I'd love to try the Tectons, but I hate their colorway. I purchased myself some Salomon S-Lab Genesis and caught some Dynafit Ultra 100s on sale for $65!
The Tecton X 3 is a great shoe and one that I enjoyed far more than the Speedgoat 6. I'll likely be using the Tecton X 3 for my 100k trail race later this year.
This was a great review. I think you hit on one of the biggest key points. Your needs should drive choices. If you like to run more technical, you'll need the right shoes for that and will likely have to sacrifice cushioning. I'm a Speedgoat fan and they're perfect for my specific needs here in South Texas.
Exactly. That's also partly why I struggle with shoe review video - it's not a binary "good shoe" vs. "bad shoe". Depends on personal preference and specific needs. I try to convey that - glad the message got through :)
Great video. I appreciate the honest reviews. I've been running the Challenger ATR 7s and have pretty much destroyed them. I mostly run gravel roads for training but plan on doing my first ultra in '25. I'm torn between these two, but I think I will give the Mafate 4s a try or possibly the Tecton X 2. Or maybe I'll hit the lottery and get both haha.
You know - I'll have to try the Tecton. A little pricy but curious what you get for the extra cash. Not sure what your race is, but on gravel, they will both get shredded very quickly so be aware. Also I guess you don't need the most technical shoe. I've used my Speedland PDX a lot on that type of terrain (because I think they have a very soft landing which helps on the volume I do, and my main complain is the shoe tread which isn't imo very suited for super technical and/or slippery wet mess. But that's a non-issue on gravel)
TBF I've haven't tried the Speedgoat 6 (still using my 5s) but I love love love my Mafates. I'm also have a big wide foot but find the Mafate is great (and no blisters). Speedgoat - I have sized up half a size to stop my second toe rubbing. And my Mafates are purple! (The Speedgoat soles wear too quickly.)
Thanks, very informative. I like this format. I can get the technical data from the website, I know that Hokas fit on my feet - but trying to choose the right model it all becomes a bit unclear and confusing.
Never tried them - could do that someday. Not convinced by the undersole however for technical trail. But I guess worth trying them. I'll try to get my hand on some
Have used both this year (Speedgoat was 5). They are great shoes, with great cushioning and... too comfortable. But.. but... Both of them didn't last. Both outsoles were torn, 2-3 deep slashes were made at the bottom of both, after a while. Speedgoat lasted a month and two, yeah, two pairs of Mafate were torn, the first after 15 days and the second at the third time I used it... I used them at difficult terrain, very technical, but this is supposed to be the real trail, isn't it? To cut a long story short, I sent them back, and fortunately I got my money back. Bought La sportiva's Akasha II. I am using them since September, at the same very technical terrains, and everything is fine. No tear, no wear. Obviously they are much more "mountain" shoes, nothing to do with Hoka's cushioning, but problem solved. Even if I was doing something wrong with my running style (couldn't avoid self-blame thoughts...) Akasha's outsole proved to be a monster. Vibram sole seems too sensitive, sadly. If you ask me, yes, I will give mafate a... third chance, because of the comfort of it, but I can't be optimistic. Hopefully mafate 5 and mafate X that will be out in a few months (in 2025) will be more durable, because I can't help being a cushioning - and hoka - lover!
@@Cinefilasthenos I use La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX on our muddy trails, and they are great. I like Hoka shoes because they are kind on my feet and just feel good running in. While I did not have major issues with anything breaking or tearing, I also ran into longevity issues. If a shoe lasts half as long as a competitors shoe, it essentially is twice as expensive.
For the me SG were much faster at desintegrating. The Mafate were normal rate. Plus eventually it's the midsole that gets damage, but it's not as visually obvious as the outsole. If I outrun my midsole, I'm more prone to heel issues (which is usually how I notice it's time to change them).
