HOKA Speedgoat 5 Running Shoes
HOKA Speedgoat 5 Running Shoes
Last updated at 12/18/2025 18:31:45
originally posted on REI
It was a comfortable shoe for the first 100 or so miles. The cushion wore out QUICK. After 200 miles, they were finished. I had went through 2 pairs of the Speedgoat 5s totaling a little under 500 miles before I gave up on this shoe. Pair one lasted 200 miles with some padding left but completely blew out on the inside of both shoes. Pair two lasted almost 300 with no cushion remaining after 200 miles, and then blew out. Prior to purchasing the 5s, I had been through 2 pairs of Speedgoat 2s, 2 pairs of Speedgoat Mids, 2 pairs of Speedgoat 3's and 2 pairs of Speedgoat 4s. Prior to the 5s, they were consistently a 500+ mile shoe for me with several 600, and 700 mile pairs sprinkled in there as well. They tended to have some cushion remaining at the end of their life ... MoreIt was a comfortable shoe for the first 100 or so miles. The cushion wore out QUICK. After 200 miles, they were finished. I had went through 2 pairs of the Speedgoat 5s totaling a little under 500 miles before I gave up on this shoe. Pair one lasted 200 miles with some padding left but completely blew out on the inside of both shoes. Pair two lasted almost 300 with no cushion remaining after 200 miles, and then blew out. Prior to purchasing the 5s, I had been through 2 pairs of Speedgoat 2s, 2 pairs of Speedgoat Mids, 2 pairs of Speedgoat 3's and 2 pairs of Speedgoat 4s. Prior to the 5s, they were consistently a 500+ mile shoe for me with several 600, and 700 mile pairs sprinkled in there as well. They tended to have some cushion remaining at the end of their life with the common point of failure being the inside blowing out. I haven't heard any other complaints on the Internet concerning the issue with cushion durability but I have had conversation on trail with several other individuals experiencing similar issues. I've also met people that haven't had any issues whatsoever. So maybe I had some bad luck. Just a heads up, I've seen claims that this shoe as a whole is more durable than past models; I believe this to be completely false, as the entire upper part of the shoe is made of a thin mesh instead of synthetic as past versions were. I've lightly brushed rocks on trail in passing and put large incisions through the mesh like I ran a knife across it. To Hoka's benefit, they've got a good warranty on their shoes, and have sent me a new pair that I wear as a casual shoe. They're pretty comfortable, but they won't be going back on trail.
originally posted on REI
Let me start with saying - these are incredibly comfortable. I've walked/hiked over 100 miles in them over the last 1.5 months. As a testament to their comfortability, last weekend on a fairly technical 9 mile hike, my feet were sore but I had no blisters or unique pain. In comparison, my friends who had fancy broken in hiking boots both ended up with blisters and unimaginable foot pain! So these really take the cake. However, after 100 miles, the soles are showing pretty noticeable wear and the cushion is beginning to flake off. I am pretty bummed because I love these, but they just aren't all that durable.
originally posted on REI
I started backpacking last year and have tried no less than 20 pairs of shoes ranging from boots to ankle height hiking shoes. I bought these to trail run and never expected I'd use them backpacking but they win out every time.I had severe foot pain backpacking. My first pair of boots were terrible. I tried and settled on a second pair but still had pain. I thought it was me but when I started my training with these shoes just to get back into it and I was fine. I went back to my boots, and had pain within 2 miles. I thought maybe it was the boot style. I bought and tried on 7 pairs of ankle height hiking shoes. Again I had foot pain. I went back to these trail runners on the same trail with the same weight and I was fine. I don't care what anyone says about ... MoreI started backpacking last year and have tried no less than 20 pairs of shoes ranging from boots to ankle height hiking shoes. I bought these to trail run and never expected I'd use them backpacking but they win out every time.I had severe foot pain backpacking. My first pair of boots were terrible. I tried and settled on a second pair but still had pain. I thought it was me but when I started my training with these shoes just to get back into it and I was fine. I went back to my boots, and had pain within 2 miles. I thought maybe it was the boot style. I bought and tried on 7 pairs of ankle height hiking shoes. Again I had foot pain. I went back to these trail runners on the same trail with the same weight and I was fine. I don't care what anyone says about needing boots for backpacking, I have tested these out and they win every time, even with pack weight. I returned the other shoes and bought a second pair of these to break them in for my Nov backpacking trip.Oh I also wear these to the gym, and walking around. That's why I need another pair. I've worn them out because they are great!I use Superfeet insoles (Running insoles for running and gym and Hiking insoles for backpacking training) and that has made these the perfect shoe for me. Finally!
