Article by Jeff and Allison Valliere
Speedgoat 6 Mid GTX $180)
Introduction:
Jeff V: The Speedgoat 6 GTX Mid builds upon the ever so popular Speedgoat by adding a waterproof Gore Tex membrane and improves upon the previous mid versions with an improved, more flexible ankle cuff (vs. a tall boot like structure). . This cuff is more flexible, lighter and more running friendly. As always, the Speedgoat delivers top notch traction and overall performance, making this shoe a formidable contender for cold, wet, snowy winter running.
Pros: Reasonably light and responsive (for a winter shoe), traction, cushion, protection, waterproof upper, more flexible ankle cuff. Jeff/Allison
Cons: heel lift (lacing the extra eyelet helps though), cuff does not snug well around the ankle and allows moisture in, lace bite. Jeff/Allison
Please find the testers full run bios at the end of the article after Comparisons.
Stats
Spec Weight: men's 11.4 oz /323 g US10, women’s 9.8 oz / 278 g
Sample Weight: men’s 11.6 oz / 328 g US 10, women’s 9.9 oz / 282g US
Stack Height: men’s 37mm heel /32 mm forefoot (5mm drop spec)
Platform Width: 100mm heel / 85mm midfoot / 120mm forefoot
Most comparable shoes
Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX Spike
Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX
Salomon S/Lab Genesis Spine
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Jeff V: The Speedgoat 6 GTX Mid is classic Speedgoat in looks, with the addition of a Gore-Tex membrane and a flexible mid top collar with a velcro collar (in contrast to previous versions that were much more reminiscent of a tall boot).
The splashy colorways might be a bit polarizing, not my favorite, but not all that bad either, so I guess I am a bit neutral on the look. They feel impressively light for a winter ready Gore Tex shoe and compared to the competition, are a bit lighter.
The upper is made of a 100% recycled polyester mesh with a waterproof GORE-TEX membrane. The toe rand is on the minimal side, but effective. The upper with GORE-TEX membrane is very waterproof in typical snowy, slushy conditions.
The tall “mid” collar is softer and more flexible than previous versions that were more high top/boot like. For my thin ankles, this tall collar, while more comfortable, is essentially useless, as it does not snug up tightly enough to keep out snow and moisture (a complaint I also had for the previous versions).
If I could suggest an improvement, it would be to mimic the gaiter used on the Tecton X3 and perhaps add some water resistance to it, as that gaiter snugs and conforms to the ankle with no gaps and is light and minimal. As it stands now (unless you have particularly large ankles), I would suggest going with the non mid version of this shoe, as you really need to add a true gaiter to keep the snow out.
The velcro is secure and easy to use, but just does not snug up enough for me to effectively keep snow out.
There is effectively no tongue and no additional padding where the tongue would normally be to prevent lace bite. The Tecton X3 has no protection here either, yet I have no issues.
However on the SG 6 GTX Mid I do experience lace bite, especially as once the shoe fills with snow and melts, it gets really heavy and I need to snug up more than normal to better keep the shoe in place. The lower version of this shoe has a normal tongue and I am sure that would resolve that problem.
The heel loops are quite helpful in this instance when pulling these on.
Fit is true to size and consistent with the regular Speedgoat 6. I do notice some heel lift and needed to employ that extra eyelet to help with this. While I often size up a half size in winter shoes to accommodate a thicker sock, I did not need to here and there is sufficient room for a mid weight wool sock, but if you prefer really thick socks, you may consider sizing up.
Allison: Jeff describes the upper well. I too have the same concerns about the mid collar, where it does not snug around my ankle all that well and lets in moisture when in deep snow, however when wearing a gaiter, this is not an issue. I too would recommend going with the lower version.
In snow and wet that does not go over the ankle though, I find the upper to be waterproof, warm and flexible. Fit is great, with enough room for a mid weight sock at my usual size of women’s 9, though I find the lacing to be tricky, with an awkward transition and balance between getting the laces snug enough and too tight and while I have not experienced lace bite like Jeff, I think having a “normal” tongue here would help a lot. I also experienced the heel lift issue like Jeff and had to lace up the final eyelet, which helped, but is still not perfect.
Midsole & Platform
Jeff V: The compression molded EVA midsole is not quite as light and lively as the regular SG 6, but is still reasonably responsive, stable and maintains a more consistent feel in cold weather. I find it to be well cushioned and forgiving, yet nicely supportive for long outings no matter how cold and how hard the surface is underneath (lots of ice lately and using supplemental traction).
