Go searching firstly line of any path race, and likelihood is you’ll see the identical sneakers on the ft of many runners: the HOKA Speedgoat.
The truth is, the HOKA Speedgoat 6 was the highest shoe selection on the 2025 Western States 100 begin line, discovered on the ft of seven.4% of the runners, and 16% of runners firstly of the 2026 Hardrock 100 have been additionally sporting numerous fashions of the Speedgoat — greater than some other shoe line.
The Speedgoat has develop into a ubiquitous shoe among the many path operating neighborhood, praised for its singular mixture of breathability, cushion, grip, and suitability for even the hardest trails.
“Whereas the core DNA of the Speedgoat stays the identical, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 represents a considerate step ahead,” says Jared Smith, the Senior Product Line Supervisor at HOKA, who has been concerned with the design of the shoe line because the second version.
Smith says, “With the Speedgoat 7, the objective was refinement — constructing on the strengths of the earlier variations whereas making focused enhancements that improve efficiency and sturdiness on the path.”
To mark the launch of the HOKA Speedgoat 7, we requested Smith about what’s new with the shoe, the way it’s totally different from earlier editions, and the way the mannequin has developed over time to satisfy the calls for and expectations of all forms of path runners.
HOKA Speedgoat Lineage, DNA, and Design Issues
Launched earlier this 12 months, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 nonetheless has the core traits that so many path runners have come to like — a quick-drying but sturdy mesh higher, max cushioning, ample traction, and stability on any path — with a couple of tweaks that make the shoe even higher than earlier variations.
Smith has been engaged on the shoe line since 2017, when he helped put the ending touches on the Speedgoat 2. “The objective is at all times the identical: make the shoe higher with out compromising the DNA that made runners fall in love with it within the first place,” Smith says.
He provides, “Every iteration of the Speedgoat builds on the teachings realized from the predecessor, in addition to the types inside the HOKA path line-up that assist it by means of totally different experiences.” Every replace goals to advance expertise and efficiency.
“Discovering the steadiness between pushing the Speedgoat ahead with new supplies and applied sciences whereas sustaining what path runners know and love in regards to the model is the important thing aspect of how we method every replace,” explains Smith.
Of the most recent model, Smith says, “It’s about making the shoe really feel extra dialed-in, extra sturdy, and much more succesful for runners tackling technical trails and lengthy mountain adventures.”
The Iconic All-Terrain Outsole for Goat-Like Confidence
For a shoe to carry out on terrain starting from the buffed-out trails of the Western States 100 to the steep mountain slopes of the Hardrock 100 — and every little thing in between — the outsole has to strike the best steadiness between traction, pace, and sturdiness.
Smith understands this within the design course of, saying, “Path situations fluctuate a lot, from rocky alpine terrain to muddy forest singletrack, that we need to be sure that the shoe performs throughout a variety of environments.”
Like earlier variations, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 outsole nonetheless options the signature Vibram Megagrip rubber with 5mm Traction Lugs that present traction on any kind of path. The lugs are barely rounder in comparison with the angular lugs of the HOKA Speedgoat 6, and the lugs by means of the center of the forefoot are narrower and fewer in quantity.
Total, there’s extra outsole protection on the underside of the shoe. The forward-facing lugs present traction when operating uphill, whereas the rear-facing lugs on the outsole assistance on descents.
“That traction system has been a giant cause runners belief the shoe in difficult situations, so the objective there was to keep up that confidence-inspiring grip whereas optimizing sturdiness and efficiency over lengthy mileage,” Smith says.
There’s additionally a enjoyable design characteristic on the outsole: a set of overlapping hearts that Smith and his workforce added to have fun the path operating neighborhood.
For Smith, the outsole design blends performance and enjoyable. “From the bottom up, the Vibram Megagrip outsole was a no brainer, and being able to create enjoyable and purposeful parts in addition to a enjoyable ‘go away behind’ coronary heart to share the love of the path with others is superior.”
A Supercritical EVA Midsole for Supercritical Cushion
Runners have lengthy trusted the HOKA Speedgoat midsole to supply most cushioning because the miles add up whereas nonetheless providing stability on technical terrain. The 37mm stack peak beneath the heel and a 5mm drop present the safety and luxury the shoe line is understood for. With a brand new midsole fabricated from supercritical EVA foam, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 could have the perfect trip but.
Supercritical EVA foam is lighter than common EVA foam and affords a better power return. Whereas common EVA foam has comparatively irregular pockets of air all through the fabric, supercritical EVA foam is injected with supercritical nitrogen throughout manufacturing, creating smaller, extra uniform air pockets. This not solely makes the froth much less dense — and thus lighter — nevertheless it additionally will increase its power return, making the midsole full of life and responsive.
With the HOKA Speedgoat, the objective is at all times to search out the best steadiness of cushion and stability. “The steadiness between safety and management is basically essential in a path shoe designed for lengthy distances, and we spent a number of time dialing that in,” Smith says. The result’s a shoe that gives a bouncy, well-cushioned trip with out sacrificing stability.
Higher Resilience, Sturdiness, and Match
Though the Speedgoat line is likely to be greatest recognized for its cushioned midsoles and grippy outsoles, its higher stays a crucial element. For the HOKA Speedgoat 7, Smith and his workforce labored to enhance each match and sturdiness, leading to a shoe with elevated lockdown, superb for runs on technical and off-camber terrain.
Smith additionally understands the significance of sturdiness in a path shoe designed to deal with all forms of terrain. “Path runners are sometimes coping with abrasion from rocks, roots, and particles, so making a extra resilient higher whereas sustaining breathability and luxury was a key precedence,” Smith says of the brand new shoe.
The shoe options HOKA’s Dynamic Vamp, a stretchy cloth under the gusseted tongue to enhance consolation all through the toe field. The light-weight RPET woven textile higher is designed to be quick-drying, breathable, comfy, and sturdy.
There’s additionally an attachment for gaiters for individuals who need that further safety. The newly up to date heel collar improves consolation whereas maintaining the foot safe.
Whereas a lot consideration has been given to the HOKA Speedgoat midsoles and outsoles over time, based on Smith, “The higher brings your complete package deal collectively.”
Via a Shoe Designer’s Eyes
Smith has labored on the Speedgoat line because the HOKA Speedgoat 2, which launched in 2017, giving him a front-row seat and a direct function within the mannequin’s evolution.
Smith is effectively conscious of the Speedgoat’s exalted place amongst path runners, so he doesn’t take the updates frivolously. Redesigns begin by analyzing quantitative and qualitative suggestions from elite and on a regular basis runners, specialty retailers, and product testers to establish key areas for enchancment.
“We’ll take a look at totally different higher supplies, tweak midsole geometry, experiment with outsole lug patterns, and run in depth area testing,” Smith explains. With this spherical of updates, Smith and his workforce have created a shoe with a refined higher for enhanced consolation and sturdiness, a full of life midsole that maintains stability on technical trails, and the signature Speedgoat outsole with aggressive lugs to instill confidence on each kind of path.
Smith takes pleasure within the operating expertise he and his workforce present for HOKA athletes and path runners worldwide. “Total, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 is one thing I’m extremely happy with, because of the work of the workforce.”
HOKA Speedgoat 7 Specs
- Marketed weight (U.S. males’s 10 and ladies’s 8): 9.7 and eight.3 ounces
- Stack peak: 37/32 mm (heel/toe)
- Drop: 5 mm
- Higher materials: Light-weight, quick-drying RPET woven textile
- Tongue: Lay-flat with twin gusset
- Midsole: Supercritical EVA foam
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with 5mm Traction Lugs
- Value: $165
This text is sponsored by HOKA.
