Article by Jeff Valliere, Zach Russell, and Jen Schmidt
Hoka Speedgoat 7 ($165)
Introduction:
Jeff: The Speedgoat has become one of the most popular shoes on the trails and for good reason, as they are relatively light, quick, responsive, stable, secure, protective, more than well cushioned, comfortable and stable. While they are designed for and ideally suited to rugged, technical mountain terrain, they are exceptionally versatile, adapting to any terrain and any pace. Consistent with the every ~2 year Speedgoat release schedule (at least since the SG4 in 2019), Hoka seems in no hurry to push minor updates, but instead spends those two years formulating meaningful updates.
What’s new:
- New super-critical foam EVA midsole
- New lightweight RPET woven textile upper
- Reconfigured heel collar (now a more “normal” shape vs. the pronounced pointed flare)
- Integrated gaiter attachment (a small loop on the heel)
Pros:
Jeff: Light, protective, well cushioned, stable, fast, traction, secure fit
Zack: Traction/lugs, cushion, stable, lightweight, looks
Jen: Lightweight, much more responsive than expected with the new supercritical midsole, great traction, stable on technical terrain, available in wide
Cons:
Jeff: Price increase, but is more a reality than a con, it is just the way things are going I guess. I honestly cannot come up with a con here.
Jen: Tapered toebox with stiff overlay may cause issues on medial side of big toe for some
Stats
Approx. Weight: men's 9.55 oz / 271g US9 :: women’s 8.5oz / 241g US8
Sample Weights: men’s 9.75 oz/277g US10 (v5: US men’s 10 - 9.9oz / 281g )
women’’s 8.75 oz / 248g US8.5
Stack Height:
SG 7: 40mm heel / 35mm forefoot
SG6: 40mm heel / 35mm forefoot
Platform Width:
Speedgoat 7: 98mm heel / 87mm midfoot / 120mm forefoot
Speedgoat 6 - 98mm heel / 87mm midfoot / 125mm forefoot)
Most comparable shoes
Dynafit Ultra 100 (ZR)
Saucony Xodus 4 (ZR, JS)
Nike Zegama 2 (ZR)
Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 (JS)
VJ Ultra 3 (JS)
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Zack: My first impression of the new Speedgoat 7 is that it has retained the fit and feel of WEll loved earlier Speedgoat models that were well loved. I feel that this version 7 is very similar to my favorite, the Speedgoat 2. The shoe carries over the traditional rocker that Hoka is known for, but I feel is a little more pronounced in the new model, which I liked.
The lace up is redesigned with two rear holes for lacing which adds to the fit and security. This eliminates movement of the tongue.
I do not like the length of the tongue, this is something I have disliked in previous models of the Speedgoat. It goes too far up the front of my ankle, maybe good for reducing rocks and dirt from getting inside, but not something I like. This feature is carried over from the Speedgoat 6.
I felt like my foot was locked down and secure for technical terrain, and felt confident with foot placement. Flat lacing allows for tightening down as needed.
The upper is engineered mesh to keep out dirt and sand which previous versions have done well with. I felt that the Speedgoat 7 has a little more of a narrow fit than many other Hoka trail models I have run in including the Stinson, Mafate X, and Mafate 5.
I like the idea of a rear loop gaiter attachment, but there is no loop on the front of the shoe for a gaiter, so you would have to use the lacing to attach. I also see the entire rear area is reflective, a nice safety element
Overall, I am pleased with the upgrades to the tongue security and enjoy the comfort fit of Speed goat 7. (ZR)
Jeff: I have run in every version of the Speedgoat, as well as spin offs like the EVO, Gore Tex versions, Mid versions, spiked versions and the Speedgoat 7 is very much in line with its heritage, utilizing a very familiar design, build and style, but there are subtle changes to the outsole, midsole and upper that make for a very attractive upgrade.
