Last updated at 01/04/2026 21:40:20
originally posted on hoka.com
Not gonna lie. I had high expectations for these shoes. I ordered my usual size first, and they were too tight. I went up a half size, and they were better, but slipped and were painful on my instep just below my big toe. I progressively loosened the laces, but that didn't help the heel slip. Apparently, I have narrow heels. I used the runner trick of forming a loop through the top 2 eyelets and threading the opposite lace through the resulting loop. This seemed to do the trick. I'm on my 7th day in Peru. So far, they're the comfort I was originally expecting.
originally posted on hokaoneone.com
My Wife and I bought these sneakers as we were planning a trip to hike in the Grand Canyon. I got the SpeedGoat 5 GTX in Black and she wanted something a little more fashionable so she got the Torrent 3 in Grey/green. We hiked Bright Angel Trail on Saturday, going all the way down to the Gardens and then back up. It was over 9 miles and 3,000 feet in elevation! We were like Zombies the last mile back up, but we made it! Both sneakers gripped the dusty rocks like we had octopus on our feet. Not to mention the super cushioning and bounce to our step. My wife has a Vertigo and a fear of heights so there were some sections where she hugged the edge of the canyon. But without the comfort of knowing her shoes weren't going to slide and lose her grip, she was confident in ... MoreMy Wife and I bought these sneakers as we were planning a trip to hike in the Grand Canyon. I got the SpeedGoat 5 GTX in Black and she wanted something a little more fashionable so she got the Torrent 3 in Grey/green. We hiked Bright Angel Trail on Saturday, going all the way down to the Gardens and then back up. It was over 9 miles and 3,000 feet in elevation! We were like Zombies the last mile back up, but we made it! Both sneakers gripped the dusty rocks like we had octopus on our feet. Not to mention the super cushioning and bounce to our step. My wife has a Vertigo and a fear of heights so there were some sections where she hugged the edge of the canyon. But without the comfort of knowing her shoes weren't going to slide and lose her grip, she was confident in making the trek! She had to mention at least 20 times how great the sneakers gripped the trail. We hiked in Sedona the next day (more casual, less stressful) but again after 25,000+ steps and amazing views (Devils Bridge/Birthing cave) our feet felt refreshed...our calves, not so much !! These Hoka's are definitely the required gear for the trails....(and we saw many others on folks we passed along the way) Well Done Hoka Family!!
originally posted on hokaoneone.com
Great for rough roads or dirt roads. Can't even feel when you run over rocks and peebles. Vibram soles give awesome traction and the shoes remain extremely light. I run about100-150 miles a month. This is my 3rd pair....love them! The gortex version are more durable and less likely to tear when runny in areas with thorny brush.
Not gonna lie. I had high expectations for these shoes. I ordered my usual size first, and they were too tight. I went up a half size, and they were better, but slipped and were painful on my instep just below my big toe. I progressively loosened the laces, but that didn't help the heel slip. Apparently, I have narrow heels. I used the runner trick of forming a loop through the top 2 eyelets and threading the opposite lace through the resulting loop. This seemed to do the trick. I'm on my 7th day in Peru. So far, they're the comfort I was originally expecting.
My Wife and I bought these sneakers as we were planning a trip to hike in the Grand Canyon. I got the SpeedGoat 5 GTX in Black and she wanted something a little more fashionable so she got the Torrent 3 in Grey/green. We hiked Bright Angel Trail on Saturday, going all the way down to the Gardens and then back up. It was over 9 miles and 3,000 feet in elevation! We were like Zombies the last mile back up, but we made it! Both sneakers gripped the dusty rocks like we had octopus on our feet. Not to mention the super cushioning and bounce to our step. My wife has a Vertigo and a fear of heights so there were some sections where she hugged the edge of the canyon. But without the comfort of knowing her shoes weren't going to slide and lose her grip, she was confident in ... MoreMy Wife and I bought these sneakers as we were planning a trip to hike in the Grand Canyon. I got the SpeedGoat 5 GTX in Black and she wanted something a little more fashionable so she got the Torrent 3 in Grey/green. We hiked Bright Angel Trail on Saturday, going all the way down to the Gardens and then back up. It was over 9 miles and 3,000 feet in elevation! We were like Zombies the last mile back up, but we made it! Both sneakers gripped the dusty rocks like we had octopus on our feet. Not to mention the super cushioning and bounce to our step. My wife has a Vertigo and a fear of heights so there were some sections where she hugged the edge of the canyon. But without the comfort of knowing her shoes weren't going to slide and lose her grip, she was confident in making the trek! She had to mention at least 20 times how great the sneakers gripped the trail. We hiked in Sedona the next day (more casual, less stressful) but again after 25,000+ steps and amazing views (Devils Bridge/Birthing cave) our feet felt refreshed...our calves, not so much !! These Hoka's are definitely the required gear for the trails....(and we saw many others on folks we passed along the way) Well Done Hoka Family!!