It was a comfortable shoe for the first 100 or so miles. The cushion wore out QUICK. After 200 miles, they were finished. I had went through 2 pairs of the Speedgoat 5s totaling a little under 500 miles before I gave up on this shoe. Pair one lasted 200 miles with some padding left but completely blew out on the inside of both shoes. Pair two lasted almost 300 with no cushion remaining after 200 miles, and then blew out. Prior to purchasing the 5s, I had been through 2 pairs of Speedgoat 2s, 2 pairs of Speedgoat Mids, 2 pairs of Speedgoat 3's and 2 pairs of Speedgoat 4s. Prior to the 5s, they were consistently a 500+ mile shoe for me with several 600, and 700 mile pairs sprinkled in there as well. They tended to have some cushion remaining at the end of their life ... MoreIt was a comfortable shoe for the first 100 or so miles. The cushion wore out QUICK. After 200 miles, they were finished. I had went through 2 pairs of the Speedgoat 5s totaling a little under 500 miles before I gave up on this shoe. Pair one lasted 200 miles with some padding left but completely blew out on the inside of both shoes. Pair two lasted almost 300 with no cushion remaining after 200 miles, and then blew out. Prior to purchasing the 5s, I had been through 2 pairs of Speedgoat 2s, 2 pairs of Speedgoat Mids, 2 pairs of Speedgoat 3's and 2 pairs of Speedgoat 4s. Prior to the 5s, they were consistently a 500+ mile shoe for me with several 600, and 700 mile pairs sprinkled in there as well. They tended to have some cushion remaining at the end of their life with the common point of failure being the inside blowing out. I haven't heard any other complaints on the Internet concerning the issue with cushion durability but I have had conversation on trail with several other individuals experiencing similar issues. I've also met people that haven't had any issues whatsoever. So maybe I had some bad luck. Just a heads up, I've seen claims that this shoe as a whole is more durable than past models; I believe this to be completely false, as the entire upper part of the shoe is made of a thin mesh instead of synthetic as past versions were. I've lightly brushed rocks on trail in passing and put large incisions through the mesh like I ran a knife across it. To Hoka's benefit, they've got a good warranty on their shoes, and have sent me a new pair that I wear as a casual shoe. They're pretty comfortable, but they won't be going back on trail.
Let me start with saying - these are incredibly comfortable. I've walked/hiked over 100 miles in them over the last 1.5 months. As a testament to their comfortability, last weekend on a fairly technical 9 mile hike, my feet were sore but I had no blisters or unique pain. In comparison, my friends who had fancy broken in hiking boots both ended up with blisters and unimaginable foot pain! So these really take the cake. However, after 100 miles, the soles are showing pretty noticeable wear and the cushion is beginning to flake off. I am pretty bummed because I love these, but they just aren't all that durable.
I started backpacking last year and have tried no less than 20 pairs of shoes ranging from boots to ankle height hiking shoes. I bought these to trail run and never expected I'd use them backpacking but they win out every time.I had severe foot pain backpacking. My first pair of boots were terrible. I tried and settled on a second pair but still had pain. I thought it was me but when I started my training with these shoes just to get back into it and I was fine. I went back to my boots, and had pain within 2 miles. I thought maybe it was the boot style. I bought and tried on 7 pairs of ankle height hiking shoes. Again I had foot pain. I went back to these trail runners on the same trail with the same weight and I was fine. I don't care what anyone says about ... MoreI started backpacking last year and have tried no less than 20 pairs of shoes ranging from boots to ankle height hiking shoes. I bought these to trail run and never expected I'd use them backpacking but they win out every time.I had severe foot pain backpacking. My first pair of boots were terrible. I tried and settled on a second pair but still had pain. I thought it was me but when I started my training with these shoes just to get back into it and I was fine. I went back to my boots, and had pain within 2 miles. I thought maybe it was the boot style. I bought and tried on 7 pairs of ankle height hiking shoes. Again I had foot pain. I went back to these trail runners on the same trail with the same weight and I was fine. I don't care what anyone says about needing boots for backpacking, I have tested these out and they win every time, even with pack weight. I returned the other shoes and bought a second pair of these to break them in for my Nov backpacking trip.Oh I also wear these to the gym, and walking around. That's why I need another pair. I've worn them out because they are great!I use Superfeet insoles (Running insoles for running and gym and Hiking insoles for backpacking training) and that has made these the perfect shoe for me. Finally!
