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Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX
Editor’s Conclusion
Everyone needs a hiking boot as lightweight and comfortable as the Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX. As an ultralight boot, these babies will take you where speed and weight counts. If you're transitioning from trail running to fastpacking or ultralight backpacking adventures, then these boots are for you.
There's no wonder this and other Hoka One One ranges have become increasingly popular, with their vast experience in trail running. Knowing how to save every ounce counts, it's no wonder Hoka One One has been able to create an incredibly lightweight yet comfortable shoe.
Best used for fast and light adventures where the scenery is the only thing that stops you from moving. Hoka One One is wise to keep its well-known cushioned midsoles while adding the Vibram sole and a waterproof bootie to create Speedgoat Mid 2, creating comfort without sacrificing weight. So let's see if this Hoka range weighs up for you too.
There's no wonder this and other Hoka One One ranges have become increasingly popular, with their vast experience in trail running. Knowing how to save every ounce counts, it's no wonder Hoka One One has been able to create an incredibly lightweight yet comfortable shoe.
Best used for fast and light adventures where the scenery is the only thing that stops you from moving. Hoka One One is wise to keep its well-known cushioned midsoles while adding the Vibram sole and a waterproof bootie to create Speedgoat Mid 2, creating comfort without sacrificing weight. So let's see if this Hoka range weighs up for you too.
Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GTX Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Waterproof
Trendy design
Ultra-lightweight
Use on multiple terrains
Unbelievably lightweight
Luxury comfort on smooth trails
Cons
Not suitable for heavy loads
May be too wide for narrow feet
Key Features
Design
You might think there's nothing in the box when you get these mid-height boots; they're that lightweight. This lightweight design makes brisk hikes and light backpacking adventures a breeze. Engineering from a brand with a world of experience in making lightweight, fast boots, you can wear the Speed Goat Mid 2, knowing precision and speed were the design's focus.
With the lightweight design of these boots, they are most suited to fast missions with light backpacks. However, they are probably not the most suitable for carrying heavy loads, so if you're after a heavy shoe with balance for geared up multi-day camping trips, this may not be the shoe for you.
The Speedgoat Mid 2 also surprises with its super supportive and stable design, most likely due to the addition of Zonal rubber placement and Vibram® Megagrip rubber outsoles. Combine this with 5mm stepped lugs, and you can move with speed and surety over many surfaces, including wet, slippery, and uneven. But, of course, you can't move quickly when you're worried about slipping, so this extra grip and effortless traction should give you peace of mind on the move.
A lightweight EVA foam midsole also allows for a more responsive ride, which works in conjunction with a wider forefoot to provide a more stable ride and accommodating fit. However, a couple of users found this broad fit to cause some slam.
If you have very narrow feet, you might want to wear them in the house or on mild hikes before trying them on deep and dangerous descents. This wasn't of much concern to me, though, as many reviewers found the room in the toe box combined with the snug fit around the foot perfectly proportioned for comfort.
Comfort
Like other Hoka models, the Speedgoat Mid 2 features a marshmallow cloud of a comfortable sole that you don't get with many different mid-cut hiking boots. Treat your feet to a comfortable ride with the EVA foam midsole and Vibram Megagrip rubber, which means walking over multiple terrains is an absolute dream. Rocks, roots, boulders and slippy surfaces shouldn't cause you any issue as you hop, skip, and bounce over them at speed.
The Speedgoat Mid 2 features the famous waterproof yet light and breathable Gore-Tex (GTX) membrane, world-renowned for keeping your tootsies dry in all seasons and weather conditions. Of course, you can't be comfortable with wet feet, so you'll be nice and dry with these GTX booties. In addition, the water-resistant mesh uppers also keep your feet comfortably dry by keeping off precipitation.
However, some users are unsure if this boot is as breathable as Hoka says, with some not finding them as cool as the non-GTX version. But this is a compromise you must make with any GTX shoe. There seems to be an old age argument online about whether GTX shoes are genuinely breathable.
The GTX lining guaranteeing the boot is waterproof but often barely provides a breathable feel. If you do a lot of hiking through creeks, deep puddles, or rain, I think you'd have to choose the waterproof version for superior comfort and dryness. However, this Hoka One One range was suitably breathable for a waterproof boot.
Materials
Hoka One One are pros at using the most suitable material to achieve their aims. The lightweight and breathable GTX membrane plus water-resistant mesh upper keep the feet dry and the wearer happy.
In addition, there's a whole bunch of other clever materials that have gone into making the Speedgoat Mid 2 a genius boot for past packing adventures. Other excellent materials contributing to this comfort and support include an EVA foam midsole and Vibram Megagrip rubber sole.
The synthetic outer sole is also a good choice as it provides a more lightweight feel and a greater level of breathability, combatting the humid GTX problem.
Durability
Despite its lightweight nature, the Hoka Speedgoat 2 is well made and designed to last. Hoka One One has used some pretty clever materials to help the Speedgoat Mid 2 last longer. The use of synthetic upper is functional as synthetic fabrics are often more likely to be stain-resistant, water-resistant and hold up well against damage.
The Vibram rubber sole will also keep this Hoka range free from wear and tear for some time, as rubber is durable and resistant to injury. These mid boots are well suited to various technical terrains, which could cause damage, but I didn't see one person mention any problems with wear and tear on technical terrain when doing my research.
You might think there's nothing in the box when you get these mid-height boots; they're that lightweight. This lightweight design makes brisk hikes and light backpacking adventures a breeze. Engineering from a brand with a world of experience in making lightweight, fast boots, you can wear the Speed Goat Mid 2, knowing precision and speed were the design's focus.
