Hoka Speedgoat 5 vs Altra Lone Peak 7: Choosing the Best Running Shoe

Hoka Speedgoat 5 vs Altra Lone Peak 7: When tackling tough trails and pushing your limits, having the right running shoes can make all the difference.

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 and the Altra Lone Peak 7 are two of the most popular options for trail runners.

In this post, we’ll dive into the key similarities and differences between the Hoka Speedgoat 5 and Altra Lone Peak 7, helping you make an informed decision and find the perfect shoe to take your trail running to the next level.

Hoka Speedgoat 5 vs Altra Lone Peak 7: A Quick Overview

Here’s a quick overview of the Hoka Speedgoat 5 and Altra Lone Peak 7 trail running shoes, highlighting their key differences and similarities:

Similarities:

• Both are max cushioning trail running shoes designed for comfort and support on long runs
• Feature breathable, lightweight, and quick-drying upper materials
• Have gusseted tongues to keep debris out
• Offer a comfortable, roomy toe box
• Suitable for ultra-marathon training and racing

Differences

Hoka Speedgoat 5:

• More substantial and softer midsole cushioning (33mm heel, 29mm forefoot)
• Wider, more substantial platform for added stability
• More substantial and grippier outsole lugs (5mm)
• Weighs 10.9 oz (men’s size 9)
• Designed for more technical, rocky, and uneven terrain
• Has a more substantial heel-to-toe drop (5mm)

Altra Lone Peak 7:

• Less substantial and firmer midsole cushioning (25mm heel, 21mm forefoot)
• Narrower, more agile platform for quicker turns and faster running
• Smaller, more flexible outsole lugs (3.5mm)
• Weighs 9.5 oz (men’s size 9)
• Designed for smoother, more rolling terrain and faster paced running
• Has a zero-drop platform (no heel-to-toe drop)

Ultimately:

• Choose the Hoka Speedgoat 5 for more cushioning, stability, and grip on technical terrain.
• Choose the Altra Lone Peak 7 for a more agile, responsive ride on smoother trails.

Trail Traction: Comparing Grip and Stability

Outsole Traction

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • More aggressive, deeper lugs (5mm) for better grip on technical terrain
  • Lugs are more spaced out for better mud and debris release
  • Outsole is more durable and resistant to wear
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Smaller, more flexible lugs (3.5mm) for better grip on smoother trails
  • Lugs are more closely spaced for better traction on hardpack and rocks
  • Outsole is more flexible and adaptable to changing terrain

Stability Features

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Wider, more substantial platform for added stability
  • More substantial midsole and outsole for better support on uneven terrain
  • Heel counter is more substantial and supportive
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Narrower, more agile platform for quicker turns and faster running
  • Less substantial midsole and outsole for better flexibility and adaptability
  • Heel counter is more minimalist and flexible

Grip on Different Surfaces

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Excellent grip on:
    • Rocky, technical terrain
    • Muddy and slippery surfaces
    • Steep, uneven trails
  • Good grip on:
    • Hardpack and smooth trails
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Excellent grip on:
    • Hardpack and smooth trails
    • Dry, rocky terrain
  • Good grip on:
    • Muddy and slippery surfaces
    • Steep, uneven trails

Ultimately

• Choose the Hoka Speedgoat 5 for more aggressive traction and stability on technical, uneven terrain.
• Choose the Altra Lone Peak 7 for better grip and agility on smoother, faster trails.

Cushioning and Comfort: Which Shoe Reigns Supreme?

Cushioning

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • More substantial midsole cushioning (33mm heel, 29mm forefoot)
  • Softer, more forgiving midsole material for added comfort
  • More substantial heel-to-toe drop (5mm) for a more cushioned ride
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Less substantial midsole cushioning (25mm heel, 21mm forefoot)
  • Firmer, more responsive midsole material for a more agile ride
  • Zero-drop platform for a more natural, low-to-the-ground feel

Comfort Features

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • More substantial, comfortable upper material with a softer, more breathable mesh
  • Wider, more comfortable toe box with a more relaxed fit
  • More substantial, cushioned tongue and collar for added comfort
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Lighter, more minimalist upper material with a more ventilated mesh
  • Narrower, more snug toe box with a more secure fit
  • Thinner, more flexible tongue and collar for a more agile feel

Comfort for Different Runners

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Ideal for runners who need more cushioning and support, such as:
    • Heavier runners
    • Runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis
    • Runners who need more comfort on long, slow runs
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Ideal for runners who prefer a more agile, responsive ride, such as:
    • Lighter runners
    • Runners with neutral foot pronation
    • Runners who prefer a more natural, low-to-the-ground feel

Ultimately

• Choose the Hoka Speedgoat 5 for more cushioning and comfort on long, slow runs.
• Choose the Altra Lone Peak 7 for a more agile, responsive ride on faster, shorter runs.

Weight and Responsiveness: How They Affect Your Run

Weight

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Weighs 10.9 oz (men’s size 9)
  • Heavier due to more substantial midsole and outsole
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Weighs 9.5 oz (men’s size 9)
  • Lighter due to less substantial midsole and outsole

Responsiveness

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Less responsive due to more substantial midsole and outsole
  • More cushioning and support, but less agile and responsive
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • More responsive due to less substantial midsole and outsole
  • More agile and adaptable, with a more natural feel

How Weight and Responsiveness Affect Your Run

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Better suited for:
    • Longer, slower runs where cushioning and support are more important
    • Runners who prioritize comfort and protection over speed and agility
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Better suited for:
    • Faster, shorter runs where agility and responsiveness are more important
    • Runners who prioritize speed and efficiency over comfort and support

Ultimately

• Choose the Hoka Speedgoat 5 for more cushioning and support on longer, slower runs.
• Choose the Altra Lone Peak 7 for a more agile, responsive ride on faster, shorter runs.

