Men’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review

Bottom Line

The HOKA Speedgoat 6 is one of our top picks on our best hiking shoes for men guide when it comes to comfort, support, and weight savings. CleverHiker Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer has climbed dozens of peaks over 13,000’ in the Colorado Rockies, where the Speedgoat kept his feet feeling fresh and light mile after mile.

Like prior versions of the Speedgoat, the 6 delivers a comfy, high-performance ride. This new iteration features a thicker tongue, an added heel loop and reduced heel flare, refined tread, and increased stack height. HOKA also made the soles stiffer, which dramatically improved its support and trail feel on technical terrain. With even more breathable mesh on the uppers, the Speedgoat 6 is now among the most breathable and fast-drying hiking and running shoes on the market.

However, some major updates might not work for everyone – especially long-time fans who loved prior iterations. The soles are significantly more rigid, and the toe box and midsoles are narrower. These changes may make for a less comfy ride on packed dirt or cement over big miles. Also, these shoes miss the mark for durability. They are incredibly light, but the upper and foam soles are prone to damage sooner than competitive shoes with stronger materials. These updates are big changes to a long-time favorite, but the Speedgoat 6 still offers excellent support, great cushioning, and vibrant colorways for anyone prioritizing comfort and traction.

Comfort

The HOKA Speedgoat 6 is a comfortable, lightweight, and supportive shoe that offers a cushy ride. This shoe’s fairly stiff, but we didn’t mind this rigidity too much – its slightly rockered profile supports a natural gait while still cradling our feet through miles of backcountry. The higher stack of midsole foam absorbs shock well, adding a pleasant springiness. The airy mesh uppers are super breathable, so our feet stayed cool and dry on hot summer days. They also dry impressively fast – less than an hour on hot days – which has improved comfort after stepping in a puddle or getting soaked on a stream crossing. 

However, fans of the Speedgoat 5s may not find the 6s as comfy on longer hikes. This version feels less forgiving and flexible – which may not be the best fit for long distances on packed dirt or concrete where the stiffness might feel uncomfortable. The Speedgoat 6 also requires a short break-in period of 10 miles before the shoes soften, though they still remained fairly stiff afterward. Our tester also found the midsole narrower and the toe box smaller, which may feel cramped for folks – fortunately, the Speedgoat 6 is also available in wide. In spite of these concerns, these are still among the most cushioned, supportive trail runners we’ve tested and will be very comfortable for most people and most trails.

Traction

We ranked the Speedgoat 6s very good for traction. HOKA redesigned the tread pattern on these shoes, adding more lugs at the forefoot for better grip on ascents and a superior design through the center and sides for control and added stability. The Vibram soles are tacky and sticky, biting into the ground for a firm grip on most surfaces and angles, and their wide outsoles have also kept us from slipping or losing footing. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer loved testing these shoes at some of the Colorado Rockies’ toughest places, including sand, loose dirt, and gravel in high mountain couloirs, unstable boulder-filled ridges, and rough trails full of scree and roots. 

We have a few gripes, though. The redesigned tread pattern adds lugs to the shoe’s forefoot, which is a big benefit when going uphill to prevent slipping. However, the heel area suffers from this change. HOKA dropped the number of lugs at the heel from 12 to only 7 and reduced the size of the braking area. That directly translates to less traction when going downhill, which stood out during our testing. Gear Analyst Ian Krammer found their grip was excellent for the first 200 miles – but beyond that, the rubber composite lugs showed significant wear and tear. Also, these shoes do not perform well on slippery surfaces, a drawback for routes with lots of slick rocks or wet and icy conditions. Still, the Speedgoat 6 remains an excellent choice for hikers who want reliable traction on most trails.

