Are HOKA Speedgoat 5 Overhype? - I ran 500 miles to Find Out

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 are some of the most iconic and popular trail and ultra running shoes. But is the hype justified or are they overhyped? In this trail running shoe review, I tested the HOKA Speedgoat 5 over 500 miles on varied terrain to get this answer!

More specifically, I used the HOKA speedgoat 5 for 3 different ultra marathon. I ran Zion Ultra Marathon 100 miles, Mt Fuji 100 Miles, and Cocodona 250 miles. I used two pairs, although most mileage were on the teal ones. As you can tell, this means I tested the hoka speedgoat in varied trail - from sandy desert, to rocky slabs, and muddy / rocky / rooty /wet trails.

In this review, I go through the reasons why the Hoka speedgoat 5 is a great trail running shoe, but also, some of its limitations. I hope it's helpful!

My gear list (and suggestions) and where to find them

These are affiliate links - meaning it’s the normal price but the seller gives back a small % to the channel. You pay the same price and ordering from these links is an easy way to support this channel.

-----------------------------------------------

Next race is Bighorn 100 miles June 14

As always - Thanks for watching and remember -

Work Hard!
Believe in yourself!
Push your limits!

Simon

[runningwithsimon]

Both Nora and I really like our Speedgoat 5 - doesn't mean I wear them all the time, and they are certainly not perfect. But despite having high expectations, I was still very happy (except for the blisters...)

[BrianParker-bukb]

really appreciated this review, thanks Simon

[canelami]

I really appreciate that you post gear reviews after testing them thoroughly. So much good info!

[johnborton]

Love that you don't waste time with the specs. Very available.

[Gator]

Fantastic and "real" review, Simon! I just put 100 miles of training and a 50k into the red version, and I agree with all of your comments. I find the shoe to be very comfortable all around, if maybe a little bit stretchy and flexible - that worked for the easy terrain I have been on, but do agree tougher terrain and rocks will chew these things up quickly. I struggled with achilles and calf issues previously, but had no such issues when wearing these shoes - I did not connect the upper heel design that you pointed out, but you may be on to something. Great work and keep new content coming!

[runninrob]

Still looking for a solid performing trail/ultra shoe. Thanks for your review - 450 miles - you definitely have experience with them!! Thank you.

[IOSALive]

Ultra Marathon Trail Running with Simon, great content keep up the good content

[PlanBudgetDisney]

Thank you so much for the helpful review. I purchased a pair on discount from Poshmark after asking your opinion. I like mine very much too!

[grandeamericanos]

Simon, thank you for being an inspiration to me! Of course your data and presentation are wonderful, but I think it has more to do with your character and appreciation for your wife and your fellow human beings! Thought of you today because I was definitely more of a pickle rather than chocolate ice cream!! Have diligently been doing zone two runs and the benefits are real. Thank you so much and please keep sharing. ❤

[SeeChadRun]

Great review and feedback! I'm looking forward to giving the Speedgoat 6 a try/review myself.

[richie]

Hi Simon, I really appreciate this type of review. The hype train can really lead to big mistakes... Reviews like this also help me a lot as I live in a country where shoe size is not the norm in Japan anything at or above US size 12 \ UK 11 you have to import even Hoka or any other foreign brand in Japan can't help. So importing can be a very costly mistake.

[Eredhwen]

This video came at a perfect time as I was pondering wether or not going for the speedgoats :)

[trailsandbeers]

I have wide feet and even though the wide fit SG5 are still too narrow in the toe box, they stretch and are the only shoe that i have found that works for 100 milers and longer.
As long as I tape my little toe I get no blisters, they are comfortable, stable and grip well in everything except deep wet mud.
I did a 200 miler in the alps last year and my feet were the same at the finish as at the start, this year I am doing a 400 miler so I will have a second pair in my drop bag.
Fwiw I don't use gaiters and hardly ever get anything in the shoe.
Now the 6 is released I'm planning to look for discounted 5's and buy more of them.

[ellleigh]

Just casually dropping the amount of miles he's ran, you are built different my friend!

[thadbiser]

You might be pleased with the Speedgoat 6 then, since it appears to be a little lighter with a little more room in the toebox and a more resilient midsole. Also the elf-ear heel doesn’t seem to be as large as on the 5. The upper is supposed to be less stretchy, so maybe a better lockdown.

[kmanu]

just bougth a pair 2 months ago, I have used them on a 25k trail and 7k on road. its definitely not for people with wide feet! I got the gore-tex version, I noticed that its not comfortable to wear in summer as well because of the water resistant material on the shoe.
Never running on those again. I bought altra olympus and they are 2x better. Breathable and plenty of toe box!

[lykkereuther]

I have used Speedgoat 5 mid cut for some years for hiking. If I use the 2 size bigger than my normal size, they fits well. But they don’t last long. After 2 month…about 500 km…the outer sole is completely worn out. That’s not ok 👎 My next pair of hiking shoes will be Hoka Challenge 7 or Altra Olympus. Will it be good changes?

[cypriano]

i have the salmon slab ultra 3s. they are great, light, but the cuff makes the frustratingly hard to get on. the rocks and sand dont get in tho. personnaly the salomon no lace system is why i buy that brand, just lazy. the hoka speedgoad seam worth a try, maybe they would help with minimizing injury.

[thisisplana]

Picked up a pair as my second trail running shoes recently after taking up trail running and suffering bad ankle sprains in both road shoes and Peregrines. Spot on regarding the width, I have narrowish feet and they fit me perfectly. So someone wouldn't need to have very wide feet to benefit from the widths.

The only issues I've had after 150 or so miles have been a minor blister on the arch (possibly due to the fabric strip binding the sole) and on the side of a big toe. The latter may be due to the thin toe box you mention. Both were minor and probably part of the hardening process for my feet as I upped the mileage.

[ArcaneSpells]

Very useful information! Another banger of a video