Article by Jeff Valliere
2025 Hoka Speedgoat 2 ($160 Available now)
Introduction:
The Hoka Speedgoat is named after (and designed in conjunction with) Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer, the legendary and iconic ultrarunner with numerous 50-100 mile wins and ninety 100 mile finishes. Hoka has re-released the Speedgoat 2, which was a hugely popular shoe for its overall performance and versatility. This is not a re-review or re-hash, as the re-release is identical to the original Speedgoat 2 back in 2017, but if you want all of the details, you can revisit our detailed original review . 8 years later let’s see how it measures up to today’s shoes!
Pros: Iconic style and still great performance, even by today’s standards, 8 years later.
Cons: The price has gone up $20, but that is just reflective of inflation over that time I guess
Details: As I mentioned above, the Speedgoat 2 re-release is identical to the original, colorways and all, but has also been released in some new colors as well.
I think the re-release of the 2nd version is a great pick from a nostalgia standpoint, as it was the first of the Speedgoat line to offer true performance (I think anyone would universally agree with me that the Speedgoat 1 was a complete flop, mushy, narrow, tippy and sketchy to run in).
Subsequent versions of the Speedgoat however starting with the 2 have all been great shoes, with subtle and incremental improvements along the way up to the current Speedgoat 6 (RTR Review).
(Top) Speedgoat 6 (Bottom)Speedgoat 2
Note wider Speedgoat 6 platform
How did the Speedgoat 2 hold up over the years?
Surprisingly well! While the Speedgoat line has progressed steadily over the years, it is clear that the Speedgoat 2 was ahead of its time and I would dare say far ahead of its time.
I knew back in 2017 that it was a special shoe, but I think looking back with 8 years of hindsight, it is even more clear now how well this shoe performed with a tall stack of plush, yet responsive cushioning, a wide, stable platform, a relatively streamlined design, very good foothold, exceptional traction, all in a very lightweight package.
Wearing the Speedgoat 2 and the Speedgoat 6 side by side and running in one immediately after the other, I do prefer the 6, as they are a little lighter, more responsive, fit is a bit more relaxed and forgiving, with a more flexible/pliable upper (while still being quite secure in technical terrain) and have better traction with the improved Traction Lugs.
The sum of these positive changes are certainly reflective of 8 years of innovation and of course make a great case for choosing the 6 over the re-release of the 2. That said, it is not a stark difference and if I gave these a blind test, I would be hard pressed to realize that this is 8 year old technology and shoe!.
Why pick the Speedgoat 2 now?
Personally I would buy the 6 for the reasons mentioned above, but if you are looking for a fun retro shoe that has a collectible vibe with very acceptable modern day performance, something cool and unique that will turn heads and inspire conversation on the trail, then the Speedgoat 2 is for you!
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 Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
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