Friday, February 04, 2022

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Review: True to its Legacy, Completely Updated and Improved Upper to Sole. 13 comparisons

Article by Jeff Valliere and Jeff Beck

Speedgoat 5 ($155)

Introduction

Jeff V:  My history with the Speedgoat goes back to the start and I have rarely ever looked at a shoe with as much anticipation as I did the first Speedgoat, but unfortunately, I struggled with that first version, finding them exceptionally tippy, unstable and gave me wicked pinky toe blisters.  


Version 2 was completely re-worked and aside from some minor durability issues, I really enjoyed running in them.  Even for my somewhat narrow, low volume foot though, could find the toe box to be a touch confining depending on the run/temperature/distance.  


Versions 3 and 4 saw incremental upper updates which addressed the durability issues and added just a smidge more room (though narrowness remained a common complaint) in the toe box.  The well cushioned maximal midsole as well as the ultra versatile, grippy, durable Vibram Megagrip outsole remained essentially unchanged for versions 2-4.  


Version 4 remained unchanged since its release in 2019 and was exceptionally popular, I guess Hoka knew that had a hit on their hands and did not want to mess with a winning formula.  Side note, while spectating the Leadville 100 in 2021 for the entire day, I of course was checking out shoes and the Speedgoat 4 was by far the most popular choice.  


Enter the Speedgoat 5, which has been reconstructed from the ground up with a much improved, more flexible and roomy upper, lighter midsole EVA as found in the EVO Speedgoat, as well as a very similar looking Vibram Megagrip outsole, but now with redesigned lugs for even better traction.  

These updates, primarily coming from the lighter midsole, leads to a weight reduction of a full ounce in my US men’s size 10, dropping from 11.25 oz. to 10.25 oz.  Every one of these improvements add up to make the Speedgoat 5 a truly awesome shoe and dare I say, one of the best ever in its class.


Pros:

Jeff V:  Reduced weight, improved response, improved traction, more room in the forefoot, refined and more flexible upper, improved cushion, protection, foothold, comfort, stability.

Jeff B: I’d echo Jeff, virtually every aspect of this shoe is a pro, with the foothold, extra traction, forefoot space, and cushioning being the biggest steps up from an already great shoe.


Cons:

Jeff V:  There is not much to nitpick here, but I will say that the pointed flare at the back of the heel collar seems somewhat extraneous.  Tongue is just a touch short.

Jeff B: Extra traction gets somewhat nullified in incredibly sloppy mud. That’s my biggest gripe, and one that applies to virtually every single pair of trail shoes in existence. But that’s all I got.


Stats

Approx. Weight: men's 9.75 oz  / 276g (US9) 

  Samples: US men’s size 10: 10.25 oz  /  292 g

Stack Height: men’s heel 33 mm / 29 mm forefoot :: women’s  heel mm / mm forefoot

Available now at our partners at the end of the review. $155


Tester Profile

Jeff Valliere runs mostly on very steep technical terrain above Boulder often challenging well known local FKT's. 


First Impressions and Fit

Jeff V:  Out of the box, at first glance, the Speedgoat 5 looks very familiar and seemingly an incremental update, but upon closer inspection and then trying them on, it is clear that the Speedgoat 5 is a completely re-worked masterpiece, an entirely different beast.  In hand and on the foot, they are clearly lighter, the foam feels softer and also more responsive and the upper has a bit more room in the midfoot and forefoot, with more flexible materials offering more give over previous versions which had overlays which could, at times, feel somewhat tight and even confining on long hot days when feet swell.  

Fit/length feel true to size, with great lockdown and a secure heel. Wide sizing is also available.


Jeff B: I had the same initial take, that this update was somewhat minor, and other brands might have called this the Speedgoat 4.5. Also, I was concerned because they sent me a size 10, down from my usual 10.5, and in more than ten years of running in various Hokas I’ve always sized up if anything - usually to give more width in the forefoot rather than more length. 


That said, the fit was shockingly accommodating in the forefoot with enough width to let me run for a couple hours at a time with only mild rubbing. I’d recommend runners stick with their true size if they have ultra aspirations, but if you want a more dialed in fit a half size down could work. 


After I got past the size conundrum, it became quickly obvious that this midsole was not the same as the 4, and improved in every aspect. Also, unlike the 4, there weren’t any rubbery/plastic overlays where the upper meets the midsole, which was a point of failure in my SG4 when they delaminated around 300 miles. This many changes really hammered home why this is the Speedgoat 5, and not 4.5.



