The renewal has taken longer than expected but the Hoka One One Speedgoat 5 is now available with several interesting changes, including a weight reduction of around 5% which is always good news. In any case, the spirit that has made its predecessor a real success is maintained with a relatively wide last, an impressive sole that keeps the 4 mm drop and an improved outsole made in collaboration with the prestigious brand Vibram®. Of course, no one expects to "feel" the ground they step on. In short, all the elements that are presumed necessary for people to spend the money they ask for them.
Although there are more changes compared to the previous edition Speedgoat 4, perhaps the one that attracts the most attention (or the one that does it the fastest) is the elevation in the back that, in addition to providing more protection in the area of ​​the Achilles heel, confers a more profiled style while allowing the strap that helps to put it on to be replaced. The upper cut is simplified with a "jacquard" type mesh made from recycled materials and adapts well to the irregularities of the foot, dispensing with heat-sealed elements. It is striking that the North American brand (although French origin) insists on having its name on the shoe with a clearly oversized letters, something expendable on which its design team could work to provide greater elegance to the whole, which is not up to par of the price.
The midsole of the Speedgoat 5 also presents certain changes: the CMEVA compound has evolved, which is now lighter and offers a better response, something never announced before by no running shoes manufacturer (please note the irony). The outsole changes its design slightly again, although it maintains both the 5 mm deep studs and the prestigious Vibram® MegaGrip compound, which is a guarantee of great performance. Perhaps other brands like Nike with its Pegasus Trail 3 take note and seriously work on the soles to take that leap in quality necessary to battle specialist brands off the asphalt. Let's go for a run.
