Hoka One One Speedgoat 5
Hoka One One released this Spring a new version of their very successful Speedgoat trail running shoe. I was looking forward to getting my hands on one of the new Speedgoat 5, as I’m pretty fond of the series.
About two weeks ago I was able to order a pair and got them two days later by mail. At first, the shoe looks like a typical Speedgoat - with some key differences:
Totally different upper: The upper of the Speedgoat has received a fundamental change. It is some sort of “knitted” upper that feels quite airy and flexible.
Stretch panel: Below the laces, in the forefoot (on the upper side) there is a newly added stretchy panel. It feels and looks very similar to the Evo Speedgoat.
Heel horn: Not sure what I should call this… but at the heel, there is a new “extrusion”.
First impression
I have about 10 runs on these shoes - mostly trails and mid-length (10km +/- 5km). I got the same sizing as I have in the Evo Speedgoat and they seem to be very similar sized.
I was not a huge fan of the Speedgoat 4 - the upper was too stiff for my taste. The upper on the Speedgoat 5 has improved a lot in this regard. I love the new upper, and I’m a huge fan of the stretchy panel in the forefoot. The toe box seems similarly sized to the Evo Speedgoat and slightly wider than the Speedgoat 4 (or just the impression due to some stretch). The lacing is very neat and works great. The tongue is very thin, and I would prefer a bit more padding. But not a big issue, just make sure you do not tighten the laces too much.
The heel comes in a new look - but I would say the same feel. The spiky thing is quite handy to get the shoe on and off. The Vibram sole is superb and provides perfect traction.
Based on my usage, I can’t judge the quality and longevity - but so far the shoe seems well-made and holds up to some abuse.
Highly recommended
The Speedgoat 5 has very quickly become my favorite running shoe. The cushioning is Hoka like, the fit is excellent and the foot climate while running is great. I would say the Speedgoat 5 feels more like an Evo Speedgoat than a Speedgoat 4. Highly recommended, get a pair as long as you can. I would suppose they sell out fast.
Update 08.04.22: After some more running, I’m even a bigger fan of the Speedgoat 5. They are amazing. The only downside so far: The lugs wear off pretty fast. I have about 200 km on them so far and the wear is visible. Let’s see how they hold up. I would expect 600+ km on them.
Direkt bei unserem Partner einkaufen: Speedgoat 5 bei Bergzeit.