Hoka One One Speedgoat 4
The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is an excellent comfortable trail running shoe destined for the most technical terrains.
REI.com 
Review Analysis
Facts
Model: Hoka One One Speedgoat 4
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Price History
Description
Best offers
Technologies
Outsole
- The outsole of the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 uses the Vibram Megagrip Hi-Traction technology. This is a durable rubber that provides great traction on the most technical trail terrains with its effective grip.
- Also, the aggressive 5 mm lugs increase the traction of the sole by providing a secure grip on uphill and downhill slopes, even on wet terrains.
- Finally, the flex grooves allow the sole to follow the movements of the foot while running for a smoother ride.
Midsole
- Injection molded EVA foam is used in the entire length of the midsole on this trail model. This foam is light and soft to provide comfortable cushioning while running in the outdoors. It absorbs shocks and allows you to run comfortably on rocky surfaces.
- Besides, we also find one of the brand’s flagship technologies: Balanced Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry. This design aims to encourage runners to adopt naturally midfoot strike. It’s this technology that gives a slightly curved shape to the sole to naturally start a rocking motion while running. This, in turn, is supposed to optimize propulsion by maximizing energy return.
Upper
- The upper of the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 features a breathable and flexible engineered mesh to ensure effective foot lockdown in all conditions.
- The midfoot area features overlays and a structural cage to improve lockdown and increase the lifespan of the shoe by preserving its shape over time.
- Finally, the shoe featured a reinforced toe cap to protect the feet from painful and potentially dangerous shocks when trail running.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How do the Hoka Speedgoat 4 shoes fit?
This model follows a regular sizing chart and must, therefore, correspond to the announced size. According to runners who have tested this shoe, this is indeed the case. So you can order your usual size. However, note that this model offers a fairly firm upper with a tight foot lockdown. We recommend that you try these shoes on in-store if you have the opportunity to be sure.
Is this shoe suitable for ultramarathon?
Ultramarathon refers to the practice of running in natural environments (e.g., mountains, forests) over distances of greater than 42.2 km/26 mi (the UTMB is 171 km, for example). In this case, the Hoka Speedgoat 4 is not only suitable for ultramarathon: it’s its raison-d’etre! Indeed, Hoka designed it for the mythical ultra-trailer Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer (hence the name). Thus, it offers a high level of protection and grip to allow the runner to face the most difficult conditions. Also, while many trail models offer a soft foot lockdown, the SG4 bets on slightly reducing comfort to improve foot lockdown and, therefore, safety.
Is the Speedgoat 4 waterproof?
These shoes are available in two versions: GTX and classic. The regular model is designed to prevent small water infiltration and dries quickly, thanks to its water-repellent treatment. Your foot should, therefore, stay dry if you are running in light rain and passing through puddles. If the rain is heavier, your foot may get wet after a while. The Gore-Tex version offers more advanced protection to keep your feet dry even in heavy rain or when crossing shallow streams. However, the Gore-Tex version is heavier and more expensive. It’s up to you to decide according to your practice.
Comparisons – Hoka One One Speedgaot 4 vs :
Hoka Speedgoat 3
These two models are very similar, with relatively few changes from the third to the fourth iterations. The Speedgoat 3 being much cheaper, it seems an obvious choice if you are looking for the best possible value for money. However, if you have wide feet, the Speedgoat 4 is more likely to be adapted to your morphology because its upper is wider at the toe level.
Hoka One Evo Speedgoat
In addition to their names, these two models have similar configurations with the same stack height (32 mm under the heel) and the same drop (4 mm). However, the Evo Speedgoat is softer and much lighter (40 grams less), which makes it more comfortable but also less secure in terms of foot lockdown. This may not be optimal on highly technical surfaces. Besides, although very good, the grip is also slightly inferior on the Evo Speedgoat compared to the Speedgoat 4.
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 5
These two shoes are reference trail models, but they have very different configurations with a much lower cushioning on the Terra Kiger 5: 24 mm under the heel compared to 32 mm for the Speedgoat 4. Thus, the SG4 is a maximalist shoe that offers high-stack cushioning. Otherwise, comfort is there, and the grip is excellent in both cases. It is, therefore, primarily a matter of preference in terms of cushioning.
Runner’s Lab –
Excellent comfortable maximalist trail running shoe with outstanding grip.