The only ones I've tried are the Lone Peaks - various edition (I guess going all the way back to #3). Not great for ultra because they are minimalist - but I like a lot hiking. But I know Altra has other great shoes for ultra and would love to try some day (if you know someone at altra, would love to be in touch with them)
Good point. And very thin too. That’s one thing I was hoping they would improve from 5 to 6. It doesn’t affect my experience with them but it’s clearly something they could (and should) improve
Merry Christmas 🎅 Like the video but with an impression it was describing a completely different shoe from mine SG⁶. THE worst trail runners I have ever tried. Truelly surprised to hear so much applause 🤔 Stiff midsole, upper hurting my wide feet. Outsole perfect. Luckily, when writing to Santa i could still have a better wish: Older SG⁵ or Mafate S⁴ Mafate is my 😍
I liked them - the SG5 had nicer midsole but I think 'the worst trail runners' is a bit much - good grip, decent midsole, light. There many other shoes I dislike much more like the newer edition of the altra lone peak...
If you love the mafete it might be best to buy more soon- the next generation are both higher stack and heavier. Personally, i like the mafete over the speed goat, but i can't wear it with my thicker trail socks as it just adds too much pressure in the toe box. Speed goat evo is still my favourite of the past generations
I wish shoe company would just stop making 'updates' for some models... Somehow they manage to typically make it worse. Do you know when the 5 is scheduled to be release?
@@runningwithsimonthe Mafate 5 (no more Speed) is scheduled for Fall 2025 so maybe around UTMB time or thereabouts. On paper They certainly look like a huge downgrade from the Speed 4.
Have you tried the inov8 trailtalon? There's a bit of heel slip but other than that it feels to me like the perfect soft ground/solid ground all arounder. Worth trying if you have any races with muck coming up next year
Yes I'll be publishing soon. I'm signed up for most of my 2025 years already - just have a few remaining question mark. ps: oh and as for East Coast, right now I'm thinking Cruel Jewel 100 in GA, and Long Haul FL this Jan. And Grindstone 100
I’ve never used the Mafate but the Speedgoat 5 was one of the worst shoes I’ve ever experienced. If you are a heel striker the back lugs are soft and wear very quickly (150 miles or so). At that point if you are going down steep, technical, slippery terrain and ever have to “go to your heel” quickly, you will slip and fall unless you slow way down. I have a trail near me I tested the 5 vs the Olympus 5 once I noticed I was slipping a lot. Huge difference, I could speed down rocks with lose dirt on a steep hill (~800ft/mi) with no poles versus every step felt “slippery” with the SG once those lugs wore a modicum amount. Beware.
wow, 700+ miles? guess the weight must have really big impact on wear and tear then. bigger than I thought. I did about 600km (370mi) and my speedgoats 5 were completely destroyed - stiff as plank.
No I mention it in the video - I went through more than 1 pair (2 for speedgoat). They wear down quickly. Weight is a factor, but type of running too...I really shred them quickly actually, especially the under sole. Mafate were more durable imo
Like rubbing / blisters / chafing, or more like inflamed tendon? I wonder if some cushy shoes requires a bit more stabilization and can have your tendon a bit more sore? I don't know...
SG6 is a completely different midsole from the SG5, huge downgrade IMO. If you are expecting the SG6 midsole to be "cushy" I have bad news for you, it's stiff asf and never really softens up. I can't even imagine something being stiffer than the SG6. I got the last pair of SG5 in my size from Running Warehouse, now I have to make them last as long as possible.
I think you’re right! We discussed the differences in stiffness between SG5 and SG6 offline, and debated including it. From my experience, I noticed the immediate stiffness when I first tried them in the eastern Sierras, and was concerned, because the SG5 felt so smooth immediately (and I also panicked that a stiffer shoe could mean my Achilles pain would return). However, about 20 miles later, I noticed the stiffness was less pronounced for me. And by the next day, the next trail run/hike, I didn’t notice it much at all, while I still maintained the benefits from SG5. But it’s a good point, and we’ve had friends say they wanted to stick with the SG5. I didn’t see the Mafate as stiffer than the SG6, but rather a tougher tread underneath (so more responsive to the terrain for sure). Regardless, I understand the feeling when you find the right shoe and you need to do your best to make it last *as I eye my fav road running shoes in the corner that I pray they don’t discontinue* Thanks for sharing your perspective!
