The HOKA Speedgoat 7 is a high-cushion, technical trail running shoe. It serves as a massive redemption for the series by swapping out old compression-molded foam for a highly responsive, nitrogen-infused supercritical EVA midsole. This upgrade provides a significantly livelier, bouncier ride with vastly superior energy return while protecting your legs across rugged, long-distance terrain Key Feature Upgrades Supercritical EVA Midsole: Replaces traditional mushy foam with a nitrogen-infused compound, elevating energy return to roughly 54%–60% without adding weight. Redesigned Upper: Features a lightweight RPET woven textile combined with a patent-pending dynamic vamp. It locks down the midfoot securely to prevent slipping on technical downhills. Fixed Heel Collar: Directly addresses the uncomfortable Achilles irritation reported in the Speedgoat 6 by introducing a highly padded, refined collar. Enhanced Traction & Stability: Utilizes multi-directional, heart-shaped Vibram lugs for exceptional grip on rock, loose scree, and mud. An Active Foot Frame cradles the foot deeply inside the wide midsole to provide geometric stability without clunky hardware. Trail Conveniences: Includes built-in gaiter integration loops to lock out trail debris and a lengthened, padded lay-flat tongue to alleviate lace bite. Fit Advice The Speedgoat 7 features a snug, tapered performance fit through the toe box. Reviewers strongly recommend sizing up a half size from your traditional running shoe size for an ideal fit, especially if you prefer extra toe splay or plan to run ultra distances