Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 20, 2020
WORLD'S UGLIEST AND MOST COMFORTABLE HIKING BOOT
I absolutely LOVE my Hoka Ones! They are the ugliest shoes I've ever owned, and they are like hiking on pillows! They are both highly cushioned and sturdy with support. I step with confidence through the mountain hikes on which I wear them! LOVE THESE SHOES. But for heaven's sake, hire a new industrial design team! They're hideous! The bright side of their looks is that no self-respecting bear would ever attack me while I'm wearing these...so there's that.
Dr. Young
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 9, 2021
I am a female UPS driver in Kansas. I need all day comfort, a shoe with support, and great traction so I don't slip and fall. Also I need a shoe that can be warm in the winter but breathable in the summer AND waterproof.
ALSO I walk about 40k steps each day and need a shoe that is durable and can last a while but also be soft and comfortable.
I understand I am asking a lot of a shoe BUT this boot actually does all of those things. On day ONE they felt amazing. I have never had a boot feel like this. It feels soft and spongy under my foot and with every step it kind of rocks your foot forward to give you that momentum and they are freakishly light!
The bottom of the shoe is a bit wider than the rest and this makes it feel like I won't roll my ankle and like I have great support. I put a lot of pressure on the outside of my feet so this little bit of extra bottom makes them comfortable.
Another thing I love about this boot is that the back has an inner lip that goes up over it so the back won't give you a blister on your leg which I have issues with occasionally.
If you are on the fence about buying them I 100% suggest it.
UPS driver
Rated 3 out of 5
Feb 23, 2020
I used these boots for nearly 500 miles and 7 weeks of backpacking in England and Wales over the summer, which was one of the hottest and driest on record. Yet, I feel like my feet were wet for most of the time, and not from sweat. The fit has greatly improved over the earlier models, especially with the roomier toe box. It could still get better with less taper and a more foot-like shape. A nice combination of cushioning and support, though. I like the mid height when wearing a pack. Even though I prefer the current fit to my first generation running shoes, I miss the "surface neutralizing aspect" of original Hokas. Used to be that small gravel, roots, unevenness were much less noticable. A secret weapon for flying downhill down trails! Now they look kinda thick, but I feel more through the sole. These shoes were waterproof for maybe 24 hours, if that. My feet spent most of the trip wet, whether from damp morning grass, rain showers, pavement puddles, or peat bogs. Any moisture at all just soaked right in, and then the waterproof membrane kept it in, with no drainage. Like wearing a plastic bag filled with water. I don't know if it was wicking from shoelaces or faulty membrane, but it was quite disappointing. Especially since I was abroad, had paid full price in the US, and had to stick with them for the whole trip (It was a one pair of footwear trip and a replacement wasn't in the budget.) I appreciated the lack of sewn overlays, but the bonded/heat appliquéd (?) trims delaminated after 2 months. They were fine town shoes for going around museums, walking thru the cities, and on trains and the tube...as long as it was dry and sunny.
Dianimal
Rated 4 out of 5
Jul 17, 2021
I ordered the Anacapa in regular width (my usual size), they are a bit too narrow, and do not allow for socks other than thin. But the platform and arch support on this shoe is great. Just wish it was a tiny bit wider. Ended up ordering the Challenger in wide. Hokas all seem to be trending on the narrow side.
NCHiker
Rated 5 out of 5
Feb 20, 2020
Absolutely amazing shoe for hiking, running, and clinging to the sides of building. The grip underfoot is super strong for those of us who live in rocky and humid terrain, the rocker positions the foot and knee perfectly, plus it's light, flexible and fun to dash around in. The shoe is snug, but it's meant to be that way, think of it as an "athletic fit" for shoes. All that is wonderful, except I had a problem with where the tongue met the outside of the right shoe, there is a large bump of material that hits directly on my right toe. This is clearly a manufacturing issue since the left shoe does not have the bump and this foot is very happy. Meanwhile the right small toe had the skin worn off after about 3 weeks of wearing. I returned through my "authorized retailer" and reordered through the same retailer. I'm willing to wait since the shoe is that good. This is my 12th pair of Hokas and definitely my favorite for trail running and light, speedy hiking.
