The Speedgoat 5’s Are the Best Hoka Running Shoes for Women—Here’s Why

Me and my friend wearing the Hoka Women’s Speedgoat 5 in two different colors.

Have you ever worn a new pair of running shoes you were excited to try, only to discover how much they hurt your feet? There’s nothing worse than getting blisters or realizing your shoe fits a little too snug when you’ve still got several miles left to go on your route. The issue is, you usually won’t know if this will happen until you test out a new pair of shoes on ground. 

That is why I love the Hoka Women’s Speedgoat 5—they fit comfortably from the moment they come out of the box to the end of a 20-mile hike. Seriously though, I didn’t even care to rip them off my feet after completing the Presidential Traverse. They are that comfortable, and I am someone who struggles to find comfortable shoes, so that tells you something right there.

Hoka is a sportswear brand that crafts footwear and apparel that pushes people to move. Their shoes are known for having super soft cushioning that keeps runners feet comfortable, whether they’re running down a road or mountain. Hoka was founded in 2009 and has continued to grow in popularity.

The best running shoes should feel light on your feet, almost as if you aren’t wearing any running shoes at all. What’s more, the best running shoes should provide a reliable grip, feel comfortable for hours, and bounce off roots and rocks like a spring that gives you an extra boost. After trying different pairs of running trees, both on the road and trails, I found that the Hoka Women’s Speedgoat 5 are the best running shoes for women, and many of my active friends agree—here is why. 

Where to Wear Hoka Running Shoes for Women

These Hoka running shoes for women are a very versatile shoe. You can wear them on everything from running errands to climbing up a mountain. I usually wear them to hike in the summer and fall when the conditions are dry, but I have also thrown them on my feet for a quick walk or run on pavement. Once you feel these Hoka running shoes for women on your feet, it’s hard to want to wear anything else when you’re being active. 

Knife Edge, Mount Katahdin

Trekking over rugged rocks in my Hoka running shoes for women.

Hoka Running Shoes For Women: Benefits

When I go trail running or hiking in the dryer months, these Hoka running shoes for women are the only outdoor shoes I will wear. First off, their grippy bottom and traction-friendly lugs make it easy to hustle down rugged terrain without any worry of slipping and sliding. This is especially ideal when you’re hiking down loose or rugged rocks, which are often found in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

These Hoka running shoes for women are so easy to put on. They’ve got an extended heel tab that allows them to quickly slide over your feet. Once they’re on, you’ll feel the cushion in the midsole instantly. While on trail, the cushion response on the toe off will allow you to move faster on trails without sacrificing comfort. To this day, I have never ended a run or hike with my feet hurting form wearing these Hoka running shoes for women.

When I wear these Hoka running shoes for women on trail, it doesn’t even feel like I am wearing shoes sometimes. Their smooth ride, reliable comfort, and high-quality traction makes these the best Hoka running shoes for women on the market, in my humble opinion.

Spring Hiking in the Whites

11 months into wearing these Hoka running shoes for women—you can see the wear and tear in the toe.

Hoka Running Shoes For Women: Drawbacks

These Hoka running shoes for women have a few drawbacks. The biggest one is that they wear out quickly. In fact, I am buying a new pair about once a year—many Hoka wearers I know do as well. I wear these Hoka running shoes for women for about six months of the year and twice a week, so their durability isn’t great.

What’s more, these Hoka running shoes for women are not waterproof, so if you’re stepping in mud or trekking through a river, you may be dealing with some discomfort, especially if you don’t have extra socks in your bag. Lastly, these Hoka running shoes for women have a pretty thin upper, so if your foot brushes against any roots and rocks on trail, it doesn’t feel too good.

Hoka Running Shoes for Women: Final Thoughts

If you are okay with replacing these Hoka running shoes for women every year, then I say they are absolutely worth it. As someone who has experienced enough trial and error when it comes to hiking boots and running shoes, I would much rather invest in a pair of Hoka running shoes for women that I know work well on any terrain, feel good on my feet, and are reasonably priced.