HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 5

I have been running in several models of Hoka running shoes since 2010-11. This review is for the Speedgoat 5 specifically. 

This shoe feels great on my foot and it offers a great ride and has superior traction. It seems to me that there is slightly less cushioning than the Speedgoat 4 but it still offers a soft landing. My first run in the 5 was 16 miles and the shoe performed admirably. In addition to a great ride it seems that changes to the shoe do a better job of keeping small rocks and gravel from entering the shoe. Nice touch.

My only complaint about the shoe is that in on one 16 mile trail run there is already some noticeable tread wear. This is a concern I have with My Cliftons and Bondis also. I love the brand, I just wish they held up better. 

I've run in the Speedgoat model for over five years now, primarily on trails, but also on roads and runs comprising a mix of both. I absolutely loved the Speedgoat 3 and 4's. The 5's are lighter, lower profile, and roomier. They do not have the water-resistant features of the earlier models nor the traction, so they have limited value on muddy or wet trails. I used the Speedgoat 3's and 4's to play golf and hike, but the 5's are much more breathable and dangerously slippery on damp rocks. My feet move around more inside the shoe, which is also not great on descents and results in more loose pebbles getting inside. The 5's also do not have as much cushioning as the 3's and 4's and their durability is not nearly as good. Overall, the 5's are more of an everyday shoe that would work well in the Western US on drier trails, but they are not appropriate for Eastern US trail-running. I will have to find a new go-to trail shoe.

I've been in the Speedgoats since version 1 and all the great features are still there. Keep my feet warm and dry, great traction, fantastic cushioning. 

The HOKA Speed Goat is a comforatble and nimble trail shoe.  The lugs grip well and while they don't have the full cushioning that you expect from a  HOKA there is enough to be comfortable without losing the feel of the trail.

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