Hoka Torrent Vs Speedgoat (2023 Update)

If you’re a trail runner, you’ve undoubtedly heard of the renowned brand Hoka. Today, we’ll be comparing two of their highly regarded trail running shoes: the Hoka Torrent vs Speedgoat. The Speedgoats have become a favorite among elite ultra runners due to their exceptional cushioning, making them ideal for long runs. These shoes have been worn by numerous world champions and have even set records for fastest known times (FKTs). However, for many runners, the Speedgoats may feel excessive for shorter trail races. This is where the Torrent comes in. It is designed to be lighter and more responsive. To better understand the differences between the Hoka Torrents and Speedgoats, let’s take a closer look.

After a bit of research and trying both first hand I thought it would put together a quick check list of the differences to help you make the right choice based on your needs.

Hoka Torrent vs Speedgoat – Trail Runner Review

1. Hoka Torrents are 1.5oz lighter than the Speedgoats.  The Torrents are 9.3oz and the Speedgoats are 10.8oz.
2. Speedgoats have 1mm less drop than the Torrent. Speedgoat have a 4mm drop compared to 5mm on the Torrent.
3.  The Torrents are considered more “responsive” than the Speedgoats. They sit lower to the ground and have slightly less padding meaning you will feel more of the trail.
4. The Speedgoats perform better on pavement/roads. This is due to the different lugs. Important to know for races that have large road sections.
5. The Torrents have much less cushion with a sole volume of 395cm3. Compared to the Speedgoat sole volume of 651cm3

About the Brand

Hoka Trail Running shoes have earned a prominent reputation among outdoor enthusiasts and athletes alike. Becoming the fast growing running shoe brand over the past 10 years. Known for their innovative design and exceptional performance, Hoka has become a leading brand in the trail running community. With a commitment to delivering superior cushioning, stability, and traction, Hoka Trail Running shoes provide the ultimate combination of comfort and performance on rugged terrains. Whether you’re tackling steep mountains or exploring winding trails, Hoka offers a range of trail running shoes that cater to various needs and preferences, empowering runners to push their limits and conquer new adventures with confidence.

Performance Summary

Let’s get to the most important part of Hoka Torrent vs Speedgoat, their performance.  I’ve had a chance to run in both of these shoes and can say that they are both incredible. You can not go wrong with either choice for your typical trail run. Both are perfectly capable of running 5-50 miles on the trail without an issue. That said I do have my preference on when I would wear each.

The Speedgoats are your perfect high mile training and ultra race shoes. The added cushioning is perfect for all the miles you rack up week after week. And is much needed for longer races especially if they have a lot of downhill running. I’d also prefer these on a long hiking/fast packing trip and will probably end up wearing the Speedgoats when I do the Tour Du Mont Blanc in 2023.

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of the Hoka Torrent. You can read my original review from 2019 here. For me the Torrents are the perfect shoe for shorter/faster trail runs and will continue to be my go to for OCR. They also offer a slightly upgraded level of traction so I use the Torrents when mountaineering or any place I feel I may need extra traction.

Hoka Torrent Profile

Hoke Speedgoat Profile

Torrent Back View

Speedgoat Back View

Torrent Top View

Speedgoat Top View

Hoka Torrent Soles

Hoka Speedgoat Soles

Conclusion – Hoka Torrent Vs Speedgoat

The Hoka Torrents and Speedgoats are two of my favorite trail running shoes on the market. However, they are clearly designed for different purposes. The Torrents excel in being lightweight, agile, and fast, while still providing enough grip to tackle even the toughest trails. That’s why they are my go-to choice for shorter races, as well as OCR and Spartan Races, thanks to their excellent drainage capabilities.

On the other hand, the Speedgoats are heavily cushioned technical trail monsters, offering enhanced protection on the sidewalls to keep your feet safe. Although they come with some additional weight, the extra cushioning and protection make them well-suited for longer distances, such as 50k+ races. It’s no wonder the Speedgoats have become synonymous with setting Fastest Known Times (FKT) and conquering some of the most challenging ultramarathons in the world.

In summary, if you’re looking for a shoe for short and fast runs, the Torrents are the way to go. However, if you’re tackling longer, more technical routes or aiming to log extensive training miles, the Speedgoats are the ideal choice.