Mountain shoes
Product 2026
Woman, Man
Our reference point was the Hoka Speedgoat 5, a shoe that retained the soft, plush cushioning that had long been part of Hoka’s DNA.
The new Hoka Speedgoat 7 feels very different from the earlier versions (we did not test the Speedgoat 6). Foot placement, stability, and especially energy return have evolved significantly. To be completely honest, and at the risk of being accused of always favoring the latest model, we prefer the ride of the Speedgoat 7. Why?
Because it is a precise shoe that maintains an excellent balance between ground feel and cushioning. The formula has moved back toward a middle ground. There is no loss of stability caused by an overly soft midsole, and no unwanted rolling sensation. Of course, runners looking for maximum cushioning may find more suitable options elsewhere in the Hoka range. It is actually interesting to see Hoka moving some of its models toward firmer, more controlled cushioning, while several competing brands are following the opposite path—a trend that Hoka itself originally helped to popularize.
In short, we were genuinely impressed by the straightforward character of the new Hoka Speedgoat 7. There are no gimmicks here. It feels like a sports car with a highly responsive chassis, yet comfort has not been sacrificed. This is the kind of shoe that encourages you to keep covering miles.
The midsole delivers an appealing amount of energy return. The shoe reaches its firmer, more responsive phase relatively quickly during the stride, making it easy to accelerate and maintain momentum.
One of the standout strengths of the Hoka Speedgoat 7 is its grip. Whether this improvement comes from the redesigned 5 mm lug pattern or the Vibram Megagrip outsole, the result is undeniable. On technical terrain, rocky slabs, and wet surfaces, the Speedgoat 7 inspires a great deal of confidence.
We also particularly appreciated the tongue design. It is thin yet strategically padded where needed and extends high over the instep. Its edges are exceptionally soft against the skin, making it a benchmark for comfort. The heel pull loop is especially practical when putting the shoe on. Overall build quality is excellent, with no visible glue marks or stitching imperfections.
The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is compatible with a gaiter attachment system. Although, one might wonder how many runners still use gaiters these days.
The rock guard initially appears somewhat flexible, but it ultimately performs its protective role effectively. A reflective element on the heel improves visibility in low-light conditions. Despite being designed for technical terrain, the shoe remains impressively lightweight: we measured it at 275 grams in size 43 1/3.
The Hoka Speedgoat 7 earns our First Award thanks to its successful balance between cushioning and precision, allowing runners to stay connected to the terrain without sacrificing comfort. A responsive new foam and exceptionally aggressive grip make it an excellent choice for long distances—and far beyond.
32 mm5 mm 
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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