Salomon Speedcross 6 vs Hoka Speedgoat 6

Side-by-side comparison

*Prices shown are approximate retail/MSRP figures used for scoring purposes. Actual Amazon prices fluctuate and may differ — check current pricing using the buy buttons below before purchasing.

Mud and wet terrain — Speedcross 6 wins decisively

This is not close. The Speedcross 6 scores 9.7/10 for grip versus 8.1/10 for the Speedgoat 6 — a gap larger than between any other two boots reviewed on Gearvise. The 5mm Contagrip lugs and wide spacing are purpose-built to bite into soft, loose, and wet ground and shed mud as you move.

The Speedgoat 6's Vibram Megagrip is a genuinely good all-terrain compound — but it was not designed to compete with a mud specialist on its home turf. On deep mud, wet roots, and loose technical descents, the Speedcross 6 gives you noticeably more confidence underfoot.

Hot and humid conditions — Speedgoat 6 wins decisively

The reverse is true for breathability. The Speedgoat 6 scores 8.4/10 — the highest in its category — while the Speedcross 6 scores just 2.2/10, one of the lowest scores of any trail shoe independently tested. The same soft, dense construction that grips mud so well also traps heat.

If you hike in Mauritius, Southeast Asia, or anywhere with consistent heat and humidity, the Speedcross 6 will leave your feet hot, sweaty, and more prone to blisters on longer days. The Speedgoat 6's engineered mesh upper allows airflow that makes a real difference over a multi-hour hike.

Versatility and durability — Speedgoat 6 wins

The Speedgoat 6 scores higher on both durability (8.5 vs 7.2) and weight (7.8 vs 7.4). Its Vibram Megagrip outsole holds up better across mixed terrain including occasional road sections — something the Speedcross 6's soft Contagrip rubber is not designed for and wears quickly on.

If you want a single shoe that handles a variety of trail types, weather, and conditions reasonably well without specialising in any one of them, the Speedgoat 6 is the more practical everyday choice. The Speedcross 6 is a specialist tool — exceptional in its niche, weaker outside it.

Value — Speedcross 6 wins on price, Speedgoat 6 wins on capability

At $140 versus $155, the Speedcross 6 is $15 cheaper and scores higher for value (8.5 vs 7.9) — reflecting that nothing else at this price matches its mud performance. However the Speedgoat 6's higher overall score reflects that it performs adequately across more situations, which for many hikers means less risk of buying the wrong shoe for an unexpected trail condition.

The bottom line

Buy the Speedcross 6 if mud, wet roots, and loose technical terrain describe most of your hiking — and you are willing to accept it performs poorly in heat.

Buy the Speedgoat 6 if you want one capable all-round shoe for mixed conditions, particularly if you hike somewhere warm — and you are willing to accept it is not the best choice for deep mud.

If you are still unsure, consider your most common hiking conditions over the last 12 months rather than your ideal conditions. Most hikers benefit more from a shoe matched to their typical terrain than one matched to occasional extremes.