I’ve ran in every iteration of the speedgoat. Now, this one is better than the 4, I do miss the older versions.Things I like:- Super comfortable midsole. Not too much squish, but just the right amount of it.- Traction. The vibram outsole really is wonderful and gives me tons of confidence in all the trails I run.- Breathability. It is a breathable shoe.- narrow fit. I have narrow feet and these feel great. If you have a wider foot, I’d go the wide version for sure.Things to improve:- The upper! At first it’s great, but it stretches out after about 50-85 miles run. I have to crank down the laces now for a secure fit.- the upper is super flexible and doesn’t give a secure lock down.Overall, I ended up keeping the shoe and have ran 200+ miles in them. I ... MoreI’ve ran in every iteration of the speedgoat. Now, this one is better than the 4, I do miss the older versions.Things I like:- Super comfortable midsole. Not too much squish, but just the right amount of it.- Traction. The vibram outsole really is wonderful and gives me tons of confidence in all the trails I run.- Breathability. It is a breathable shoe.- narrow fit. I have narrow feet and these feel great. If you have a wider foot, I’d go the wide version for sure.Things to improve:- The upper! At first it’s great, but it stretches out after about 50-85 miles run. I have to crank down the laces now for a secure fit.- the upper is super flexible and doesn’t give a secure lock down.Overall, I ended up keeping the shoe and have ran 200+ miles in them. I just wish the upper would get fixed!
I was incredibly excited to get these shoes for my birthday in March. I waited to wear them until spring time, so right around April/May. I hike a lot, and I wanted something lightweight that would let my feet dry out on longer Adirondack hikes. I broke these in locally, and routinely do about 7.5 miles. These felt great! There was a spring in my step and I did a little trail running with them on as well. They are super cushioned, very comfortable. This past week I went up to the Adirondacks and we hiked a few high peaks. I could not wait to see how they performed up there. First hike they held up fine. It's always wet and muddy there, and just as I had hoped, these let my feet breathe and dry out and had great traction where I needed. After 16 miles I was very ... MoreI was incredibly excited to get these shoes for my birthday in March. I waited to wear them until spring time, so right around April/May. I hike a lot, and I wanted something lightweight that would let my feet dry out on longer Adirondack hikes. I broke these in locally, and routinely do about 7.5 miles. These felt great! There was a spring in my step and I did a little trail running with them on as well. They are super cushioned, very comfortable. This past week I went up to the Adirondacks and we hiked a few high peaks. I could not wait to see how they performed up there. First hike they held up fine. It's always wet and muddy there, and just as I had hoped, these let my feet breathe and dry out and had great traction where I needed. After 16 miles I was very pleased. We went for our second hike the next day. I was super pumped to wear these, as this hike is notoriously wet and muddy. About 3 miles in my toe caught on a root, and there is now a rip in the fabric right in the middle. It isn't a huge tear, but it is large enough that I'm super frustrated and it doesn't feel as if the left shoe has the integrity that the right one has now. It's disappointing. I guess I shouldn't have worn them on rugged trail. Bottom line, these are great if you are on maintained trails with little to no scrambling/roots/rocks, but if you plan on using them in a more rugged situation, I would not recommend them. I am giving 3 stars for comfort, but I was really hoping these would be more durable than they are. Not sure if I'll be able to return these to REI, I think this would be out of the realm of their warranty policy. I am still going to keep them and use them on our local trails, but I will stick to my Solomon mids when it comes to ADK hikes from now on.
I've loved my Hoka Speedgoats over the years, but have noticed they continue to go downhill (pun intended) in quality each time I buy a new pair. Sometimes the fabric tears easily, within 30 miles of buying them. Sometimes the sole or parts of the tread start to peel away. Or they're just done within 80-100 miles. Once, I took them on a 10-day, 100-mile trek and wound up with a badly infected blister within a callus on my outer heel that wept green goo for days. I try very hard not to overuse REI's return policy, but I'm pretty sure my eternal optimism around Hoka trail shoes has cost REI money. I'm on my last pair and need to find a new setup. That said, the high-top hiking boots tend to be sturdier and equally as comfortable. I'm glad to see these shoes coming ... MoreI've loved my Hoka Speedgoats over the years, but have noticed they continue to go downhill (pun intended) in quality each time I buy a new pair. Sometimes the fabric tears easily, within 30 miles of buying them. Sometimes the sole or parts of the tread start to peel away. Or they're just done within 80-100 miles. Once, I took them on a 10-day, 100-mile trek and wound up with a badly infected blister within a callus on my outer heel that wept green goo for days. I try very hard not to overuse REI's return policy, but I'm pretty sure my eternal optimism around Hoka trail shoes has cost REI money. I'm on my last pair and need to find a new setup. That said, the high-top hiking boots tend to be sturdier and equally as comfortable. I'm glad to see these shoes coming down in price because $180 for an 80-mile shoe is ridiculous. For the most part, they are deliciously comfortable though... I wish they were better quality. PS: my partner has had the same issue.
