If you appreciate maximalist cushioning with a preference for a narrow, neutral fit, the Hoka Speedgoat 3 is not to be missed. It features a beefy, bomber outsole that performs well on all trail surfaces. It also boasts responsive cushioning that'll have you bouncing to your next destination. Unfortunately, the stability of this shoe takes a little getting used to as it's higher than most trail runners, and thus we recommend it for situations where balance isn't super key.
Offering burly protection in the form of maximalist cushioning, this behemoth will keep your feet well protected. Hoka stacks 28-mm of responsive cushioning in the heel with 23-mm in the forefoot. Upon take-off and landing, you'll notice the springy nature of this maximalist shoe that Hoka users have come to love.
This, in addition to the rugged outsole, provides all the protection you need from direct blows underfoot. The toe cap is surprisingly hard, with a breathable mesh overlay that is double layered for protection from debris.
Unfortunately, with this amount of cushioning, it's hard to feel much on the trail. Underfoot, you won't feel direct blows, branches, or the like. However, you can note a slight presence of them.
Traction on this shoe is excellent. The outsole uses a Vibram Megagrip sole that is quite sticky and trustworthy on both wet and dry rocks.
The outsole has multidirectional lugs that are placed a good distance apart for decent mud shed while avoiding debris that gets stuck in cracks and crevices.
While testing it on steep slopes and flat terrain, it had the affinity to grab and bite down, in both wet and dry conditions. It has excellent traction for most surfaces. However, in the sloppiest, it will slip and slide around quite a bit.
While it's a decent performer for that of a maximalist contender, the stability is sub-par. The narrow and tapered fit at the top of the shoe doesn't allow for much toe splay, which makes balance a little difficult. With our foot nestled inside, we felt like we were riding high; thus, the platform width to height ratio is a little off.
On the trail, the shoe keeps you upright. The midsole offers a little flexibility that wraps itself around rocks, but not terrain where rocks are large and might be fixed. This shoe is more rigid and provides a low profile feel across a broader platform. As a result, we'd recommend this shoe specifically for more non-technical terrain or where balance isn't much of an issue.
We adore the comfort elements of this shoe. Commonly used in ultra distances, it offers more shock absorbance and cushioning for the long haul. The fit is a little more specific, doing best for those with narrow feet.
Unlike the Hoka Challenger ATR 5, it is only offered in one width, with the toe box tapering to a point, that doesn't allow much toe splay. The lacing system does a great job to lock down the heel to avoid lateral and front to back movement, which adds to the excellent comfort of this shoe.
By in large, this Speedgoat 3 is a lightweight shoe, even for the bulky looking design. It weighs 9.4 oz for a size nine; however, it's not as lightweight as the Hoka Challenger 5.
One a few will find the price worthy of the initial expense. It's best for those seeking a super cushioned and comfortable place. Commonly found at the start (and finish) lines of the ultra-racing world, it'll provide the cushioning you need for the longest distances out there. For others that seek a less niche shoe, it may not be worth the value.
The Hoka Speedgoat 3 stands out for its maximalist design and narrow fit. It performs well on most surfaces, but it should be noted that stability does take a little getting used to. With popular utility in ultra-races, this shoe is best for those looking to minimize the impacts that trail running may have on the body.