Upper 

Jeff V:  The vegan jacquard (recycled content) engineered dynamic sandwich mesh (dual layer) upper is a radical makeover vs. the previous versions, feeling lighter, more flexible, yet durable and breathable. 

It does away with reliance on overlays of previous versions and instead gets the support from a tight, supportive, knit like weave.  As mentioned above, the fit here is a little bit more generous than previous versions, not so much wider, but the new upper has just enough give to it to provide some much needed wiggle room, while still providing ample foothold and security for fast running over technical terrain, hard cornering and off camber sidehilling.  

Some of the added give here in the forefoot is due to the stretch vamp that is also found in the EVO Speedgoat to allow for a little extra stretch.  

This would be a good spot to compare fit with both the Speedgoat 4 and the EVO Speedgoat.  

I found the fit compared to the Speedgoat 4 to be more roomy and relaxed, as the newer upper has a welcome amount of give/flex/stretch to it that I believe will open up the Speedgoat 5 to a wider range of feet and satisfy those who found the Speedgoat 4 a bit tight or confining for longer distances.  As I mentioned, this was achieved without sacrificing foot hold.

In comparison to the EVO Speedgoat, which utilizes a Matryx upper, the Speedgoat 5 offers similar forgiveness, but is much more supportive and has far superior foothold, as my primary complaint with the EVO was that they felt very insecure when pushing hard in technical terrain, fast cornering and off camber sidehilling.

Like the previous version, the tongue is very thin (and gusseted), but provides ample protection from the laces.  The Speedgoat 4 had a more rounded design where the tongue lies over the front of the ankle. The 5 has a new design where it is slightly forked in the center and somewhat U shaped to lay more ergonomically over the front of the ankle.

The protective toe rand is somewhat thin and flexible, yet wraps adequately around the front of the shoe and seems and protects well from most bumps and dings in rocky, rooty terrain.

The heel counter/collar has a radically different look with a pointy flair off the back.  

The fit, comfort and heel hold are all excellent, but will note that it felt a little loose before I remembered to employ the last lace eyelet, at which point my heel felt very locked in.  I am still a bit perplexed by the heel flair, as I cannot discern its purpose, other than to perhaps act as a de facto pull tab?  If this is the case, I could easily go without, or just go with the more traditional pull tab. 

If one worries about it acting as a funnel for dirt to get into the heel collar, I have NOT found that to be the case, as the padded collar interface around the ankle ends up being no different than any other shoe. 

 

As for use with a gaiter, I have tested this too and while the flair produces a noticeable bump under the gaiter, I experienced no fit issues.


Jeff B: Jeff’s description is spot on, and Hoka’s execution of the upper is incredible. The knit gives the shoe incredible structure, and gives you quite a bit of confidence in the shoe’s stability. They’ve threaded the needle of giving the upper some stretch, making the toebox feel bigger than it is, without giving up and going too far in that direction.


The tongue is a little short, and is only adequately padded, but for a shoe that’s trying to keep the grams down, I’m not upset by the tongue’s construction. It is gusseted, and outside of having to pull up on it to get it into place pre-run, it then disappeared and became a non-factor, so I’d say it’s doing its job.


The heel flare is a little odd looking, especially when you look at Jeff’s picture of it poking through the gaiter, but I’m guessing that it fits in with so many other Hokas and their design language - kind of like BMW and the Hofmeister kink (you can google that safely at work).

The only issue I found with the upper was in the middle of the sloppiest mud run I’ve ever done, The lack of plastic/rubbery overlays means that the knit starts right at the top of the midsole, and when splashing into shallow puddles, the foot gets wetter a few millimeters sooner than it would with the overlays. Not something I ever considered when I lived in Arizona, but Denver is in the middle of what is likely to be the snowiest Jan/Feb in history (fun fact: March/April are typically the heavier snow months) so most of my Speedgoat 5 runs have been in some sort of inclement weather, be it light snow, snow/ice, ice/mud, or just the sloppiest mud around. Clearly not a problem many runners will have, so I’m not going to hold it against the shoe for my extremely limited scope use case.



