Hoka Speedgoat 6
Hoka’s plush cushioning offers protection and high energy return on the most rugged terrain.
The Secret Behind Super Shoe Speed. Shoe Women’s at?
Running shoes in 2010 were sleek and lightweight, riding off of the success of Christopher McDougall’s Born to Run, a book published the previous year about the sandal-wearing endurance runners of the Tarahumara tribe. But Hoka went bold; the brand made its debut that year with the Mafate, a max-cushioned trail shoe. We initially raised an eyebrow at the maximalist trainers, but ultrarunners embraced the plush support of Hoka’s shoes, and other brands began to bulk up. Now celebrating 15 years, Hoka released the latest iteration of its original shoe with flair. The carbon-plated Mafate X has pizza- and taco-shaped lugs as a wink to ultrarunners’ insatiable appetites.
oz M10, 7.9 oz W8, Runner’s World’s Director of Test Jeff Dengate wrote the shoe review “WTH Is Up With the Hoka One One TenNine” (Hoka removed the “One One” from its name—pronounced “onay, onay”—the following year). The TenNine had a stretched out heel that made it look like reversed clown shoes. “The heel protrudes so far that, when you look at the shoe upside down, it looks like it might be a trail shoe built for Shaquille O’Neal,” Dengate wrote.
But the TenNine was no gimmick; the heel served as a master shock absorber for hammering on descents.
We haven’t seen another iteration of the TenNine since then, but the shoe served as a precursor for the Tecton X, Hoka’s premier carbon-fiber plate trail shoe released in 2022. The Tecton X, now on its third version, has two parallel plates in its midsole. The plates create a rigid platform for stability and propulsion, yet allow the shoe some flexion so runners can maneuver twists and bends.
With a history that begins on the trail, Hoka is the go-to brand for when you want to take your runs off the road.
Best Hoka Trail Running Shoes
- Best Overall: Hoka Speedgoat 6 (Men's / Women's)
- Gravel bike-inspired lug pattern for all-terrain: Abrasion-resistant Matryx upper (Men's / Women's)
- Most Versatile: Hoka Challenger 7 (Men's / Women's)
- Born to Run: Shoe Women’s at (Men's / Women's)
What to Look for When Shopping for Hoka Trail Shoes
Because trails can get dicey and weather can be unpredictable, Hoka’s shoes are outfitted with features that help runners instantly become adaptable when the path gets rough.
Vibram Megagrip Outsole
A feature that all Hoka’s trail shoes share is Vibram Megagrip. The outsole is beholden as a rubber with incredible traction over slick, wet surfaces, and loose mud.
Meta Rocker
A curved profile is featured in both Hoka’s road and trail shoes. The Meta Rocker helps with heel-toe transitions, encouraging smooth toe-off.
Durable Upper
Many of Hoka’s trail shoes have a GoreTex counterpart for runners who want a sturdier waterproof shell against the elements. Other upper features to look out for are a flat tongue, which helps seal out trail debris from getting inside your shoes, and a protective toe bumper.
GoreTex
Several of Hoka’s trail shoes come in a GoreTex (GTX) version. While the GTX version is more expensive, it’s a great option for running in winter when you need the extra warmth over your toes. Its breathable membrane also allows some ventilation.
How We Choose Shoes
At Runner’s World, we test hundreds of shoes a year and enlist the help of 300+ testers who log over 100 miles a shoe before sending us feedback on fit, feel, and ride. The shoes on this list are ones we’ve taken on groomed rail trails and rocky technical Pennsylvania trailheads. We tested them for comfort, energy return, and durability.
Editor’s Note: Our wear-testers are currently evaluating the Mafate X. We will add the Mafate X once feedback is in.
Full Review
Pros
- Why Trust Us
- A Part of Hearst Digital Media
Cons
- Challenger 7 GTX
We love the ’Goat because it can handle any kind of trail. The Speedgoat 6 upholds its reputation with a couple of improvements that make it the master of the woods. The lug design is adjusted for enhanced grip, and the compression-molded EVA midsole is also more responsive.
“The longest run I had in the Speedgoat was 7 miles and I felt like I could have kept going forever,” said tester Eric Bartosz. “There is plenty of cushion to make this a daily shoe but it’s definitely not overly plush.”
But it was the outsole that was the most praised feature amongst testers. “I love how Hoka has changed the lug design a bit and the placement on the bottom of the shoe,” said Brooke Schell, who also tested the Shoe Women’s at. “You get 5mm of multi-directional lug traction and you can literally feel the lugs digging into the dirt on the uphill climbs as well as hold you back on the descents. The Speedgoats are the only trail shoe I feel completely safe in allowing myself to run my normal race paces whether going up, over or down the rocky AT.”
Though testers raved about the reliable Vibram Megagrip and breathable, comfy woven upper, they weren’t thrilled with the Speedgoat 6’s tongue. They felt it ran too short, causing trail debris to come into the shoe. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, however.
Also available as Lightweight Running Shoes ($170).