The upper is now a lightweight RPET (recycled PET plastic) woven textile upper that is very protective, secure, flexible and breathable (at least they feel reasonably breathable, as I am testing them in January and have not yet been able to put them through any warm weather testing).
The toe bumper is beefier and more protective than the 6 which adds protection and added durability.
The midfoot is really well held with secure lacing, aided by distinctive overlays on both sides over the midfoot wrapping from one side over to the other which visually/aesthetically merges with the midsole to give the 7 a distinctive look.
The innerlays/outerlays provide an amazing level of foothold and security, without feeling the least bit uncomfortable or confining, like a warm hug.
The lay flat tongue with dual gusset works very well for me.
It is comfortable, protects well from the laces and stays put (now with two loops to thread the laces through, where there was just one previously, but I did not have any trouble with the previous version).
Also, one observation of the SG 6 was that the tongue was a bit short, but they have fixed that here:
The stretchy dynamic vamp allows for just a little bit of give, while still maintaining great foothold and security.
The heel counter is semi flexible and now more conventional in design (in contrast to the 6 and 5 that had the pronounced flare off the heel).
While I had no issues with the flared heel of the 5 or the 6, it just seemed unnecessary, occasionally funneled trail debris in and created an awkward protrusion interfering with gaiters, so I am glad to see them go back to a more normal rear heel construction. Collar height is perfect for me, comfortable, well padded and overall very secure.
Side by side, I honestly have trouble distinguishing the 7 from the 6, both have a very secure and comfortable fit with a comparably fitting toe box, though when pressed, I find the toe box of the 7 to feel just ever so slightly more accommodating.
Fit overall is true to size and in line with previous Speedgoat versions and other Hoka models. Wides will be available.
Jen: This is actually the first version of the Speedgoat that I’ve ever run, and I can’t believe I skipped over this one for so long. I had taken a long hiatus from running in any Hoka trail shoes until the Tecton X3, since they were generally a little too wide for my low-volume feet, but the Speedgoat 7 fits very well. This impression is consistent with Zack’s note above that they are narrower than many other Hoka models. I found the fit to be true to size throughout, with great lockdown through the midfoot and no slippage in the heel.
The rugged, durable look here is misleading: my USW8.5 pair weighs in at a mere 248g, making them 7g lighter than the Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra 2 and very similar to the Brooks Cascadia Elite.
The woven textile RPET upper breathes and drains well. I didn’t have any issues with debris getting in through the fine weave here, and the new gaiter attachment should cut down on anything getting in around the ankle collar as well.
Overlays on each side of the midfoot add reinforcement to really help lock the foot in.
The toe bumper is large and very firm, emphasizing toe protection on rocky terrain but perhaps at the expense of toe comfort on downhills. Given the somewhat pointy toebox design, I found the medial side of my big toes coming into contact with that rigid bumper more than I would have liked, especially going downhill at pace.
Hoka emphasizes the stretchy, dynamic patent-pending vamp in the specs, but I think the gusset may be the stretchy, dynamic unsung hero. Made of a mesh that has just the right amount of give, it makes the midfoot hold extra secure. The extra lace holes on the soft, comfortable tongue can really help it stay in place.
Midsole & Platform
Zack: For me, this is where the Speedgoat 7 shines and makes great improvements over the Speedgoat 6. The foam is upgraded moving to a softer supercritically foamed EVA compound. , delivering a softer feel than the 6. It also creates what I felt was a slightly more flexible forefoot
It still maintains the wide and stable base that many of us have grown to like in the Speedgoat and Hoka models throughout the years. The stack remains basically unchanged and provides what I felt to be a closer to the ground feel than the Stinson or the Mafate. There was plenty of protection between the rubber outsole and the midsole foam so that I did not feel the rugged terrain or rocks underneath my foot.
