail runner, bagging my first half-trail marathon in Summer 2022. It was a slow burn that started with an attraction to the convenience and simplicity of throwing on a pair of shoes and zooming out my door to the nearest Aspen, Colorado trail, which I am lucky enough to call home. I also appreciated the added bonus of providing my aging dogs with joint-healthy exercise.
As someone with a history of ski-racing-related knee issues, including an ACL replacement in 2010, I knew I was an ideal candidate to test the famously knee-friendly Hoka One One. In fact, I ended up spending the entire summer training for the Golden Leaf Half Marathon in the Hoka One One Speedgoat 5.
Design
The Speedgoat 5 by Hoka has undergone a complete overhaul, with the exception of the midsole. The changes are definitely for the better, offering enhanced fit and better grip, making it a go-to for all types of terrain.
The upper on the Speedgoat 5 has been completely redesigned, featuring a flared heel collar, multiple layers of jacquard mesh, and nearly zero overlays. The result is a shoe that’s both performance-ready and comfortable.
When it comes to fit, the Speedgoat 5 (for me) is a perfect match from heel to toe. The new mesh offers a perfect balance of stretch and structure, hugging the forefoot instead of cramming it into place, creating excellent lockdown. Even the elf-heel provides excellent comfort and security. The thin, gusseted, racer-style tongue lays perfectly on the foot, making it perfect for ultra-distance races and adventures.
But that’s not all; the Speedgoat 5 features a newly configured Vibram Megagrip outsole that trims weight and boosts grip. The lug depth remains at 5mm, but the pattern, lug type, and textured lugs provide the ultimate grip. Lugs of various sizes are clustered at the forefoot and perimeter of the midfoot and heel, creating more surface area for the lug to grab onto surfaces without sacrificing weight.
The midsole of the Speedgoat 5 is Hoka’s classic EVA-based foam with a higher stack (39.5mm to 35.5mm / 4mm drop) and meta-rocker that guides your foot to strike closer to midfoot and transition smoothly through toe-off. It offers ample underfoot protection while retaining some responsiveness, falling somewhere in the middle of Hoka’s Challenger and Salomon Ultra Glide.
Finally, the medial arch provides subtle support for those going longer. Even though I don’t typically seek support, I appreciated it on my longer training runs and on race day.
Rating: +1
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it offers exceptional traction through the Vibram Megagrip soles, which provide a secure grip on any terrain. On the other hand, it doesn’t score as highly as some of the more well-featured shoes in the market.
However, the thick base and sockliner upper of the Speedgoat 5 are among its best features. The stack height is 31mm, providing adequate protection to the sole of the foot, and the sockliner upper offers a comfortable fit. These features make the Speedgoat 5 an excellent choice for those who require enhanced cushioning and support while trail running.
Rating: +.5
Foot Protection
Trail running shoes need to provide adequate protection to the feet, given the unpredictability of the terrain. The Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 offers some great protective elements but lacks in some areas. The tightly woven, double-layer mesh upper does a great job of keeping sand from infiltrating but provides little protection against water. This lack of water resistance can be a significant drawback, especially in wet weather conditions. For me, in the dry Colorado Rockies, this wasn’t really an issue, but it could be less than ideal for ladies located who love to run in the PNW rainforests.
The heel cup is uniquely shaped, with some cushioning and a propensity to mold to your anatomy, keeping dirt particles out. The toe bumper is also a standout feature, providing ideal protection to the toes without feeling intrusive. However, the Speedgoat 5 lacks a rock plate, which is a significant drawback, given the design of the shoe. The absence of a rock plate makes the upper construction feel fairly minimalist, despite the maximalist design of the shoe. It’s worth noting that the outsole, stack height, and shape of the shoe compensate for the lack of a rock plate, but it’s still an area of improvement for future iterations.
Traction
Traction is one of the most crucial elements of trail running shoes. The Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 employs Vibram Megagrip rubber as its base, making it a highly trustworthy shoe no matter the terrain. The shoe even sticks to slippery granite with ease, thanks to the Vibram soles.
The updated sole design includes specified traction lugs and a burly 5mm deep lug pattern across the sole. These lugs make the shoe surefooted, providing excellent grip across varying inclines of loose scree. Even on descents, we felt strong and surefooted because of the great traction on the updated Speedgoat.
