They say there’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. Now, with advancements in running gear, this statement holds more truth than ever. Back in the day, running in cold weather was less appealing due to heavy leather shoes being the norm. However, with today’s lightweight, waterproof sneakers, there are fewer excuses to skip those chilly runs.
While some trail runners boast deep lugs and sturdy GORE-TEX linings, icy conditions often call for microspikes. This can either be a practical solution or a burdensome accessory, depending on your preference for modularity. To address this, some brands have introduced outsoles with built-in spikes, a feature notably found in Salomon shoes.
In a nutshell: HOKA Speedgoats have been a popular trail shoe since their debut in 2017, and the Speedgoat 5 GTX is the first in this line to receive a winter update with integrated spikes. So, how did the shoe perform in winter conditions? Overall, the Speedgoat with added spikes excelled on icy, hardened trails, especially in colder temperatures and suboptimal trail conditions. On softer snow, slush, or mud-covered trails, it performed adequately but not flawlessly. The spikes are indeed a valuable addition to the shoe, but their effectiveness depends on the specific trail conditions.
Continue reading for a comprehensive assessment.
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Materials
44% recycled polyester engineered mesh, GORE-TEX with 71% recycled polyester face fabric, waterproof membrane, EVA midsole, Vibram Megagrip outsole, 70% recycled nylon laces -
Spikes
Tungsten carbide spikes -
Waterproof
Yes -
Toecap
Yes -
Weight
10.3 oz. per shoe -
Men’s/Women’s sizes
7-14, 5-11
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Excellent stability and grip on ice and hard winter trails -
Effectively grippy with 5mm lugs and spikes combination -
Feet stay dry with GORE-TEX waterproof membrane -
Lay-flat tongue secures laces and foot comfortably -
Eliminates the need for microspikes
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Spike version only available in low-cut with limited ankle support -
Available only in black color -
Spikes may dull if used on rocky or pavement surfaces
HOKA Speedgoat 5 GTX Spike Review
Ideal for Icy Conditions
