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Hoka’s Iconic Trail Shoe Has Never Looked So Fun

Hoka and Unna reimagined the Speedgoat 2, and it includes a detail you’ve never seen before.

Close-up of a gray and black athletic shoe with a textured mesh design and a thick, rugged sole, resting on grass. A black, segmented massage roller is placed on top of the shoe near the laces.Unna

By Hayley Helms

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Since 2015, the Hoka Speedgoat has solidified itself as an icon of the trails, with an impressive resume of records and FKTs (including Karl “Speedgoat” Meltzer’s famous run across the Appalachian Trail).

But a decade on, it’s still blazing a trail of the unexpected — this time, thanks to inspiration from elsewhere in the animal kingdom.

The Hoka Speedgoat 2 Unna is a unique partnership shoe, one that introduces cheeky details to a beloved trail runner.

Two pairs of athletic shoes on grass with small white flowers. The left shoe is light gray with beige soles and light purple accents, worn with white socks featuring a small red logo. The right shoe is darker gray with black soles and accents, worn with light purple socks that have white text. Both shoes have a mesh design and a unique lacing system with toggle closures.
Cool, right? Capable, too.
Unna

Time to bug out

Founded in 2020, the Swiss running label Unna focuses on the philosophy of movement as a means of personal growth, bringing joy and rhythm to trail running, it says.

Left side: A woman wearing a black sleeveless top, white shorts, and sunglasses is sitting on a red platform, smiling. Behind her, a person is doing a handstand, wearing beige shorts, white socks, and gray sneakers. The background shows a clear blue sky and green trees. Right side: A close-up of a foot wearing a white sock and a gray sneaker standing on grass with small yellow flowers.
Unna thinks running should be fun.
Unna
A person is captured mid-jump against a plain background, wearing a light-colored jacket, black shorts, gray socks with "DWMN" written on them, and gray athletic shoes with black soles. The person's legs and hands are tattooed.
Same Vibram outsole, same engineered mesh upper, same geometry. Just more fun.
Unna

So, it makes sense that the brand’s take on the iconic Speedgoat 2 straddles the line between utilitarian and whimsical.

Take for example the shoes’ reflective elements, which take form in the shape of detachable caterpillars and add playfulness as well as safety as night falls.

Gray and black athletic shoe with a thick, textured black sole featuring a yellow Vibram logo. The upper part of the shoe has a mix of mesh and synthetic materials with geometric patterns and a lace system secured by a black toggle. A purple caterpillar-like object is resting on the laces.
Utilitarian playfulness? Yeah, that’s a thing.
Unna

Unna’s “Finish in a Good Place” ethos gets a nod, with “Good” and “Place” being placed directly on top of the toebox of each shoe, as a positive reminder to go at your own pace. An oversized Unna heel tab and additional laces provide fun functionality.

Pair of gray and black athletic shoes with a mesh upper and reflective accents, featuring a quick-pull lace system with black toggles. The insoles display the brand name "HOKA" and "UNNA." The shoes have a thick, cushioned sole and a pull tab at the heel with the "UNNA" logo.
Original Hoka and Speedgoat logos make a return, while UNNA stars on the oversized pull tabs.
Unna

While the visual language of the Speedgoat 2 has been given a frisky update, the technical specifications remain the same: the geometry, Vibram Megagrip outsole, engineered mesh upper and protective overlays are right where you left them.

In fact, as a nod to the original Speedgoat 2, even the original Hoka and Speedgoat logos return.

Availability and pricing

As collaborations between boutique and behemoth brands tend to do, the first drop of this energetic partnership has already sold out.

Fortunately, the Speedgoat 2 Unna will be available through Hoka and Dover Street Market from September 19. It costs $170 and comes in two colorways: “Astral/Galaxy” and “Sea Ice/Cosmic Gray.”

About the Author:

Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in all things outdoors. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie, and Shape. Whether it’s tuning us into the joys of hiking and camping, or rigorously testing head-to-toe outdoor apparel, she leaves no stone unturned (though she always Leaves No Trace).

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