HOKA Speedgoat 7: Pros vs. Cons
Here's a quick overview of the pros and cons of the Speedgoat 7 based on 50+ miles of test hikes. Scroll down for my in-depth, independent review of this shoe's support, weight, comfort, fit, traction, weather protection, and value.
HOKA Speedgoat 7 Review
Testing the HOKA Speedgoat 7 off the La Luz trail
Support
The main reason hikers choose HOKA is cushion, but that thick stack of cushion also makes the Speedgoat 7 more supportive than you might think. It takes plenty of force to flex those extra-thick midsoles.
This isn't a stability shoe, but the Speedgoat 7's torsional rigidity makes it tougher to turn over an ankle on uneven ground. The max cushion midsoles also take some pressure off the bottom of your feet. My feet felt fresher in the HOKA Speedgoat 7 after 3,000 feet of ups and downs than they have in the last few hiking shoes I've tested and reviewed.
I don't have the best feet or ankles. However, I've hiked hundreds of miles of technical terrain in Speedgoats without any foot or ankle issues. This is one of the few trail running shoes that I trust for more difficult day hikes.
My Speedgoat 7 is slightly lighter than my Speedgoat 6
Weight
HOKA has continued to shave the slightest bit of weight off each version of the Speedgoat. My Speedgoat 7 (men's 12.5) weighs 22 ounces per pair, making it one of the lightest trail running shoes I wear for hiking. It's support to weight ratio is impressive.
Testing traction and toe room in the HOKA Speedgoat 7
Fit
The Speedgoat 7 runs true to size with a standard fit. Most hikers will want to size up 1/2 size over their everyday shoe size. It's also available in wides. I normally wear the Speedgoat in a 12 wide but tested it in a men's 12.5 because wides weren't available at its release. Sizing up a full size from my everyday shoe size worked for my moderately wide feet.
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 has thicker midsoles than most trail runners
Comfort
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 features supercritical EVA foam for a cushy yet responsive ride. Most hikers buy this shoe for its max cushion. I found it highly comfortable over the past two weeks, when I hiked more than 50 miles with approximately 15,000 feet of ups and downs. My hiking feet came away from those steep and rocky trails feeling as fresh as possible.
HOKA tweaked the heel collar of the Speedgoat 7, correcting a potential comfort issue from the Speedgoat 6. The supercritical foam is more responsive for better energy return. Even though it's not one of HOKAs softest shoes, the Speedgoat 7's max cushion still doles out plenty of cushioning for comfort.
Based on my first-hand testing experience, I expect that most casual hikers will find this shoe comfortable—as will hikers who prefer more difficult trails.
The Speedgoat 7 is well ventilated for hot weather and long hikes
Weather Protection
I tested the non-waterproof HOKA Speedgoat 7, which offers limited weather protection. When I stepped in puddles and snowmelt on my test hikes, my feet got wet instantly. That said, most hikers choose non-waterproof trail running shoes because they wear cooler and dry quickly when they do get wet. This was my experience in the HOKA Speedgoat 7, which features obvious ventilation in the uppers to keep your feet as cool as possible on long hikes and hot days.
I assume HOKA will release a Speedgoat 7 GTX (GORE-TEX) for those who want a waterproof trail running shoe. However, it's still not available as of March, 2026.
Traction
As someone with almost 1000 miles of first-hand experience with the HOKA Speedgoat series, I've always appreciated this shoe's traction. The Speedgoat 7 is even grippier than previous versions of the Speedgoat.
As always, the Speedgoat features Vibram Megagrip rubber—arguably the best rubber compound for traction on wet and dry surfaces. For 2026, the Speedgoat 7's lugs are more aggressive than the Speedgoat 6. The deep, v-shaped tread pattern offers better traction in mud, loose sediments (sand, gravel), and snow. I personally vouch for the improved traction because my test hikes ran the gamut—from desert crust to weathered granite switchbacks to slickrock to packed snow and muddy pine forest floors. This shoe's premium rubber and lugs performed well in all those conditions.
One of the colorways of the Women's Speedgoat 7
Value
At its release, HOKA priced the new Speedgoat 7 at $165 (MSRP). That's slightly higher than most trail runners I recommend for hikers. At the same time, it's less than some trail running shoes with supercritical foam. For this price, men and women get premium comfort and traction in a lightweight yet supportive package. For me, this is a good buy.
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Men's HOKA Speedgoat 7
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Women's HOKA Speedgoat 7
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What's new with the HOKA Speedgoat 7?
I've personally tested and reviewed both the HOKA Speedgoat 7 and Speedgoat 6. New in 2026, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 has upgraded to supercritical foam in the midsole for more responsive cushioning with more energy return. The Speedgoat 7's Vibram Megagrip rubber outsoles also feature more aggressive lugs for better mud traction. Also new for 2026, the Speedgoat 7 has a refined heel collar (that doesn't dig into your achilles like the Speedgoat 6) and an added gaiter attachment. The fit hasn't changed, but the upper may feel snug on your first few runs/hikes until they're broken in.
Should hikers buy the HOKA Speedgoat 7?
Yes, I recommend the HOKA Speedgoat 7 for both casual hikers who prefer a cushy ride and more serious hikers who want a trail running shoe for technical trails that's supportive yet lightweight, cushy yet responsive, and grippy on most types of terrain. Based on my thorough testing, I've added the HOKA Speedgoat 7 to my 2026 list of the best trail running shoes for hiking.
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Men's HOKA Speedgoat 7
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Women's HOKA Speedgoat 7
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