Hoka Speedgoat 7 Review
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What changed from the Speedgoat 6 — and why it matters
The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is not a minor update. Hoka made four significant changes in direct response to criticism of the Speedgoat 6 — a shoe that many long-term Speedgoat users felt had strayed from what made the series great.
Midsole: The CMEVA compound from the 6 — criticised for being firm and slow to break in — is replaced with supercritical EVA foam. Supercritical foam uses a nitrogen infusion process to create tiny air pockets in the material, delivering a platform that is both protective and responsive. Testers consistently describe the 7 as feeling immediately livelier than the 6, with energy return that improves rather than deteriorates over the first 50 miles.
Upper: The looser upper of the Speedgoat 6 is replaced with a redesigned RPET woven textile that provides significantly better foot lockdown without adding weight. The heel collar is revised and the tongue is longer, addressing two specific complaints from Speedgoat 6 users.
Lug pattern: The Vibram Megagrip outsole retains its 5mm lug depth but the lug orientation is redesigned for improved traction on loose, steep terrain. Multiple independent testers noted improved confidence on technical descents compared to the 6.
Weight: Despite all these improvements, the Speedgoat 7 is lighter than the 6 at 257g versus 283g per shoe — 26g per shoe, 52g per pair — noticeable on longer efforts.
Grip and traction
The Speedgoat 7 scores 8.5/10 for grip — an improvement over the 6’s 8.1/10. The redesigned Vibram Megagrip lug pattern delivers better performance on loose, steep terrain where the 6 occasionally felt uncertain. On wet rock, compacted soil, and mixed terrain the Speedgoat 7 is among the most capable all-round trail shoes available.
It does not match the Salomon Speedcross 6 on deep mud. For hikers whose routes are predominantly muddy, soft trails, the Speedcross 6 remains the correct choice. For everyone else, the Speedgoat 7’s traction is more than adequate across the full range of conditions most hikers encounter.
Breathability
The Speedgoat 7 scores 8.6/10 for breathability — the highest of any boot reviewed on Gearvise. The new RPET woven textile upper performs significantly better in warm conditions than the Speedgoat 6’s upper, which was already the best in its category. Independent testing in temperatures above 30°C found no heat management issues.
For hikers in warm, humid climates this is the most important improvement in the Speedgoat 7. Combined with its versatile traction, the Speedgoat 7 is now clearly the best choice for tropical and warm-weather trail use.
Cushioning and comfort
The 37mm stack height remains unchanged from the Speedgoat 6, but the supercritical EVA foam transforms the feel. Where the 6 felt firm and required a long break-in, the 7 is noticeably softer and more cushioned from the first use. Testers report it breaking in within 20–30 miles compared to 50+ miles for the 6.
The high stack height remains a trade-off — some hikers who prefer a more connected trail feel will find the Speedgoat 7’s platform too insulating. On technical terrain this is an advantage: rocks and roots are absorbed without jarring impact. This is a personal preference rather than a flaw.
The fit is narrow, consistent with previous Speedgoat models. The Speedgoat 7 runs slightly short — size up half a size from your normal trail shoe size. The wide version is available for hikers who need more room in the toe box.
Durability
The Speedgoat 7 scores 8.7/10 for durability — the highest durability score of any boot reviewed on Gearvise. The redesigned upper shows better resistance to abrasion and stretching over time. The supercritical EVA midsole maintains its cushioning properties better than the CMEVA it replaces — early long-term testers report no significant compression after 150+ miles.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole wears at a similar rate to the Speedgoat 6 on soft to mixed terrain. Avoid sustained road and pavement use to preserve outsole life.
Value
At $248 on Amazon, the Speedgoat 7 scores 7.8/10 for value. With the Speedgoat 6 now available at significant discounts ($120–130 at many retailers), the value comparison between the two is worth considering carefully. The 7 is the better shoe but the price gap is substantial — check both before deciding. For most hikers wanting a new shoe, the Speedgoat 7 at current pricing represents fair value for what it delivers.