I’m not a professional footwear reviewer but I can tell you what I like about the Speedgoat 6.

First, let me start by saying this is the first pair of Speedgoats. I once tried to run in a pair of Hoka’s years and years ago and hated them. But, this January, after a year of painful hiking in a rendition of a Brooks shoe that I had loved in previous years, I decided it was time to give another brand a shot. So, I went to REI and tried on six or seven pair of running shoes and a few trail boots too. I grabbed the Speedgoats on a whim. But I’m glad I did.

I have not yet gone on an actual backpacking trip yet. But I have done some trail running, hiked some mountains, and rucked in them. And I mostly love them. The only thing I don’t like about them is the colors or at least the color combinations available when I bought them.

Personally, I don’t love a huge hell drop, but a slight one that’s included in this version of the Speedgoat seems just right. And the toe box is wide enough to comfortable but not too wide that I don’t feel protected.

I wore these on a hike in the snow recently. And I did not buy the waterproof GTX version, nor did I want to. But I mostly fine. That is until I ended up having to break snow and the snow got into my shoe. Basically, this was a rookie mistake and I knew better. But before that, the shoe, paired with my wool socks kept my feet warm.

On the other hand, I also hiked in some 65 degree weather and my feet stayed cool. It’s winter here now so I’m waiting to see how hiking in 80+ degrees goes, but I have high hopes.

For those looking for a new trail runner to backpack in, I’d recommend you try a pair of the Speedgoat 6. Of course all feet are different!

Leigh ✌🥾🎒🏕️ ❤️