HOKA  Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX Hiking Boots - Women's

So comfy and snazzy

These are the most comfortable hiking shoes I could find! Most hiking shoes I found stiff and uncomfortable even after wearing them a while. These were comfortable right away and feel more like running shoes, but with additional support and water resistance. I wore them through Patagonia on many treks when they were brand new.

Severe quality issues

These were so poorly made, I'm flustered REI is even carrying them. They are put together like $20 box-store shoes. The "eyelets" are simple slits in polyester fabric, no way they're going to hold up even for a day hike. The hooks are plastic: my experience is these are unreliable for hiking because they break easily. The tongue doesn't provide enough coverage to keep the clasps from rubbing the ankle. The fabric is inexpensive and ill-fitted. Yep, a cheap sneaker with a gigantic markup. I sent these shoes back immediately. It's not the kind of shoe I want to own for serious outdoor pursuits: the odds of them failing on trail, from my experience, is HUGE.

Their quality control is bad. Third year in a row, every year buying Speedgoat before my a week long section hikes on JMT. 1st pair was odd. It was sagging in the middle of the heel and cushion was not enough. Added Xtra paddings. 2nd pair, as soon as I slipped my foot in, I could tell that was perfect. I thought Hoka finally perfected their product. My feet were happy with those two pairs on the trails. I just got another pair from REI and that turned out to be the worst. The insole is hard and cushion is way thinner. Just on a day hike, my feet started hurtung on the way down. I'm going to return them and get another one. Will try a few more times. Hoping to be able to find right one.

Toe box too narrow

I've worn Hoka's exclusively for about 10 years and am returning these shoes because the toe box it too narrow. I have also had to return 2 pairs of Kaha 2 that I have tried recently (women's and all gender sizing). They have a narrower toe box than the original Kaha. Hopefully Hoka will return to their original design soon.

Comfy but wore out too soon

I normally love Hoka (for running) and these were very comfortable from the first wearing but they did not last. The soles wore out in 4 months of hiking and I was slipping on rocks. For $200 I expected at least a year of wear.

Comfortable trail runner, tread does not last.

This is a great shoe. Very comfortable right out of the box, but they do not last. Even with the Vibram sole, the tread is wearing thin after 6 weeks. With the cost at $185, the tread should last longer.

Quality gone down

This was my second pair of this style. Bought in October of 2023. The comfort cushion is still there. But the toe box seems more narrow. The gortex didn’t last. My feet got wet all winter. The tread also wore out a lot faster. Not sure what’s happened to Hoka quality but super disappointed.

Toe Box Wear Holes

I have owned 2 pair in less than 12 months. The first pair I gave away because they had two holes on the top of each foot at the toe crease where water would leak through, On the second pair I returned them to REI with the same problem thinking the new model would have improved. Unfortunately for GoreTex boots you won't get the use out of them. Other than that they look rather clunky but have expert grip for any kind of footing from rock hopping to scrambling!

These Are Terrific

This is my second pair of Hoka Speedgoat Mid Hiking Boots. I absolutely love them. I used to wear Lowa Hiking Boots but I find that the Hokas offer a little more give which in turn helps me to have little to no pain during and after walking/hiking.

My favorite hiking shoes, ever!!

Most comfortable hiking shoes I’ve ever worn! Didn’t have to break in. Like walking on clouds! Way more comfortable than the Rincon 8 I wear daily at work. Obsessed with these! Highly recommend!! Love the beautiful, fun, bright colors too! Have held up beautifully all summer, and seem to have many more seasons left in them. Very water resistant- accidentally stepped in some deep puddles and my feet and socks kept dry. Will definitely purchase again.