Best For

Heads up, ultrarunners, this is your time to shine on the trails. You need to really consider this trail running shoe for training AND racing this year. After thirty-six miles of Colorado mountain testing in the Speedgoat 5, I am confident that this trail running shoe has the potential to become a classic. I would absolutely trail race from ½ marathon to 50 miles in the Hoka Speedgoat 5, and maybe even farther. 

Upper

The Speedgoat 5’s upper has a double layered jacquard mesh with a stretch front vamp and, interestingly, is partially recycled. The toe cap has a nice overlay with good breathability through the toebox for those hot summer temperatures. No doubt the upper highlight is the heel counter-tab combo. Elf flare all the way! And Hoka decided to add some extra cushion goodness in 2022 for that bear hug effect on your achilles tendon.

You need to be careful, however, if you have wide feet. Although I like a snug fit in the toe box when racing, my pinky toe on the lateral side of the shoe was slightly cramped. That being said, with the semi-gusseted tongue, wide flared heel counter—which has just the right amount of padding, and good lace lockdown, this trail shoe wraps around your foot and provides a snug fit. I love it!

Midsole

This shoe delivers a one-two punch of shoe design features. Sporting a compression molded EVA midsole, which is slightly lighter CMEVA than the Speedgoat 4, this contributes to a lighter weight overall. It is reminiscent of the same compound used in the EVO Speedgoat we all loved. The updated midsole allows for some fantastic energy return and bounce, while giving you the comfort you need to spend a lot of time on the trails.

I get excited when a shoe company can get rid of some weight. The Speedgoat 5, in size 9 US, is lighter than the Speedgoat 4 at 10.8 oz. This is exciting since there is more energy return. The stack height has changed a little with an extra millimeter of stack height in the forefoot and heel, coming in at 33mm and 29mm. This shoe has you covered if you are looking for a bouncy, comfortable, and durable long-distance trail shoe.

Outsole

Will it last on those trails? Absolutely. With its Vibram MegaGrip outsole and 5mm lugs, you will get lots of traction in all types of conditions. You will have the confidence and stability to tackle some serious running. During testing I was able to get into mud, snow, and sticky clay, and the MegaGrip outsole performed well understep. Dovetailing those lugs with a slight decoupled groove in the heel / midfoot offers your tired trail running legs a smidge of extra bounce under step. 

Would I Buy This Shoe Again?

Oh man, yes! If I was running ultras right now, I would, hands down, use this shoe to race in. Pick this shoe up if you want comfort, durability, and traction for those long trail runs or races. With an overall score of nearly 8 and parts breaking into the eights, it is a sure bet you will love the nice update to the Hoka Speedgoat 5.