Best Maximalist Shoe

Hoka One One’s Speedgoat is among the most popular trail running shoes on the market. The improvements made on this version are subtle, but they fine-tune elements that provide you with more durability and a better grip. The shoe does come in wide options, which is something new that Hoka is trying with the Speedgoat series.

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See Our Best Trail Shoe Review 2021

Hoka One One may be producing different types of trail shoes, but they always retain their signature weight-to-cushion ratio, plus their unique outsole geometry, which encourages an efficient stride. Currently, one of the best Hoka trail shoes that stays true to these characteristics is the Speedgoat 4, which was named after the ultrarunner and ultrarunning coach Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer. With the improvements to the fit, breathability, and ride responsiveness, the Speedgoat holds the spot for the Best Maximalist Trail shoe on our list.

Grip & Foot Protection

Right off the bat, you will see that there is a good amount of material between your foot and the ground. Although the Speedgoat 4 doesn’t have a rock plate, its 32mm stack height will be more than enough to protect the bottom of your foot from feeling the sharpness of any protrusions you may step on when hiking or running on the trail. Combine the thickness of the midsole with the Vibram Megagrip outsole that was specially formulated to be sturdy, you have yourself a trail shoe that can give adequate underfoot shielding.

Aside from providing enough underfoot protection, the outsole also delivers a good amount of grip. That’s because the rubber compound it is made of is sticky, and the 5mm lugs are deep enough to claw unto surfaces. The Speedgoat 4 can be reliable on wet and dry rock as well as on slippery or loose terrain. 

One of the drawbacks, however, is that the lugs aren’t spaced widely enough. Unlike the outsole of the Salomon Speedcross 5, mud and pebbles can easily get stuck in the bottom of the shoe because the lugs are too near each other.

Although the Vibram Megagrip rubber extends to the tip of the shoe to create the toe bumper, it may not be enough to protect your toes from the impact of bumping into common hazardous objects on the trail. It’s a good feature to have, but it might not be as protective as the toe guards of the Salomon Supercross or Salomon Speedcross 5.

Durability

The upper is made of engineered mesh that has been reinforced with synthetic overlays. Although this material feels thinner than the upper material of the previous version, it’s seemingly more resistant to wear and tear. You can say the same thing with the midsole of the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 because of its volume—there’s plenty of material to wear down.

Stability

Whenever you choose a maximalist trail shoe, you should always think of the trade-offs. You could experience a protective run that feels like you’re walking on clouds—thanks to the midsole’s plushness, but your landing will most likely be compromised when you are far above the ground. This is true with the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4. The unstable ride may not be significant nor noticeable when you are running or hiking on level surfaces, but it will make its presence known when you are running on irregular planes.

Fit is one of the major factors that can affect how stable the shoe feels. On the sides of the Speedgoat 4, you will see lightning-like overlays that cage the foot, minimally locking it in place and improving stability from within. Despite its intended purpose, the overlays are not solid enough to totally lock the foot down to the platform. More like, it provides structure to the mesh upper and helps secure the fit of the shoe when the laces are tightened.

Comfort & Fit

The Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is on the narrow side for a trail shoe, and this might be due to the shape of the forefoot. The tip tapers to a point, which is ideal for narrow feet. Runners who use wide-width trail shoes can still try out the Speedgoat 4, however, as wide-width sizes are available.

When it comes to comfort, you don’t have to break in your new pair because they can be worn right out of the box. The mesh upper is efficient when it comes to allowing air to circulate within the shoe, so you likely don’t have to worry about hot spots forming when you are hitting the trail in hot or humid weather. The gusseted tongue aids with the breathability of this trail shoe too.

Despite the breathable upper, you might encounter drainage issues. If you happen to step into puddles or submerge your foot in a river, the inside will take a while to dry out. It’s best to keep in mind the condition of the trail path that you commonly run or hike on before getting this shoe—or you can just avoid puddles and streams altogether.

Versatility & Value for Your Money

Because of the Speedgoat 4‘s stack height, it does have its limitations in terms of usage. You can definitely use it for long-distance runs, hikes, and ultramarathons, but it may not be the shoe that you’ll reach for when you are tackling terrain that’s more challenging or technical.

Although it is comfortable, it is not an entry-level trail shoe, especially with its high price tag. If you’re looking for a trail shoe that’s beginner-friendly (feature- and price-wise), you might want to look at the Asics GEL-Venture 7 which can still deliver comfort with just the right amount of volume on the midsole.

Additional Features

On the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4‘s midsole is the Balanced Stage Meta-Rocker Geometry. It’s a design technology that’s been engineered to make one’s running mechanics more efficient. If you take a look at how the midsole is shaped, you can probably tell that it is going to produce a rocking motion, making your foot roll more accurately through the gait cycle.

The Bottom Line

There are three main factors why the Hoka One One Speedgoat 4 is our top pick for the Best Maximalist Trail Shoe on our list—reliable traction, decent foot protection, and comfortable fit. The 5mm lugs can burrow into different kinds of terrain, providing enough traction and grip. The thick stack of the midsole material enables the shoe to be sufficiently protective—not just on the underfoot but on the joints as well, as it reduces the impact made when landing.

Compared to the previous version, this trail shoe has received upgrades that enhance its fit and performance. While it is not for runners who are looking for a straight-forward shoe, it’s the pair that you might reach for when you need protective yet comfortable footwear to take with you on your next trail adventure.

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