HOKA hooked up hikers with its recent launch of the Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX. Many hikers love the bestselling Speedgoat–a trail running shoe, not a hiking shoe. As its name suggests, the new HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike is a brand-new Speedgoat that IS specifically designed for hiking (not running). I've tested my pair in the high-desert mountains of New Mexico for this first-hand HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike review.
Testing the HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX in New Mexico's Sandia Mountains
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HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX Review
I've hiked around 50 miles to review the new HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX. This hike-specific HOKA is different from the Speedgoat 7 trail running shoe—which I've also reviewed. Both are similar underfoot, but the Speedgoat 7 Hike has a different fit, more robust uppers, and more weather protection. My test hikes included Bear Canyon Arroyo, La Luz Trail, the Pino Trail, Piedra Lisa Trail, and Embudito Trail outside Albuquerque, New Mexico.
As always, my reviews are 100% independent (not sponsored posts). And they're legit. I was the footwear manager at an outdoor gear shop and hike more than 1000 miles each year while testing the latest hiking footwear.
Testing the Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX on a steep and rocky mountainside
Support
Like the Speedgoat 7 trail running shoe, the Speedgoat 7 Hike punches above its weight in support—because of its thick midsoles.
HOKA's extra-thick cushioning is there for comfort. But that extra foam also reinforces the foot, reducing foot flex and increasing lateral support.
Keep in mind that the Speedgoat 7 Hike's extended ankle collars do NOT add ankle support. They're designed to keep debris out of the shoes—not to protect your ankles.
My ankles suck, but I've never rolled them in any of the five Speedgoats I've owned. On my test hikes in the Speedgoat 7 Hike, I experienced no foot or ankle problems while hiking moderate to difficult mountain terrain.
Only 12 ounces per shoe (men's size 12)
Weight
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX is the lightest hiking shoe I've tested at Hiking Feet. My pair (men's size 12) only weighs a pound and a half—which is lighter than many trail running shoes I've tested and reviewed.
I could tell on my test hikes, too. I had a little pep in my step, thanks to the shoe's lightweight and rockered profile. If you prefer a lightweight hiking shoe, the Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX should be high on your list.
The Speedgoat 7 Hike has a slightly roomy fit
Fit
The Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX has a standard to slightly large fit compared with other hiking shoes I've tested and reviewed. My test pair feels like it has more volume than the Speedgoat 7 trail running shoe (but I can't tell for sure since I tested two different sizes).
The hiker's version of the Speedgoat is not (currently) available in wide sizes. However, wide-footed hikers may (or may not) get a decent fit by sizing up an extra 1/2 size from your typical hiking size.
Many runners/hikers love HOKA's max cushion
Comfort
If you prefer lighter, more cushioned footwear for your hikes, you'll probably love the HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX. The hike version delivers the same underfoot experience as the trail runner version—one of the most popular shoes in the world, thanks to its cushioning.
After 1000 miles in HOKAs, I no longer notice this shoe's rocker: upward curvature in the heel and toes to help roll you into your next step. This subtle rolling motion could be a comfort plus (less pressure on toes, more speed/ forward momentum) or a comfort minus (unfamiliar). Personally, I appreciate this rocker feel on fast descents and flats.
The extended ankle collars are soft and well padded. While they can keep more sand, sticks, and stones out of your shoes (comfort plus), they also trap more heat (a comfort minus in warm-to-hot weather). My feet felt hotter and sweatier when I tested the Speedgoat 7 Hike in warm autumn weather.
GORE-TEX Invisible Fit is a waterproofing plus
Weather Protection
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX demonstrates excellent weather protection for a hiking shoe. For starters, it features GORE-TEX Invisible Fit. In contrast to traditional GORE-TEX booties, Invisible Fit mounts the waterproof membrane directly to the inside of the shoe's uppers. This increases breathability and reduces bulk inside the shoe for a better fit. GORE remains the most reliable and breathable waterproofing on the market.
The Hike version of the Goat also provides more weather protection than the OG. It almost looks like a mid-cut because of the extended neoprene (?) ankle collars. This sock-like collar keeps out more mud, snow, and debris. Plus, it allows for the waterproof membrane to extend slightly higher than it does on a conventional low-cut shoe.
Do you see the goat head and hearts on the bottom of the shoe?
Traction
I probably have 1000 miles of first-hand experience in this shoe's outsoles. The mix of Vibram Megagrip rubber and small-but-aggressive climbing and braking lugs is a good match for most of the trails I hike. I've found these soles very dependable on mixed terrain—trails that mix dirt, rock, mud, etc. They're decent on solid rock and mud.
The Speedgoat 7 Hike's tread performed as expected on my text hikes. I hiked confidently on moderately rocky and steep terrain in my test pair. My only slips occurred on the smooth rock in Embudito Canyon—especially when my soles were damp from prior water crossings. I also slipped a bit on weathered granite gravel when I stepped off switchbacked trails to explore some off-trail rock formations. In more moderate conditions, I didn't have any traction troubles.
One of the Women's colorways of the Speedgoat 7 Hike
Value
The Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX is a premium hiking shoe at a premium price (MSRP: $190). That's on the high end for a hiking shoe, but it's worth repeating this IS a hiking shoe—not a trail running shoe. With new Kevlar-reinforced uppers and GORE-TEX Invisible Fit, the Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX should be more durable than most trail running shoes and provide premium performance.
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Men's HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX
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Women's HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX
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Pros and Cons of HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX
Here's a short summary of the pros and cons of the HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX:
Should you buy the HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX?
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 Hike GTX has more pros than any hiking shoe I've reviewed at Hiking Feet. It's an obvious choice if you're into lightweight and well-cushioning hiking shoes. If you've enjoyed hiking in HOKA trail runners, you should also consider this one since it's specifically made for hikers, not runners.
I like the updated (Kevlar) uppers on the Hike version, but I'm not sold on the sock-like ankle sleeve. While it may keep out more debris, it also keeps in more heat. Thru-hikers might consider this shoe for snowy sections of long-distance trails, but the fact that it traps heat and isn't available in a non-waterproof style limits its appeal for warmer weather.
Overall, this is a fun new hiking shoe that I'll be adding to my lists of the best hiking shoes and best lightweight hiking shoes.
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If it's not the shoe for you, no problem. You can find the best hiking shoe for YOU with Hiking Feet's other hiking shoe reviews and recommendations for the best men's and women's hiking shoes.
Cheers!