The foam provides nice responsiveness on both pavement and trail. After running on pavement for a few miles, I did start to notice the aggressive lugs. I think the biggest thing that we do not know yet is how durable this version will be. I and others have complained about their durability and the midfoams breaking down. I will be curious to see how this new supercritcal EVA foam will hold up over time as the miles add on to the shoe. Will it remain lively or will it start to pack out? Generally super critical EVA foams remain responsive longer than regular EVA’s Overall, a great update to a workhorse trail shoe for all conditions.
Jeff: The past few versions of the Speedgoat have seemed increasingly faster to me, especially the 6 with its reduction in weight and advancements in the midsole.
The Speedgoat 7 now moves away from the already excellent CMEVA midsole (which I found to already be very light, responsive, stable and resilient) to a new super-critical EVA foam midsole that shares all of those benefits.
The new super-critical midsole is an upgrade over the CMEVA, as it feels even more responsive, with better pop at toe off and particularly running uphill, they feel really quick and snappy. On the downhills, especially when running full speed through rocky, technical terrain, I also found the new midsole to feel impressively well cushioned, while simultaneously being more stable and supportive. After pushing hard on long steep downhills, my legs feel surprisingly fresh and unpunished.
I am generally a touch hesitant to blast rocky, technical downhills in a shoe that is anywhere near the stack of a Speedgoat, but the Speedgoat really shines here, providing an impressive level of control, stability and well cushioned protection underfoot. While there is very little to any ground feel to the shoe, I don’t really feel as though I need all that much, as they flex just enough to contour and you can basically just steamroll through any terrain.
Jen: Honestly, I was surprised to look back at the specs and discover that the SG7 has a 40 mm stack height in the heel. Regular RTR readers are probably tired of me complaining about high-stack trail shoes by now, so I’ll deviate from that script and say that this is one worth considering even if you normally want something lower. The base and midfoot are wide enough that it feels incredibly stable despite the 40/35 mm stack, but the SG7 still manages to feel agile, an impressive combination.
The midsole was also a pleasant surprise. Not having run in the previous version, I can’t speak to that comparison, but the responsiveness of the supercritical EVA foam holds up well to comparisons with race-oriented trail shoes. No plate, but that’s a pro in my book, allowing the responsive foam to continue to shine even over terrain that turns plated racers into a liability. All in all, the responsive/stable/agile trifecta of this midsole seriously impressed me.
Outsole
Zack: There have been some changes to the outsole of the Speedgoat 7. It retains the vibram Megagrip outsole that we all love for its durability and grip. Changes to the lug pattern and smaller lugs create a little more aggressive outsole designed more for the trail, I think, than the previous model.
There is a little bit more rubber coverage in the forefoot and heel than the 6 which is shown below.
Speedgoat 6 Vibram MegaGrip Outsole
This creates a little more foot protection from rocks since the Speedgoat does not have a rockplate. And they add a nice little Speedgoat logo with the look of the foam on the bottom which adds to the aesthetic and roots of the name of the shoe. Fun if you ask me!
I am happy to report that the shoe delivers a confident foot strike with the aggressive outsole on both rocky and loose desert dirt. The Speedgoat 7 is ready for any terrain!! (ZR)
Jeff: The Vibram Megagrip outsole with Traction Lugs is one of the best out there, with a very grippy rubber compound that performs very well in just about any condition and an effective lug pattern/shape (5mm depth) that bites very well into loose terrain as well as snowy, icy conditions.
The new lugs are heart shaped vs. the previous more signature shaped chevron like lugs. I personally have not found the new lug design to be any better (or worse) than the previous design and all of my praise of the outsole on the Speedgoat 6 carries over here. Also like before, versatility over a wide range of terrain is a highlight, as well as very good durability (at least thus far and as far as I know, the compound is the same and I predict very good tread life that extends the long term life of the shoe).
