As spring rapidly approaches, the time to get onto the trails draws closer. Whether you’re a keen walker or a runner, you’ll be itching to pull out your shoes for a day in the fresh air. But what if I told you these don’t have to be two separate pairs?
With both sets, even cheap pairs, stretching to well past £300 together, the Hoka Speedgoat 7 was a very welcome addition to my wardrobe when I realised my shoes needed an upgrade. These grippy trainers have thick lugs on the sole, springy support, and supremely comfortable cushioning. They are a rare find in the sea of the best walking shoes, being light enough to move quickly in and supportive enough for longer plods.
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Hoka
Speedgoat 7 Women’s Trail Running Shoes
With more cushioning, energy return, and a lighter weight feel, the Speedgoat 7 is the latest in Hoka’s off-road running staples, and well worth upgrading to if you’re looking to get onto the trails this summer, whether that’s a walk or a run.
Hoka Speedgoat 7 reviewWhat are the Hoka Speedgoat 7 shoes like to walk in?
There’s no doubt that the Hoka Speedgoat 7 shoes are more trainers than traditional walking shoes like the Merrell Moab Speed 2, which top the woman&home list of favourite walking shoes. I could tell that by looking at them, which made me wonder how supportive they’d be for walking. I was concerned they wouldn’t be rigid enough around the ankle, considering they were made for running, but how wrong I was. In the best way, I barely noticed these shoes on my feet as I traversed fallen trees, dusty and (often) muddy paths, and uneven terrain.
The design prioritises comfort over longer distances. Underfoot, this comes from 38mm of cushioning in the heel and 33mm in the forefoot. This noticeably lessens pressure on the ankles, knees, and hips compared to other trail running shoes I’ve tried.
The mesh upper, lacing system, and thicker heel collar provide support across the rest of the foot, creating a real ‘locked-in’ feel without the same rigidity as typical walking shoes.
Like other walking shoes, however, you have thick lugs on the underside to help navigate the terrain with confidence. The spacing of these 5mm lugs is inspired by mountain goats (hence the name), so I knew I was in good hands.
On the earlier model of these shoes (the Speedgoat 6), fellow hiker Susan Griffin said: “The right footwear provides a [confidence] boost in yourself and your capabilities. As someone who has slipped over in the past and found themselves sprawled in the mud, it feels good to wear a shoe you feel confident in when running and walking.” This is a sentiment I share when it comes to wearing the Speedgoat 7.
The cushioning on the Hoka Speedgoat 7 is comfortable enough for long distances, but provides enough bounce to get moving.
(Image credit: Grace Walsh / Future)
What are the Hoka Speedgoat 7 shoes like to run in?
I set off first on my walk, and given its success, I was keen to take these out for a run along the same trails. Once again, I was pleasantly surprised by these shoes.
The woven, breathable upper feels secure, but there’s real flexibility there, too, so you can run just as well in them as any other pair of running shoes. They also have a slight rocker in the sole, too. This is a slight curve (almost unnoticeable) that helps propel you along. As my kilometres racked up and the ground underneath me got rockier, I found this helped my run feel easier.
While ‘speed’ might be in the name, and I did find I could pick up the pace in these shoes, I’d say they are also very well suited to those who favour stability in their trail running shoes. The cushier sole means they feel secure and comfortable over longer distances, and you’re unlikely to feel the effects in your joints as quickly as other speed-focused shoes I’ve worn. If you are looking to focus on running faster, I’d say the Saucony Peregrine 16 are a better choice for a blend of stability and speed.
While the Hoka Speedgoat 7 trainers aren’t waterproof, they’re ideal for spring and summer weather as the temperature rises.
(Image credit: Grace Walsh / Future)
Hoka Speedgoat 6 vs 7
If you plan to wear this shoe mainly for running, I’d suggest choosing the newer model of the two. If you’re a walker or you want fully waterproof shoes (as the Speedgoat 6 has a model with a GORE-TEX layer), I think either is a good option, and the older version is likely on sale now, given the new release.
The most noticeable difference is the cushioning, in my opinion, with the newer model sporting a noticeably more cushy feel and better response in every step. The brand puts this easier ride down to the new EVA midsole.
The Speedgoat 7 is also slightly wider around the top. I appreciated the wider toe box on my longer runs as it was more comfortable when my feet started to swell slightly (as everyone’s do, especially in the heat!), and, generally, the shoe has slightly more cushioning and feels lighter. It’s not a huge difference, which is why it’s only really relevant to runners, and even then, I’d say runners taking on at least 10km in one go.
I also really like the purple colourway in the Hoka Speedgoat 7, but it’s not as widely available as I’d like. The ‘vintage yellow’, orange, and white/black varieties for this season are great options, however, and fit the spring/summer mood perfectly.
