First Impressions – HOKA One One Speedgoat 4

Named for HOKA Athlete Karl Meltzer, “The Speedgoat” is designed to attack all kinds of technical trail. The new Speedgoat 4 is a durable, stable shoe that’s comfortable across any terrain. Complete with a wider forefoot, midsole and toe box, and a gusseted tongue, the Speedgoat 4 has enhanced heel support and midfoot lockdown in the upper as well as “seatbelt” support on each side. Add in Vibram MegaGrip lugs, and the Speedgoat 4 provides grip and traction in even the most rugged conditions. For 2020 they are finally adding wider widths to the Speedgoat (EE). The lugs are still 5mm deep, but the pattern has been changed to a stepped design to improve traction during climbs and descents. They weigh 10.8 ounces (size 9) and have a 4mm heel-toe drop.

 

The Men’s models are available in sizes 7-12 (with 1/2’s), and 13-15 (only full), and come in Gold Fusion/Black Iris, Dark Gull Grey/Anthracite, Majolica Blue/Mandarin Red, and Myrtle/Limelight color schemes, and retail for $145.  The Women’s are available in sizes 5-10 (with 1/2’s), and 11 (only full), and come in Antigua Sand/Anthracite, Imperial Blue/Pink Peacock, and Majolica Blue/Heather color schemes, and retail for $145.

• The updated mesh upper provides breathability
• 3D printed overlays provide additional midfoot support and lockdown for a more secure feel
• The gusseted tongue features strategic cutouts for breathability
• Lacing eye-rows contain a small, winged component to ensure a secure fit
• Midsole features a new lightweight foam for a more responsive ride
• Wider forefoot offers a more stable ride and accommodating fit
• Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole provides grip in wet and dry conditions
• 5mm “stepped” lugs offer additional support and stability
• Zonal rubber placement adds support and stability

For further information, refer to hokaoneone.com.

Impressions

For the 1st time ever, I decided to run a race using brand new running shoes right out of the box. I put the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 trail running shoes to the test during the 2019 Moab Trail 1/2 Marathon.

I enjoyed the race, though it was tougher conditions than previously, with more loose sandy sections. But it was nice keeping my feet dry in the creek bed for the 1st time running this race. There was only one deep pool that had a detour around it. It was much colder than previous years, with starting temps in low 20’s at 8 am and finishing temps in the 30’s.

This course offered everything from a very technical and rocky single track to numerous loose sandy sections, slickrock, jeep roads with rock steps/ledges, cliff areas, and creek bottoms. The Speedgoat 4 shoes performed exceptionally well on this varied terrain.

Fabulous traction soles, plenty of space in the toe box, sturdy bumpers to protect toes on the occasional rock bumping, and the superb max cushioning that I have become accustomed to love in previous Hoka One One models.

I also took the shoes out for a post-race recovery run three days later on my home turf trails in Park City, which offered a combination of very rocky trails, uneven frozen mud, and coveted dry singletrack. The Speedgoat 4 shoes continued to exceed all my expectations and were loving the cushion of a well-built trail running shoe as I bounded over rocks coming down the trail.

Bottom Line

I can’t say anything negative about the HOKA One One Speedgoat 4 and highly recommend this shoe for anyone looking for a fabulous all-terrain trail running shoe.