Men’s Hoka Speedgoat 6 Review

Bottom Line

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

Like prior versions of the Speedgoat, the 6s deliver a comfy, high-performance ride for a reasonable price. This new iteration features a thicker tongue and adds a large heel loop that directly translates to easier on and off and increased comfort across the top of the foot. This version has reduced a heel flare – the piece of foam that juts off the back of your heel – for better braking and control. HOKA also refined the tread pattern, slightly increased the stack height, and made the soles stiffer, dramatically improving their support and grip on technical terrain. With even more breathable mesh on the uppers, the Speedgoat 6’s are now among the lightest hiking and running shoes on the market and remain incredibly breathable and fast-drying.

However, the Speedgoat 6 has a few updates that 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 6s still offer excellent support, great cushioning, and vibrant colorways for anyone prioritizing comfort and traction.

Comfort

The HOKA Speedgoat 6s are comfortable, lightweight, and supportive shoes that offer a sensitive but cushy ride. A burly midsole, substantial arch, and wide outsoles make them feel responsive but secure on everything from long single-track trails to technical routes with many ups and downs. They’re fairly stiff, but the reduction in foam is a major advantage on technical terrain, where they offer excellent edging and ground feel. Combined with a reduced heel flare and slightly rockered profile, we didn’t mind this rigidity too much: their design propels you forward with a natural gait while still cradling your feet through miles of backcountry. A roomy toe box prevents discomfort and blisters with plenty of space for your toes to wiggle. The lightweight upper mesh and foam construction make the Speedgoat 6s some of the lightest shoes out there, essential for reducing foot fatigue so you can hike farther with less effort. The airy mesh uppers are super breathable, so your feet stay cool and dry on hot summer days, and if you step in that puddle or stream, they dry impressively fast – less than an hour on hot days. The slightly higher stack absorbs shock well, the thick tongue distributes pressure from your laces well, and a newly added heel loop makes it easy to get in and out of the shoes. 

However, fans of the Speedgoat 5s may not find the 6s as comfy on longer hikes. HOKA uses less foam than prior Speedgoat iterations, so they’re less forgiving and flexible. That means the 6s perform exceptionally well on short and medium hikes on rocky and technical terrain but may not be the best fit for long distances on packed dirt or concrete where the stiffness might feel uncomfortable. The Speedgoat 6s require a short break-in period of 25 miles before the shoes soften, though they remain fairly stiff afterward. Luckily, the foam balances out the midsole and adds a pleasant springiness. We also find the updated, narrower midsole and smaller toe box can feel cramped for folks who prefer a wider fit – so you may want to consider the Speedgoat 6’s in wide if that’s you. That said, 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

The Speedgoat 6s are at the top of their class 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 make them versatile and stable without slipping or losing footing. Plenty of foam in these shoes makes for a cushy, springy feel on level ground and groomed trails. But, you don’t sacrifice ground feel – the firm midsoles help them perform particularly well on technical trails that require precise foot placement, like scrambling or edging on rocks or boulders. Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer loves them for taking on the 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. The foam cushioning and tread make the Speedgoats feel agile, stable, and effective in the backcountry.

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. Also, the 6s simply are not durable compared to heavier shoes made with stronger materials. We found their grip is excellent for the first 200 miles – but beyond that, the rubber composite lugs and foam begin to show significant wear and tear. Also, these shoes do not perform well on slippery surfaces, a drawback for routes with lots of slick rocks or when hiking in wet and icy conditions. Still, the Speedgoat 6s remains an excellent choice for hikers who want reliable traction on most trails and don’t mind their shorter lifespan.

Weight

If you’re looking for some of the lightest shoes on the market, the HOKA Speedgoat 6s are 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 makes us feel agile and nimble and offers an unbeatable dry time and breathability.

What’s the downside of such lightweight shoes? You’ll sacrifice durability for such an incredibly low weight. The Speedgoat 6s don’t offer the protection or lifespan of heavier, more robust shoes with features like toe caps, heavier rubber composite soles, leather and textile uppers, or heel bumpers. You’ll have less defense against sharp rocks and debris on the trail, and your shoes won’t last as long. If your top priority is a longer-lasting, more protective shoe, you’ll likely want to look elsewhere.

Durability

Considering how lightweight and breathable they are, the HOKA Speedgoat 6s still punch above their weight and offer decent durability. We’ve hiked over 300 miles in these, and they’ve held up impressively well, although the last 100 miles have not been pretty. Generally, the woven upper maintains its integrity over the shoe’s life, as do details like the laces, TPU overlays, and the heel loop.

However, there’s no way around it – the Speedgoat 6s aren’t the most durable trail runners out there. They begin to break down after around 200 miles, so if you’re looking for footwear to trek in harsh environments or last more than 400 miles, these will fall short. 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 – although they are much less resilient compared to rugged trail shoes with burly rubber composites. The Speedgoats lack technical features like a toe cap and rock plate, so they don’t offer much protection on rocky, brambly, and heavily forested routes, and they tend to break down faster as a result. Despite these considerations, the HOKA Speedgoat 6 is our choice for lightweight comfort and agility on the trail, and they perform admirably for trips where speed and comfort take priority over durability.

Weather Resistance

The HOKA Speedgoat 6s prioritize breathability over weather resistance. The mesh uppers won’t keep you dry from moisture, and we find water quickly and easily penetrates these shoes from puddles and creek crossings to light drizzles and 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 helps keep feet cool and dry.

However, the Speedgoat 6s don’t offer weatherproofing found in more robust hiking shoes that block out moisture. That’s no problem if the weather is warm and there are lots of stream crossings since your shoes will dry quickly due to their airy mesh uppers and foam soles. 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 6s are perfect for hikers and trail runners prioritizing comfort, traction, and lightweight design 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. With an airy, breathable mesh upper, the Speedgoats will keep your feet cool on hot summer hikes, and they dry exceptionally fast after getting wet. The Speedgoat 6’s snug midsoles and wider-than-average toe box are a bullseye for those who prefer a supportive but plush ride over long distances. If you’re taking on high-mileage days in rugged environments with lots of ups and downs, the Speedgoat 6s will keep your feet feeling fresh and light without sacrificing traction or control. 

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. Also, if you need maximum durability for rough or long backpacking trips in rugged places, these are not the shoes. In general, Speedgoats have never excelled in durability, but the 6’s foam soles and mesh uppers wear down quicker than we’ve seen in previous models with average use. Still, if you’re seeking vibrant colorways and comfortable mesh uppers in an ultralight design for an affordable price, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better footwear for your next run or 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 to see where they fit in. 

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. They’re about the same price as the Speedgoats, but provide a better ground feel and superior durability.

Brooks Cascadia 18 Review: If you like the firm midsole support and lightweight mesh upper of the Speedgoat 6, consider checking out the Cascadia 17s. Thanks to their more burly build, we love the Cascadia’s for everything from afternoon trail runs to months-long through hikes – plus they’re more durable, supportive, and affordable.

Saucony Peregrine 14 Review: Like the Speedgoat 6, the Peregrine 14 is one of the lightest shoes we’ve tested. The Peregrines feature a more structured build, which makes it a good choice for trail runners who want top-tier comfort, agility, and support. They’re also one of our faves for technical trails and mountain climbs where the stable chassis offers great balance and ground feel.

Brooks Catamount: The Catamounts have become one of our go-to trail runners in warm conditions thanks to their lightweight mesh upper, springy soles, and solid durability. Like the Speedgoats, these shoes excel on packed dirt and semi-technical terrain, but have a narrower footbox, solid traction, and less cushioning for more sensitivity and grip.