Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Women’s Trail Running Shoes – Built for Technical Terrain

Eliza Lockhart

Designed specifically for technical terrain, these trail runners are a trustworthy pair of shoes. Their Vibram Megagrip outsole, cushy midsole, and breathable upper make these the right partner for tricky terrain.

 

The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 run a little narrower than some of Hokas other shoes but I still found them comfortable despite my slightly wide feet. (Although a little narrow they are still wider than the Speedgoat 3.) The upper hugs my foot nicely and keeps it secure on both the uphill and downhill. At first, I was having a little trouble with my foot sliding forward on the downhills so I opted to use the extra eyelet. This helped keep my heel in the back of the shoe and I don’t feel my toes jamming into the front now.

As you may know, Hoka One One is known for its cushiony midsoles. Most Hokas make you feel like you’re running on clouds and the Speedgoats are no exception. Although it doesn’t have as much cushion as say their Stinsons, they still offer a plush midsole to land on. I found this to be extremely comfortable while still responsive. This midsole is comprised of a lightweight foam that absorbs impact. I haven’t done any ultras in these shoes but I have had a few long days in the mountains. And despite many sore muscles, my feet weren’t complaining at the end of the day.

Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 Review

My biggest critique of the shoe is the tongue. It is not padded which means if I tie my shoes too tight my circulation is cut off. I really wish there was a little more comfort put into this part of the shoe, I think it would make these shoes that much better. However, this is the only aspect of the shoe that I found a little uncomfortable.

Weighing in at 9.2 oz they aren’t the lightest trail running shoe from Hoka, but most will say they are worth their weight. The ounces come with a burliness that you just can’t get with a lighter shoe. A couple extra ounces is a small price to pay for a solid shoe that can take you up and down technical terrain.

The Vibram Megagrip outsole is definitely a participant in this weight for performance trade. Vibram adds some heft to the shoe but not for nothing, the hard rubber won’t wear down as fast. There are pros and cons to Vibram, but in the end, they are a tried and true outsole. The Speedgoats have solid lugs that give the shoe excellent purchase on the trail. Whether scrambling on the alpine rock or charging down dirt trails, I trust the tread to give me the traction I need.

I don’t have hundreds of miles on these shoes (probably 60+) but I have a good idea of how durable they are. They do show a little wear on the foam in the midsole but otherwise have been bomber. I suspect the wear on the foam comes from it being stabbed by scree over and over. I don’t foresee anything blowing out anytime soon and have heard good remarks about the overall durability of the shoe.

The Speedgoat 4s have a moderate 4mm heel to toe drop. Everybody has a different opinion on what heel to toe drop is best, but really it depends on your feet and how your feet hit the ground. For me, the 4 mm worked great.

Bottom Line: I’ve been converted. Between the cushy midsole, grippy tread, and overall reliability, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4s have won me over. They may be on the pricier side of things ($145), but I think it’s well worth it.