When we first received our pair of Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX boots, we were afraid that they had forgotten to put any boots in the box. This pair of hiking boots is that light. These boots are well worth a hard look if your biggest priority is shedding pounds from your feet for long days on the trail. This could be considered a mid-cut hiking shoe, or a low-cut hiking boot, but regardless of how you choose to describe the Speedgoat Mid, it features the same luxurious cloud-like sole as other popular Hoka models. We recommend them for fast and light missions but are far from our first choice when carrying a significant load on our backs.
Editor's Note: This review was updated on February 23, 2022, to provide more comparison information and buying advice.Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX Review
Compare prices at 2 resellers Pros: Unbelievably lightweight, plush comfort on smooth trails
Cons: Marginal support for heavy loads, soft sole lets rocks poke through
Manufacturer: HOKA ONE ONE
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
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Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $169.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $172.46 at Backcountry Compare at 3 sellers | $165 List $165.00 at REI | $95.00 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $148.46 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Unbelievably lightweight, plush comfort on smooth trails | Top-level hiking boot performance, excels in all metrics | Incredibly lightweight, comfortable | Well-cushioned, waterproof, durable | Good all around performance, lightweight, supportive and comfortable |
Cons | Marginal support for heavy loads, soft sole lets rocks poke through | Expensive, not as great for hot and dry climates | Less durable than heavier models, thin sole | Heavy for their height, feet get especially sweaty | Could be more breathable, not great traction on smooth rock |
Bottom Line | This ultralight boot is best for fastpacking missions where every ounce counts | The gold standard of what a great hiking boot should be, and we heartily recommend it for those seeking the best possible performance on and off the trail | This mid-top hiking boot is ridiculously lightweight, though it offers excellent stability and traction for fast and light objectives | This affordable boot is super comfortable right out of the box and has the durability to go the distance | This boot brings a shoe-like comfort but with the support you would expect from a hiking boot |
Rating Categories | Hoka One One Speedg... | Salomon Quest 4 Gor... | Salomon X Ultra Mid... | Merrell Moab 2 Mid... | Salomon X Ultra Mid... |
Comfort (25%) | |||||
Stability (20%) | |||||
Traction (15%) | |||||
Weight (15%) | |||||
Water Resistance (15%) | |||||
Durability (10%) | |||||
Specs | Hoka One One Speedg... | Salomon Quest 4 Gor... | Salomon X Ultra Mid... | Merrell Moab 2 Mid... | Salomon X Ultra Mid... |
Weight (per pair) | 1.74 lbs (size 11) | 2.90 lbs (size 11) | 1.85 lbs (size 11) | 2.48 lbs (size 10.5) | 2.28 lbs (size 11) |
Boot Type | Lightweight hiker | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot | Midweight hiker/backpacking boot |
Width Options | Regular | Regular | Regular | Regular and wide | Regular and wide |
Waterproof Lining | Gore-Tex | Gore-Tex | Gore-Tex | M Select DRY | Gore-Tex |
Upper | Mesh | Leather and nylon | PU coated leather | Suede leather, mesh | Waterproof PU coated leather |
Last Board/Shank | None | 4D Chassis | Molded shank | Nylon arch shank | Molded shank |
Midsole | EVA | EnergyCell | SensiFit | EVA | Injected EVA |
Sole | Vibram MegaGrip | Contagrip | Contagrip | Vibram TC5+ rubber | Non-marking ContaGrip |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Hoka One One is known primarily for their running shoes, though their foray into hiking shoes in recent years has turned heads and made some converts. By combining their well-known cushioned midsoles with attributes like a Vibram sole and a waterproof bootie, Hoka has made the Speedgoat Mid 2 into an ultralight, mid-cut fast hiker that will not slow you down when going for a long hike, an FKT, or anything in between.
