The Hoka Speedgoat 7: A Trailblazer's Companion
The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is a hiking shoe that has been gaining traction among outdoor enthusiasts, and for good reason. It's a shoe that truly understands the needs of hikers, offering a unique blend of comfort, support, and durability that sets it apart from the competition. But is it the right choice for your next adventure? Let's dive in and explore what makes this shoe a standout choice for trailblazers.
Comfort: A Cushioned Paradise
One of the standout features of the Speedgoat 7 is its exceptional comfort. Hoka's use of supercritically foamed EVA, a nitrogen-infused material, creates a bouncy and responsive ride. This cushioning feels deep and plush, yet it's not at the expense of energy return. Each step is smoothed out, providing a comfortable and consistent feel, even on varied terrain. The wide sole further enhances this comfort by offering a stable base for your foot, ensuring that heel strikes are comfortable and consistent.
The upper is a lightweight and flexible masterpiece, with a unique "dynamic vamp" that reduces pressure points and accommodates foot swelling. This innovative design ensures a snug and supportive fit without the need for a break-in period. The low-profile tongue, while not heavily padded, provides adequate protection for the top of your feet, even when laced tightly.
Support: A Balancing Act
The Speedgoat 7 excels in providing a solid base for your feet, thanks to its thick midsole and wide sole. This setup offers a non-tippy platform, giving you confidence as you navigate uneven terrain. The upper, while flexible, holds your feet securely in place, preventing unwanted movement. However, it's worth noting that the flexible sole might not provide the best grip along the edges when side-hilling on steep hills, and it may not be the ideal choice for heavy backpacking due to its lack of support over rocky or rooted trails.
Traction: Grippy and Versatile
Hoka's partnership with Vibram on the Speedgoat 7 delivers a grippy sole that excels on various surfaces. The widely spaced lugs provide a good amount of traction on hard-packed dirt and granite, while the extra wide sole increases the contact patch, enhancing grip on loose, gravelly trails. However, be cautious on wet, slick rock, as the traction may not be as impressive. The shoe performs adequately on wet stone, but remember to hike carefully in such conditions.
Water Resistance: A Wet Adventure
The Speedgoat 7 is not waterproof, but it offers some water resistance. It can handle short dewey meadows, keeping your feet reasonably dry. However, if you encounter shallow streams or puddles, water will seep through the porous upper, so be prepared for a wet ride. The thick midsole provides some protection, but it's not a substitute for waterproof footwear in extremely wet conditions.
Weight: Light and Agile
This shoe is a lightweight marvel, weighing just 1.53 pounds per pair in a size 14. This astonishingly light build is a game-changer for hikers, as it saves energy over long distances. While heavier shoes often offer more stability and durability, the Speedgoat 7's lightweight design is a breath of fresh air, especially on fast-paced hikes.
Durability: A Rugged Companion
The upper of the Speedgoat 7 is made from rPET, a recycled material that appears more rugged and abrasion-resistant compared to softer knitted mesh designs. The near-seamless upper, devoid of exposed stitching, contributes to its durability. After nearly 30 miles of hiking, the shoe shows minimal signs of wear, with only slight tread wear and a slightly dirty outsole.
Should You Buy the Speedgoat 7?
If you're seeking an ultralight, super-cushioned hiking experience, the Speedgoat 7 is an excellent choice. Its wide sole provides stability without feeling too tippy, and the upper keeps your feet securely in place. It's a running-shoe-like ride that's perfect for well-marked trails, offering a comfortable and confident stride. However, remember to size up half a size to ensure a comfortable toe box fit.
Exploring Alternatives
If the Speedgoat 7's toe box doesn't quite match your feet, consider the Topo Athletic Ultraventure 4, which boasts an anatomical toe box for exceptional comfort. The Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX is another option, offering waterproof protection and cushioning, albeit at a slightly heavier weight. For those who prefer a more trimmed design, the Oboz Katabatic LT Low GTX combines cushion and ground feel, providing a pleasant blend of comfort and stability.
In conclusion, the Hoka Speedgoat 7 is a hiking shoe that truly understands the trailblazer's needs. Its comfort, support, and durability make it a reliable companion for various outdoor adventures. While it may not be the perfect fit for every hiker, it's undoubtedly a shoe worth considering for those seeking a lightweight, cushioned ride on the trails.