Midsole

Jeff V:  The new CMEVA midsole is a lighter, more responsive material than the previous Speedgoats and is the same midsole found in the EVO Speedgoat.  This new midsole drastically improves the performance of the Speedgoat, as it is more responsive and accounts for much, if not all of the weight loss, where the simple reduction in weight adds a lot of pep to the shoe.  

The late stage Meta-Rocker is still present and assists in forward motion and inspires a quick toe off.  I compared the Speedgoat 5 with the 4 and the EVO and noticed some clear differences in the midsole performance.  The Speedgoat 4 felt a bit more sluggish and definitely more firm, where the Speedgoat 5 clearly had more bounce, though was still equally stable, predictable and protective in technical terrain.  Compared with the EVO, I found them to be similarly responsive and light feeling, though the EVO felt a bit more mushy and less stable in technical terrain. 


Jeff B: Yup, Jeff nailed it. The upgraded upper is great, but this new midsole is the best part. I’m not sure if it’s the weight, geometry, flexibility, or more likely, all contributing, but the Speedgoat 5 is a much faster/responsive shoe than the 4, and simultaneously it’s also better cushioned. Lots of folks have been ringing the death knell for Hoka because they aren’t fully embracing exotic new midsole materials - but in this case, I wouldn’t change a thing. 


Outsole

Jeff V:  At first glance, the outsole looks the same, with the expected 5mm lugs of roughly the same shape/design and the Vibram Megagrip rubber compound found previously.  

However, upon closer inspection, you can see that the lugs have changed now including Vibram’s “Traction Lugs” that are stepped in nature with grabby rubber barbs lining the perimeter of each.  

This adds a bit more surface area, as well as a little more bite that is noticeable to me on hard packed frozen surfaces, loose off trail, dirt and minor to moderate mud.  

Being the same rubber compound, I fully expect durability to match the previous versions (very good!). 




Jeff B: I expected those traction barbs to give slight, if any advantage, over the very grippy 4. I was wrong. The added traction of the 5 (which as you can see is otherwise virtually identical to the 4’s outsole) is substantial on virtually every surface. 

Even the muddiest run I had pretty solid traction for the first quarter of a mile, before the thick mud completely caked the bottom of the shoe. And yes, that Vibram logo typically means durability is going to be top notch.


Ride

Jeff V:  The ride here is amazing, smooth and well cushioned like the SG4, but quicker and more plush like the EVO, with excellent transition thanks in part to the Late stage Meta Rocker and responsive CMEVA midsole.  While ground feel is essentially non existent in the Speedgoat, I personally do not find that to be a liability in the Speedgoat, as I expect that going in and select this shoe for maximum protection and cushion for longer duration runs.


Jeff B: Jeff is 100% correct, the ride is a very solid upgrade from the 4 (I didn’t run in the EVO, I bought a pair and returned them before they left the living room because of the toebox squeeze), and the transition is unexpectedly quick. I opted for the SG5 during a particularly icy paved trail run, and the strides at the end made me think I was wearing a shoe made for speed work. This might be the most versatile shoe in the Hoka lineup.


Conclusions and Recommendations 

Jeff V:  The Speedgoat 4 (as well as the 3 and 2) were longtime favorites for me, with a generally well fitting, secure upper, a very well cushioned protective midsole with reasonable response and impeccable, versatile, durable traction that came together to provide a very fun, stable and reliable ride on any terrain or any distance.  The Speedgoat 5 has improved upon ALL of that and did so dropping a full ounce in my size 10.  


With the now more generous fit, more responsive midsole and improved traction, the Speedgoat 5 builds upon its legacy and will cater to an even wider customer base.  The Speedgoat 5 is versatile and adept at just about anything really, short distance, long distance, door to trail, any trail, off trail, high mountains and above treeline, slow running, fast running, training, racing, snow, mud, wet, etc… you should consider the Speedgoat 5.  Actually don’t consider, just go get a pair!


Jeff V’s Score:  9.9/10

Ride: 10 - A smooth, well cushioned, responsive dreamy ride

Fit: 10 - These fit me perfectly, with a bit of give for comfort, yet still secure.

Value: 10 - at $155, the price is creeping a bit, but for all that the Speedgoat 5 offers in regards to performance and predicted longevity/durability (especially the outsole), these are worth every penny.

Style: 9.5 - beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I think these are very sharp looking shoes in this colorway.

