As a long-time Speedgoat loyalist, I’ve run hundreds of miles in both the Speedgoat 5 and the 6, and I’ve been waiting with anticipation for this one. The 7 has landed, and I’ve been lucky enough to put it through its paces. Here’s my honest take.
I’ll cut straight to it. When the Speedgoat 6 arrived, I ran in it. I appreciated it, but something wasn’t quite the same as the 5. It was firmer, and the upper felt looser. It did the job, but it didn’t seem to have that same magic. A lot of fellow Speedgoat fans said the same thing. It felt like Hoka had drifted a little from what made the shoe so loved in the first place.
The Speedgoat 7 feels like Hoka listened. This is a meaningful update, not just a new colourway and a slightly tweaked outsole, and after getting some solid miles in these, I’m back to being a fully paid-up member of the Speedgoat fan club.
What is the Speedgoat 7 Best For?
If you know the Speedgoat series, you already know the answer to this. It’s an all-terrain workhorse, one of those rare trail shoes that genuinely earns the “do it all” label. Here’s where it shines:
- Long distances and ultras: The cushioning holds up well over time. I’ve never reached the point in the long run where the Speedgoat started to let me down underfoot, and the 7 is no different. The new midsole foam feels livelier than the 6 did even when fresh, and it doesn’t seem to die off the same way as previous versions.
- Technical trails: Rocky, rooty, uneven ground, this is where the Speedgoat has always been at home, and the 7 is no exception. The Vibram Megagrip outsole is class-leading, and the new upper locks your foot down properly on tricky terrain. I felt genuinely confident on steep and rocky descents.
- Road to trail: Like the 5 before it, this shoe handles a stretch of road surprisingly well. If your route starts on tarmac before hitting the trails, you won’t be wincing.
- Hiking: Comfortable enough to hike in all day. Not just a running shoe.
Not so great for
Same caveat as always with the Speedgoat. Deep, sticky mud is not its friend. The lugs are excellent on most surfaces, but when you’re dealing with proper farm-field mud or waterlogged trails in the depths of a British winter, you’ll want something with more aggressive mud-clearance. The upper also isn’t the most breathable, so on hot summer days your feet will know about it.
Tech Spec
- Weight: 272g (men’s) / approx. 230g (women’s) — lighter than the 6
- Drop: 5mm
- Stack height: 37mm heel / 32mm forefoot
- Midsole: Supercritical EVA foam
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with 5mm lugs
- Upper: Engineered mesh with reinforced toe bumper
What’s New in the Speedgoat 7?
For anyone deciding whether to upgrade from the 5 or 6, here’s the short version of what’s actually changed:
The midsole is the biggest story. Hoka have ditched the old CMEVA foam and replaced it with a supercritical EVA compound. In plain English, it’s bouncier, springier and more lively underfoot. When I ran in the 5, the midsole had an almost cushioned-plushness to it. The 6 felt like it swung too far the other way, firmer and a bit flat. The 7 finds a middle ground that feels right. It’s responsive without feeling harsh, and protective without feeling dead.
The upper is tougher and better fitting. The toe bumper is more rigid, which I like. It’s actually saved my toes a few times on rocky descents. The tongue is longer and slightly more padded than the 6, which fixes what was a genuine irritant for a lot of runners. The midfoot lockdown is noticeably better too. You feel properly inside the shoe rather than just sitting on top of it.
The heel has been reworked. The collar sits slightly lower than the 6, but the heel base is wider and feels more stable. On rocky sections where the 6 occasionally lets my heel dip, the 7 holds firm. Anyone prone to ankle rolls or who has struggled with stability in trail shoes will appreciate this.
The outsole gets a refresh. Vibram Megagrip is still the rubber of choice, no complaints there, but the lug pattern has been slightly redesigned. It still grips brilliantly on most surfaces, wet rock, gravel, packed dirt, and the full range of typical UK trail terrain.
On the Trail
I took these out first on a mixed 10-mile route, a combination of gravel tracks, muddy woodland paths and a stretch of limestone. My immediate impression was that the shoe felt familiar but noticeably more alive than the 6. Where the 6 had a slightly muted, flat feel underfoot, the 7 has a bit of spring to it. Not in an aggressive, carbon-plate kind of way – more like the shoe is actually participating in the run rather than just absorbing it.
On the rocky sections, grip was excellent, and confidence was high. On the muddier bits, and it had rained the day before, the Speedgoat did what it always does: fine on moderate mud, but you wouldn’t want to be in these on a full-on winter mud-fest.
I’ve since done a longer run in them, and the cushioning held up across the distance without the telltale post-long-run joint stiffness that firmer shoes sometimes leave me with. My feet were in good shape at the end.
Coming from the 5 and the 6, this feels like the version Hoka should have made between the two. It has the soul of the 5 with a more modern, updated feel.
