Nike Vaporfly 4 vs Hoka Speedgoat 6
These are different tools. The Vaporfly 4 is a road racing shoe built to go fast on pavement; the Speedgoat 6 is a cushioned trail shoe built to grip dirt and protect your toes. Buy the Vaporfly for race day on roads, the Speedgoat for trail runs and ultras. No current prices were provided for either shoe, so compare live store prices on Deal.ai before you buy.
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Nike Vaporfly 4
Choose the Vaporfly 4 if your goal is a fast road race or marathon and you want a light, carbon-plated shoe with ZoomX foam.
- Full-length carbon-fiber Flyplate for propulsion
- Very light at 6.5 oz
- Responsive ZoomX foam
- 6 mm drop suits fast road form
- Less durable than daily training shoes
- Road-only outsole with no trail grip
- Medium width only
- Carbon plate rewards fast paces, not easy jogging
What separates them
| Nike Vaporfly 4 | Hoka Speedgoat 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Intended terrain | Road and race-day pavement | Trail, dirt and mixed terrain |
| Weight | 6.5 oz (184 g) | 9.8 oz (272 g) |
| Midsole and plate | ZoomX foam with full-length carbon Flyplate | CMEVA midsole, no carbon plate |
| Outsole grip | Smooth road rubber | Grippy lugged outsole |
| Toe protection | Standard road toe | Protective toe bumper |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm | 5 mm |
| Width options | Medium only | Wide available |
| Durability | Less durable than daily trainers |
Price history
- Nike Vaporfly 4: lowest $500.00 on Oct 28.
- Hoka Speedgoat 6: lowest $27.00 on Nov 3 at vipoutlet.com.
Prices at every store
Hoka Speedgoat 6
- Sole ProvisionsCheck price at Sole Provisions
- vipoutlet.comCheck price at vipoutlet.com
Specs compared
| Spec | Nike Vaporfly 4 | Hoka Speedgoat 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6 mm | 5 mm |
| Weight | 6.5 oz (184 g) | 9.8 oz (272 g) |
| Shoe size | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| Brand | Nike | HOKA |
| Color | Silver | Gray |
| Shoe width | Medium | Wide |
| Material | Best Quality Material | Textile |
| Toe style | Closed Toe | Almond Toe |
| Shoe closure | Lace-Up | Single-Pull Lace |
| Age group | Adult | Adult |
| Shoe category |
What reviewers say
Nike Vaporfly 4
Racers widely rate the Vaporfly line as one of the fastest marathon shoes available, crediting the plate and foam combo for faster times. Owners commonly note the short lifespan and thin outsole as the main trade-offs.
- Noticeable energy return at race pace
- Light weight on long efforts
- Comfortable over 26.2 miles for most runners
- Foam compresses and loses pop after a few hundred miles
- Outsole rubber wears fast on roads
- High price per mile
Hoka Speedgoat 6
Owners rate the Speedgoat 6 well overall, around 4.3 out of 5 across roughly 2,300 ratings. Most praise the cushioning and grip on long trail runs; the main complaints are the clunky feel on pavement and the fit around the toe box.
Questions and answers
- Which is better for a road marathon?
- The Vaporfly 4. Its carbon Flyplate, ZoomX foam and 6.5 oz weight are built for road race pace. The Speedgoat's lugs and 9.8 oz weight work against you on pavement.
- Which is better for trail ultras?
- The Speedgoat 6. The lugged outsole, toe bumper and generous CMEVA cushioning are made for long hours off-road. The Vaporfly has no trail grip.
- Which lasts longer?
- The Speedgoat 6. The Vaporfly 4 is a race shoe with a less durable outsole; the Speedgoat is built for repeat long trail miles.
- Is the Vaporfly worth it over the Speedgoat?
- Only if you race on roads. For trail running the Vaporfly's plate and light weight give you nothing, and you lose grip and toe protection.
- Can I use the Speedgoat 6 on the road?
- Yes, but the lugs feel uncomfortable on flat pavement and it is heavier. Keep it for trails and use a road shoe for pavement.
- Which has a wider fit?
- The Speedgoat 6, which comes in Wide widths. The Vaporfly 4 is listed in medium width only.