@@sinepari9160 Ah small world! I ran Loup Garou and spend a fair amount of time with someone from Nova Scotia (although he doesn't live there anymore). It was very Cajun experience down there in louisiana!
I wonder what Santa will bring me this year...! Maybe some Hoka Tecton x3?!
That was my question. I'd love to try a pair, but that's a steep 'try' price.
I'd love to try the Tectons, but I hate their colorway. I purchased myself some Salomon S-Lab Genesis and caught some Dynafit Ultra 100s on sale for $65!
@@sinepari9160 That's a great price! It's crazy to think that for the price of TWO PAIRS, you'd only get 1 shoe of tecton, not even the pair...
The Tecton X 3 is a great shoe and one that I enjoyed far more than the Speedgoat 6. I'll likely be using the Tecton X 3 for my 100k trail race later this year.
This was a great review. I think you hit on one of the biggest key points. Your needs should drive choices. If you like to run more technical, you'll need the right shoes for that and will likely have to sacrifice cushioning. I'm a Speedgoat fan and they're perfect for my specific needs here in South Texas.
Exactly. That's also partly why I struggle with shoe review video - it's not a binary "good shoe" vs. "bad shoe". Depends on personal preference and specific needs. I try to convey that - glad the message got through :)
Great video. I appreciate the honest reviews. I've been running the Challenger ATR 7s and have pretty much destroyed them. I mostly run gravel roads for training but plan on doing my first ultra in '25. I'm torn between these two, but I think I will give the Mafate 4s a try or possibly the Tecton X 2. Or maybe I'll hit the lottery and get both haha.
You know - I'll have to try the Tecton. A little pricy but curious what you get for the extra cash.
Not sure what your race is, but on gravel, they will both get shredded very quickly so be aware. Also I guess you don't need the most technical shoe. I've used my Speedland PDX a lot on that type of terrain (because I think they have a very soft landing which helps on the volume I do, and my main complain is the shoe tread which isn't imo very suited for super technical and/or slippery wet mess. But that's a non-issue on gravel)
You definitely need to have this special guest back for future gear reviews!
It's so much more fun anyway to do it with her :)
wouldnt it be cool if Nora also started a 100 race every month streak, a 100k.
Marri Christmas! Thank you for the review, very useful!
Thank you - Merry Christmas to you too and happy new year!!!
TBF I've haven't tried the Speedgoat 6 (still using my 5s) but I love love love my Mafates.
I'm also have a big wide foot but find the Mafate is great (and no blisters). Speedgoat - I have sized up half a size to stop my second toe rubbing. And my Mafates are purple!
(The Speedgoat soles wear too quickly.)
There’s really no improvement from 5 to 6. If anything, midsole is stiffer which seems counterintuitive to SG selling point.
Thanks, very informative. I like this format. I can get the technical data from the website, I know that Hokas fit on my feet - but trying to choose the right model it all becomes a bit unclear and confusing.
Glad it was helpful!
Merry Christmas Simon and Nora. Hope you get your favourites from Santa!
haha thanks - merry Christmas to you too!
Marry Christmas! You are amazing!
Thanks - merry Christmas to you too!
SG6 hurt my soleus muscles so much.. could only manage about 80km in them and had to stop😢 I Wana try mafate...
Yay! Can you tell how nervous I was?😅
You can fix nervous in post. Good thing Simon left it in 🙂
She's a natural!
You did great!
Excellent job
You did just fine Nora
Conversational Pace be like "we put 100+ miles into our shoe reviews"
Simon: hold my beer, 700+ miles
There was nothing good on TV anyway...
Hi Simon, what about Hoka Stinson shoes?
Never tried them - could do that someday. Not convinced by the undersole however for technical trail. But I guess worth trying them. I'll try to get my hand on some
Have used both this year (Speedgoat was 5).
