Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 trainers

The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 have been designed to allow us to enjoy the outdoor experience and run in the mountains to the fullest. It doesn’t matter what terrain you’re facing. The weather doesn’t matter too much either. Because the Speedgoat 4 will give you a good dose of fun, whatever the circumstances.

What’s the upper like?

For this new edition of the Speedgoat Hoka has improved the upper compared to the previous versions. The upper of version 4 is more resistant, more rigid, but it still respects the comfort standards that characterize the brand.

As we have already mentioned, it is a slightly thicker mesh and it contains multiple thermo-seals on both sides and toe cap.

The toe cap has a large reinforcement that covers both sides, as well as the upper area of the toes and prevents us from hitting a stone or branch and hurt us. There is also a small rubber toe cap for more frontal hits.

On the sides there are also a lot of thermo sealed elements that help to improve the protection of our foot as well as the subjection, thanks to the fact that they go from the eyelets to the union with the midsole. 

The laces are flat and wide, aspects that ensure a good resistance, tied to the shoe with 6 eyelets plus a seventh at the top for a tension knot. These laces are not noticeable internally thanks to the tongue which, despite not being too bulky, will avoid excessive pressure points.

Finally, the heel area has a more rigid structure that avoids any possible sprains or injuries to the ankle and it is in this area where the classic logo in the form of gull wings of the French firm is located, which at the same time is reflective.

Midsole, very important

The midsole of the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 incorporates the new foam manufactured by the French company and that makes its debut in this model. A lighter foam than previously used that increases the cushioning feel and helps provide more comfort while running. In addition, Hoka One One engineers have included some 3D printed overlays in the area to improve durability, cushioning and to provide a more energy-returning feel.

In short, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 offer us  cushioning with a great base that is wide and soft; but they also provide us with a great feeling of stability, because, thanks to this wide base, our feet have great vertical support, as well as lateral support for trails with a lot of external elements.

The sole

The new Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 have the Megagrip outsole from the prestigious brand Vibram.

They feature bi-directional blocking on both sides of the shoe, providing the best solutions for any type of terrain. At the front the arrow points forward, which improves traction when taking off during the stride cycle. And in the back focused backwards to improve the grip when landing, with the exception of a heel that is half loose in the external area of the heel, being arrowhead forward. Also, in this area, the studs vary and form a surface with more contact with the ground to avoid skidding if we fall with the heel.

The studs, both central and lateral, have three layers that we can observe by looking at them laterally. 4-5mm deep and well separated studs that will prevent the mud from sticking. In addition, there is a gap in the mid and rear midfoot area where the EVA foam of the midsole is exposed.

Finally, we must point out that this sole has 2 different compounds. The perimeter has a softer, black compound. And in the central area of the forefoot it is greyish in colour, being also somewhat harder.

Testing

As soon as we put on the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 we can appreciate the differences compared to the previous version. And it is in the upper where the French have made more emphasis to improve them. The upper is now slightly narrower and therefore provides a better fit to the foot. On the other hand, however, the space for the fingers has increased and now allows for some freedom of movement. This gives us a better feeling after our training sessions, especially if they are marathon training sessions lasting several hours in the mountains.

They have also gained in stiffness, which helps heavier runners to wear these shoes as they will be able to withstand more effectively the lateral and vertical forces that occur in the stride.

The EVA midsole does not disappoint. With it you get a good dose of cushioning, reactivity and dynamism typical of the French house Hoka One One. Despite having a drop of only 4mm, its high height -28mm and 32mm in the front and rear, respectively- offers the qualities of a “cushion” under the feet helping to carry a lively pace without suffering the joints. And when you’re going fast, the stride cycle is extremely dynamic with a really smooth transition. Great work in this regard.

We move on to the Vibram Megagrip outsole. Tested both on a track without technical complications and on more demanding trails, the grip, traction and security that we have transmitted is full. The Vibram outsole of the Speedgoat 4 performs well in broken or broken areas, but it is in easier areas where they transmit all their potential to run safely at any pace. On rocky paths and technical trails we will have to be more careful and respectful, as they can play some bad luck if we are somewhat touched after several kilometres in the legs.

Conclusions

Like most of Hoka One One’s mountain shoes, the fourth edition of the Speedgoat 4 is a shoe that is well suited for all types of terrain. From fast trails and paths where good cushioning is needed, to terrains where you need a good grip to avoid slipping, to areas with technical trails, rocks and any implement we find (although lowering the pace a bit). And all this is thanks to the Vibram outsole and Megagrip compound that prevents any skidding even in wet or damp conditions.

In short, this is a very versatile shoe that offers a good fit and hold to our foot, a more than correct dose of cushioning and reactivity and a good behaviour of the outsole whatever the terrain we are running on.

For who?

The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 are shoes for mountain runners looking to have fun running in the mountains for several hours and not have their legs hurting at the end. This fourth version has opened the target audience to heavier trail runners as they have a slightly wider structure, a stiffer upper that helps to contain forces when running on technical terrain.

Thus, we can say that Speedgoat 4 can be used by runners over 75kg who are looking for cushioning but at the same time want a good fit to the foot. Suitable for runners with neutral footstep for paces over 4:30’/kms.

Pros

Fit

Hold   

Sole

Cons

Weight

Dimensions

Technical information

Brand:

Hoka One One

Model

Speedgoat 4

Fit system:

Lace-up

Upper:

Breathable mesh and heat seals

Midsole:

Conventional EVA

Sole:

Vibram Megagrip

Drop:

4mm -28mm toe and 32mm heel-

Available sizes:

From 37 to 47.5

Weight:

312g (in size 43)

Colours available

Yellow and dark blue; Red and blue; Blue; Dark blue and orange; Blue and yellow; Lilac and pink.

More information here

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Title
Test: Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 trainers
Description
Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 trainers The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 have been designed to allow us to enjoy the outdoor experience and run in the mountains to the fullest. It doesn't matter what terrain you're facing. The weather doesn't mat …
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DeporVillage
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DeporVillage
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Test: Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 trainers

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