Head-to-head · Best Trail Running Shoes

Hoka Speedgoat 7 vs Salomon Speedcross 6

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Hoka Speedgoat 7 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about trail runners who want one highly cushioned, grippy shoe for varied terrain and long miles — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Hoka Speedgoat 7

4.7

$39.99as of Jun 7

The Speedgoat 7 is the best-overall trail shoe: Hoka's flagship pairs a new supercritical midsole with the gold-standard Vibram Megagrip outsole for a cushioned, grippy, genuinely do-everything ride. RoadTrailRun's testers scored it around 9.7/10, iRunFar named it a top pick, and Believe in the Run praised its refined, versatile feel.

Strengths

— New supercritical midsole adds noticeable pop and responsiveness, especially uphill
— Vibram Megagrip outsole with 5mm lugs grips confidently in nearly any condition
— Genuinely versatile across short, long, technical, and door-to-trail running

Watch-outs

— Tall, max-cushion stack isn't for minimalist or low-to-the-ground runners
— Ride firmed up slightly versus earlier Speedgoats
— Premium $160 price

$39.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Trail Running Shoes

Salomon Speedcross 6

4.5

$130.04as of Jun 7

The Speedcross 6 is the mud-and-soft-ground specialist: deep 5.8mm Mud Contagrip lugs and a foot-hugging, protective upper make it the grip king on soft, loose, and wet terrain. RunRepeat scored it 89/100, and reviewers from iRunFar to Running Shoes Guru praise its reliable traction — while cautioning it is tailored to mud, not all-around running.

Strengths

— Deep 5.8mm Mud Contagrip lugs deliver outstanding grip on mud and soft ground
— Wide, self-clearing lug gaps shed mud effectively
— Secure, foot-hugging fit and protective closed upper for technical terrain

Watch-outs

— Specialist shoe — not an all-around or door-to-trail option
— Aggressive lugs feel awkward on hard-packed trail and pavement
— Lower stack and firmer ride than max-cushion rivals

$130.04 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Hoka Speedgoat 7

More cushioned and versatile than the mud-specialist Salomon Speedcross 6 and the value-focused Saucony Peregrine 14, with a grippier Vibram outsole than the Brooks Cascadia 19. Far more cushioned and higher-drop than the zero-drop Altra Lone Peak 9.

Salomon Speedcross 6

Grippier in mud and soft ground than the all-around Hoka Speedgoat 7, Brooks Cascadia 19, and Saucony Peregrine 14, thanks to its deeper, self-clearing lugs. Lower-stacked and firmer than the max-cushion Speedgoat, and a far more aggressive, structured shoe than the zero-drop, roomy Altra Lone Peak 9.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Hoka Speedgoat 7	Salomon Speedcross 6
Weight	9.7 oz (M)	10.4 oz (M)
Drop	4mm	10mm (14.1mm measured)
Stack height	37mm heel / 33mm forefoot	36.5mm heel / 22.4mm forefoot
Support type	Neutral	Neutral
Cushioning	Max (supercritical EVA)	Moderate (EnergyCell)
Outsole	Vibram Megagrip	Mud Contagrip
Lug depth	5mm	5.8mm
Width options	Standard, Wide	Standard, Wide

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