Traction: 10 - Exceptional grip on all surfaces, I never want for more, exceptionally versatile.

Rock Protection: 9.5 - I would give this a 10 if not for the exposed foam at the center of the heel, where I occasionally take a surprise zinger.


Jeff B: Very few shoes elevate to the role where they are just the de facto choice. As runners we are living in the Golden Age of Running Shoes, with so many incredible options in front of us, with subtle nuances making one style work better for us than others. I can see that changing with the Speedgoat 5. Making the fit a little more accommodating (and that’s a half size down and standard width, I can only imagine with true-to-size and a wide would feel like) means that the standard reason for trail runners to skip the Speedgoat - pointy toebox - is no longer valid. Then you’ve got a great upper, a nearly transcendent midsole/outsole pairing, and what you have is a shoe that truly can do anything, and excel at every step. This isn’t a Jack of All Trades/Master of None situation. This is Superman the Shoe. It’s so good, you have to go looking for hard-to-find weaknesses, and even then they’re situational. Well done Hoka.

Jeff B’s Score: 9.78/10

Ride: 10 Fit: 9.5 Value: 10 Style: 9.5 Traction: 10 Rock Protection: 9.5



12 Comparisons

Index to all RTR reviews: HERE


Hoka Speedgoat 4

Jeff V: a great shoe, but weighs more, is firmer, less responsive and the upper is less forgiving.  I would never discourage buying a pair, especially at a deep discount, but prefer the Speedgoat 5. (RTR Review)


Jeff B: The discount would have to be pretty steep to go with the 4 over the 5, between the improved fit and much improved midsole/outsole, the 5 is the much better shoe.



Hoka EVO Speedgoat


Jeff V: No longer available, but don’t despair, just get over it and go buy a Speedgoat 5 (only 5 grams more in my size 10 than the EVO).  The 5 also has a much more secure upper and a better ride, not nearly as mushy in my opinion. (RTR Review)



Watch Jeff's Speedgoat 5 compared to Speedgoat 4 and EVO Speedgoat Video Review



Hoka Tecton X (RTR Review)

Jeff: I have not yet tested Tecton X but RTR Editor Sam has. Tecton X has the same midsole stack and is lighter. It features a new supercritical foam and dual parallel carbon plates with some flexibility. It can potentially be thought of as the racing complement to the Speedgoat 5 (and according to Sam an incredible door to trail shoe with great road performance)  with the 5 the longer rougher ultras and training companion.


Sam: I have A/B trail and road run compared the Speedgoat 5 and Tecton X and the differences are clear.


The Tecton X shares the same 33/29 stack height yet is a big 1.2 oz lighter coming in at 8.9 oz / 252g in a US9 vs. 9.7 oz / 275g for the SG5. It has a supercritical foam midsole and dual carbon plates which give it a noticeably springier and more dynamic ride to the SG5's slightly softer and mushier feel. 

As such, the Tecton X is clearly superior on hard firmer ground and road and not far behind the somewhat more substantially outsole shod Speedgoat on more technical.  I was surprised that the upper hold of the Tecton X was superior and fit more precise while the Speedgoat 5 is more slightly more generous , less secure and softer in fit. Clear advantage in upper to Tecton X for me. 

Overall,  I think the next generation May releasing Tecton X is  worth its $200 price, $45 more than Speedgoat 5  for its lighter weight, faster more energetic ride and close to Speedgoat technical terrain capabilities. 
Watch the Speedgoat 5 to Tecton X to EVO Speedgoat Video Comparison Review


Hoka Mafate Speed 5 

Jeff V: The Mafate Speed 5 is heavier and not quite as stable, but is still a quick long distance shoe despite the weight, with ample cushion, protection and a great fit.  I think the Speedgoat 5 is my preference though for the lower weight, greater stability and versatility.(RTR Review)


Saucony Xodus 11

Jeff V:The Xodus 11 is notably heavier and less responsive, though perhaps a better choice if you run a lot of road (as it is a surprisingly adept road shoe), but overall I prefer the Speedgoat 5.(RTR Review)


Jeff B: Xodus has a little more traction and more room in the toebox, but the Speedgoat checks every box outside of that. I loved the Xodus, but the Speedgoat takes the win.


