Run Amok: Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX Review

As the elder statesman in the maximalist shoe market, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX offers a ton of stack height, combined with the legendary performance of a waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex liner. Arriving just in time for winter trail running, I’ve appreciated the weather protection, but have found some areas of improvement.

Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX Features:

• Lay-flat gusseted tongue construction
• 44% recycled polyester Double-layer jacquard engineered outer mesh
• GORE-TEX waterproof membrane bootie construction
• Rubber toe cap
• Compression molded EVA midsole
• Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug design (5mm depth)
• Bolstered heel collar construction
• Late stage MetaRocker™ with 4mm drop
• Molded EVA sockliner
• Stack: 33mm heel and 29mm forefoot
• Weight: 12.7 oz each (size 11.5, actual)
• MSRP: $170

Cold and wet-weather champs

Back when Hoka began, I’ll never forget what I called “marshmallow shoes.” Out on the trails you’d see trail runners squishing their way down the singletrack as I looked, side-eyed when they passed. As I have aged, and Hoka has continued refining their craft, we have now arrived at a fortuitous intersection of life experience and comfort. This common nexus event is kind of like a “Hokavana” of sorts. I’m there and proudly rock Hoka’s whenever I get the chance.

Now in its 5th-generation, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 GTX arrived just in time for winter and spring trail running. Wet, cold or snow packed trails were the test conditions over the course of 5 months of everything Mother Nature could throw their way. Looking back, it was 4 years ago that I tested the Hoka Speedgoat 4 GTX and this would be a great opportunity to highlight the updates. I loved the previous model and still regularly use them for sketchy weather conditions.

If you’re curious, the visual, last and fit differences are minimal. They look almost the same, but have a significant difference in midsole density. Unfortunately, the Speedgoat 5 doesn’t get more comfortable, they actually feel racier and less cushy. I’ll dig in a little more later in the review, but it’s a little surprising to me that Hoka chose to firm up the Speedgoat 5.

If you’re looking for the GTX model, you know how awesome it can be. While the nearby trails are usually too goopy to run in the rain, the GTX wraparound liner also comes in handy for cold conditions where a brisk wind can turn my toes into frozen sausages. Maintaining warmth and protecting against moisture are both key elements of a Gore-Tex trail running shoe and the Speedgoat 5 delivers on both fronts.

Withstands drips, drops and streams

A dip in a creek and trail running in 20-degree temperatures are both kept in check by Gore’s legendary waterproof/breathable membrane. The gusseted tongue adds waterproof capability, but these are still shoes, so you can’t submerge them above the second eyelets without allowing water to flow in. Active rain or morning dew are great examples of conditions where the GTX liner thrives — all without allowing your socks to get saturated. And, Gore-Tex has definitely come a long way on the breathable front, but I wouldn’t recommend running in these above 65 degrees if your feet run hot (like mine).

The lacing pattern is standard and the tongue width allows for ample fit adjustments. I did find them to be very finicky on tightness — with very little room for error before discomfort arose. On one hand, I appreciated the locked-in feel they provide, but on the other hand it was problematic to find the Goldilocks tightness on every run. Oftentimes, I ran them a touch loose just to be in the clear.

Instead of heel loops, Hoka seems to be adopting a curved heel tab that allows you to easily slip your feet inside. For that purpose, I love the heel funnel. But, out on the trails, they act like a scree funnel — allowing all sorts of debris to easily penetrate the cuffs of the Speedgoat 5 GTX. The combination of the tacky outsoles and the funnel heel allow more debris to enter than any shoe I’ve ever tested.

Traction aplenty, with a firm midsole

Vibram Megagrip outsoles are the current gold standard and the 5mm lugs deliver capable traction on all types of trails and conditions. Dry trails are a breeze. Wet trails are gripped like Velcro. And, snow packed trails are conquered with panache. That same traction is superb for toe-off and on descents. Fore/aft traction is great at any speed and so is lateral traction when the trails tilt sideways.

The tread pattern does a good job of jettisoning mud, but it does tend to stick around longer than I would hope. While I wouldn’t seek out pavement with these shoes, the treads feel surprisingly smooth on the road. And, I do appreciate the rockered outsole that facilitates a smooth stride. The heel-to-toe roll and toe-off are smooth and natural.

As mentioned earlier, the midsole density means the Speedgoat 5 is going to run more racy than the Speedgoat 4. For my purposes, I feel it’s a step backwards, but some may appreciate the go-cart ride. Wearing the Speedgoat 4 and 5 side-by-side, the 4’s offer more comfort and a touch more stability because my feet settle into the midsoles just a bit more.

May 20, 2024 Update: As the weather has warmed, I have noticed that the midsoles are squishier than I had experienced during cold-weather running this winter. That said, they are still firmer than the previous Speedgoat, so keep that in mind. 

Fit: I’m wearing size 11.5’s in the Hoka Speedgoat 5, which is my regular size in the brand. 

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