The Speedgoat is unquestionably the star of the Hoka lineup. It is a demanding shoe built for racing and ultras, while staying versatile enough for everyday outings that call for impeccable grip and foothold.
The Mafate, for its part, offers a more comfortable setup: more cushioned, softer and more flexible.
Version 5 went through a maximalist makeover compared to the 4 (called Mafate Speed at the time): its stack now tops out at 45 mm under the heel versus 33 mm for the Speedgoat 7.
The drop is also higher on the Mafate (8 mm, so standard), while it is low on the Speedgoat (5 mm).
The feel underfoot is softer on the Mafate.
Both shoes offer good responsiveness on the trails for a lively run, but the Speedgoat does better here with superior ground feel.
The Mafate’s foothold is more flexible and roomier, which makes it better suited to runners with wide feet. The Speedgoat is not tight either, but its foothold is clearly stricter. If you plan on a lot of fearless descents, it is the better choice for extra security.
Finally, despite its deeper lugs, the Mafate does not match the Speedgoat on truly technical trails.
Mafate or Speedgoat: which should you choose?
As you can see, the answer is not clear-cut. It is above all a question of preference and how you run.
If you mostly cover mildly to moderately technical ground, the Mafate 5 will clearly be more comfortable. After all, why pass up some extra comfort when you can have it?
Conversely, if you plan to take on the toughest trails (if you live in the mountains, say), then we recommend the Speedgoat, whose technical setup can handle the harshest conditions.