Nike Pegasus Trail 3 

Jeff V: It is hard to find a more comfortable shoe than the Pegasus Trail 3, but compared to the Speedgoat 5, it is a bit sluggish and not nearly as versatile or adept at rugged terrain.(RTR Review)


Brooks Cascadia 16 

Jeff V: Probably my all around favorite for 2021, but will admit that the Speedgoat 5 really gives the Cascadia 16 some serious competition.  I would say that the SG5 has the edge in speed and is a little lighter, but putting that aside, it is a coin toss.(RTR Review)


Jeff B: I had similar sentiments of the C16, and still think its among the best trail shoes of the last few years. But head to head with the SG5, its traction and cushioning feel underwhelming, and the best thing about it is the extra room in the toebox. The Cascadia 16 is top notch, but the Speedgoat 5 is even greater.

Brooks Caldera 5  

Jeff V: A close comparison in terms of cushion, form factor, weight, stack and versatility, the SG5 is more versatile in that it is more adept on rugged terrain and has better traction.(RTR Review)


Topo MTN Racer 2 

Jeff V: Close in weight, the SG5 feels a little more plush underfoot and has a few mm more stack and is more responsive.  The MTN Racer 2 feels more firm, though has better ground feel and a wider toe box, though both have excellent security and comparable traction.(RTR Review)


Scarpa Spin Infinity 

Jeff V: Very close in stack height, price and overall use/performance, the Spin Infinity weighs over an ounce more in my size 10, though runs lighter than its weight and is very energetic.  I still find the SG5 to feel a little more plush and the light weight contributes to is quicker responsive feel.  I also find the SG5 to be a little more stable in technical terrain and have an edge in traction. (RTR Review)


Salomon Ultraglide 

Jeff V: Another very close comparison, with similar stack heights, comparable light and energetic cushioning, superb fitting uppers.  The SG5 is a quarter ounce lighter in my size 10 and given the rough terrain I favor, appreciate that the SG5 has better traction, a more durable outsole, better protection underfoot and is a little more stable and secure in technical terrain.(RTR Review)


New Balance Fresh Foam More Trail 

Jeff B: New Balance’s take on the Speedgoat has similar levels of cushioning (but lacks the responsiveness), less traction, and more toebox width. While it’s likely NB’s best trail runner, the SG5 takes the cake handily. (RTR Review)


Altra Mont Blanc (RTR Review soon)

Jeff B: Altra’s latest lightweight trail racer lines up very cleanly with the Speedgoat 5. The Altra is 10g lighter (at a half size larger), has slightly more forefoot cushioning and slightly less heel cushioning in their latest/best midsole material Ego MAX, a similarly grippy Vibram outsole, and an incredibly comfortable upper. The Speedgoat feels faster while the Altra has much, much more room up front. I’d favor the Mont Blanc for longer runs, and the Speedgoat for shorter/faster ones.


Tested samples were provided at no charge for review purposes. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased through affiliate links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'

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27 comments:

Jeff Valliere said...

Following

Anonymous said...

How would this compare to Nike Terra Kiger?

David S said...

Least informative review that I have read. Since I have never put my foot in any previous SGs I got precious little info on the shoe. There were a lot of comparisons to previous version, but that is meaningless to me. Not the normal RTR reciew

Robbie said...

Great, thorough review Jeff (as always). This is the review I’ve been waiting for: SG 5 vs the EVO. Sounds like this exemplary update will simplify the trail quiver for many of us. With it’s versatility, I wonder where this puts the Torrent in their lineup?

In your comparisons, it seems like the Xodus v10/v11 still remains the crown as the best door-to-trail shoe with the somewhat similar Cascadia 16 edging it out for trail use (I’ve read many reports of the Ultraglide midsole packing out before 100miles!). Perhaps an updated ATR will have some similar improvements.

Almost certain I’ll pick up a pair of these (in Wide). Thanks again for an informative review.

Mike P said...

Can't wait for these. Based on my experience with SG2, SG4, and EVO SG - perhaps my wish for a "Speedgoat Lite" has been granted ?!?!

Jeff Valliere said...

Anon - the two shoes feel very different to me. The SG5 is way more maximal, more firm and protective underfoot, also feels more performance oriented and has better traction than the TK. The TK however is still very well cushioned and very distinctive feel with the air pod in the forefoot and also is still a bit more spacious in fit than the SG.