With the lightweight design of these boots, they are most suited to fast missions with light backpacks. However, they are probably not the most suitable for carrying heavy loads, so if you're after a heavy shoe with balance for geared up multi-day camping trips, this may not be the shoe for you.
The Speedgoat Mid 2 also surprises with its super supportive and stable design, most likely due to the addition of Zonal rubber placement and Vibram® Megagrip rubber outsoles. Combine this with 5mm stepped lugs, and you can move with speed and surety over many surfaces, including wet, slippery, and uneven. But, of course, you can't move quickly when you're worried about slipping, so this extra grip and effortless traction should give you peace of mind on the move.
A lightweight EVA foam midsole also allows for a more responsive ride, which works in conjunction with a wider forefoot to provide a more stable ride and accommodating fit. However, a couple of users found this broad fit to cause some slam.
If you have very narrow feet, you might want to wear them in the house or on mild hikes before trying them on deep and dangerous descents. This wasn't of much concern to me, though, as many reviewers found the room in the toe box combined with the snug fit around the foot perfectly proportioned for comfort.
Comfort
Like other Hoka models, the Speedgoat Mid 2 features a marshmallow cloud of a comfortable sole that you don't get with many different mid-cut hiking boots. Treat your feet to a comfortable ride with the EVA foam midsole and Vibram Megagrip rubber, which means walking over multiple terrains is an absolute dream. Rocks, roots, boulders and slippy surfaces shouldn't cause you any issue as you hop, skip, and bounce over them at speed.
The Speedgoat Mid 2 features the famous waterproof yet light and breathable Gore-Tex (GTX) membrane, world-renowned for keeping your tootsies dry in all seasons and weather conditions. Of course, you can't be comfortable with wet feet, so you'll be nice and dry with these GTX booties. In addition, the water-resistant mesh uppers also keep your feet comfortably dry by keeping off precipitation.
However, some users are unsure if this boot is as breathable as Hoka says, with some not finding them as cool as the non-GTX version. But this is a compromise you must make with any GTX shoe. There seems to be an old age argument online about whether GTX shoes are genuinely breathable.
The GTX lining guaranteeing the boot is waterproof but often barely provides a breathable feel. If you do a lot of hiking through creeks, deep puddles, or rain, I think you'd have to choose the waterproof version for superior comfort and dryness. However, this Hoka One One range was suitably breathable for a waterproof boot.
Materials
Hoka One One are pros at using the most suitable material to achieve their aims. The lightweight and breathable GTX membrane plus water-resistant mesh upper keep the feet dry and the wearer happy.
In addition, there's a whole bunch of other clever materials that have gone into making the Speedgoat Mid 2 a genius boot for past packing adventures. Other excellent materials contributing to this comfort and support include an EVA foam midsole and Vibram Megagrip rubber sole.
The synthetic outer sole is also a good choice as it provides a more lightweight feel and a greater level of breathability, combatting the humid GTX problem.
Durability
Despite its lightweight nature, the Hoka Speedgoat 2 is well made and designed to last. Hoka One One has used some pretty clever materials to help the Speedgoat Mid 2 last longer. The use of synthetic upper is functional as synthetic fabrics are often more likely to be stain-resistant, water-resistant and hold up well against damage.
The Vibram rubber sole will also keep this Hoka range free from wear and tear for some time, as rubber is durable and resistant to injury. These mid boots are well suited to various technical terrains, which could cause damage, but I didn't see one person mention any problems with wear and tear on technical terrain when doing my research.
Comparison to Similar Hiking Shoes
Few brands can compare to the performance that the Speedgoat mid 2 provides, but sometimes we want something different. There is a mid-ankle height boot, and they are plenty supportive. Still, if you need something a bit more on the high side for extra support and security, the Salomon Quest 4D Gore-Tex are an excellent option, providing some of the best performance that a hiking boot can offer. Although at $60 more than the Speedgoat, they're more suitable for heavy packs.
If the less breathable GTX membrane puts you off, why not try the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Mid. Although cheaper at $110, they do not provide waterproof protection.
If you love the idea of the Speedgoat, but they're just out of your price range, then the Keen Targhee II Mid are a great choice at around $130. These are solid hikers offering comfort and toe protection, genuine traction and out of the box comfort. However, they lack the stability, lightweight design, and durability you'll get with the Speedgoat 2.
If the less breathable GTX membrane puts you off, why not try the Merrell Moab 2 Ventilator Mid. Although cheaper at $110, they do not provide waterproof protection.
If you love the idea of the Speedgoat, but they're just out of your price range, then the Keen Targhee II Mid are a great choice at around $130. These are solid hikers offering comfort and toe protection, genuine traction and out of the box comfort. However, they lack the stability, lightweight design, and durability you'll get with the Speedgoat 2.
Verdict
If you're looking for a boot that's as light as can be with all the comfort and support you need for various uses, then the Speedgoat Mid 2 is for you. Its best uses include day hiking and fastpacking over rocky terrain, groomed trails, and anything wet or slippy.
The amount of support you'll get is off the charts for a mid-rise hiking boot, as the Vibram sole provides just the right amount of grip yet responsiveness.
Surprisingly stable despite the lightweight nature, these shoes come highly recommended by a wealth of users and me. With three trendy designs to choose from, I can see why the Hoka One One Speedgoat 2 is so popular.
The amount of support you'll get is off the charts for a mid-rise hiking boot, as the Vibram sole provides just the right amount of grip yet responsiveness.
Surprisingly stable despite the lightweight nature, these shoes come highly recommended by a wealth of users and me. With three trendy designs to choose from, I can see why the Hoka One One Speedgoat 2 is so popular.
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