Jen: The outsole has been more than capable for anything I’ve taken the SG7 on so far. I wore it on a long run in the Canyons section of the Western States trail, a vert-heavy local test piece for outsoles, and had no issues with slippage. I’m considering it as a race shoe for this year’s very muddy edition of Fourmidable 50k this weekend given how well it’s done in mud so far. I might disagree slightly with Zack in that I didn’t think the lugs were too noticeable underfoot when running a few miles on pavement to a trailhead.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Zack: Overall, I am happy to report some small but great improvements in the new Speedgoat 7. The new updated now supercritical EVA foam makes for a little bit softer ride over the previous model and gives a little more flexibility which I enjoyed. The outsole changes hopefully add to the durability over time and tough trail use.
The Speedgoat 7 will definitely be added to my rotation for my daily trail miles. It is a great option for someone looking for a do-it-all terrain trail shoe that can take on the miles. I am interested to see how the new midsole foam holds up over the previous models and others in Hoka’s trail lineup. Right now ,I have not seen any foam creases or breakdown in the 4-5 runs to date. The Speedgoat 6 improves over the stiff and clunky feel of the Speedgoat 6. Its better rocker platform leads to better trail performance and a more fun ride for me.
Zack’s Score: 9.4 / 10
Jeff: The ride of the Speedgoat 7 is a marginal improvement over the 6, which I felt already performed very well. They provide a smooth and very well cushioned ride, although now a little more firmed up. The slightly more firm and performance based Super-Critical midsole is an asset, providing better response, is less prone to compression over time, more stable and offers better support without compromising comfort and cushion. The Speedgoat 7 has an excellent transition thanks to the Late stage Meta Rocker, reasonable flexibility (enough for them to be quite stable/predictable) and of course the new more responsive new Super Critical midsole. While ground feel is muted, that is to be expected with such a tall stack and I reach for this shoe for maximum protection and cushion for longer duration runs.
While the Speedgoat 7 is not a revolutionary overhaul, it is a very nice incremental upgrade over the 6. In addition to the midsole upgrade, they also offer an improved upper with slightly better forefoot fit, are about the same weight and equally agile.
As was the case with the previous version, I find them to be quite versatile and adept on just about any run, from shorter distances, long distance, door to trail, any trail, off trail, high mountains and above treeline, slow running, fast running, training, racing, snow, mud, wet, etc…
If you are looking for a do it all, one quiver sort of shoe, then this is it!
Jeff V’s Score: 9.8/10
Ride: 10 - Smooth, well cushioned, more responsive
Fit: 9.6 - Fit for my narrower/low volume foot is excellent, with a bit of give for comfort, yet still very secure and controlled.
Value: 10 - For all that the Speedgoat 7 offers in regards to performance and longevity/durability (especially the outsole), they are worth the price.
Style: 9
Traction: 10 - Exceptional grip on all surfaces, exceptionally versatile and durable
Rock Protection: 10
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Jen: The sleeper shoe of the year so far for me! The SG7 wasn’t even on my radar until another tester received the wrong size and sent it on to me, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the mixup. With the new supercritical EVA midsole, the SG7 is comparable in weight to this season’s trail supershoe releases and outperforms the ones I’ve tried in terms of stability, agility, and grip on rocky or technical trails. The only issue I’ve had with it so far is occasional pressure on the medial side of the big toe from the firm bumper there, but otherwise it’s full Speed[goat] ahead!
Jen’s Score: 9.83/10
Ride: 10
Fit: 9.5 - would love a slightly less pointy toebox - I think that would solve the issue with the overlay
Value: 10
Style: 9.5
Traction: 10
Rock Protection: 10
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5 Comparisons
Speedgoat 6 (RTR Review)
Jeff: Compared throughout. Not a radical difference, but the upper is a slight improvement, the Super-Critical midsole is a definite improvement and the outsole is a draw.