David S - Haha, you get what you pay for I guess! Seriously though, I am always more than happy to answer any questions readers may have and fill in any gaps. Treating others with kindness and respect will beget the same (though I seriously do not take offense, unless it comes from my wife or boss 😂🤣).

Robbie - Thanks for reading and the positive words. I think you will really enjoy the SG5, they are so versatile and perform so well at everything. I think the Torrent still has its niche, for shorter distances and where you need less protection under foot, but I think the SG5 would certainly be my preference for the majority of my runs at least.

Mike P - Your wish has been granted! 💥

Andreas said...

Serioursly David? It's the perfect review. The EVO Speedgoat was the G.o.a.t shoe for me and so this review is perfect on point.
If you never ran/tested the EVO SG or SG4 then maybe read the EVO Speedgoat review to get an overview? He also compares it to other shoes...

Jeff Valliere said...

Thanks Andreas.

While David's inconsiderate approach leaves a lot to be desired, his comment did inspire me to take a re-read and I do agree that I should add a little bit more detail to certain areas to describe the shoe in a way that does not assume that the readers are familiar with previous versions. I always appreciate constructive criticism, it inspires me to examine and improve. Also, FWIW, we offer up our reviews for nothing in return and we do not get paid, we are all just average folks with families and day jobs who like to share our passion for running and running gear, it is all just a labor or love.

Thanks for reading!

Sam Winebaum said...

What more might you be looking for? There are 8 comparisons and if you had others in mind I am sure Jeff can add.
Sam, Editor

Antoine said...

Thank you so much Jeff for the great review, as always. For the vast majority of us RTR is an unavailable ressource of information. But you always find grouchy people unable to appreciate the effort of the others (I see that in my job as well...). Imagine, you may provide a beautiful picture of the so awaited SG5 in front of a chicken and receive complaints !!! What kind of world is this?
I am in the thinking for the next long distance mountain running shoe for this spring. It will be SG5, or Scarpa Spin infinite or LaSportiva Akasha II. Cogito!
Greetings from snowy Switzerland! Antoine.

Antoine said...

UNVALUABLE ressource (not unavailable!)

Antoine said...

Invaluable resource (gosh I getting tired ;-)

Ante said...

Looking forward to this review! Two questions;
I have the SG4 and feel it a touch short. Can you compare the insoles and confirm if the length och the shoe is the same?

Gaiters, the one in the picture, can it be removed with the shoe on? If you can, please give recommendation on such gaiter which can be put on when shoe is on foot.

Thanks for the most detailed and honest reviews out there!!

Jeff Valliere said...

Thanks Antoine, yeah, can't please everyone all of the time for sure. I appreciate your loyalty and kind words.

Thanks Ante!

The insoles are the same size. As far as the gaiters, those are made by Kahtoola and can be added and taken off easily with the shoe on. https://kahtoola.com/shop/gaiters/

They are light and durable, I use them often and hardly know I am wearing them (I have all lengths, so select based on conditions/route).

Ante said...

Thanks Jeff��

Roga Danar said...

Hey guys,
thanks for the great review.
A few questions:
- Do you communicate things you didn't like to HOKA/to other companies?
- I can't figure out why anyone would come up with such a heel design, NB unfortunately did the same with a few of their "Fresh Foam" models. Do you think it's just a case of copying other companies to keep up with a "trend" ?
- What's the deal with all the crazy & bright color combinations esp. when dealing with shoes ment for "Trail Running"? Do you get any feedback from other runners as to whether they actually want these color bombs?

Regarding the "Speedgoat 5":
Do you know which color combinations for men will be available in "2E"?
Any timeframe for the release of the "GTX" version and will it finally be available in wide?

Thanks alot. :-)

Jeff Valliere said...

Hi Roga,

When we post a review, we see to it that the company is notified and to the best of my knowledge, they almost always read our reviews. Some are more receptive to feedback (we have had very open discussions with certain companies and confirmation that they have implemented changes we have suggested), while others have not been as communicative with whether or not they consider our feedback. As far as the heel flair like the one here on the SG5, I think just a fad and will not last. I personally cannot find any advantage to it, pretty much just an overbuilt heel tab, which on MOST shoes, can do entirely without. Loud shoe colors are a way for manufacturers to draw attention to their latest model and most often release a loud color first for media purposes, but fortunately they usually have more conservative colorways to follow to please most everyone. I do not have handy info on SG5 colorways, but believe I saw they will also have bright orange, blue and black and don't think the 2E will differ.

