Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Review
Trail running has quickly become one of my favorite things to do in my spare time. Not only do I get a great workout but I get to get outside in my beautiful state of Colorado and get to test some gear in the process as well. Trail running shoes are like normal running shoes but built for durability and grip while on the trails. They can also be used as a substitute for hiking boots/shoes. I have found that hiking with trail runners, especially over longer distances is much more my style than big, bulky hiking boots. The Speedgoat 4’s have been my go-to trail runners for over a year now and I have tried to replace them with a few others in the time. I find the amount of cushion and response from these to be perfect for most trails and conditions. The Speedgoat’s are some of the best running shoes I have ever used, and definitely my favorite.
The shoes come in at $140 US which I think is a fair price for what you are getting with these trail runners. They come in a ton of different colors which is always a plus.
SPECS
WEIGHT
10.80oz
HEEL TO TOE DROP
4.00mm
FEATURES
Updated mesh upper provides breathability
3D printed overlays provide additional midfoot support and lockdown for a more secure feel
Gusseted tongue features strategic cutouts for breathability
Lacing eye-rows contain a small winged component to ensure a secure fit
Midsole features a new lightweight foam for a more responsive ride
Wider forefoot offers a more stable ride and accommodating fit
Vibram® Megagrip rubber outsole provides grip in wet and dry conditions
5mm "stepped" lugs offer additional support and stability
Zonal rubber placement adds support and stability
FIT
I typically wear a 10-10.5 US size shoe and I went with a 10.5 N width on these, It fit perfectly and was the perfect width. The lacing system was exactly what I was looking for as well. I was able to tighten the laces on the shoe without squeezing the upper of the shoe, causing pinching on my foot, which has happened with other pairs of Hoka’s I’ve had… Clifton 6’s.
The tongue was also well-padded and perfect. For trail running shoes I am a fan of a thicker padded style of tongue compared to the new thin style some companies are putting into road running shoes.
OUTSOLE
I have used the Speedgoat 4’s for more than a year now. I have over 200 trail miles on them and they are still going strong. I have had no problems at all and the only signs of wear are on the Vibram sole of the shoe which is starting to wear down. The outsole has done extremely well throughout the life of the shoe so far and was extremely grippy and gave great traction on loose and hard trails. The Vibram rubber outsole does not cover the entire bottom of the shoe which at first looked like it would affect durability but this has not been the case. The outsole is where it needs to be and I assume has saved some weight in the process.
The lugs on the Speedgoats are 5mm and plenty for almost all trails and scenarios. I have a pair of Salomon Speed Cross 5’s which I use for very wet or snowy trail days that have much deeper lugs but are not needed 90% of the time. I think the Speedgoat does a good job at giving the right amount of traction without being overkill, which can be a fine line in the trail running category.
MIDSOLE
The Midsole on the SG 4’s is honestly the best part of the shoe. The whole shoe is great and works extremely well put together but the Midsole is why I would recommend this shoe to almost anyone that is a trail runner or wants to get into trail running. It is the most cushioned while still being very responsive midsole I’ve ever run on. When I use other runners I notice right away that my stride feels different and less energy-filled. Hoka is one of my favorite running shoe brands because of this. If you are a fan of Hoka already you won’t be disappointed in the Speedgoat 4 and if you are looking for a new trail shoe with great energy return and cushion this is it. I will say on very technical trails the max amount of cushion can be somewhat risky. I find my Salomon Sense Ride 3’s to have a great cushion to agileness ratio.
CONCLUSION
9/10
As I said before the Speedgoat 4s from Hoka One One are probably my favorite everyday trail runner I have used to date. The cushion is second to none and the outsole/midsole are still going strong after 200+ miles. The laces work as intended in pair with the tongue without any issues. The $140 price tag is not cheap but I believe it is completely justified. I think the shoe appeals to both experienced and new trail runners as well which is a rarity. The amount of cushion could be overkill for more technical trails but for almost everything I do here at RMK they worked extremely well.