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.

Hillsound’s trick Trail Crampon Ultra is made of ultra-high-strength stainless steel for durability on rock and mixed terrain, and they feature 18 spikes connected with tough welded chains which are then attached to an elastomer harness system for a secure fit. They took their Trail Crampon model and added more traction and flexibility while reducing the weight for runners and hikers wanting to travel lighter and faster in the mountains, making an ideal crampon for those athletes pushing their limits.

For further information refer to https://www.hillsound.com.

Features

They feature a wraparound elastomer harness system that stretches easily over most footwear, and it has a Velcro strap that fastens over the top of the foot to increase the stability of the traction system and offer a secure fit.

It features 18 spikes that are 1/2″- 2/3” in length that offer aggressive traction on any icy and snowy surface and the design distributes pressure evenly to withstand wear. The spikes reside on six plates which are connected with welded chains that can easily endure repeated torque, foot strikes, and abuse on ice and snow. The sides and rear chains that connect to the harness utilize double-sided chains to keep a tight grip on shoes to prevent any shifting of the traction device, while the front ones are single-sided for a better fit and give. A larger heel plate with three spikes gives secure traction and ultra stability for descents and trail-running.

They come in XS, S, M, L and XL sizes and retail for $69.95.

Impressions

Our intrepid new author Larry ‘The Snowman’ Rosenkranz tested the crampons out while on a run and here were his thoughts:

When I first pulled the Trail Crampon Ultras from the box, I was under the impression that they would be too heavy and bulky for trail running. That impression quickly dissolved as soon as I strapped them on my trail running shoes and headed up the trail. I found the perfect proving grounds to test out this awesome addition to my outdoor gear as I headed up Daly Canyon on this chilly spring morning in Park City, Utah. I ran on a mix of hard packed uneven snow, solid ice and some soft dirt road where the warm spring sun had melted off the snow and ice. I was thoroughly impressed with the traction I had on slick terrain. I was able to maintain an average pace without worrying about sliding or slipping.

I highly recommend this product for folks who enjoy getting out to trail run thru the winter months on snow packed and icy trails. I will also be adding this gear to my pack when I head out on any hikes where I may need traction on slick surfaces.