Runwithabandon
Rated 5 out of 5
Aug 2, 2020
I've waited all my life for these boots!
I am a 60-year-old woman and I'm walking across America in stages. After 892 miles I discovered Hoka shoes and I fell in love. They are like walking on clouds! My knees and hips are having trouble keeping up with my HAPPY FEET!! Only about 2400 miles to go and I intend to walk them in Hokas! I wish I hadn't waited to long to try them, but I'm now hooked on Hokas!!
Camino Lorri
Rated 5 out of 5
Nov 5, 2019
3rd Pair of Hoka Trail Running Boot
This is my 3rd Hoka WP Trail Running Boot. First 2 were Hoka's Tor Tech Mid.
Advice: If your normal size has always fit in your Hoka shoes, don't listen to anyone else, and order the Hoka size that has been working. In my case, these Hoka mid boots fit my normal shoe size perfectly. However, initially, my salesman selling me these Speedgoats Mid insisted I go a half size bigger, even though my last 2 Hoka Tor Tech boots fit my true size exactly. When I told the salesman there was too much room in the toe (in the 1/2 size bigger), he said that is the way it is supposed to be, and everyone orders the Speedgoat a 1/2 size larger. But, they were way too big, and their was no way I could wear them. So, I ended up having to exchange them for my normal size -- which fit perfectly.
Although I am disappointed in the salesman, who is a retailer for Hoka, I realize the value of a company (Hoka) that consistently sizes shoes close to a true fit, year after year. My advice is if you have good luck with Hoka shoes in your normal size, start with that first.
These shoes are stable in running trail and rocky country roads, and also sprinting on tracks. Right out of the box. I have never needed any break-in time. The fabric at my ankle doesn't even rub. They are light weight, yet are sturdy enough that you don't feel branches or rocks that you are running on. The colors (though unusual), are beautiful. More slip resistant than other shoes, including on ice. (But get winter ice cleats if you need better traction on ice).
Eyelets and laces are designed to be adjusted to each part of your foot, so you get a secure, but comfortable fit.
I wouldn't recommend wearing these in a manufacturing/warehouse type of job because it wears out the toe too fast. I noticed that using them only for running gets the maximum life out of them.
Don't know yet if these Speedgoats are as waterproof as the Tor Tech.
Running for my health
Rated 5 out of 5
Feb 14, 2020
Love the Tao boots. Was at our local shoe store wearing my old Speedgoats when I was introduced to the Tao. I have worn the Tao on flat terrain and some mild hills that are muddy, snowy, rocky or flooded terrain. They are my go to shoe. Not too soft or cushy. My feet are kept dry
I use a Blue Sport Birkenstock insoles in my Taos
Rabbit
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 20, 2021
Fit is really unique and nice. Super light boot. Great laces. Love the orange! I had to order one whole size up, but I love them. I'm always a 7 in Hoka and my toes were touching the front of the boot. Size 8 is perfect!
CS
Rated 5 out of 5
Jul 6, 2020
First hiker that didn't give me blisters
I've been an avid backpacker for the past 20 years. And I've become accustomed to dealing with blisters on most of my outdoor adventures. I've had top-of-line hiking boots and still dealt with painful blisters and cumbersome first aid stops along the trail. After adopting Hoka running shoes five years ago, I decided to give the Speedgoat a try. Wow! My only complaint is that I didn't buy a pair of Hoka hiking boots years ago. I just finished a 13mile, 5,000ft elevation backpack and not even a hot spot! Thank you Hoka!! I'll never buy another boot brand again.
Emily
like the HOKA running shoes, wanting to try the hiking version
Comfort!
I had tried them on at a shop and they were wide on the toe box and felt comfortable .
My Son recommended