Sizing
The Speedgoat runs slightly narrow compared to some trail shoes. If you have wider feet, go for the wide fit as I do. In terms of length, I’d say run true to size, but if you’re between sizes or have a longer second toe, consider half a size up. The fit in the 7 is actually a touch more structured than the 6, so it’s worth trying before committing if you can.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- New midsole foam is a significant upgrade, which is livelier and more responsive
- Better upper lockdown than the 6
- Improved heel stability
- Excellent Vibram Megagrip traction on most terrain
- Lighter than the 6
- Wide fit option available
- Versatile enough for long runs, races and hiking
Cons:
- Not for deep mud, still the Speedgoat’s one weakness, but then if it was good for deep mud, it wouldn’t work for those long distances
- Upper breathability is limited. They can run warm on hot days
- On the pricier side for trail shoes, but still the same as other leading brands and worth it for the mileage you’ll get
- Toe box volume is similar to the 6, not the most roomy if you need space – choose wide!
Conclusion
The Speedgoat 7 is the best version of this shoe since the 5, and some will argue it surpasses even that. Hoka have clearly listened to the feedback that the 6 attracted and made targeted, meaningful changes rather than tinkering for the sake of it.
If you ran in the 5 and loved it but weren’t as big a fan of the 6, this is the version you’ve been waiting for. If you’re new to the Speedgoat, this is an excellent time to start. As an all-terrain, all-distance trail shoe, the 7 is right back at the top of the pile.
Just keep it away from the really muddy stuff; that one hasn’t changed. And if you’re looking for a less technical shoe that can handle both the road and trail, then check out the Hoka Challenger 8.
Trying to decide between the Speedgoat 7 and the Speedgoat 6? See our full Hoka Speedgoat 7 vs Speedgoat 6 comparison for a detailed head-to-head breakdown.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does the Hoka Speedgoat 7 cost in the UK? A: The Hoka Speedgoat 7 retails at £145 in the UK, which is a £5 increase on the Speedgoat 6. It’s not a cheap shoe, but given the mileage you’ll get out of a pair of Speedgoats, it represents good value for a serious trail runner.
Q: What is the difference between the Hoka Speedgoat 7 and the Speedgoat 6? A: The biggest change is the midsole. The Speedgoat 7 uses a new supercritical EVA foam, which is noticeably softer, bouncier and more responsive than the firmer CMEVA foam in the 6. The upper has also been improved with better midfoot lockdown, a longer and more padded tongue, and a more rigid toe bumper. The heel collar has been redesigned for better stability, and gaiter attachment loops have been added. Most runners who felt the 6 had lost its spark will find the 7 a welcome return to form.
Q: Is the Hoka Speedgoat 7 good for wide feet? A: The standard Speedgoat 7 runs quite narrow compared to many other trail shoes, so if you have wider feet the wide fit option is strongly recommended. It is available in wide for both men and women. If you are unsure, go for the wide, it makes a significant difference to comfort over longer distances.
Q: What size should I buy in the Hoka Speedgoat 7? A: Hoka recommends going up half a size from your usual fit, and this is advice worth following. The Speedgoat 7 fits true to length but the fit is snug, particularly through the forefoot. If you have a longer second toe or your feet tend to swell on long runs, that extra half size gives you the room you need without affecting lockdown.
Q: Is the Hoka Speedgoat 7 good for ultramarathons? A: Yes, the Speedgoat has always been a favourite on ultra starting lines and the 7 is no different. The combination of the new supercritical foam midsole, Vibram Megagrip outsole and secure upper makes it well-suited to long days on technical terrain. The cushioning holds up well over distance and doesn’t feel dead underfoot the way some shoes do after several hours of running.
Q: Can you use the Hoka Speedgoat 7 in mud? A: It will handle light to moderate mud without issue, but deep, sticky mud is still not the Speedgoat’s strongest suit. The 5mm Vibram Megagrip lugs are excellent on most terrain including wet rock, packed dirt and gravel, but if you are regularly running on heavily waterlogged or boggy trails, a shoe with more aggressive mud clearance will serve you better.
Q: Is the Hoka Speedgoat 7 good for beginners? A: Yes. While it is a serious shoe built for demanding terrain, the Speedgoat 7 is forgiving and versatile enough for runners at all levels. The generous cushioning, stable platform and reliable grip make it a confidence-inspiring shoe even if you are new to trail running. It is a particularly good choice if you want one shoe that can handle a wide variety of terrain and distances.
Q: Does the Hoka Speedgoat 7 have a waterproof version? A: At launch, the Speedgoat 7 is not available in a GTX waterproof version, though Hoka has released Gore-Tex variants of previous Speedgoat models, so one may follow. For wet and wintry UK trail conditions in the meantime, a good trail gaiter used alongside the standard Speedgoat 7 is a practical alternative.