One is the unquestioned king of the trails. While the other is the new contender for the crown. Today we’ll be comparing the Hoka Mafate Speed vs Speedgoat.
The Hoka One One Mafate Speed has only been around for a few years and was voted “best trail runner” by Outside Magazine. Then there is the Hoka One One Speedgoat. A classic on the trails, this shoe is worn by a lot of pros and has been the go to for a number of well known FKTs. But which one is right for you?
Let’s take a look at the key differences then break them down more in depth!
Hoka Mafate Speed vs Speedgoat
- The Hoka One One Mafate has a breathable mesh top construction. This is one of the key differences between the two.
- The standard sizing in the Speedgoat is still slightly wider than the Mafatae. If you are looking for a narrower alternative to the Speedgoat, Hoka customer support will recommend the Mafate Speed.
- The Hoka Speedgoat is slightly lighter than Mafate. The Speedgoat is just 0.3oz lighter per shoe compared to the Mafate.
- Both shoes have similar cushioning. Hoka One One ranks these both as “balanced” in cushioning. Witch is in the middle of their scale.
- They both have a 4mm drop. This is very common for a Hoka One One trail shoe.
- And both have 5mm lugs. With Vibrum outer soles to grip all weather conditions.
- Lastly, both shoes are “neutral” in stability. You will notice a lot of thing in common between these two shoes.
Hoka Mafate Speed 3
MSRP Price: $170
Men’s – Click Here
Women’s – Click Here
Surface: Trail Running
Weight Men’s: 11.10oz
Weight Woman’s: 9.5oz
Stability: Neutral
Drop: 4mm
Lug: 5mm
Cushion: Balanced
Hoka Speedgoat 5
MSRP Price: $155
Men’s Link: Click Here
Women’s Link: Click Here
Surface: Trail Running
Weight Men: 10.3oz
Weight Women: 8.5oz
Stability: Neutral
Drop: 4mm
Lug: 5mm
Cushion: Balanced
Stack: 33mm / 29mm
Volume: 651.00cm3
Spring: 35×21mm
Performance Summary
It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of Hoka One One running shoes. And that I wear the Speedgoats for most of my long runs. So when a friend recommended me looking into the Mafate Speed and how the two compare. I was excited to take on the challenge! So let’s take a look at the two shoes.
The Hoka Mafate Speed is an aggressive trail runner that is suitable for even the most rugged terrain. With 5mm luggs, these shoes are meant to grip. And the 4mm drop is an instant fit since many other Hoka One One’s have the same. The biggest feature that the Mafate offers is a mesh upper layer made from recycled polyester. This allows them to breathe more than other models in the Hoka line up. Great for humid summer running. On the trail they feel great. And remind me a lot of the Speedgoat, just a bit more narrow (less wide) on the design. With a good amount of arch support.
Looking at the Hoka Speedgoats, it’s hard to repeat what I’ve written in past reviews. I love Speedgoats and recommend them to almost every trail runner I know looking to try new shoes. They are classics. And come in standard and wide sizing. So when comparing them to the Mafate, which has the same drop, lug size, sole material, and weight. There were only a couple of things that stood out as major were the two points noted above. The Speedgoats are slightly wider and the top isn’t as breathable.
Image Comparison
Below is a side by side comparison of the Hoke Mafate Speed vs Speedgoat.
You will notice in the profile shot the added arch support on the Mafate.
Hoka Mafate Speed Profile
Hoke One One Speedgoat 5
The top view of both models. The two shoes are very close in design from the top.
Hoke One One Mafate Speed 3 Top
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Top View
Below you can see the difference in lug patterns between the two shoes below. Notice the lack of lugs in the mid section of the Zinal.
Hoka Mafate Speed 3 Sole
Hoka Speedgoat 5 Sole
Conclusion – Hoka Mafate Speed vs Speedgoat
Both of these shoes are great trail runners. The Mafate Speed breathes better than I expected and is the perfect fit for hot summer running. And the slightly more narrow design is great for some feet. The Speedgoats are the GOATs of trail running and seem to get better with every iteration. The fact the Mafate can keep up with them, says a lot.
Which trail runner to buy?
If I’m looking between these two modals it will really come down to fit. If you have a narrow foot and need more arch support. Or if you are looking for a hot/humid summer runner. Then go with the Mafate. Otherwise I feel like the safe choice would be to go with the classics, Speedgoats.
Hello,
Interesting read! I have used SG4 up until the SG5 was launched. Now, after using SG5 for some time, I must admit I am somewhat dissatisfied. The SG4 had more «protection» on the sides. I tend the wear out my running shoes on the outside of the pinky toes, due to the terrain I’m running in (mountains outside Bergen, Norway). The SG4 handled this perfectly, but the SG5 had nowhere near its predecessor’s qualities, and I have been missing this ever since. Now, from the look of it, the Mafate might be the way to go. Perhaps a valid point to add when trying to choose.