Fit and Sizing: Ensuring a Comfortable Ride

Fit

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Wider, more comfortable toe box with a more relaxed fit
  • Softer, more breathable upper material for a comfortable fit
  • More substantial heel counter for added support
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Narrower, more snug toe box with a more secure fit
  • Lighter, more ventilated upper material for a more agile feel
  • Thinner, more flexible heel counter for a more natural fit

Sizing

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Runs true to size, with a comfortable, roomy fit
  • Available in wide range of sizes, including narrow and wide options
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Runs slightly larger than true size, with a more snug fit
  • Available in standard and wide sizes, but may not fit as comfortably for runners with wider feet

Fit for Different Foot Types

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Ideal for runners with:
    • Wider feet or high arches
    • Plantar fasciitis or other foot issues
    • A preference for a more comfortable, relaxed fit
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Ideal for runners with:
    • Narrower feet or neutral arches
    • A preference for a more snug, secure fit
    • A need for a more agile, responsive ride

Ultimately

• Choose the Hoka Speedgoat 5 for a more comfortable, relaxed fit with added support.
• Choose the Altra Lone Peak 7 for a more snug, secure fit with a more agile feel.

Breathability and Drainage: Keeping Your Feet Cool and Dry

Breathability

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Upper material is breathable, but slightly less ventilated than the Lone Peak 7
  • Mesh panels provide airflow and moisture-wicking properties
  • Tongue and collar are more substantial, which can reduce breathability
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Upper material is highly breathable and ventilated
  • Large mesh panels provide excellent airflow and moisture-wicking properties
  • Tongue and collar are thinner and more minimalist, allowing for better breathability

Drainage

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Has drainage holes in the midsole and outsole for water evacuation
  • Upper material is water-resistant, but not fully waterproof
  • May retain some water due to the more substantial upper material
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Has larger drainage holes in the midsole and outsole for faster water evacuation
  • Upper material is more water-resistant and quick-drying
  • Allows for faster drainage and drying due to the more minimalist upper material

Performance in Wet Conditions

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Performs well in wet conditions, but may retain some water
  • Upper material provides some water resistance, but may not be fully waterproof
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Excels in wet conditions, with fast drainage and drying
  • Upper material is more water-resistant and quick-drying, making it ideal for wet trails

Ultimately

• Choose the Hoka Speedgoat 5 for a more comfortable, breathable ride with some water resistance.
• Choose the Altra Lone Peak 7 for a more ventilated, quick-drying ride that excels in wet conditions.

Value for Money: Which Shoe Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

Price

• Hoka Speedgoat 5: $130
• Altra Lone Peak 7: $120

Features and Performance

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • More substantial midsole and outsole for added cushioning and support
  • Wider, more comfortable toe box and softer upper material
  • Better suited for longer, slower runs and more technical terrain
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Less substantial midsole and outsole for a more agile, responsive ride
  • Narrower, more snug toe box and lighter upper material
  • Better suited for faster, shorter runs and smoother terrain

Value for Money

• Hoka Speedgoat 5:
  • Offers excellent value for runners who prioritize comfort and support
  • Ideal for runners who need a more substantial, cushioned ride
  • Worth the investment for runners who log high mileage or need extra support
• Altra Lone Peak 7:
  • Offers excellent value for runners who prioritize agility and responsiveness
  • Ideal for runners who prefer a more minimalist, natural ride
  • Worth the investment for runners who want a fast, responsive shoe for shorter runs

Ultimately

• Choose the Hoka Speedgoat 5 if you prioritize comfort and support, and are willing to invest in a more substantial shoe.
• Choose the Altra Lone Peak 7 if you prioritize agility and responsiveness, and want a more minimalist, natural ride.

FAQs

Q: What is the main difference between the Hoka Speedgoat 5 and Altra Lone Peak 7?

A: The main difference is the level of cushioning and support. The Hoka Speedgoat 5 has a more substantial midsole and outsole for added cushioning and support, while the Altra Lone Peak 7 has a less substantial midsole and outsole for a more agile, responsive ride.

Q: Which shoe is better for long, slow runs?

A: The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is better suited for long, slow runs due to its more substantial midsole and outsole, which provides added cushioning and support.

Q: Which shoe is better for fast, short runs?

A: The Altra Lone Peak 7 is better suited for fast, short runs due to its less substantial midsole and outsole, which provides a more agile, responsive ride.

Q: What is the weight difference between the two shoes?

A: The Altra Lone Peak 7 is approximately 1.4 oz lighter than the Hoka Speedgoat 5.

Q: Which shoe has a more comfortable fit?

A: The Hoka Speedgoat 5 has a more comfortable fit due to its wider, more relaxed toe box and softer upper material.

Q: Which shoe is better for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis?

A: The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is better suited for runners with high arches or plantar fasciitis due to its more substantial midsole and outsole, which provides added support and cushioning.

Q: Can I wear these shoes for hiking or backpacking?

A: Yes, both shoes can be worn for hiking or backpacking, but the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is better suited for these activities due to its more substantial midsole and outsole.