The shoe inspired by Karl Meltzer gets a significant overhaul for its second iteration, with improved fit, stability and durability. It is built on a new wider last, creating a more stable platform for the foot, with a wider toe box made of newly engineered and more breathable mesh. The outsole features deeper, more aggressive multi-directional Vibram lugs for improved grip on challenging terrain along with a softer midsole platform. None of these changes come at the expense of weight, as the Speedgoat 2 has the same spec weight as the previous version.
Features
- Weight: 9.8 oz men’s, 8.2 oz women’s
- Heel-toe offset: 4.5mm
- Stack heights: 32mm in heel, 27.5 in forefoot; women’s specs are 1mm lower in both heel and forefoot.
- Midfoot cage overlay for lockdown
- Open engineered mesh upper
- Oversize EVA midsole provides lightweight cushioning
- Vibram MegaGrip hi-traction outsole rubber
- 5mm multi-directional lugs
- MSRP $140
First, to state the obvious: you’re not going to run like Karl. However, the Speedgoat 2 is a great option if you share Mr. Melzter’s “go everywhere, run everything” attitude, as it’s just as comfortable cruising buffed-out single track as it is for rocky off-trail scrambles in the mountains.
The Speedgoat 2 has a number of revisions that are all improvements. Primary of these is a wider last and toebox to accommodate a larger range of feet – however, they still don’t provide full foot splay, and are more accurately categorized as a medium-width shoe. The wider overall footprint creates more ground contact for improved stability, which is even further enhanced by aggressive outsole lugging that is oriented for optimal traction on hills.
Most importantly, Hoka stays true to its “big and light” ethos with the Speedgoat 2, which has one of the best cushion-to-weight ratios on the market. It’s ideal for long trail days to give your feet sustained protection without creating unnecessary fatigue from excess weight.
The Hoka Speedgoat 2 is available now from www.hokaoneone.com.
