Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

A workhorse for sloppy, wet conditions, the men's HOKA Speedgoat 6 GTX trail-running shoes provide plenty of bite on loose soil and have protective toe rands for charging through the rough stuff.
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Imported.
View the HOKA Speedgoat Product LineView all HOKA Men's Trail-Running ShoesBest Use | Trail Running |
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Trail-Running Shoe Type | Rugged-Trail |
Running Shoe Cushioning | Maximum Cushion |
Heel-to-Toe Drop (mm) | 5 |
Heel Stack Height (mm) | 40 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 35 |
Footwear Height | Ankle |
Footwear Closure | Lace-up |
Waterproof | Yes |
Upper | 100% recycled polyester mesh |
Lining | Molded EVA |
Midsole | Compression-molded EVA |
Outsole | Vibram Megagrip with Traction Lug |
Rock Plate | No |
Vegan | Yes |
Weight (Pair) | 1 lb. 4.4 oz. |
Gender | Men's |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
Type of Waterproofing | GORE-TEX Invisible Fit waterproof membrane |
5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14 Wide | 15 | 15 Wide | |
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U.S. Men's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.6 | 13 | 13.5 | 14 | 14 Wide | 15 | 15 Wide |
UK | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 | 12.5 | 13 | 13.5 | 13.5 | 14.5 | 14.5 |
EU | 37.3 | 38 | 38.6 | 39.3 | 40 | 40.6 | 41.3 | 42 | 42.6 | 43.3 | 44 | 44.6 | 45.3 | 46 | 46.6 | 47.3 | 48 | 48.6 | 49.3 | 49.3 | 50.6 | 50.6 |
Foot Length (in.) | 9.06 | 9.2 | 9.4 | 9.56 | 9.7 | 9.875 | 10.1 | 10.2 | 10.4 | 10.5 | 10.7 | 10.9 | 11.1 | 11.2 | 11.375 | 11.6 | 11.7 | 11.9 | 12 | 12 | 12.4 | 12.4 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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I just checked Strava, I've owned 8 pair of Hokas. All size 11.5. Bondi, Mach, Speedgoat 5. Same in Salomon, Brooks, Saucany. I bought this shoe to replace the 5. I put them on and got in the car to head to a nearby trail and turned around a mile later. They were cutting off the circulation on both feet. The tongue is attached to the shoe with a material that doesn't stretch and even untied, I have trouble getting them on and off. Went to local REI in hopes that the shoe was mislabeled but no such luck, that pair was the same. Got a credit, drove home, ordered another Speedgoat 5. Hopefully Hopefully the Speedgoat 7 will go back to the same sizing because I love the shoe
I've worn HOKA Cliftons and Machs for years and have been very happy with them. I wanted something waterproof and with a little better traction for trails so I tried the Speedgoat. Very disappointed with them...especially for the price. Clunky, stiff and a real pain to get in and out of. The tongue has virtually no padding and is fixed with non stretchy material. I was experiencing some heel slip so I adjusted the lacing pattern accordingly and that fixed the slipping but resulted in the laces being very uncomfortable on the top of my foot when going downhill. I gave 3 stars because the cushioning was great when running on level ground. I really like HOKA and REI but will be returning these.
I have owned two pairs of Speedgoats. Ordered the Speedgoat GTX in the same size. I struggled to get my foot in. The shoe was much narrower than my older Speedgoats. The sizing was so different that I double checked the sizing. Same length, just significantly narrower. Shoe looks cool. Sadly, will be returning.
Went to the local REI store and purchased this shoe in a size 8.5D. Also tried a size up with a size 9.0D. The 9.0D pinched in the toe area, which ended up being the deal breaker for me in that size. The 9.0 afforded a little more width and room at the toe, but the pinching was something that I could see would have ended up being a problem down the road. I think the 8.5D is the best size in this model for me. I got them home and put them on and have been wearing them since. Haven’t had the chance to test them out in any other way, but looking forward to doing so in the coming days. More to come.
This is the 4th consecutive year I've purchased the Speedgoat GTX for hiking and trail running. The new 6 is significantly less comfortable than the previous 4 and 5. I thought I just had to break them in, but the material pinches on the top of the foot at the metatarsal area. I can tolerate it while running, but hiking is uncomfortable. The shoe seems lighter and less durable on longer hikes as well. I was looking forward to a fresh design, but I might have to go back to the GTX 5, it was much better for both running and longer hikes!
Overall these are great shoes. They're super comfortable, with great traction and support. I wear them for light hiking as opposed to trail-running, and they're perfect for that. That said, these are indeed hard to get on my feet. I feel like these are designed for shallow feet... those without much height between your sole and the top of your instep. But once I've got them on they're great.
Purchased 8.5, normally wear 8.0. Tight fitting on sides aids waterproof claim. Unusual tread is excellent on rocky trails and saved me when I tripped and went flying (able to recover). Light, comfortable shoe with excellent lacing a bit higher than usual (again aiding waterproof claim). Adjust tightness depending on temperature and wetness. I have not yet tried running, just hiking.
Have been wearing for about a week now and am very impressed with the performance of these shoes. No break in time was needed, and was able to walk and jog in all terrain immediately. And to top it off my feet have remained dry. I normally wear a 10 but went with a 10.5 after trying on a couple pairs at the rei store. Thanks to the employees there for their help and assistance.
These are higher quality than I'd normally go for, but I wanted something waterproof, comfortable, and that would allow me to follow my dog off the trail. I had to go up half a size, but they're pretty comfortable. We do some running on trails and roads, lots of walking, and I can scramble after her up and down steep hills. As a bonus, my socks haven't gotten wet yet.
These shoes are really well suited to my feet. I have a couple issues that present a great challenge to my ability to remain active. REI's return policy allows me to find footwear that truly works. No other store gives me that ability.