Bottom Line
Like previous iterations, the HOKA Speedgoat 7s offer high performance and maximum cushioning. Our testers found the fit improved from the previous model, though we still have some issues with them. However, if they suit your feet, these shoes could easily become your favorite, and they are a particularly good option from our guide to the best women’s trail running shoes for those with wider feet.
The max cushioning in the midsole effectively protects against rough terrain and eases joint stress on hard-packed trails, making them a popular choice among long-distance backpackers as well as runners. In addition to our daily runs, we took them on a multi-day Appalachian Trail trip and were pleased with how well they performed, even on long days with heavy loads.
However, the thick midsole sacrifices some ground feel, which some runners may not like. While we don’t feel as unstable in them as in previous iterations, they seem to force our feet to roll outward a tad (which might be helpful if you overpronate).
Aside from that, our only complaints are with the fit and that’s a subjective metric. While the toe box has decent room, there’s a noticeable pinching at the widest point of our feet, and they tend to run a bit long.
How We Tested
Over the course of our testing, we took the Speedgoat 7s to the mid-Atlantic region of the US for a section hike on the Appalachian Trail, as well as for some daily training runs in Pennsylvania on a variety of trail surfaces. The weather ranged from early summer conditions to hot and humid. We did end up hiking through one significantly rainy, muddy day on the Appalachian Trail as well.
Since we like the Speedgoat 7s for flatter terrain where we didn’t feel as thrown off by the outward roll, we took them running on a lot of smooth singletrack trails and gravel paths. Our hike was primarily rocky, steep singletrack, with some buttery-smooth sections through farmland and across balds mixed in.
Quick Specs
Women’s HOKA Speedgoat 7
Best Trail Running Shoes for Wide Feet
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $165
Weight (Pair): 1 lb. .6 oz.
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5 mm
Cushioning: Responsive
Best For: Trail
Pros
- Aggressive tread
- Comfortable cushion
- Wide sizes available
Cons
- High volume fit will swim on some wearers
- Forces an outward roll on feet
Traction
The HOKA Speedgoat 7 has excellent traction and grips a wide range of surfaces securely. It even excels in muddy conditions keeping us secure when things get slick. We took these shoes on a multi-day backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail where they gripped everything from rocks and roots to dirt and mud with ease.
We also took them for runs along technical trails and gravel paths in Pennsylvania. On looser soil and in mud they dug in with their deep lugs. We found them to grip every surface exceptionally well in all conditions, providing a secure ride no matter what the trail threw at us.
In addition to the traction provided by the aggressive lugs, our testers found the outsole to be decently sticky on wet surfaces like backcountry bridges and rocks. These earned top marks for traction amongst all shoes we tested.
Comfort
The HOKA Speedgoat 6 had a host of fit issues and our testers were relieved to discover that nearly all of them were solved in the Speedgoat 7 (did they read our review?!). While the 7s still run a bit long and have a noticeable pinch point at the widest part of the foot, they are overall quite comfortable.
Those with wide, high-volume, or prone-to-swelling feet will find these proportionally quite generous in both the regular and wide-width versions. While not as roomy as the 6, the Speedgoat 7s still offer plenty of wiggle room for the toes, which is why we recommend them for our wide-footed friends. Aside from the minor pinching, we found this edition to be a bit more fitted in the midfoot and heel, making them less sloppy overall than the previous model.
The foam’s stiff feel will appeal to those who prefer a lower ground feel and a more stable platform. However, it can take some getting used to if you prefer a softer midsole. We felt that, at times, the shoe construction and platform were forcing our feet to roll outward, making us feel unstable on more technical terrain.
Weight
Despite their maximum cushion and deep tread depth, these trail running shoes are surprisingly light (1lb .6 oz). HOKA’s attention to minimizing the weight of all materials from foam to midsoles to upper fabric really shows in this iteration. Even after 12-hour days on trail, the Speedgoat 7 still felt light on the feet.
