It's not the right time to waste money. We love trail running, but the market is evolving and there are shoes with which we can tackle almost any challenge in the mountains. It's true, and we always tell you at RUNNEA, that alternating a couple of models for the specific needs of each day is the best option. But sometimes you can't, and that's why we've set to work in the editorial office, to find two shoes that are as versatile as possible and that we can use no matter what terrain we're going to face. Today we put two of the best all-terrain shoes on the market face to face: the Hoka Speedgoat 6 and the New Balance Hierro v8. As always, in addition to their features, we also compare their prices.
Maybe it's too bold of us to choose a single shoe for all our mountain outings, but we believe that there are models on the market capable of performing in almost all terrains. The Hoka Speedgoat 6 and the New Balance Hierro v8 are two possible options for those of you looking to tackle any type of terrain without having to worry about changing shoes. But which one is best suited to your needs? Let's take a closer look at their features and see which one could be your ideal era to conquer any surface.
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 is first and foremost a trail running shoe designed to maximize comfort and offer you a smooth and agile running experience, even when the terrain gets rough. The sixth version of this iconic model maintains the essence that has made the Speedgoat one of the most popular trail running shoes on the market. We're talking about cushioning and grip, two elements that Hoka has masterfully balanced in this model.
If there's one thing that sets this Speedgoat 6 apart, it's its generous cushioning. It has a midsole made of high-performance CMEVA foam, which will ensure comfort that will allow us to face long distances without the legs suffer too much. The profile height, characteristic of the Hoka line, cushions landings but is also wide enough to offer stability on uneven terrain. It's a great choice for trail runners who want to feel total protection under their feet, something that is especially noticeable on steep descents and terrain with lots of loose rocks.
The feeling of security provided by its profile despite its height, I think, is also a highlight. In ultra distance tests, this cushioning becomes an excellent option to fight against accumulated fatigue. High profiles are not always to everyone's liking, but for those looking for total underfoot and joint protection, the Speedgoat 6 becomes a great option.
The outsole is another strong point of the Hoka Speedgoat 6. Equipped with Vibram Megagrip lugging, this shoe offers formidable traction on both dry and wet or slippery surfaces. It is a shoe that is not afraid of mud, loose rocks and not overly technical descents, making it a perfect ally for those seeking the peace of mind to face any terrain safely. We are not going to tell you about the Megagrip compound, which has a great capacity to adapt to different types of surfaces. In addition, the lug arrangement ensures good traction even on almost any terrain, from rocky trails to hilly trails.
The upper has also received improvements. With a lighter and more breathable upper than previous versions, the Speedgoat 6 aims for a more comfortable fit, keeping the foot well supported even on the most demanding sections of the trail. The technical mesh and upper design conforms to the foot and offers support where it is needed most, without sacrificing breathability. This is crucial when it comes to long runs where the foot expands and needs extra room and comfort. In addition, the reinforced toe cap protects against rocks and other obstacles in the terrain, which is always appreciated in a mountain environment.
On the other hand, we have the New Balance Hierro v8, a shoe that seems to shout "comfort and sustainability" from the very first moment. This model goes for a running experience that balances comfort with protection, using recycled materials and a robust structure to ensure maximum comfort. While it doesn't have the high profile of the Speedgoat, the Hierro v8 remains solid as a trusted option for those looking for a versatile all-terrain shoe.
Original price £140
Fresh Foam X foam is the heart and soul of the Hierro v8. This version improves the feeling of comfort without losing responsiveness. It is a shoe that, although it has a slightly lower profile than the Speedgoat, still offers excellent cushioning for long routes. The Fresh Foam X is known for its balance of softness and firmness, and in the Hierro v8, this balance translates into a comfortable yet responsive ride. The cushioning feels soft on impact, but at the same time provides stable support, ideal for runners who want a little bit of everything.
While the Hierro v8 doesn't have the same amount of foam as the Speedgoat in its midsole, its focus on cushioning is clearly aimed at providing good support without compromising ground contact. It's a shoe that feels closer to the ground and allows for a more direct connection to what's happening under your feet, something that more technical trail runners will appreciate.
The outsole of the New Balance Fresh FoamX Hierro v8 also features Vibram Ecostep Natural, which ensures excellent traction. The combination of natural and recycled rubber allows for solid performance on dry and compact terrain, but also offers good traction in more technical conditions. The lugs are evenly distributed and have a moderate depth, allowing for a good transition on mixed terrain without compromising safety on more challenging terrain. It is a versatile outsole that performs well on a variety of surfaces, making it a good fit for runners looking for a balance between grip and adaptability.
The mesh upper of the Hierro v8 has been reinforced with recycled materials and printing technologies that eliminate the use of water, making this shoe more environmentally friendly. Micro-perforations allow for good breathability, and the upper design fits the foot comfortably and securely. This approach focuses not only on performance, but also on a commitment to sustainability. Toe protection, along with side reinforcements, ensure that the Hierro v8 can withstand the typical wear and tear of long days in the mountains.
Both shoes have their advantages and their peculiarities. While the Speedgoat 6 is designed for those looking for all-around protection and a smooth, cushioned running experience, the Hierro v8 is ideal for those who want a comfortable, sustainable and versatile shoe. Let's take a look at the main points of comparison so you can decide which one best suits your needs.
The Hoka Speedgoat 6 excels in this section. Its high profile and CMEVA foam give you a feeling of continuous comfort, perfect for long routes where wear and tear is an important factor. In contrast, New Balance's Hierro v8 doesn't sacrifice comfort, but its focus is more on stability and cushioning that maintains a balance between softness and support. The Fresh Foam X midsole is firmer than the Speedgoat's foam, which means you'll get a more stable feel, especially on uneven terrain.
In terms of grip, both shoes are very evenly matched thanks to the Vibram outsole. However, the Speedgoat 6 has a deeper and more aggressive lugging, which makes it superior on technical and challenging terrain. The Hierro v8, on the other hand, has a more versatile outsole that offers good grip on mixed terrain without being as aggressive as the Speedgoat shoe.
Both shoes are great for those of you looking for a versatile mountain option, but the choice will depend on your priorities and the type of terrain you most often encounter.
If you're looking for comfort, versatility and a closer approach to the terrain, the New Balance Hierro v8 is the ideal choice. It's perfect for trail runners who prefer less technical trails, dirt tracks, and for those who value sustainability in their design.
On the other hand, if you want total protection, maximum cushioning and confidence on any technical terrain, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is your best bet. It's ideal for runners who want to feel confident on challenging terrain, in slippery conditions and who value generous cushioning.
In short, if your goal is to tackle varied terrain, including technical areas and tricky sections, and you're looking for a shoe that gives you maximum protection and grip, choose the Hoka Speedgoat 6. If, on the other hand, you prefer a more balanced and versatile option that works on many types of terrain without being too aggressive, the New Balance Hierro v8 is a great choice.
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