Hoka Speedgoat 7 Cement's Status As a Cult Favorite and G.O.A.T Trail Runner
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission. Prices are accurate and items in stock at time of publishing.
When it comes to the perfect trail shoe, every runner has their own needs. Some prefer more bounce; others need top-tier traction. The latest iteration of Hoka’s cult-favorite trail runner, the Speedgoat 7, checks all the most important boxes across fit, style, and performance.
This trail runner gets its name from Karl Meltzer, whose record-breaking ultrarunning career earned him the nickname “Speedgoat.” Hoka first released the Speedgoat in 2017 in collaboration with Meltzer, the brand’s first sponsored athlete. Every new Speedgoat model has maintained a balance between preserving the best features and addressing areas for improvement. Now, the Speedgoat is on its 7th and most impressive iteration yet.
“Injected with new technology, we want trail runners to feel confident taking on the toughest terrain,” says Bekah Broe, Senior Director of Performance Footwear at Hoka.
To determine if the shoe lives up to its namesake, I took the new Speedgoat out for runs, walks, and hikes on Denver’s dirt paths and in the mountains of Colorado, where trails of loose gravel, mud, snow, and ice posed the perfect challenge.
Hoka Speedgoat 7 Specs
The Speedgoat 7 is designed for the casual trail jogger and the serious mountain racer. It has a woven textile upper for a stretchy fit, plus a flat tongue with a dual gusset that keeps the shoe snug, but not bulky, against the top of your foot. The Vibram Megagrip outsole has been updated with Traction Lug to improve grip on mixed terrain, delivering better traction across a wider range of conditions—even wet, slippery, and otherwise not ideal for running. The heel pull tab, reflective details, and bold colors are just the cherry on top of a shoe constructed with every kind of trail runner in mind.
Overall Impressions
I tried to temper my high expectations for the Speedgoat 7 because I wanted to enter testing with a neutral point of view. Plus, I’d never tried any previous version of the shoe, so I didn’t have much to compare it to regarding improvements to the previous model.
Still, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t feel immediately satisfied with the shoe the first time I put it on. The thin, yet stretchy tongue and slightly stretchy laces made the Speedgoat 7 feel snug, yet comfortable. The shoe itself is exactly true to size.
While running, the shoe felt comfortable with every heel strike. I could feel the difference in the bounce of the supercritical foam midsole compared to other running shoes without this feature. At the same time, the midsole wasn’t so thick that it made me trip, as some other shoes have. Stepping over icy patches and running downhill through mud, I could feel the traction lug grabbing the ground to keep me steady. Yes, I thought to myself, answering the question I posed earlier. This really is one of the greatest trail shoes out there.
Key Features
The Hoka Speedgoat has always been designed for versatility across different terrains, but the Speedgoat 7 takes it up a notch. Hoka’s patented MetaRocker shines in this model, offering comfortable heel-to-toe propulsion. The Speedgoat 7 also introduces the series’ first integrated gaiter attachment, which is ideal for running in wet, muddy environments and expands the shoe’s terrain capabilities.
The biggest wow factor in the latest Speedgoat 7 is the new supercritical foamed EVA midsole, which adds cushion that the Speedgoat 6 lacked. Supercritical foam is infused with tiny air bubbles that keep soles light and bouncy. This creates comfort and an added squishy feeling without sacrificing trail feel, which is important to a lot of runners. It’s also the kind of technology that turns a regular trail runner into a certified "super shoe."
Courtesy Image
Pros
- High-performance traction in a variety of trail conditions
- Cushioned, comfortable fit
- Gaiter integration
- Fits true to size
Cons
- Not ideal for high arches or wide feet
- Increased stack height might not work for every runner
Final Verdict
What I’ve always appreciated about Hoka shoes is that they’re designed with intention. The details, fit, and form tell the story of a shoemaker that prioritizes the experience of the runner, putting their comfort, performance, and good times above all else—and that’s something you can feel. The Speedgoat 7 follows that philosophy through intentional features that help your feet feel confident, secure, and ready for whatever the trail brings.
Why You Should Trust Me
I’m a health, travel, and lifestyle writer with 10 years of experience covering all things outdoors and adventure. I’ve been a runner since the fourth grade, so I’ve tried a lot of running shoes in my life. I know which features are most important for both comfort and performance. Living in Colorado and traveling frequently gives me the unique opportunity to test shoes across a range of conditions, from Rocky Mountain trails to tropical shorelines and everything in between.
Related: Why Reviewers Say This Affordable Fitness Tracker Beats More Expensive Models