HOKA Speedgoat 7 Reviews

Racing 20-40 km in the Alps, they far prefer the Speedgoat 7 over their Mafate 5 for stability and confidence downhill.

About 500 miles in a single pair, including a 55K and a technical 50K with roughly 4,000 ft of climbing, plus long runs, tempo work and threshold sessions in mud, snow and dry. They like the lively, protective midsole that did not pack out late in long runs, a very secure heel and midfoot lockdown with room for foot swelling, and grip they never doubted on wet rock or steep roots. After 500 miles they saw no visible upper wear and no serious midsole compression, with the lugs good for roughly another 500.

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.

Not a blow-your-socks-off update but 'a sigh of relief' that makes it worthy of the name again, with renewed comfort and control. One tester: it simply does what this shoe should. Another tester's pair began to delaminate before 50 miles, possibly a sample issue.

A return to v2-4 heyday after firm, sloppy recent versions: a locked-down upper, good grip and foam that is both protective and cushioned. Little wear at 100 miles.