They are great shoes, with great cushioning and... too comfortable.
But.. but... Both of them didn't last. Both outsoles were torn, 2-3 deep slashes were made at the bottom of both, after a while. Speedgoat lasted a month and two, yeah, two pairs of Mafate were torn, the first after 15 days and the second at the third time I used it...
I used them at difficult terrain, very technical, but this is supposed to be the real trail, isn't it?
To cut a long story short, I sent them back, and fortunately I got my money back.
Bought La sportiva's Akasha II. I am using them since September, at the same very technical terrains, and everything is fine. No tear, no wear. Obviously they are much more "mountain" shoes, nothing to do with Hoka's cushioning, but problem solved.
Even if I was doing something wrong with my running style (couldn't avoid self-blame thoughts...) Akasha's outsole proved to be a monster. Vibram sole seems too sensitive, sadly.
If you ask me, yes, I will give mafate a... third chance, because of the comfort of it, but I can't be optimistic.
Hopefully mafate 5 and mafate X that will be out in a few months (in 2025) will be more durable, because I can't help being a cushioning - and hoka - lover!
@@Cinefilasthenos I use La Sportiva Cyklon Cross GTX on our muddy trails, and they are great.
I like Hoka shoes because they are kind on my feet and just feel good running in. While I did not have major issues with anything breaking or tearing, I also ran into longevity issues. If a shoe lasts half as long as a competitors shoe, it essentially is twice as expensive.
For the me SG were much faster at desintegrating. The Mafate were normal rate. Plus eventually it's the midsole that gets damage, but it's not as visually obvious as the outsole. If I outrun my midsole, I'm more prone to heel issues (which is usually how I notice it's time to change them).
Have both 😊
Curious if you have a preference?
Blue shoes are slower, why didn’t anyone tell me? I need to order some red shoes. Thanks for another great video and advice.
Now you know all of my secrets!
I wondet what is your take on Altra shoes :)
The only ones I've tried are the Lone Peaks - various edition (I guess going all the way back to #3). Not great for ultra because they are minimalist - but I like a lot hiking. But I know Altra has other great shoes for ultra and would love to try some day (if you know someone at altra, would love to be in touch with them)
I love the seed goat 6 but the tongues are a bit to short and get pain from the laces. Makes no sense to how short those tongues are.
Good point. And very thin too. That’s one thing I was hoping they would improve from 5 to 6. It doesn’t affect my experience with them but it’s clearly something they could (and should) improve
Merry Christmas 🎅
Like the video but with an impression it was describing a completely different shoe from mine SG⁶.
THE worst trail runners I have ever tried. Truelly surprised to hear so much applause 🤔
Stiff midsole, upper hurting my wide feet. Outsole perfect.
Luckily, when writing to Santa i could still have a better wish:
Older SG⁵ or Mafate S⁴
Mafate is my 😍
I liked them - the SG5 had nicer midsole but I think 'the worst trail runners' is a bit much - good grip, decent midsole, light. There many other shoes I dislike much more like the newer edition of the altra lone peak...
If you love the mafete it might be best to buy more soon- the next generation are both higher stack and heavier. Personally, i like the mafete over the speed goat, but i can't wear it with my thicker trail socks as it just adds too much pressure in the toe box. Speed goat evo is still my favourite of the past generations
I wish shoe company would just stop making 'updates' for some models... Somehow they manage to typically make it worse. Do you know when the 5 is scheduled to be release?
@runningwithsimon Mafete X in May, and the Mafete 5 in September. If you search 'the running event', you can see the previews.
@@runningwithsimonthe Mafate 5 (no more Speed) is scheduled for Fall 2025 so maybe around UTMB time or thereabouts. On paper They certainly look like a huge downgrade from the Speed 4.
Interesting, I weirdly find the opposite and I sized up the Speedgoats.
Have you tried the inov8 trailtalon? There's a bit of heel slip but other than that it feels to me like the perfect soft ground/solid ground all arounder. Worth trying if you have any races with muck coming up next year
No - would love to try some.
