New Balance Rebel Trail vs HOKA Speedgoat 7

FuelCell Rebel Trail or Speedgoat 7? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want an agile trail shoe with Vibram grip? Get the FuelCell Rebel Trail.

Want cushion and grip for any trail? Get the Speedgoat 7.

Get the FuelCell Rebel Trail if

• You like a firmer, more stable feel
• You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
• You need a roomier fit
• You’d rather spend $15 less

Get the Speedgoat 7 if

• You want a little more give underfoot
• You want more foam underfoot (5mm more at the heel)
• Long runs are your thing
• It’s mostly for easy days

On the run

FuelCell Rebel Trail: The agile, grippy trail shoe. Agile and flexible on a compact platform, with solid Vibram Megagrip traction. Firmer and less bouncy than the road Rebel, and best for midfoot and forefoot strikers.

Speedgoat 7: The trail all-rounder. Plenty of cushion for downhills and a slightly livelier new foam. It stays stable on technical ground, and the Vibram Megagrip outsole sticks to almost anything.

Specs side by side

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

FuelCell Rebel Trail. True to size with a breathable upper that doesn’t resist abrasion well.

Speedgoat 7. Runs about a half size short, so most runners go up a half. Narrower than most HOKA trail shoes, and the toebox can press the big toe on long descents. Wide available.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.

Shop the FuelCell Rebel Trail · Shop the Speedgoat 7 · Compare other running shoes