The Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX is a path operating shoe for mountaineering and operating on reasonable terrain and hard-packed trails. It has a light-weight cushion and a flared outsole, offering good shock absorption and balanced consolation with a responsive toe-off. A stack top of 5 mm makes them simpler to transition to than a full zero drop path runner, whereas nonetheless offering comparable advantages together with a extra pure gait and higher influence dispersion. Obtainable in waterproof lows (reviewed right here), non-waterproof lows, and waterproof mids, they’ve good toe-box safety and gore-tex lined uppers to assist hold your ft drier in cool and moist climate.
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Specs at a look
- Gender: Males’s (Girls’s additionally obtainable)
- Huge sizes obtainable: Sure
- Weight: 11.1 oz (males’s 10.5 reviewed)
- Heel Drop: 5 mm
- Heel Stack Peak: 40 mm
- Forefoot Stack Peak: 35 mm
- Midsole: EVA
- Outsole: Vibram MegaGrip w/ 5 mm Traction lugs
- Rock Plate: No
- Width: Common & Huge
- Variations: Low. GTX Low (Gore-Tex), GTX Mid
- Mfg Weight (pair): 1 lb 3.6 oz
The Speedgoat 6 GTX
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX is a calmly cushioned path operating shoe constructed for protecting lengthy distances. It’s a really lively shoe that’s fairly actually formed to maintain you in your toes, with a sloped forefoot that appears to propel the foot ahead as weight is shifted from heel to toe. This extra rocker creates the sensation of getting somewhat additional spring in every step.
The toe field within the Speedgoat 6 is reasonably extensive so you’ll be able to splay your toes, though nowhere as extensive because the Altra Lone Peak 8, which I’ve additionally been utilizing this yr. In any other case, the inside of the footwear is pretty slender though extensive sizes can be found: I’ve a comparatively slender foot and I discovered the match to be snug sufficient, however not roomy. Out of the field, the Speedgoat 6 appears additional lengthy, however I think that’s an optical phantasm created by the shoe’s design as a result of fit-wise they’re barely quick in size in comparison with the earlier mannequin.
The Speedgoat 6 has an prolonged heel tab behind the shoe, which is designed to make them simpler to take off. Sadly, it could intrude with gaiter match as a result of it stands proud a lot. It is a concern for hikers who kick up plenty of particles after they stroll and profit be sporting a gaiter to dam it from coming into the shoe. A gusseted tongue helps block a number of the particles, however Speedgoats do not need a gaiter entice on the heel for holding a gaiter just like the Altra Lone Peaks.
The outside of the shoe has been upgraded because the final model with a really advantageous and extra sturdy mesh material which helps hold sand and dirt out of the footwear. There’s additionally significantly extra influence and abrasion resistance across the toe field and down the perimeters of the footwear. The GTX model we examined labored nicely at retaining moisture out of the shoe, significantly after the heavy mountain dews we’ve most mornings in autumn. Whereas I desire footwear that drain nicely and dry shortly many of the yr, a Gore-tex liner is a godsend when the times get shorter and cooler.
The midsole padding on the Speedgoat 6 is comparatively gentle and the footwear feels fairly stiff to stroll in. It is a huge change from the plush midsole padding of the earlier mannequin. Hoka additionally elevated the stack top the the Speedgoat by 5 mm on this newest model of the shoe, given them a really totally different really feel. I wouldn’t say that I desire the Speedgoat 6 over the Speedgoat 5s. If you happen to concur, I’d encourage you to choose up a number of pairs of the Speedgoat 5 earlier than they’re bought out.
Traction
The Speedgoat 6 has Vibram’s MegaGrip outsoles with multi-directional 5 mm lugs that present good grip in blended and muddy circumstances. The lugs are positioned ahead, backward, and towards all sides to advertise higher traction. They’re additionally 1mm (20%) longer than on the Spedgoat 5 and a good suggestion firmer enhancing sturdiness, on the expense of some path really feel.
Sturdiness
The Speedgoats are designed to run or stroll over the arduous sand and gravel that makes up many of the trails utilized by hikers and path runners. Thus far, I’ve been fairly impressed with the shoe’s sturdiness. The outsole has proven little or no put on and the higher mesh doesn’t present any abrasion alongside the perimeters of the toe field the place my different path runners typically fail first.
Suggestion
Hoka Speedgoat 6 Path Runners are a good selection if you’re somebody who’s seeking to hike many miles on arduous compacted trails and desires to really feel assured of their footing mile after mile. Their tightly woven uppers hold sand and grit out whereas the flared sole helps with stability. They may be a bit overkill for operating on rail trails or different graded paths and should not very best for nimble rock hopping, however they are going to definitely hold your ft and knees happier on lengthy hikes and backpacking journeys.
The Speedgoat 6 is the most recent mannequin of the favored Hoka Speedgoat product line. If you happen to favored the Speedgoat 5, be forewarned that the Speedgoat 6 is a considerably totally different shoe, with the next stack top, the next drop, and a unique path really feel. If you happen to favored the Speedgoat 5s as a result of they have been a luxurious and comfy path runner, you would possibly need to decide up a pair or two earlier than they disappear. The Speedgoat 6 is stiffer and narrower though it has a extra sturdy mesh outer and higher toebox safety than the earlier mannequin.
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Disclosure: The creator owns these footwear.
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