Performance Comparison
Comfort
In the realm of hiking boots, we often say that comfort is king, and if that's the case, then Hoka deserves the crown. No matter what the model is, we have found that walking on a Hoka sole is like walking on a cloud. After securing the traditional lacing system, the molded collar wraps snugly around the lower ankle, and you can appreciate how plush the sole feels.
Waterproof boots use a membrane to ensure that wetness stays on the outside, not on the inside, and the Gore-Tex waterproof bootie incorporated into the Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX works like a charm. We hiked on low-elevation, humid Pacific Northwest trails and did not have any issue with moisture control in these boots, nor did we experience overly sweaty feet while walking around in desert environments that do not always call for a waterproof liner.
While we found that the thick sole is an overall benefit to the boot, the sole is not a uniform thickness. Instead, there are some cut-outs that likely exist to shave weight, though these make it easier for sharp rocks and other objects to poke into the footbed. This was most noticeable on rocky trails. We also notice the sharpness of the tongue at times; it is made from a stiff fabric and, with thin socks, can begin to dig into the ankle. It is also a bit snug to get the foot into, and at times we really have to pull hard on the rear loop to get our foot to slide in easily.
Stability
The Hoka ONE ONE Speedgoat 2 is the lightest-duty hiking boot in this review, and while that weight loss pays dividends when putting down challenging miles, there are some drawbacks. The upper has relatively little stability on its own, in contrast to a leather boot, so these boots should be laced snugly to utilize the natural structure of the foot itself. Otherwise, they can end up feeling soft and sloppy.
Traction
As with another Hoka One One model in this review, the Speedgoat Mid 2 uses an aggressive Vibram lug pattern that is not incredibly deep but still performs admirably in a range of conditions. We tested these on dry and dusty trails, on muddy and wet surfaces, and even on short stretches of firm snow and were not let down. Only in instances where edging ability is required do they show some deficiencies. The wide 4.75" forefoot gives a stable platform in general, though it has a tendency to roll when edging on less than half of the width of the boot.
Weight
We verified the weight of the Speedgoat Mid WP at 1.74 pounds per pair in a size 11. This is remarkably light, and it really is noticeable.
This low weight translates into less fatigue at the end of a long day of hiking. These boots do fast and light better than most any boot out there.
Water Resistance
These boots have an integrated Gore-Tex waterproof bootie, making them very capable in wet weather. They resisted water seepage during our 5-minute submersion test, thanks to this waterproof/breathable inner bootie. This full wrap-around liner keeps water out while still allowing perspiration to pass through, making it a great choice for hikes that might see some wet conditions as well as high-output exertion.
While the Speedgoats repel water with ease, they have a shorter flood height of 4.5". These are meant for incidental water contact, not fording deep creeks on a regular basis.
Durability
Light is right, as the saying goes, but how light can a hiking boot be while still being right? Less than a pound per foot, apparently, though we feel that for a hiking boot, this is approaching the cusp, especially as it relates to durability. With such lightweight materials used, especially in the sole, we found that a month of heavy use was enough to show some significant wear. A single long-distance hike on rough ground such as a John Muir Trail or a Long Trail would likely dramatically reduce these boots' lifespan. The upper material has certainly seen an upgrade from the prior version and is made from more durable material with a harder-faced mesh that should resist abrasion a bit better over the long haul.
Should You Buy the Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX?
The Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX is a fast hiker that blurs the line between a trail runner and hiking boot. We hesitate to put it in a narrow category because it was used as both. This is a piece of performance footwear that will not weigh you down as you put mile after mile on them, though it is not to be confused with a durable, more traditional hiking boot that can be used with heavy pack weight.
What Other Hiking Boots Should You Consider?
If a durable, traditional boot is what you're seeking, we recommend the Salomon Quest 4 Gore-Tex, our overall favorite, or the Keen Targhee II Mid with its approachable price tag. The other Hoka boot we tested, the Hoka One One Kaha GORE-TEX, earned an award for its unbelievable comfort and higher stability and traction.
— Ryan Huetter
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