Speedgoat 7: Hoka's Flagship Trail Running Shoe Gets a New Supercritical Foam and Split-Upper Construction

Just days after releasing the newest version of its more aggressive and lively super shoe for road racing, Hoka is unveiling another update for its pinnacle trail running shoe.

The Hoka Speedgoat 7 incorporates a supercritical foam for the first time in the franchise’s history. As a standard material for super shoes, the higher-end foam offers better energy return and engagement than the compressed EVA used for the Speedgoat 6. Upgrades throughout the rest of the shoe dial in on increased durability, including a new split-upper with two different types of an RPET woven textile.

Rebekah Broe, Hoka senior director of product and performance footwear, acknowledged runner feedback indicated the materials used on the last couple of Speedgoats were a miss. Hoka’s solution is a forefoot that’s more breathable and flexible and a heel that’s more tightly woven for lockdown and to keep out debris.

“The Speedgoat has always been a legacy trail style grounded in the idea of traction, protection and reliability when those trails get a little tough,” Broe told Footwear News. “We’re really excited to bring this underfoot advancement, upper refinement and all these changes we think not only our athletes but trail consumers everywhere are going to be so eager to see.”

Furthering the mission for lockdown and protection are a lay-flat tongue with dual-gussets and an integrated gaiter. The same Vibram Megagrip compound is the used for the outsole, but with a revamped lug configuration to improve its grip.

A men’s size 10.5 comes in nominally heavier than the Speedgoat 6 and 8.3 ounces compared to 8.2 ounces, and the 5mm drop remains the same.

The Hoka Speedgoat 7 is out now in eight different colorways through Hoka’s website and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $185.