Our testers were pleased with this shoe for backpacking on the Appalachian Trail where we were putting in 25 miles at a time as well as during multi-hour training runs in Pennsylvania. Our feet still felt fresh and we didn’t feel bogged down by the weight of the shoes, even at the end of these longer excursions.
Durability
The materials used in the upper of the Speedgoat 7 seems to be lighter and more fragile than previous editions. However, after several months of testing, they have held up admirably, surprising our testers. HOKA has delivered yet again by creating a highly durable, performance trail runner that won’t bog you down with extra weight.
Even after dozens of runs and a multi-day hike on the Appalachian Trail, the uppers showed no signs of damage despite the repeated abrasion on rocks, roots, and other trail debris.
The substantial toe bumper not only protected our feet, but also kept the toe box from tearing on trip hazards. The only signs of wear were evidenced by the compression of the midsole, but well within expected levels.
Despite the extreme lightness of the breezy, woven upper, strategic reinforcements protect successfully against snags, tears, and abrasions. HOKA has truly designed this shoe to go the distance on gnarly trails.
Breathability
The Speedgoat 7 feels considerably more breathable than previous editions. The 7 features an incredibly lightweight and breathable upper fabric, designed to maximize foot comfort whether you’re running in the rain or on a sunny day. It offers excellent airflow, and our testers didn’t feel their feet getting swampy, even during a Pennsylvania heat wave.
Like other Speedgoat versions, the inner materials, shock liners and padding are slower to dry than expected, so while the upper breathes and disperses heat well, there is the potential for moisture build-up inside the shoe if they are worn in wet conditions, especially for multiple days in a row. However, most runners will not find this to be an issue.
Overall, these shoes are an excellent choice for nearly every climate and will be a great choice for runners who train in hot and/or humid conditions and are looking for a breathable shoe to keep their feet cool and comfortable.
Responsiveness
HOKAs are known for their high cushioning, and the Speedgoat 7 lives up to that legacy. The combination of a minimal 5 mm drop on a max cushioned trail running shoe will appeal to a broad range of runners looking for the perfect mix of those two worlds.
Our testers found the new SCF foam in the midsole to be even more responsive than what was used in the 6, ensuring that we experienced minimal energy loss with each foot strike. However, the wide platform and thick cushion make the Speedgoat 7 feel a little on the clunky side, despite its lightweight feel.
Long-time Speedgoat wearers will definitely notice the increased responsiveness of the 7s. However, on root-laden or rocky terrain, we prefer a bit more ground feel than this shoe provides.
Should You Buy the HOKA Speedgoat 7?
If you’re in the market for a trail running shoe that can handle the rigors of rugged trails while providing a high-volume wide toe box, then the Speedgoat 7 may be the shoe for you. With aggressive tread and excellent traction, the Speedgoat 7 is a great choice for those who run regularly on muddy trails or predominantly technical singletrack.
The maximal cushion is highly responsive and keeps feet feeling fresh even after very long days. We found these highly cushioned shoes to perform well on harder-packed surfaces as well, including gravel bike paths. Additionally, those who appreciate a fairly firm midsole, combined with a low heel-to-toe drop, will be pleased with this shoe. Those with narrower or low volume feet may find the fit to be difficult to dial in and some runners will find the forced outward roll of the Speedgoat 7s to be troublesome as well.
What Other Women’s Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?
If you like the HOKA Speedgoat 7 but want to consider our other favorites, take a look at a few of our picks below, or head to our gear guide to the best women’s trail running shoes for a complete look at the landscape.
HOKA Challenger 8 Review: If you like the HOKA brand but want something a little narrower, this is our favorite all-around trail runner right now.
Saucony Peregrine 16 Review: The Peregrine 16 is our go-to for lightweight trail running. It offers exceptional traction and breathability, making it an excellent choice for high-mileage days. The Peregrine runs a little narrow and won’t hold up to rugged trail use over the long term, but the slipper-like comfort is hard to beat for covering long distances on maintained trails.