Great for rough roads or dirt roads. Can't even feel when you run over rocks and peebles. Vibram soles give awesome traction and the shoes remain extremely light. I run about100-150 miles a month. This is my 3rd pair....love them! The gortex version are more durable and less likely to tear when runny in areas with thorny brush.
The shoes are great overall with amazing comfort that is soft yet stable enough for trail running on the highly technical alpine terrain. Even when scrambling rocks with these, I never had to doubt if they would slip. In heavy sticky mud, they do get caked at the bottom easily but still are able to help you hike steadily. Just walking around them is so easy as they are so light considering they are the GTX version. You do have to scale up half a size from the regular non-GTX version as they are a bit smaller so take that into account when buying them. The grip is truly confidence inspiring on everything from downhill gravel trails to root heavy ones for trail running.
I purchased the low and mid GTX speedgoat 5 because I thought it would have the exact same fit as the regular non-GTX low Speedgoat 5. It does not fit the same. I had to return them because they were uncomfortable - the insole felt like it was slightly higher along the outer edge of my foot than the regular speedgoats and just put pressure on my foot where I did not want any pressure. I experienced this fit difference in both the low and mid gtx versions as compared to the non-gtx low version. Another difference I noticed in the low GTX version is that the edge of the shoe that surrounds the ankle is lower than the non-GTX version and I felt like my foot was coming out of the shoe. I love the regular non-GTX speedgoat 5 shoes - they are super comfortable - but these ... MoreI purchased the low and mid GTX speedgoat 5 because I thought it would have the exact same fit as the regular non-GTX low Speedgoat 5. It does not fit the same. I had to return them because they were uncomfortable - the insole felt like it was slightly higher along the outer edge of my foot than the regular speedgoats and just put pressure on my foot where I did not want any pressure. I experienced this fit difference in both the low and mid gtx versions as compared to the non-gtx low version. Another difference I noticed in the low GTX version is that the edge of the shoe that surrounds the ankle is lower than the non-GTX version and I felt like my foot was coming out of the shoe. I love the regular non-GTX speedgoat 5 shoes - they are super comfortable - but these GTX versions are not for me. I'm curious if other people will notice the difference in fit.
Just got my first pair of Hoka shoes (Speedgoat 5 GTX) and they are really comfortable. Took them for a spin around the house on a quick one mile dog walk. Love them but....I hope the "crinkle" sound goes away. It sounds as though I'm walking on crumpled up plastic. I'm hoping it is the "Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug" that is "super grippy" and will wear down a bit.
I was excited to try these out and have been relatively disappointed. First, the shoe is much blockier than the images show, and the shoe didn't feel nimble for trail running. But the worst part is that the heel does not dial in on the foot as expected, and I experienced lots of slipping on the back arch throughout the trail. Wouldn't recommend this shoe unfortunately.
Have tried other Hokas, but the Speedgoat is the one that works best for me. Great feel, great fit, and works in the rain and wet grass. Keeps my old knees happy during morning three mile dog walks over terrain from rough green belt puddles to street and sidewalks. Only unhappy with the color choices in GTX. How about some more options, something between somber and blinding?
I love the ORIGINAL Speedgoat 5 - that was the shoe that convinced me to change from another shoe I've been wearing the past 15 years for hiking, walking, adventuring, working, etc. and after walking 50 miles in a week with a heavy backpack in Glacier NP. I'm a believer. I bought the Speedgoat 5 GTX shoe this week in "all black" because I need an all black shoe for work, the gortex is a plus. However, these are not the same shoes as the original speedgoat 5 shoes. They don't feel as comfortable, the back heel sits up a little higher than the front, feels real blocky, and my ankle area sticks out of the shoe more, meaning it doesn't fit INTO the shoe like the original. I can already tell I'm going to have blisters hiking by the way it rubs. Would you please make a ... MoreI love the ORIGINAL Speedgoat 5 - that was the shoe that convinced me to change from another shoe I've been wearing the past 15 years for hiking, walking, adventuring, working, etc. and after walking 50 miles in a week with a heavy backpack in Glacier NP. I'm a believer. I bought the Speedgoat 5 GTX shoe this week in "all black" because I need an all black shoe for work, the gortex is a plus. However, these are not the same shoes as the original speedgoat 5 shoes. They don't feel as comfortable, the back heel sits up a little higher than the front, feels real blocky, and my ankle area sticks out of the shoe more, meaning it doesn't fit INTO the shoe like the original. I can already tell I'm going to have blisters hiking by the way it rubs. Would you please make a Speedgoat 5 shoe GTX without changing how the foot fits into the shoe, like the original? Make the exact same Speedgoat 5 shoe in GTX. It's such a successful shoe. Why would you change how it fits? Merrell has been successful with a certain shoe, they've basically sold the same shoe for the last 15 years and every year I would buy a few pairs, but the Speedgoat 5 changed converted me over to you. Also, you have 11 colors to choose from in the original Speedgoat 5, but NONE of them are in all black? Why? You only have an all black shoe for the GTX and it doesn't even fit the same. I love Hokas and have 4 pairs at home I bought in the last year, 2 solimar white for all around walking (very comfortable for everyday use), and 2 speedgoat 5 shoes. The GTX is a let down, but hopefully you can make an all black shoe in an original Speedgoat 5 and also a GTX speedgoat 5 that fits the same as the original. I would buy at least 2 per year for another 15 years. Hoka has something good going, and hopefully they can update this issue.
