Hoka Tecton X 3 vs. Speedgoat 6 (2024)
The Hoka Tecton X 3 is the latest addition to the Hoka One One trail running collection. It’s the first model of the brand to feature a carbon plate (two, to be exact). The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is the most popular trail running shoe globally. It’s a true Swiss Army knife that is effective in all situations.
So, the question is legitimate: can the Tecton X compete with the Speedgoat?
First of all, with its carbon plates and supercritical CMEVA foam, the Tecton X is much more responsive than the Speedgoat on trails. The midsole offers a soft underfoot feel and provides impressive propulsion. The new Speedgoat 6 provides a smooth and enjoyable ride, but the underfoot feel is firmer, and the bounce is more classic and moderate.
The stack height is 40 mm for the Tecton X 3 and 32 mm for the Speedgoat 6, and the drop is identical for both shoes: 5 mm. Despite this, the Tecton X 3 is lighter with 259 g/9.2 oz against 270 g/10.2 oz for the SG6, or 11 g/0.4 oz less.
Then, let’s talk about the grip. This is where the Hoka Speedgoat stands out from its colleague: its Vibram MegaGrip outsole offers more lugs (the “X” of the Tecton X under the sole leaves a large portion of the sole without lugs), and they are more aggressive and deeper (5 vs. 4 mm).
Finally, foot lockdown is excellent for both shoes, but surprisingly, some runners find the Tecton X 3 upper to be more precise and better fitting overall.
Tecton X or Speedgoat: which one to choose?
These shoes are excellent and don’t have any big weak points.
The main difference is the carbon plate. This is a relatively new technology for trail running, so it may not be the best choice if you are starting. On the other hand, if you want to spice up your runs and improve your performance, the Tecton X is exciting.
The Speedgoat 6 seems like a better option for ultramarathon running and technical trails with its superior grip.
Finally, the price difference is not negligible ($120) while the durability is equivalent.
Side-by-side comparison
+ Softer, more responsive cushioning
+ Finally, under 10.6 oz/300 g
+ Precise foot lockdown
+ Faultless traction
+ Lightweight shoe
+ Soft and responsive cushioning
+ Good foot lockdown
+ Suitable for most terrains
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Hoka Tecton X
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Trail | Trail |
| Pronation type | Neutral | Neutral |
| Drop | 4 mm | 4 mm |
| Heel stack height | 31 mm, 33 mm | 33 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 27 mm, 29 mm | 29 mm |
| Lugs | 5 mm | 4 mm |
| Weight (men) | 290 g/10.2 oz | 252 g/8.9 oz |
| Weight (women) | 240 g/8.5 oz | 210 g/7.4 oz |
| Features | Rocker, Available in GTX, Vegan | Carbon plate |
| Release year | 2022 | 2022 |
| Athlete | Karl Meltzer |
Technologies
| Outsole | Vibram MegaGrip | Vibram MegaGrip |
| Midsole | CMEVA, Meta-Rocker Geometry | PROFLY X |
| Upper | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 3 – Moderate | 4 – Soft |
| Bounce (1-5) | 4 – Bouncy | 5 – Very bouncy |
Use
| Speed | All | Moderate, fast |
| Distance | Mid, long, ultramarathon | Short, mid, long, ultramarathon |
| Workout | Daily runs | Competition |
