Hoka One One Women's Speedgoat 7 Persimmon/Neon Yuzu 40

First time Hoka buyer. I had to give up trail running years ago, but trail running shoes are still my favorites to hike in. I have been a La Sportiva fan for years and my go to has been the ultra raptor 2. Mine were old and needed to be replaced so decided to go with the updated ultra raptor 3. They were not comfortable for me. There was an article in a recent Outside magazine rating women’s trail runners and the Hoka speedgoat 7 got high reviews, especially for traction which is important to me. I love them! They are the most comfortable trail runners I have worn. No more sore feet after a 10 mile hike. I normally wear a size 9, but after trying on in the store moved up to the 9.5.

I really want to love these shoes but I just can't get past how narrow the toebox has become on these. Not much bounce to these but the cushion does absorb some of the lumpier trails. However due to the toe box on these I just can't do any running in them. Going down hill becomes an exercise in misery. They pass for hiking shoes on mostly flat trails

The good: Very very good grip and protection while still feeling connected to the ground. This part really is great and I wanted to love the shoe. The bad: Toe box is tiny. They don’t breath at all (I’m talking soaked feet during a run when it’s ~70F ). Anyone who trail runs long distances knows wet feet are not where you wanna be. And there are clear durability issues (bottom “heart shape” section showing significant wear after just 45 miles). The lack of airflow in the shoe is a real dealbreaker. I’ve never had this problem with any other shoe. (Typically run Hoka Torrent, Saucony Peregrine, and Saucony Ride for road)

I’ve been running SG’s since the 3rd version, the 7th is by far the MOST comfortable ever. As always they are narrow so I get the wide. Feels like the uppers may be less durable than previous versions and from reading some reviews not expecting them to last past 300 miles. Not too concerned since the uppers always outlive the cushioning anyway so if they both wear at the same rate no big deal. Also for some reason laces are about 6in too long. But overall the best version yet!

Got this for my mom for her birthday since she’s never had any trail type shoes before. Skeptical at first but after a long weekend with using them I’m pleased to say they have been a hit with regards to weight and feel. No complaints about pain at the end of a small hike either!!! Big win for everyone