Look around at the start line of any trail race, and chances are you’ll see the same shoes on the feet of many runners: the HOKA Speedgoat.
In fact, the HOKA Speedgoat 6 was the top shoe choice on the 2025 Western States 100 start line, found on the feet of 7.4% of the runners, and 16% of runners at the start of the 2026 Hardrock 100 were also sporting various models of the Speedgoat — more than any other shoe line.
The Speedgoat has become a ubiquitous shoe among the trail running community, praised for its singular combination of breathability, cushion, grip, and suitability for even the toughest trails. “While the core DNA of the Speedgoat remains the same, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 represents a thoughtful step forward,” says Jared Smith, the Senior Product Line Manager at HOKA, who has been involved with the design of the shoe line since the second edition.
The HOKA Speedgoat 7. All photos: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi
Smith says, “With the Speedgoat 7, the goal was refinement — building on the strengths of the previous versions while making targeted improvements that enhance performance and durability on the trail.”
To mark the launch of the HOKA Speedgoat 7, we asked Smith about what’s new with the shoe, how it’s different from previous editions, and how the model has evolved over time to meet the demands and expectations of all types of trail runners.
Jared Smith, the HOKA Senior Product Line Manager instrumental in the HOKA Speedgoat 7 design.
HOKA Speedgoat Lineage, DNA, and Design Considerations
Released earlier this year, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 still has the core characteristics that so many trail runners have come to love — a quick-drying yet durable mesh upper, max cushioning, ample traction, and stability on any trail — with a few tweaks that make the shoe even better than previous versions.
Smith has been working on the shoe line since 2017, when he helped put the finishing touches on the Speedgoat 2. “The goal is always the same: make the shoe better without compromising the DNA that made runners fall in love with it in the first place,” Smith says.
The new HOKA Speedgoat 7 comes from a line of well-loved and respected shoes.
He adds, “Each iteration of the Speedgoat builds on the lessons learned from the predecessor, as well as the styles within the HOKA trail line-up that support it through different experiences.” Each update aims to advance technology and performance. “Finding the balance between pushing the Speedgoat forward with new materials and technologies while maintaining what trail runners know and love about the style is the key element of how we approach each update,” explains Smith.
Of the newest version, Smith says, “It’s about making the shoe feel more dialed-in, more durable, and even more capable for runners tackling technical trails and long mountain adventures.”
The Iconic All-Terrain Outsole for Goat-Like Confidence
For a shoe to perform on terrain ranging from the buffed-out trails of the Western States 100 to the steep mountain slopes of the Hardrock 100 — and everything in between — the outsole has to strike the right balance between traction, speed, and durability. Smith understands this in the design process, saying, “Trail conditions vary so much, from rocky alpine terrain to muddy forest singletrack, that we want to make sure the shoe performs across a wide range of environments.”
The outsole of the HOKA Speedgoat 7.
Like previous versions, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 outsole still features the signature Vibram Megagrip rubber with 5-millimeter Traction Lugs that provide traction on any type of trail. The lugs are slightly rounder compared to the angular lugs of the HOKA Speedgoat 6, and the lugs through the middle of the forefoot are narrower and fewer in number. Overall, there is more outsole coverage on the bottom of the shoe. The forward-facing lugs provide traction when running uphill, while the rear-facing lugs on the outsole help on descents.
“That traction system has been a big reason runners trust the shoe in challenging conditions, so the goal there was to maintain that confidence-inspiring grip while optimizing durability and performance over long mileage,” Smith says.
There’s also a fun design feature on the outsole: a set of overlapping hearts that Smith and his team added to celebrate the trail running community.
For Smith, the outsole design blends functionality and fun. “From the ground up, the Vibram Megagrip outsole was a no-brainer, and having the ability to create fun and functional elements as well as a fun ‘leave behind’ heart to share the love of the trail with others is awesome.”
The new lug design of the HOKA Speedgoat 7 offers grip on a variety of surfaces.
