HOKA Speedgoat 7 Reviews

Two days of testing straight out of the box: a 10-mile run, then part of a planned 25-mile long run on rolling, twisty, technical trail with climbs and descents. They found the midsole responsive and stable with no wobble, the toe box well shaped with room to spare, the heel secure with no slippage, and little foot sliding downhill. Small notes: the single-density foam gives no softer heel to land on, and the tongue wraps a bit excessively. They see it as a dependable all-terrain, any-distance trainer.

A great do-it-all trail shoe that ticks all the boxes, with a livelier ride than the SG6 thanks to the updated midsole. Overkill for light trails and gravel, and serious mud calls for deeper lugs.

'I love it': a brilliant all-rounder with the mix of comfort, light responsiveness and grip he wants. He'll use it for races, midweek miles and long runs, and it's a top contender for his trail marathons and ultras. Few negatives after 50 miles.