Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX Review: Climbin’ up Splash Mountain

What You Need To Know

Introduction to the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX

JOHN: It’s been a minute since I’ve run in the Hoka Speedgoat. In the past, I used versions two and three almost exclusively, but just fell out of love with it as other shoes made up ground.

Then, the Speedgoat 6 GTX arrived at what I’d call a perfect time. I received the shoe a few days before heading down to Tennessee for the Barkley Fall Classic. I wasn’t running the race but instead volunteered to be on top of Bird Mountain all day. While I was there, I used it for a good mix of running, hiking, and general volunteering, so let’s see how it held up.

ALLISON: Just when I said I didn’t get enough use out of a Gore-Tex shoe while reviewing the Merrell Morphlite, Hurricane Helene brought weather that made the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX ideal for life on the trails. Sorry, everyone, for jinxing our otherwise dry fall.

Like John, I didn’t get a ton of use out of the Speedgoat 5 after focusing on road miles in the last year, but I have fond memories of both the Speedgoat 4 and the Speedgoat EVO (which remains the GOAT, in my opinion). Both have been staples when I’ve had a calendar full of trail races and my eyes on FKTs.

What we like about the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX

JOHN: The overall fit of the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX is excellent, with no heel slippage or cramped toes to report. It’s not too heavy for a Gore-Tex shoe, either, sitting at about 10.6 oz. Sure, that would be heavy for a road shoe, but it actually beats several trail shoes I’ve run in over the past year, including some that aren’t even waterproof.

Moving down, Hoka’s compression-molded EVA midsole is consistently comfortable, while the Vibram MegaGrip outsole offers rock-solid traction — even through Frozen Head State Park. I beat this ‘goat up pretty good, yet it showed minimal signs of wear. Well done, Hoka.

I have to commend the look of this shoe, too. It has a stealthy vibe and some serious Solid Snake futuristic styling. Hoka has really been nailing its designs and colorways recently, to the point where I’d wear this one both on trails and in public.

Thankfully, my feet didn’t really sweat in the Speedgoat 6 GTX, either. I was a little worried about the heat at the Barkley Fall Classic, but it turned out to be just fine.

If you want a point of comparison, I reviewed the Topo Athletic Terraventure 4 WP last year, which was solid, but it cooked my feet and didn’t drain all that well. This time, the Speedgoat 6 GTX kept my feet cooler and let whatever water it picked up right back out. I still like both shoes, but I have to say that Hoka’s approach is the winner.

ALLISON: Oh man, where do I even begin? For a Gore-Tex shoe with this much cushioning, the Speedgoat 6 GTX is impressively light, especially for long hikes and runs. I was surprised at how nimble it felt on my feet, allowing for quick pickups without any added bulk.

The grip on the trails is fantastic, too. I tackled some muddy paths, and the traction was exceptional. Thanks to the aggressive Vibram MegaGrip tread, which really bites into the terrain, I felt confident navigating slippery spots. Whether it was wet grass or rocky trails, this ‘goat kept me goin’.

What truly impressed me was how dry my feet stayed, even in rainy and humid conditions. The Gore-Tex lining does an amazing job of keeping moisture out while still allowing my feet to breathe. It’s a game-changer for anyone who enjoys off-road adventures but doesn’t want to deal with soggy socks.

In addition to performance, I absolutely love the design — much like John said. The all-black aesthetic combined with the mountain-inspired accents gives the Speedgoat 6 GTX a sleek, stylish look. It not only functions well but also looks great on and off the trail.

What we don’t like about the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX

JOHN: I don’t have many complaints about the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX, but I will say the upper is pretty stiff. Yes, I know it’s a Gore-Tex shoe, and it’s probably better than most of its water-resistant competitors, but I can still nitpick a bit.

I also found myself preferring this one for hikes and slower runs as it’s a little bit chunky — not as chunky as some, but definitely more so than some of my faster kicks.

ALLISON: The only gripe I had with this shoe was the stiff toe box. I like a little wiggle room when bouncing around the trails to feel like I’m gripping adequately. Even when I progressed on my runs, I figured there would be some give, but no such luck. Once again, just like John, It was tough to find a lot to dislike about this shoe.

Final thoughts on the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX

JOHN: If you held a gun to my head, blindfolded me, and asked me if this shoe was the Gore-Tex model or the regular one, I would probably only be able to figure it out, but only because of the slightly different mesh. Otherwise, it feels almost identical to the everyday Speedgoat. It worked well in dicey conditions and my feet didn’t overheat. An excellent waterproof pick all around, I highly recommend this one for running and hiking in yucky conditions. If you need a straight-up adventure shoe that solves the majority of trail puzzles, especially rugged terrain in bad weather, this is a great option. I highly recommend it, and my love for the Speedgoat has been rekindled.

ALLISON: Merrell (and anyone else reading this), please take notes from Hoka on how to make a Gore-Tex shoe. The Speedgoat 6 GTX had everything the Morphlite lacked in terms of cushion, comfort, and durability. Hurricane or not, I can’t wait to rock this ‘goat on more trails (pun intended).

You can pick up the Hoka Speedgoat 6 GTX for $169 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.