Nelson Morales

Testing Hoka's Speedgoat 7 where it belongs — on the trails

Article (news)

Jeeves De Veyra

Many health buffs are in their running era these days. For those who might be getting bored running the same BGC, Ayala Triangle, MOA, and UP Oval routes day-in and day-out, perhaps this is the time to get a whiff of fresh air by hitting the trails.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781075328577hoka speedgoat 7 - jeeves.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Hoka Speedgoat 7. Jeeves de Veyra"/>Hoka Speedgoat 7. Jeeves de Veyra</div>Hoka, a shoe brand that was born on the mountains, launched its new Speedgoat 7 up in the trails of Timberland for a first-hand taste of the trail running experience. While the iconic road specific blue and red Cliftons were on many runner’s wishlists, the company was really born out on the trails. French trailrunners Nicolas Mermoud, and Jean-Luc Diard created the brand out of making a shoe for faster and less tiring descents.Hoka Running Club captain Dan Hilaria recommends trail running for those looking for more variety in their running routines, or more challenge giving the body greater physical demand and different movement patterns.“It&#x27;s a combination of hiking and running. The intensity of the workout is much more than just road running. For this -7km course,  you&#x27;re probably running around 10 to 11 kilometers on the road effort wise,” he said.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781075403419Coach Dan Hilario (front).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Hoka Running Club captain Dan Hilaria (in front). Handout"/>Hoka Running Club captain Dan Hilaria (in front). Handout</div>Coach Dan&#x27;s advice for first-timers is never run alone as the phone coverage for GPS navigation or emergency calls is iffy out on the trails. Hydration is key so bring enough water as there are no readily available convenience stores on the trails.For those used to running on pavement, dirt and grass may be softer than what you’re used to but can be hard on the feet because of the uneven running surface. Ruts, bumps, and loose gravel can twist the foot in unnatural angles that may cause injury if you’re not careful.The route was a lively mix of pavement, fireroad, singletrack, dirt, grass, with a somewhat nasty surprise towards the end of the route to get the heart rate up. The fresh air surrounded by trees was a welcome change from the strangling air and noise pollution of the city.I have done trail runs in the past and there are significant changes to what’s expected of a trail shoe. I remember my last one to be heavy, primarily because of a reinforcing plate to protect the foot from protruding rocks. The new shoes are much lighter with a lightweight Vibram sole replacing that plate.From my older shoes that were stiffer and flatter, the Speedgoat 7 has a higher drop height, that’s thickness of the sole, that makes it surprisingly bouncy, and springy, even out on pavement.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781075473381HOKA - lugs.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Hoka Speedgoat 7. Handout"/>Hoka Speedgoat 7. Handout</div>The defining  feature of a trail shoe is what&#x27;s underneath the sole. Where road running shoes usually have a smoother sole, the underside of a trail shoe have lugs that are essential for grip and traction on any surface.The zinger near the end of the route was a steep 60-meter climb over loose ground. Even driving off the forefoot, the lugs provided enough bite to grip loose earth and complete the ascent. Descents can be more dangerous where an uncontrolled slip can lead to serious injury, or worse. Here, the Speedgoat maintained reliable grip, allowing for a controlled and confident run downhill, even under a heavier load.Personally, I do think that the Speedgoat 7 is soft and comfortable enough for regular use as I&#x27;ve been breaking in the shoes for the past month. There is enough cushioning though the toe box is a bit narrow for my wide foot.Coach Dan was candid in noting that while trail shoes can handle pavement and everyday wear, they’re not the most suitable option. “Even trail runners rely on road shoes when they cross train on the road session. The drawback is that the lugs do wear out fast on hard surfaces.”<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1781075538319HOKA-92.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960" alt="Hoka Speedgoat 7. Handout"/>Hoka Speedgoat 7. Handout</div>Hoka took big strides in showing runners the literal ups and downs of trail running while showing off the features of the Hoka Speedgoat 7.Out on trails, they showed that a doesn&#x27;t have to be a cheetah. Out here, it&#x27;s better to be a goat.

Hoka launched its new Speedgoat 7 up in the trails of Timberland for a first-hand taste of the trail running experience.

Hoka launched its new Speedgoat 7 up in the trails of Timberland for a first-hand taste of the trail running experience.