Trail-Running Shoes Buying Guide

A workhorse for sloppy, wet conditions, the women'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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View the HOKA Speedgoat Product LineView all HOKA Women'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) | 38 |
Forefoot Stack Height (mm) | 33 |
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. 2 oz. |
Gender | Women'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 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. Women's | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 | 11 | 11.5 | 12 |
UK | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 | 8 | 8.5 | 9 | 9.5 | 10 | 10.5 |
EU | 36 | 36.6 | 37.3 | 38 | 38.6 | 39.3 | 40 | 40.6 | 41.3 | 42 | 42.6 | 43.3 | 44 | 44.6 | 45.3 |
Foot Length (in.) | 8.7 | 8.8 | 9 | 9.2 | 9.3 | 9.5 | 9.6 | 9.8 | 10 | 10.2 | 10.3 | 10.5 | 10.7 | 10.8 | 11 |
Measurements are stated in inches.
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The Hoka Speedgoat was recommended by my PT as I re-build my ankle strength to hike again. He recommended tossing the boots I had (brand unmentioned) and get these. I went with the gortex ones since I use them for walking, hiking, gardening, and most outdoor activities now. They are perfect for all my outdoor activities, are comfortable, and keep my feet dry and warm. I also use an insert the PT recommended to also help with planter fasciitis. (I leave the original inserts in the shoes.) I wear size 8 tennis shoe but bought a size 8 1/2 in the Speedgoat 6 GTX. Fits perfectly and the toe box is big enough to not aggravate my Morton's neuroma. I'm very happy with this purchase.
I bought a size wide thinking I could wear thicker socks but it causes the shoe to move too much and ends up hurting. Normally I use the regular size which is too snug for thicker socks. It is difficult to put the shoe on, I have to manually fix the tongue to the correct position and then manually hold it so it will not fall out of position. I have bought 4 pairs of speedgoats and have enjoyed them but not this pair.
Had high hopes for this shoe, as my brother and sister-in-law hikes the Alps in Hokas. As noted in other reviews, the tongue does not want to stay put. Additionally, it is shorter than any other shoe I’ve ever owned and made using my usual “runner’s loop” lacing strategy impossible. I developed intense pain on the top of my foot from getting miles in with this shoe.
Great shoe - wrong product - I was recommended this shoe - loved it but when I got home and did some research realized that it is not the right shoe for my purpose. Told the assistant that I needed a water proof shoe, that is for my upcoming trip that requires a LOT of walking, lots of hill, city road, cobble stones plus some trail like path. I also have underpronation issue in one foot, and needed a pair that has lots of comfort and angel support. Per HOKA site, and reviews by other customer, will be exchanging this pair for either the Clifton or Bondi, as Speedgoat is mostly for trail only.
Bought these before moving to a cold, windy, rainy part of Spain. Intended to use them for walking on slippery pavement, hiking, and lots of walking. They've done just the trick. Very comfortable and I didn't have any breaking-in pains. They've kept my feet dry in the rain, in wet grass, and even when the sea got my feet before I could run away. Definitely recommend. Only downside is the seam that connects the fabric to the base of the shoe came a tiny bit undone where the shoe bends/creases. It's not enough to compromise the waterproof qualities of the shoes, though.
I am someone who spends a lot of time hiking on and off trail. These shoes seemed like a good fit at first. After a couple of weeks my feet started hurting very badly in these shoes. I have heard a lot of people like HOKA shoes, so it could just be my feet. So far I have taken these on the road, on dirt trails, beach trails, and on a short mountain hike in show shoes. Can't say the shoes were comfortable in any one of these scenarios other than the snow hike...
I love my Speedgoat 5s, but alas they have seen better days so I purchased these. I wear an orthopedic insole for chronic sesamoiditis and have never had an issue fitting it in Hokas, but these 6s are too shallow. I measured the depth and they are 1/4” more shallow than the 5s and I cannot fit my insole. This is a bummer. Hopefully I can find some on eBay until Hokas addresses this with their next model. I will be returning these.
Have only tested these inside my home. Very comfortable with the roomy toe box. Footbed feels springy but also firm, w/c is good for my plantar fasciitis. The tongue did not move at all for me as some have reviewed. I wish though the holes for the shoestrings were easier to adjust, but I guess, the way it's made keeps the ties from becoming loose while on the trail.
I struggle with foot pain but love to walk for exercise. These Hoka shoes are great! No foot pain during and after my walk.