A Supercritical EVA Midsole for Supercritical Cushion
Runners have long trusted the HOKA Speedgoat midsole to provide maximum cushioning as the miles add up while still offering stability on technical terrain. The 37-millimeter stack height under the heel and a 5-millimeter drop provide the protection and comfort the shoe line is known for. With a new midsole made of supercritical EVA foam, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 may have the best ride yet.
The supercritical EVA midsole of the HOKA Speedgoat 7 offers a stable and comfortable ride.
Supercritical EVA foam is lighter than regular EVA foam and offers a higher energy return. While regular EVA foam has relatively irregular pockets of air throughout the material, supercritical EVA foam is injected with supercritical nitrogen during production, creating smaller, more uniform air pockets. This not only makes the foam less dense — and thus lighter — but also increases its energy return, making the midsole lively and responsive.
With the HOKA Speedgoat, the goal is always to find the right balance of cushion and stability. “The balance between protection and control is really important in a trail shoe designed for long distances, and we spent a lot of time dialing that in,” Smith says. The result is a shoe that offers a bouncy, well-cushioned ride without sacrificing stability.
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 continues with its lineage of being a long-distance trail shoe made for any surface.
Upper Resiliance, Durability, and Fit
Although the Speedgoat line might be best known for its cushioned midsoles and grippy outsoles, its upper remains a critical component. For the HOKA Speedgoat 7, Smith and his team worked to improve both fit and durability, resulting in a shoe with increased lockdown, ideal for runs on technical and off-camber terrain.
Smith also understands the importance of durability in a trail shoe designed to handle all types of terrain. “Trail runners are often dealing with abrasion from rocks, roots, and debris, so creating a more resilient upper while maintaining breathability and comfort was a key priority,” Smith says of the new shoe.
The new HOKA Speedgoat 7 upper has improved durability and fit.
The shoe features HOKA’s Dynamic Vamp, a stretchy fabric below the gusseted tongue to improve comfort throughout the toebox. The lightweight RPET woven textile upper is designed to be quick-drying, breathable, comfortable, and durable. There’s also an attachment for gaiters for those who want that extra protection. The newly updated heel collar improves comfort while keeping the foot secure.
While much attention has been given to the HOKA Speedgoat midsoles and outsoles over the years, according to Smith: “The upper brings the entire package together.”
Through a Senior Product Line Manager’s Eyes
Smith has worked on the Speedgoat line since the HOKA Speedgoat 2, which launched in 2017, giving him a front-row seat and a direct role in the model’s evolution.
Smith is well aware of the Speedgoat’s exalted position among trail runners, so he doesn’t take the updates lightly. Redesigns start by analyzing quantitative and qualitative feedback from elite and everyday runners, specialty retailers, and product testers to identify key areas for improvement.
The redesigned HOKA Speedgoat 7 is the complete package and ready for anything the trail throws at it.
“We’ll test different upper materials, tweak midsole geometry, experiment with outsole lug patterns, and run extensive field testing,” Smith explains. With this round of updates, Smith and his team have created a shoe with a refined upper for enhanced comfort and durability, a lively midsole that maintains stability on technical trails, and the signature Speedgoat outsole with aggressive lugs to instill confidence on every type of trail.
Smith takes pride in the running experience he and his team provide for HOKA athletes and trail runners worldwide. “Overall, the HOKA Speedgoat 7 is something I’m incredibly proud of, thanks to the work of the team.”
HOKA Speedgoat 7 Specifications
- Advertised Weight (U.S. men’s 10 and women’s 8): 9.7 and 8.3 ounces
- Stack Height: 37/32 millimeters (heel/toe)
- Drop: 5 millimeters
- Upper Material: Lightweight, quick-drying RPET woven textile
- Tongue: Lay-flat with dual gusset
- Midsole: Supercritical EVA foam
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with 5-millimeter Traction Lugs
- Price: $165
[Editor’s Note: This article is sponsored by HOKA. Thank you to the brand for its sponsorship of iRunFar, which helps to make iRunFar happen and free for all to enjoy. Learn more about our sponsored articles.]