Weight

If you’re looking for some of the lightest shoes on the market, the HOKA Speedgoat 6 is an excellent choice. Each shoe only weighs 9.8 ounces – that’s only 1 pound, 3.6 ounces for the pair – making them a leader in ultralight shoes. Thanks to a woven mesh upper, airy foam soles, and minimalist components from the thin laces to simple TPU overlays, these shoes dramatically reduce fatigue and strain so you can hike farther and faster without discomfort. The lightweight build made us feel agile and nimble on our test hikes and offers unbeatable dry times and breathability.

What’s the downside of such lightweight shoes? You’ll sacrifice durability for such an incredibly low weight and will have less defense against sharp rocks and debris on the trail. If your top priority is a lightweight shoe for hiking, the Speedgoat is one of our top recommendations.

Durability

There’s no way around it – the Speedgoat 6 isn’t the most durable trail runner out there. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer’s pair began to break down after around 200 miles. The mesh upper is awesomely breathable but doesn’t hold a candle to heavier materials like nubuck leather or burly textiles. The foam soles offer excellent cushioning, and the tread works well for the first half of the shoe’s life. However, they are much less resilient compared to rugged trail shoes with burly rubber composites. Plus, the Speedgoat lacks a toe cap. Without that added protection, the shoe’s less protected on rocky, brambly, and heavily forested routes, which can reduce its lifespan. If you’re looking for footwear to trek in harsh environments or last more than 400 miles. We like them better for trips where speed and comfort take priority over durability.

Weather Resistance

The HOKA Speedgoat 6 prioritizes breathability over weather resistance. The mesh uppers won’t keep you dry from moisture. Our tester noted that water quickly and easily penetrated these shoes from puddles to creek crossings to and light drizzles to heavy rains. The good thing about this lightweight design is they dry impressively fast – in our experience, 45 minutes or less on warm summer days. This rapid drying time is a dream for routes with occasional wet areas since their generous airflow helped keep our feet cool and dry. 

The Speedgoat 6’s limited weatherproofing isn’t a problem if the weather is warm or there are lots of stream crossings. But if you’re hiking in especially muddy, rainy, or cold weather, consider shoes with waterproof membranes and durable upper materials that repel water more effectively and retain a bit of heat. Luckily, HOKA offers the Speedgoats in a waterproof GTX version and a high-top Mid-GTX version, which might be the move heading into shoulder season hikes and questionable weather forecasts.

Should You Buy the Hoka Speedgoat 6?

The Speedgoat 6 is perfect for hikers and trail runners prioritizing comfort, traction, and lightweight designs over durability. These shoes excel on technical terrain thanks to their balance of cushion and stiffness, and the updated tread pattern provides reliable traction, especially on ascents and crossing rocky, uneven surfaces. However, fans of previous Speedgoat models who loved their super cozy soles and roomy toe box may find the updates too drastic. This version still offers the thick cushioning we know and love, but it’s more stiff and structured in the midsole than prior versions, making the Speedgoats less comfortable for extended use on hard ground. Still, if you’re seeking vibrant colorways and comfortable mesh uppers in an ultralight design, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better footwear for your next hike.

What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?

If you’re considering the HOKA Speedgoat 6, you might also want to check out our lists of the Best Hiking Shoes for Men and Best Trail Running Shoes for Men. 

HOKA Anacapa 2 Review: We prefer the Anacapa 2s for wet and chilly hikes in the shoulder season – they’re much heavier, but they’re also way more waterproof and durable thanks to leather and mesh uppers as well as a GORE-TEX liner. 

Topo Athletic Ultraventure Review: These are an excellent alternative to the older Speedgoat styles thanks to a super roomy toe box and a flexible, cushioned sole. We love these shoes for staying comfy through long days on groomed and non-technical trails. 

Brooks Cascadia 18 Review: If you like the firm midsole support and lightweight mesh upper of the Speedgoat 6, consider checking out the Cascadia 18 – it’s more durable, supportive, and affordable.

Saucony Peregrine 14 Review: The Peregrine 14 is one of the lightest shoes we’ve tested but also one of our faves for technical trails and mountain climbs where the stable chassis offers great balance and ground feel.