These are more comfy than my wide altras. I love the support. Initially I found them overly supportive in comparison to my old runned-out pair, but now I'm loving it.My biggest complaint, as an eco-conscious human, is how easily the soles are ripping apart. I've only put on 12 miles and I can see what other reviewers are saying about the foam falling apart quick. I almost returned for this reason but they're just good shoes.Style opinion? I WISH wide shoe producers would start giving us normal color options. Why are the only wide options gross grey, or neon, or white? It's mega hard shopping for something that's comfortable and not ugly. I didn't want grey so now I'm a 34 YO woman wearing blue and pink unicorn colored shoes? My inner chic chick hurts being seen ... MoreThese are more comfy than my wide altras. I love the support. Initially I found them overly supportive in comparison to my old runned-out pair, but now I'm loving it.My biggest complaint, as an eco-conscious human, is how easily the soles are ripping apart. I've only put on 12 miles and I can see what other reviewers are saying about the foam falling apart quick. I almost returned for this reason but they're just good shoes.Style opinion? I WISH wide shoe producers would start giving us normal color options. Why are the only wide options gross grey, or neon, or white? It's mega hard shopping for something that's comfortable and not ugly. I didn't want grey so now I'm a 34 YO woman wearing blue and pink unicorn colored shoes? My inner chic chick hurts being seen in these, but I like running so...Yikes.
I bought these at the suggestion of another hiker (I hike in Sedona where you need to grip well to the red rocks). I always tried Solomon prior, but they wore quickly on the soles and were not a comfortable fit. I was hiking 3-4X a week in these and had two pairs that I rotated. The soles have worn generally well for the grind on the red rocks. The shoes, however, wore terribly. They take stains immediately. So don’t expect the pretty colors or look to last. Not a big deal if all you care about is safe hiking. The sides, however, were ripping and wearing from the first couple of climbs. So, I now have holes over my toes on both pairs for both feet. Not what you’d expect for shoes this expensive. Finally, I find they run big. So, I sized down to an 8 (with socks).
Normally wear women's size 9.5 or 10 in running. Shoes. 9.5 and 10 were too long. Got size 9, and 9 wide. I have low volume foot. Mid foot striker, neutral gait. Low arches/flat feet. Run mixed terrain, r I cky, sandy, cinders, boulder outcrops. Narrow gullies that were trails, with varying steepness, distance varies.Size 9 wore around house for about 30 minutes and arches felt like i was getting poke stabbed by something hard in the shoe. Looked at my arch area and bc of flat feet it layed over side of show slightly and was getting poked by the decorative sidewall, or perhaps the raised mid foot area is supposed to be a support rail(?). Anyway im guessing if my arh was higher it wouldn't have been laying on top of the rail thing. So i tried the wide,and Basically ... MoreNormally wear women's size 9.5 or 10 in running. Shoes. 9.5 and 10 were too long. Got size 9, and 9 wide. I have low volume foot. Mid foot striker, neutral gait. Low arches/flat feet. Run mixed terrain, r I cky, sandy, cinders, boulder outcrops. Narrow gullies that were trails, with varying steepness, distance varies.Size 9 wore around house for about 30 minutes and arches felt like i was getting poke stabbed by something hard in the shoe. Looked at my arch area and bc of flat feet it layed over side of show slightly and was getting poked by the decorative sidewall, or perhaps the raised mid foot area is supposed to be a support rail(?). Anyway im guessing if my arh was higher it wouldn't have been laying on top of the rail thing. So i tried the wide,and Basically the same except more fabric over midfoot for folks with more volume. Cushion was excellent, and it i thiught it would be a good running shoes, i had Goat 2's which were great. Unfortunately, i have to return both. I don't think these work for low arches or flat feet. Same issue with other Hokas i tried after these. So bummer i have to keep looking for 4mm/5 mm drop trail shoes.
I have been wearing speed goat shoes for years and have absolutely loved the experience. I have been a loyal HOKA customer ever since. However, the new design of speed goat (5) is extremely disappointing. I wore them on a treacherous trail (thankfully a short one) and observed these things - my gait changed as I felt the shoes were pronating my feet; the toes box has become narrower, my heels kept sliding out ( I tied the laces as tight as I possibly could without cutting off blood supply). Unfortunately, I ended my hike with a knee pain. These shoes are definitely going back. I’m so sad that HOKA has messed up a good thing with this new design. I gave it one star because the traction in these shoes is excellent!