Allison: I agree with Jeff on the above, as the midsole is very well cushioned, supportive and consistent in cold temperatures. I find them great for long days on your feet and long downhills leaving my legs feeling fresh and to be stable in tricky winter conditions with excellent stability and a predictable ride. The thick foam also helps insulate your feet from the ground making them warmer.
Outsole
Jeff V: The Speedgoat 6 GTX Mid outsole the same effective Vibram MegaGrip 5mm lugs Traction Lug design (featuring small additional lugs on the sides of each lug) as the Speedgoat 6. The Vibram Megagrip rubber compound is one of the more effective outsoles on the market, providing excellent grip on just about any surface.
I have run the Speedgoat 6 and now SG 6 GTX Mid on hard on rocky technical trails, scrambled up and down slabs, run on frozen snow, slushy snow, steep loose off trail, wet, dry, tricky creek crossings, limited mud and have never had so much as a slip.
Allison: Traction is amazing in any condition, as the traction lugs really grip in loose terrain, snow and any other tricky footing, plus the Vibram Megagrip compound is very sticky, so I feel really confident on dry rock, wet rocks, etc….
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Jeff V: The ride is generally consistent with other previous Speedgoat models. Smooth, energetic, cushy, protective and a really nice roll with the late stage Meta-Rocker that assists in forward motion and helps inspire a quick toe off.
There is a lot to like about the SG 6 GTX Mid, as they are warm, waterproof, well cushioned, protective and have great traction. While I have not tested them personally, I would however recommend the non mid version, the regular Speedgoat 6 GTX, as I do not find the collar of the mid version to be a benefit and if anything, is a bit of a detriment by also not having a normal tongue in this instance. Plus, the Speedgoat 6 GTX costs $10 less and either way, you are likely going to need a gaiter when running or hiking in fresh/deeper snow.
All in all though, it’s a great winter training option for steep mountain trails or snowy roads and paths and if you have a wider ankle and are not running in deep snow, my above concerns should not be an issue.
Jeff V’s Score: 9.2/10
Ride: 9.5 Fit: 8.5 Value: 8.5 Style: 8.5 Traction: 10 Rock Protection: 10
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Allison: The ride is very smooth, with a quick and easy transition and they run lighter than the weight would suggest, and in my women’s 9, they do feel very light and quick. They are excellent for cold, snowy winter days, warm as they are waterproof and have great traction. However if the snow is fresh and deep, a gaiter is a must, as the mid collar will not be effective here for most people (unless you have a thicker ankle). Otherwise, the SG6 Mid GTX is a great winter option.
Allison’s Score: 9.2/10
Ride: 9.5 Fit: 8.5 Value: 8.5 Style: 8.5 Traction: 10 Rock Protection: 10
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4 Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX Spike (RTR Review)
Jeff V: The SG5 GTX Spike is a lower traditional style and has the same Gore membrane, midsole and outsole adding features carbide tipped studs for added grip when on icy trails.
Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX
Jeff V: While I have not reviewed this model, they share most characteristics, except for the mid collar, which I do not find to be beneficial in this instance and the lower version has a normal tongue that will eliminate lace bite.
Salomon S/Lab Genesis Spine (RTR Review)
Jeff V: The Spine is overall a more rugged, competent winter shoe, with a much better built in gaiter that really works well to keep out the snow and moisture. The Spine is a little heavier, not quite as plush, but over fit is superior and overall winter confidence/usability.
La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX (RTR Review)
Jeff V: A winter favorite, the Cyklon is very performance oriented, stable and has superb grip, a better collar and is more nimble. The ride of the Cross GTX is firmer, while the Speedgoat has better cushioning and a more rockered feel.
Tester Profiles
Allison Valliere is a 5th generation Coloradan who is passionate about the outdoors and has been hiking, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing and running in the mountains since she was young. She has completed all but 5 of the Colorado 14ers (a dozen or so in winter), has many hundreds of year round ascents of 14ers, 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and the West. Allison has also traveled the world and trekked to over 18,000 feet in the Himalayas, to high altitudes in Ecuador and has worked for the National Park Service mapping plants in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California . Her almost daily routine involves runs/power hikes in the foothills above Boulder, or 4-5 mile flatter runs at 8-10 minute mile pace if schedule necessitates. But what really keeps her on her toes is working as a nurse and taking care of her 12 year old twin daughters who are also growing to share her love for the outdoors.
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hamp
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