Picked this up on Friday, use this shoes the first time on a moderate hike 2 days after, 30 mins in, the shoe base completely detached from the shoe body. The trail was relatively flat and just a normal dirt road not even gravel or other hardcore condition. I had to use the shoe lace to tie the base to its body so I can at least hike back down to my car.You would assume a pair of shoe that cost you almost $200 bucks could at least have a decent quality control, but no no not this brand. Returned to REI immediately after the hike. This is a joke, 100% not going to recommend this product.
The Speedgoat is the tried and true workhorse in the White Mountains. The 4th iteration bring a more comfortable upper, keeps the squish, and has the same reliable Vibram sole. Excellent for short or long runs, you should expect to get the full value out of this trail shoe. The GTX version offers warm and protection perfect for wet and cold weather / winter running. ### HOKA Says:### A workhorse for sloppy, wet conditions, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX trail-running shoes feature brand-new uppers and dependable moisture management with GORE-TEX waterproof, breathable membranes. These shoes are everything you love about the Speedgoat 5 shoes, now updated with waterproof versatility. GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membranes keep moisture out. Late stage Meta-Rocker provides a smooth ride on the trail. Built with a lay-flat gusseted tongue construction and a bolstered heel collar construction, also includes protective toe rands. Vibram Megagrip outsoles with Traction Lug provide increased grip on loose soil; 5 mm lugs.
The Speedgoat is the tried and true workhorse in the White Mountains. The 4th iteration bring a more comfortable upper, keeps the squish, and has the same reliable Vibram sole. Excellent for short or long runs, you should expect to get the full value out of this trail shoe. The GTX version offers warm and protection perfect for wet and cold weather / winter running. ### HOKA Says:### A workhorse for sloppy, wet conditions, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX trail-running shoes feature brand-new uppers and dependable moisture management with GORE-TEX waterproof, breathable membranes. These shoes are everything you love about the Speedgoat 5 shoes, now updated with waterproof versatility. GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membranes keep moisture out. Late stage Meta-Rocker provides a smooth ride on the trail. Built with a lay-flat gusseted tongue construction and a bolstered heel collar construction, also includes protective toe rands. Vibram Megagrip outsoles with Traction Lug provide increased grip on loose soil; 5 mm lugs.
The Speedgoat is the tried and true workhorse in the White Mountains. The 4th iteration bring a more comfortable upper, keeps the squish, and has the same reliable Vibram sole. Excellent for short or long runs, you should expect to get the full value out of this trail shoe. The GTX version offers warm and protection perfect for wet and cold weather / winter running. ### HOKA Says:### A workhorse for sloppy, wet conditions, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX trail-running shoes feature brand-new uppers and dependable moisture management with GORE-TEX waterproof, breathable membranes. These shoes are everything you love about the Speedgoat 5 shoes, now updated with waterproof versatility. GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membranes keep moisture out. Late stage Meta-Rocker provides a smooth ride on the trail. Built with a lay-flat gusseted tongue construction and a bolstered heel collar construction, also includes protective toe rands. Vibram Megagrip outsoles with Traction Lug provide increased grip on loose soil; 5 mm lugs.
The Speedgoat is the tried and true workhorse in the White Mountains. The 4th iteration bring a more comfortable upper, keeps the squish, and has the same reliable Vibram sole. Excellent for short or long runs, you should expect to get the full value out of this trail shoe. The GTX version offers warm and protection perfect for wet and cold weather / winter running. ### HOKA Says:### A workhorse for sloppy, wet conditions, the HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX trail-running shoes feature brand-new uppers and dependable moisture management with GORE-TEX waterproof, breathable membranes. These shoes are everything you love about the Speedgoat 5 shoes, now updated with waterproof versatility. GORE-TEX waterproof/breathable membranes keep moisture out. Late stage Meta-Rocker provides a smooth ride on the trail. Built with a lay-flat gusseted tongue construction and a bolstered heel collar construction, also includes protective toe rands. Vibram Megagrip outsoles with Traction Lug provide increased grip on loose soil; 5 mm lugs.
