How do the Hoka Speedgoat 5 and Hoka Mafate Speed 4 differ, and which one is the right choice?

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In 2022, Hoka re-released its popular trail shoes: the Hoka Speedgoat 5  and Mafate Speed 4. Many people might be wondering: both seem to be the top models from the brand, so how should you choose? You feel the fabric, inspect the outsole, and press the foam, but you're still unsure which model to pick. It's really hard to decide because both look great and feature impressive technology.

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So, I'll take you through each part, covering the technology, my first impressions when wearing them, and my personal opinion. If you're ready, let's go out and explore together.

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UPPER

Hoka Speedgoat 5: recycled polyester and double jacquard recycled mesh

Hoka Mafate Speed 4: jacquard mesh

Although both appear to use jacquard mesh, they feel very different. The Speedgoat 5 feels soft and gentle on the foot, while also offering significantly more stretch than the Mafate Speed 4 . This may be because the Speedgoat 5 incorporates polyester, creating a noticeable difference. The Mafate Speed 4 feels more durable and stiffer, with less stretch.  Speedgoat 5

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Next is the TPU reinforcement and pattern placement, which makes the uppers even more distinct. The pattern and TPU placement on the Mafate Speed 4 makes the shoe feel secure and stable, but at the cost of limited stretch. In contrast, the  Speedgoat 5 has almost no reinforced patterns or TPU, allowing the fabric to stretch fully and providing more forefoot comfort. However, this may cause instability when running downhill because there is no support to keep the foot in place (it can more easily slide forward).

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As for the toe cap, although they differ slightly, their length, thickness, and width are very similar. After testing them, I feel they offer similar toe protection with no significant difference. 

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Now for the tongue and laces. Both models have similar flat laces of the same length, but the tongues differ. The Mafate Speed 4 has a thick, soft tongue similar to a regular sneaker. The Speedgoat 5 has a thin tongue (which those with high insteps or wider feet might not like, as the Mafate Speed 4 can feel tight across the instep). Personally, I prefer the thick, soft tongue over the thin, stiff one, lol. 

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Moving to the heel, the heel counters are similar, but the Mafate Speed 4 features a lace loop that makes it easier to put on than the Speedgoat 5. 

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Upper Summary Personally, if you prefer comfort, a wider forefoot, more stretch, and flexible fabric, go for the Speedgoat 5. But if you prefer a snug fit and need a shoe that provides serious support in these areas, go for the Mafate Speed 4. 

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MIDSOLE

Hoka Speedgoat 5: compression-molded EVA foam (CMEVA)

Hoka Mafate Speed 4: PROFLY™+

This is a very clear difference in technology. The Speedgoat still uses EVA, but it's a newly developed version, unlike the Mafate Speed 4, which uses PROFLY™+ technology instead of EVA like the Speedgoat 5. 

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From trying them on, I feel that the Mafate Speed 4 feels softer and more accommodating to the foot than the Speedgoat 5 which feels soft but firmer (though when running fully on my heels, I feel they are about equally soft). 

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Next, looking at the rocker shape of both, I feel the Speedgoat 5 has a more pronounced rocker, making it easier to roll through the foot strike and achieve a better cadence than the Mafate Speed 4. But when it comes to stability, the Mafate Speed 4 takes the win. Its thickness, moderate height, and well-balanced forefoot rocker make foot placement feel more secure. 

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Midsole Summary If you prefer softness, stability, and a lower stack height, go for the Mafate Speed 4. But if you want to go fast, enjoy a smooth roll-through, and have a more dynamic leg swing, the Speedgoat 5 is better.

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OUTSOLE

Hoka Speedgoat 5: VIBRAM® MEGAGRIP WITH TRACTION LUG

Hoka Mafate Speed 4: VIBRAM® MEGAGRIP WITH LITEBASE CONSTRUCTION AND TRACTION LUG

The Mafate Speed 4 is really showing off. I say this because the technology incorporated into its outsole is almost identical to that of the Speedgoat 5 in almost every way, but what makes it stand out is that it's lighter. How can you call that anything but showing off? Lol. It offers excellent grip, durability, and small traction lugs like the Speedgoat 5, but it also manages to reduce weight. If the Speedgoat 5 could complain, it would probably say, "Why can't mine do that too? T T" 

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Although the technology is similar, the tread patterns are different. Looking at the photos, the Speedgoat 5 has smaller but sharper lugs, while the Mafate Speed 4 has wider, larger lugs that are less sharp. Personally, I think that in muddy conditions, the larger, more widely spaced lugs might struggle to shed mud compared to smaller, sharper, and more closely spaced lugs. Conversely, on normal terrain, the smaller, sharper, and more closely spaced lugs will offer better grip, bite, and traction. However, looking at the lug depth, the Mafate Speed 4 has deeper lugs, which helps it grip the ground better and provides more traction, but it might grip so well that it's difficult for those who want to run fast and push off quickly. In that case, the Speedgoat 5 will move forward faster because its lugs are smaller, sharper, and more closely spaced, but not as deep.

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Outsole Summary If you want a shoe with excellent grip and confidence, go for the Mafate Speed 4. But if you want a shoe that grips securely and makes it easy to push off and move forward, go for the Speedgoat 5. 

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Final Summary

Before I sign off, if I had to choose, I'm leaning toward the Mafate Speed 4. Its moderate thickness and height, combined with its secure fit, make it quite agile. The foam is just right for me—soft but not mushy—allowing me to pick up some speed. As for the outsole and tread, I like both models and have no issues with either. Why didn't I choose the Speedgoat 5? Personally, my forefoot isn't very wide, and I feel that when I wear the Speedgoat 5, my foot slides forward more than usual when running downhill. It also doesn't offer as good balance as the Mafate Speed 4 because my legs are bowed, which means my foot doesn't land at a normal angle and can occasionally roll over. (I used to be a huge Speedgoat fan, but after trying the Mafate Speed 4, I'm switching sides, lol.)

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So, if you like "stability, a secure fit, and softness," go for the Mafate Speed 4

But if you like "foot comfort, a smooth roll-through, a slightly snug fit, and a bit of speed," go for the Speedgoat 5