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.8 oz (M10), 8.2 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Lug Height | 5mm |
Abrasion-resistant Matryx upper
Pros
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- What is the difference between Profly+ and CMEVA foam
Cons
- Sock-like gaiter caused rubbing and gathered sweat for some testers
In the Tecton X 3 you have the best of both worlds: super shoe PEBA foam and parallel carbon plates sandwiched into it, and abrasion-resistant Matryx upper for challenging pursuits. Hoka added “winglets” to the parallel carbon plates to add stability in the cushy midsole. The lugs also have an updated shape for grippier traction.
Testers praised the comfort and lightweight feel of the Tecton X 3. “They were just plush enough for some longer miles,” said wear-tester Kelly Ammon. “I topped out at 15 miles, but based on the cushioning, I could easily see myself wearing them for at least a 50k but maybe even longer. They felt fast and responsive like the La Sportiva Prodigios I just tested but were much more comfortable for distance.”
The sock-like gaiter was a divisive feature amongst testers. Some liked the built-in protection and how it prevented pebbles and dirt from creeping in. Others said the sock caused rubbing when they wore short socks and disliked how their ankles felt swampy overtime due to the collected sweat.
Key Specs
| Weight | 10 oz (M10), 7.9 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Lug Height | 3.5mm |
Pros
- Gravel bike-inspired lug pattern for all-terrain
- Lightweight
Cons
- Underwhelming energy return
The Challenger 8’s release is around the corner but you can get the 7 now at a discounted price. We love Challenger 7 because it’s lightweight for a trail shoe and it’s versatile on a hybrid level. The 4mm lugs bite into the earth but they’re not too obtrusive when you’re running over road crossings or making the switch to pavement for a short stretch.
You can see how adaptable the Challenger 7 is by looking at its tread. The outsole design is inspired by gravel bike tires with smaller lugs on the perimeter of the sole and larger lugs that are wider apart in the center, making it a true all-terrain shoe.
Our testers trekked through mud, puddles, and leaves, and even spent some time on the road and treadmill. They were amazed how versatile the Challenger 7 is. “The ability to wear them on multiple surfaces is what makes these shoes stand out,” said shoe tester Jessica Markulik. “I thought it would just be a gimmick but it’s true. It was so nice to just grab the same pair and not worry if my plans changed last-minute.”
Also available as Mafate X has pizza- and taco-shaped lugs as a wink to ultrarunners’ insatiable appetites ($160).
Key Specs
| Weight | 8.9 oz (M10), 7.7 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 5mm |
| Lug Height | 4mm |
Pros
- High rebound on the trail
- Grippy outsole
- Accommodating fit
Cons
- Sizing runs large
Hoka set out to make the Mafate Speed even lighter when its team developed the fourth iteration. We found you can push the pace with these shoes and reap the benefits of that signature Hoka cushioning. The Mafate Speed has a dual-layer Profly+ midsole, which absorbs impact on hard-packed ground and delivers a bouncy, cushioned ride. The shoe’s upper fits securely with a flat gusset tongue. Jacquard mesh provides formidable protection.
Our testers ranked the shoe’s cushioning as a favorite feature, as well as the rebound the shoes delivered when they hit the trail.
“The thing I liked most about the Mafate was how aggressive of a trail shoe it is,” said tester Brooke Schell, who wore the Shoe Women’s at during her training for the Eastern States 100. “I was very comfortable wearing them on the difficult, rocky, technical trails with their 5mm lugs. Because of the confidence I had wearing these shoes, I was able to train at a slightly faster pace on the downhills and the rocky surfaces of the Appalachian Trail in eastern Pennsylvania. Even on the slippery rocks due to high humidity, I felt confident in knowing the grip would help sustain my speed and not slow me down.”
Key Specs
| Weight | 10.4 oz (M10), 8.5 oz (W8) |
| Drop | 4mm |
| Lug Height | 5mm |
Hoka Trail Shoes Q&A
Sizing runs large?
Profly+ is a dual-layer midsole. The top layer is softer while the bottom layer is denser and promotes energy return. Both work together to provide comfort and absorb shock. CMEVA stands for compression-molded EVA foam, which is lightweight, soft, and responsive. The CMEVA is used in Hoka’s more cushioned shoes, like the Clifton and Challenger. Profly+ is considered “balanced” cushioning and is found in the Shoe Women’s at.
Challenger 7 GTX?
Hoka’s trail shoes are built for all paces. Depending on the trail you’re hiking, you may want to opt for more aggressive protruding lugs, like the 5mm ones on the Speedgoat 6. The Speedgoat 6 is also available in a Mid GTX version; the shoe has a protective waterproof GoreTex upper and running-friendly collar that serves as a gaiter and stabilizer when maneuvering over obstacles.
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
High rebound on the trail
Mafate X has pizza- and taco-shaped lugs as a wink to ultrarunners’ insatiable appetites
Mafate X has pizza- and taco-shaped lugs as a wink to ultrarunners’ insatiable appetites
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