Sensitivity
No matter what type of terrain you’re running on, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 shoes offer minimal trail feel. While there was some sensation in our feet when running on the roughest of trails, such as those with rocks and scree, overall the sensation was significantly reduced.
These shoes don’t have a rock plate, but the deep and plush foam provides ample insulation between your feet and the ground. If you prioritize sensitivity over foot protection, the Saucony Peregrine 11 may be a better choice for you.
Heading back down after summiting, we can confidently say that we love wearing the Speedgoat. While they aren’t the most sensitive shoe, the amount of cushioning they provide really takes the stress off our joints during downhill runs.
Stability
When it comes to stability, the Hoka shoes aren’t the most stable compared to low-riding, zero-drop alternatives. However, given their 32mm tall underfoot platform, this is to be expected. Despite this, we find that the Speedgoat 5 is possibly the most stable Hoka shoe we’ve worn. It securely grips the foot and combines a wide landing platform with a low heel-toe drop. Over time, I’ve come to realize that it’s possible to adapt to anything you use frequently, and most Hoka users don’t have a big problem with stability. We only notice the lack of stability on steep, uneven terrain or when running on washed-out trails without a flat landing spot. On standard trails, even rocky ones, the added stack height isn’t a significant issue.
Comfort
I absolutely adore how comfortable the Hoka Speedgoat 5 trail running shoes are. Hoka listened to feedback from previous versions and widened the toe box slightly, though it still tapers to a point at the front. The heel also fits a bit narrower, providing better grip than previous models. Overall, the fit is excellent, and those with wider feet can opt for the wide version without needing to size up or down.
The upper construction quality is exceptional, with a seamless interior that doesn’t have any obvious rub points. The thin tongue doesn’t offer as much padding against the pressure of the laces, but I didn’t experience any discomfort from it. The only downside is that the shoe absorbs more water than the previous version and takes a bit longer to dry. This means it may not be the best choice for the wettest of daily runs, but it’s still a remarkably comfortable shoe.
Rating: +1
Style
Some may disagree, but running shoes fall in that category of “style doesn’t matter.” This also goes for women’s backpacking and ski touring packs and many other products. Comfort, fit, and performance should far outway silhouettes, colors, and non-performance-enhancing trends. Some may find the Speedgoat 5, as well as all Hoka One One products, to be unsightly because of their wide toe box and amply cushioned midsole. If you’ve been running long enough to experience injury or chronic issues like bunions, style is the last thing on your mind. To me, the wide toe box and cushioning are thing of beauty.
Rating: +.75
Durability
As the Speedgoat continues to shed weight with each iteration, there are naturally concerns about the long-term durability of the shoe. After putting the shoe through 165 miles of half-marathon training, I can confidently say that the changes Hoka has made to cut weight will likely not have a significant impact on its longevity for most people. The new midsole material has yet to show signs of packing out, the Vibram outsole is standing up well against abrasion, and the jacquard mesh upper is showing only minimal stretching. Rest assured that if any issues arise in the future, I’ll be sure to provide updates.
Rating: +1
Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 Frequently Asked Questions
Should You Invest in the Hoka Speedgoat 5 Trail Running Shoes?
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is a remarkable shoe that offers superior comfort, exceptional performance, and unbeatable grip on any terrain. Despite being slightly heavier than its predecessor, the fit of the Speedgoat 5 has been enhanced, delivering even better performance on the trails. If you’re looking for a shoe that provides ample cushioning and support, then the Speedgoat 5 should be at the top of your list.
As an avid trail runner, I can attest to the exceptional performance of maximally cushioned shoes like the Speedgoat 5. The ample cushioning allows for comfortable runs day after day, with minimal soreness and fatigue. Whether you’re running on smooth trails or rough terrain, the Speedgoat 5 offers unparalleled comfort and performance.
Which Women’s Trail Running Shoes Compare to the Speedgoat 5?
Looking for trail running shoes with maximum cushioning but not sure if the Speedgoat 5 is the right choice for you? While these Hoka shoes aren’t cheap, the price is worth it for the high performance and durability they offer. The thick foam in the Speedgoat 5 provides long-lasting support for hundreds of miles, making them a great investment for serious runners. However, if you want to explore other options, consider the Hoka One One Challenger GTX 7, which boasts a lighter weight and greater stability. Alternatively, the Salomon Sense Ride 5 is another top-performing choice with superior sensitivity to either of the Hoka models. Keep in mind your individual needs when choosing your perfect trail running shoe.