Do you have a list of Ultras you’re looking to do in 2025? I live on east coast so jw
Yes I'll be publishing soon. I'm signed up for most of my 2025 years already - just have a few remaining question mark.
ps: oh and as for East Coast, right now I'm thinking Cruel Jewel 100 in GA, and Long Haul FL this Jan. And Grindstone 100
@ on the Cruel Jewel wait list 🤞
I’ve never used the Mafate but the Speedgoat 5 was one of the worst shoes I’ve ever experienced. If you are a heel striker the back lugs are soft and wear very quickly (150 miles or so). At that point if you are going down steep, technical, slippery terrain and ever have to “go to your heel” quickly, you will slip and fall unless you slow way down. I have a trail near me I tested the 5 vs the Olympus 5 once I noticed I was slipping a lot. Huge difference, I could speed down rocks with lose dirt on a steep hill (~800ft/mi) with no poles versus every step felt “slippery” with the SG once those lugs wore a modicum amount. Beware.
I hear a lot of praise about the altra olympus. I'll need to try them someday.
@@runningwithsimon it is a tank of a shoe but I have yet to find a better outsole for a heel striker for technical terrain.
wow, 700+ miles? guess the weight must have really big impact on wear and tear then. bigger than I thought. I did about 600km (370mi) and my speedgoats 5 were completely destroyed - stiff as plank.
No I mention it in the video - I went through more than 1 pair (2 for speedgoat). They wear down quickly. Weight is a factor, but type of running too...I really shred them quickly actually, especially the under sole. Mafate were more durable imo
yup, wrote that too quickly, before finishing the video :)
@@MichaNaecz No worries - it's good to clarify because it's actually one of the negative imo about the SG6 (that they get shred too quickly)
Speedgoat 6 comes in a wider width, yeah
For all those 'fat feet' folks like me!
both my ankles hurt in SG6 hahaha maybe only me? lol. i got half size up btw.
Like rubbing / blisters / chafing, or more like inflamed tendon? I wonder if some cushy shoes requires a bit more stabilization and can have your tendon a bit more sore? I don't know...
Mafate 4 is the true goat 🤩
I really enjoyed them too :)
SG6 is a completely different midsole from the SG5, huge downgrade IMO. If you are expecting the SG6 midsole to be "cushy" I have bad news for you, it's stiff asf and never really softens up. I can't even imagine something being stiffer than the SG6. I got the last pair of SG5 in my size from Running Warehouse, now I have to make them last as long as possible.
I think you’re right! We discussed the differences in stiffness between SG5 and SG6 offline, and debated including it. From my experience, I noticed the immediate stiffness when I first tried them in the eastern Sierras, and was concerned, because the SG5 felt so smooth immediately (and I also panicked that a stiffer shoe could mean my Achilles pain would return). However, about 20 miles later, I noticed the stiffness was less pronounced for me. And by the next day, the next trail run/hike, I didn’t notice it much at all, while I still maintained the benefits from SG5. But it’s a good point, and we’ve had friends say they wanted to stick with the SG5. I didn’t see the Mafate as stiffer than the SG6, but rather a tougher tread underneath (so more responsive to the terrain for sure). Regardless, I understand the feeling when you find the right shoe and you need to do your best to make it last *as I eye my fav road running shoes in the corner that I pray they don’t discontinue* Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Are you a Spaniard? I can't place that accent.
French Canadian from Montreal.
@@runningwithsimon ah i am also Cajun French from Grand Pre Nova Scotia I didn't catch the Canadian French but now I do!
@@sinepari9160 Ah small world! I ran Loup Garou and spend a fair amount of time with someone from Nova Scotia (although he doesn't live there anymore). It was very Cajun experience down there in louisiana!
I haven’t tried many Hoka, I wear Clifton’s at work
@@pigasus_1 I gotta say I like wearing my colorful Hoka sometimes just as a F U at work...