Why mess with success? The Speedgoat 3 has been tweaked, but mostly remains the same.
For two years the Hoka One One Speedgoat 2 (my review) has been the brand’s top-selling trail shoe. So in developing the third generation, it was understandably reluctant to mess with success.
The most significant change to the Speedgoat is the midfoot lockdown. The TPU overlays have been re-mapped, and a yoke-like collar has been added inside. These are welcome additions, and should reduce the shifting and lifting on steep downhills and uphills experienced with the Speedgoat 2.
Otherwise the Speedgoat 3 is mostly the same, retaining the previous generation’s:
- Outsole rubber and mapping, using Vibram MegaGrip and 5-mm lugs;
- Stack heights of 32 and 28 mm at the heel and forefoot, respectively; and,
- Soft, generously cushioned EVA midsole.
The outsole rubber and mapping remains the same, with Vibram MegaGrip and 5 mm lugs.
Its weight has increased to 10.4 oz in men’s size 9, versus 9.8 oz for the Speedgoat 2.
I was told that the last and volume are identical. This means, unfortunately from the perspective of many, that the Speedgoat 3 will keep the conical-shaped toebox. A wider toebox is being considered for G4, but at this point that’s only speculative. That all said, official product info speaks of a “wider midsole and toebox.” So maybe it will fit more generously after all.
The MSRP is unchanged at $140. It will be available in March 2019.
The TPU overlays (black) have been re-mapped to better lock down the arch and heel.
Questions about the Speedgoat 3? Leave a comment.
Tags: Hoka One One, Outdoor Retailer
Though it does not seem like much, the laces are a bit thicker and they also integrated the tongue SensiFit style, so that is some of the added weight at least. The weight gain is not noticeable on the foot though and I do appreciate the re-worked upper, a bit more comfortable despite them sticking with the tapered toe. I think upper durability has also been improved where the shoe flexes at toe off due to the more continuous rand (perhaps also contributing to the weight some).
Did you get a chance to look at the Arkali at the booth? I thought it was a really interesting shoe from Hoka.
I did not. I have history with the Speedgoat, Challenger, Clifton, and Mach, so I just focused on those.
I really look forward to get this latest Hoka SP3,how do you think the enforced toe?
by other hand,the sewing situation was unacceptable to SP2 between leather/textile face and sole rubber,hoped it got much better improvement.
How does that SG3 compare to Brooks Caldera 2 for high arch support?