Went for a long trail run today through the nature reserve in KwaZulu and had a ton of fun testing out the Hoka One One speedboat 2.
The Hoka One One speedgoats have become my new favoirite trail shoes. There are a few negatives but seems positives out way them.
They are super comfortable and have serious marshmellowy cushioning the uppers are single overlay with no irritating seams or overlays so it makes for a comfortable fit.
The Vibram outersole give super grip and can handle any terrain with confidence as well as giving a soft comfortable ride whether you midfoot strike or even heal strike just awesome cushiness.
I would have liked the width of both the sole platform and uppers to be slightly wider but it works ok.
Make sure you get at least half size up though as it does have a narrow fit. They are not the best looking shoes but they certainly make up with functionality.
They have a 5mm drop which I find to be just the perfect amount for me. Always make sure you fit these on before buying. They may not be for you.
It does take a little while to get used to different ride Hoka gives and may have to adjust running style slightly before benefitting from the positives the Hoka show offers. Also make sure you run in them a good few weeks before doing a race in them.
All in all Hoka has certainly become one of my top 3 brands for trail and road shoes. Just easier on the knees and joints. I love a comfortable ride but that's just me and everyone is different.
PROS
- Comfortable, soft stretch single layer upper.
- Max cushioned outsole.
- Vibram super grip outsole
- Huge pull tab.
- Improved welded overlay for better durability.
- Meta rocker technology propelling you forward.
CONS
- Narrow fit(go half size up)
- Short tongue
- No gusseted tongue
Happy Trails everyone. Find the beauty.
Ps. Just my personal opinion