I’ve run in a lot of shoes. Owing a running store has its perks when it comes to footwear options. We try the latest and greatest innovations allowing us to talk eloquently and realistic to customers. Running in a shoe, you learn a lot about it, much like you do when you run with another person.
I had the pleasure and luxury of testing out the new Hoka One One, Evo Speedgoat. Before I get into the details, let me just say that I was a Speedgoat fan originally. My feet are super sensitive to anything tight or restrictive and I appreciate the cushion at this point in my running career. I am retired from racing, but I do like to get out there and humor getting my Strava QOMs back, in true gritty mom fashion. The trail I chose to test these shoes on was full of all types of terrain; rocks, water, soft dirt and accents and descents. I like to fully commit to a run while testing shoes to give them an honest chance. Although your shoes should fit you perfectly in the shop, sometimes you need to run on different terrain to feel the full effects of the technology.
The Evo Speedgoat fits pretty true to size. The upper wraps around your foot like it was made for you. And the sheer weightlessness of this design makes you feel like you are in nothing at all. The rugged outsole holds your foot placement tight making the next foot-strike efficient. For my shoe geeks out there, here are the specs:
- MATRYX® upper textile, featuring high-tensile synthetic fiber strands across the midfoot for unparalleled strength and durability at minimal weight
- Non-wicking treated fabric optimizes water drainage
- Breathable vamp provides a comfortable fit with improved forefoot flexibility
- Gusseted tongue prevents migration across the instep
- Midsole and outsole feature the same cushion and traction as the Speedgoat 3
- CMEVA foam midsole absorbs impact points and offers stable footing
- Vibram® Mega grip high-traction outsole with 5mm lugs
- Multidirectional lugs for supreme grip on varied terrain
For some, it’s hard to justify spending $160 on a pair of trail shoes that are going to get filthy with dirt and mud. But you do get what you pay for with this new addition to the trail line up. All the best concepts collide with this shoe. They feel like a racing flat but have the benefits of a full cushion shoe. But like all trail runners, you are not having fun unless you get a little dirty. I am looking forward to running in the snow with these during the winter months and potentially paring them with some YakTrax.
Happy Trails!