Dynafit Ultra 100 ((RTR Review)
Jeff: The Ultra 100 is significantly heavier, fit is not nearly as distance friendly, with a somewhat narrow, pointy toe box that is not conducive to long days (despite “100” in the name), but is more appropriately suited for shorter, technical outings, has 8mm less cushioning, is not nearly as quick/responsive. Traction is comparable, but with a slight edge to the SG. At $165, the SG7 is a much better value and overall more comfortable, performance based versatile do it all shoe.
Saucony Xodus 4 (RTR Review)
Jeff: The SG7 is much lighter, more quick/responsive and performance oriented, has better traction and is overall more versatile and more fun to run in, where the Xodus 4 is more limited to more casual running.
Nike Zegama 2 (RTR Review)
LaSportiva Prodigo Max (RTR Review)
Jeff: This is a tough one and a toss up in a way, both are amazing shoes at the top of my favorites list. I love the Prodigo Max for the all day comfort, more accommodating toe box, cushion, traction, protection and reliable predictability and performance. The Speedgoat shares all of those characteristics, plus it is lighter, more responsive, more stable and has an edge in traction.
NNormal Tomir 2.0 (RTR Review)
Jeff: The Tomir 2.0 often reminds me of the SG for its long distance and mountain utility, but has overall less cushioning, is not as quick or responsive, weighs a bit more and is not quite as stable. The Tomir has a more accommodating toe box and fit, but not quite as secure (though no problems at all.
Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 (RTR Review)
Jen: In some ways, these are very different shoes: the Pulsar is lighter, lower-stack (34 mm vs 40 mm in the heel), and narrower, while the SG7 has deeper lugs for better grip. However, I think they’re in the same category: excellent all-around trail shoes with supercritical foam midsoles that might get overlooked as race options given the lack of plates. The S/LAB Pulsar 4 would be better for low-volume feet, and the Speedgoat 7 probably has the edge in super muddy or loose conditions.
VJ Ultra 3 (RTR Review)
Jen: Weighing in at 248 g each and featuring excellent outsoles, these are both lighter than you’d expect for shoes that can handle rugged terrain. I found the VJ Ultra 3 to fit a little wider, especially through the midfoot and toe box. The Speedgoat 7 feels softer and more responsive to me.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
Zack Russell was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. He has since transplanted to Carbondale, Colorado where he currently calls home. He began running in college after growing up a team sports athlete. He has fallen in love with all things endurance, competing in several 100 mile races, Unbound XL 350, Ironman Arizona, and several more ultras and cycling events. He has a 20:51 PR in the 100 mile (IMTUF 100) and a 2:41 PR in the marathon. He is a coach with Microcosm Coaching coaching runners, cyclists, and skimo athletes. Follow him on Strava and Instagram: willrunfor_cookies for all his mountain endurance adventures.
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.
Jennifer Schmidt found trail running in her mid-20's and began dabbling on the roads a few years later. Trail 50k's are nearest and dearest to her heart, and she recently took the win at the 2025 Way Too Cool 50k and placed sixth at the 2025 Black Canyon Ultras 50k. These days, you can find her primarily on the sweet California singletrack around Auburn, chasing competitive and personal goals over a variety of surfaces and distances. Depending on the season, she also competes in the USATF road and XC circuits for Sacramento Running Association's racing team, with a marathon PR of 2:41.
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5 comments:
You seem conflicted on the tongue length, stating that it is too long, similar to the Speedgoat 6, but in the Speedgoat 6 review, you stated that it was too short (as has been my experience). So is it the same length as the Speedgoat 6 (too short) or have they increased the length to avoid laces digging directly into the upper foot/ankle?
How does this compare to the new Merrell Agility Peak 6?
Hi Jack. The SG7 now has a longer tongue, which I personally like better. Working on getting the review updated to reflect that. Thanks for pointing that out.
Anon, both are great shoes. I will say the Speedgoat is a bit more stable and performance oriented, lighter too, with more cushion.
How's the sizing of the shoes, should I size up or down. Also how is roomy is the the toe box does it have a lot of wiggle room.
Thank you.
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