Roga Danar said...

Thanks for replying so quickly Jeff. :-) Here in Germany the wide version of the SG4 is only offered in a few of the available colorways, so I assumed it's the same everywhere, but I guess you guys actually have them all in wide. Good for you. :-)
But if I'm not mistaken the GTX version never came in wide, no matter the location. Which brings me to the last question of my previous post. Is there a timeframe for the release of the "SG5 GTX" and is it going to be available in wide?

Thanks again. :-)

Unknown said...

Thanks for the review, very informative as always. Very excited to try these out coming from the SG4, as I've had issues with the lateral side of the midfoot being a bit too constricted by the overlays on those, even in the 2E width. It seems like the v5 gives a much more accommodating fit through that region with the revised upper...would you say that's an accurate assessment? Looking for some trail running shoes for the summer for my attempt at a thru hike of the AT and very hopeful that these will fit my feet well. Or if you have any other suggestions for 2E-feeling-midfoot trail runners I'd be very interested to hear them. Thanks y'all!!

Unknown said...

Sorry, SG5 more stabile in technical terrain than Scarpa Spin Infinity ? I run the SG3 and I don't think it's a very stabile shoe in technical, can only compare to Scarpa Spin Ultra, which is Miles ahead in technical after my Point of view...and toe box of of Altra MB much wider means the SG5 is still in the narrow Side, even if more give in new upper ? Thx for the review, Ingo (Germany)

Jeff Valliere said...

Ingo, I find the Speedgoats (2/3/4/5) to all be very stable in technical terrain despite the size/stiffness, I think much coming from the outsole width, upper security and conforming nature of the midsole. The Infinity is slightly smaller and more narrow, but still found control and stability to be very good, but not sure any better than any of the SGs (at least for myself, my running style and the terrain I favor).

Jeff Valliere said...

Unknown, yeah, the new upper feels less constricting without the overlays for sure, but without trying them on, could not guarantee they will be enough to accommodate for you. Good luck on the AT!

sharebee said...

Hi Team,
Thanks for the great and informative review. I've become slight addicted to this site so thanks for that too - certainly better than doom scrolling which currently is an emotional minefield.

I'm currently running 60 - 70k per week 60:40 split road and trail. Trail is mostly mud and grass but that will change as the year progresses plus the occasional trip to the mountains of N Wales (UK) my comfortable fast runs are around 4:30 pace but I also enjoy a slow 30k+ run around 5:45 - 6:00 pace.

I previously ran the SG4 and loved it but got through two pairs due to the uppers falling apart. I'm currently running Bondi 7 / Saucony Endorphin Shift v1 (which I hated to begin with but now love) / New Balance more trail. All of which are at 600k plus.

I was thinking about replacing the NB with the SG5 and the Bondi with the Challenger ATR but upon reading your review I think that the Tecton X sounds like a better shoe to cover both the road to trail stuff and pure trail that I use these two for. I've never run a plated shoe before and don't race do you think that this might be overkill? Any other recommendations for my replacement rotation of three greatly appreciated.

Thanks for your help
King regards
Samuel

Jeff Valliere said...

Samuel, I have yet to test the Tecton X, but hope to soon. I don't think you would be disappointed with the Speedgoat 5, or the upcoming Caldera 6 or even the Scarpa Spin Infinity. Good luck!

sharebee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
sharebee said...

Thanks Jeff, I might try the Scarpa, I use their boots for hiking and climbing but never really thought about them for running, nice to try something new thanks for the tip.

guillet jean jacques said...

ayant reussi mon UTMB 2021 avec des Hoka SG4 neuve mise a 10 mn de rentrer dans le sas d attente , j avais opté pour les asics trabucco max , et je ne sais pas ce qui m a fait changé d avis , mais a la vue du resultat , j ai bien fait , car j ai eu zero problemes avec les SG4 que j avais pris une taille au dessus que ce que je prend d habitude , pour cette année 2022 je suis resté sur les SG 4 , mais a ma taille et dans la version Wide , pour ce qui est de la version 5 , je crois que je prefferes attendre et tenter les Tecton X , mais l echapée belle 2022 se fera avec les SG4W , malgré un test exellent , comme toujours avec Roadtrailrun , merci pour tous ce que vous faites , pour moi vous etes la reference .