Hoka was one of the first brands to release a carbon plate running shoe designed for easy daily training runs, with the Hoka Bondi X coming out in 2022. That was not a good shoe. It was firm, lacking in bounce, and generally not fun to run in.

The Hoka Skyward X is a different beast. It’s bouncy, comfortable and great fun to use for easy and long runs. It’s too big and heavy for my taste, and I didn’t enjoy it as much for fast runs, but if the price doesn’t put you off then the Skyward X is a springy option for daily training.

Hoka Skyward X: Price And Availability

The Skyward X launched in April 2024 and costs $225 in the US and £185 in the UK. That surprising disparity in prices means it’s a little cheaper than similar super-trainers like the Asics Superblast and New Balance SC Trainer v2 in the UK, but more expensive than those same shoes in the US. Wherever you are in the world, however, it’s not a cheap shoe.

How I Tested This Running Shoe

I ran just shy of 40 miles in the Skyward X, using it for a range of marathon training runs including a 15-mile long run. I’ve also tested Hoka’s other carbon plate shoes, including the Mach X and Bondi X, and a range of super-trainers from other brands.

Design And Fit

There’s a lot going on in the midsole of the Skyward X, which contains two foams and a convex carbon plate. The main foam is a bouncy Peba-based material, with a supercritical EVA foam used to create a frame that makes the Skyward X more stable. Your foot also sits within the foam at the back of the shoe, and there’s a large plastic heel counter, both of which increase stability.

The stack height is high—48mm at the heel and 43mm at the forefoot in the men’s shoe, and 46mm at the heel and 41mm at the forefoot in the women’s—with a 5mm drop, and the ride is smooth thanks to the rocker design. All that stack adds up to a heavy shoe: The Skyward X is 11.3oz/320g in my UK size 9, which is heftier than most other super-trainers, with the similarly stacked Asics Superblast weighing 8.8oz/251g.

Hoka says the convex carbon plate, which bows upwards in the center, creates a more cushioned and “suspended” feel to the ride. It’s not a full plate, and the gaps in it are visible in the large cut-out on the bottom of the shoe. 

The Skyward X has a knit upper with a lot of padding on the tongue and collar for added comfort. I found it fitted well in my usual running shoe size and it’s not as narrow as some other Hoka shoes, such as the Mach 6. There is good rubber coverage on the forefoot and heel, with a thick outsole that should be durable, and which gripped well in wet conditions. I’ve taken the shoe on some light trails too, with no signs of wear and tear from that rougher ground.

Running Performance

The Skyward X is a big shoe, but a deceptively smooth and quick one. My first run in it was 15 miles where most of the first half was downhill and the second half uphill. It protected my legs well when pounding down hills; even when going uphill I was surprised by how smooth and easy to pick up it was for such a big shoe.

Throughout my runs, I’ve consistently found myself moving faster than I expected for the effort level put in. That’s partly because it’s harder to judge speed when you have such little feel for the ground because it’s such a cushioned and tall shoe, but also because the foam and plate combination does a good job of propelling you on your way efficiently.

There’s an upper limit to how fast you can run comfortably in the shoe. I did a couple of progressions runs, including one in which I finished at around my marathon pace of 3min 30sec/km and it felt cumbersome for that kind of pace. It’s not as versatile as other super-trainers like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 or Asics Superblast, but the Skyward X is more cushioned and comfortable. Cruising through easy runs in the shoe felt great.

Yet, even with all its positives, it will be too big a shoe for some. I prefer the lighter, nimbler feel of other super-trainers or more regular shoes, like the Hoka Mach 6 and New Balance Rebel v4, for most runs, including easy plods. But if you love a cushioned ride, the Skyward X delivers.

Is The Hoka Skyward X Worth It?

You don’t need to spend so much money to get a great daily trainer. The Hoka Mach 6 or plated shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 offer more versatility at a lower price than the Hoka Skyward X. If you’re planning to just use it for easy and long runs then a more normal cushioned shoe like the Brooks Glycerin 21 will do a brilliant job at a much lower price.

The Hoka Skyward X is something a little different from most shoes, however, which may make its high price more palatable to some. It’s more cushioned than other super-trainers, while still pretty versatile and stable enough for daily training. I prefer a lighter and smaller shoe, even for easy runs, and even if you love a max-cushioned shoe the Asics Superblast is another cushioned (and expensive) option that is lighter and more versatile than the Skyward X. The Hoka is bouncier and more comfortable, and it won me over during my testing.

The Hoka Mach 6 builds upon the fine reputation of the Hoka Mach 5 in being a simple, lightweight daily trainer that can handle a range of training runs. It’s comfortable for easy cruises, but light and poppy enough for when you want to up the pace. The Mach 6 is a great alternative to plated training shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 for those who’d rather run plate-free outside of races.

It’s one of the best running shoes and is in competition with the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v4 and Asics Novablast 4 for the title of best daily trainer without a plate. I think the Rebel v4 just edges the battle, but the Mach 6 is more cushioned and some may prefer it for easy runs.

Hoka Mach 6: Price And Availability

The Hoka Mach 6 launched in February 2024 and costs $140 in the US and £140 in the UK, which is the same price as the Hoka Mach 5. It’s similar in price to other daily trainers, and cheaper than super-trainers like the Hoka Mach X, which use plates and foams from the best carbon plate running shoes.

How I Tested This Running Shoe

I’ve run just over 30 miles in the Hoka Mach 6, using it for a variety of training runs including an easy to steady 15-mile progression run finishing at my marathon pace. I have also tested the Mach 4 and Mach 5, and a variety of the best running shoes available from other brands.

Design And Fit

The Hoka Mach 4 and Mach 5 were excellent shoes that stuck to a similar design, with a dual-density midsole with a layer of Supercritical EVA foam on top and a standard EVA foam on the bottom—with this bottom layer also acting as the outsole since there was no rubber on the underside of either shoe.

Hoka has made significant updates to the design of the Mach 6, which now has a single-layer midsole that’s made from Supercritical EVA, and a rubber outsole, which adds weight but should improve the durability and grip of the shoe. Even with the outsole the Mach 6 is a lightweight shoe at 8.2oz/233g in my UK size 9. That’s a slight gain in weight on the Mach 5, but just a few grams, which is a fair exchange for a rubber outsole.

The Mach 6 has a drop of 5mm: The men’s shoe has a stack of 37mm at the heel and 32mm at the forefoot, and the women’s has 35mm at the heel and 30mm at the forefoot. That’s a lot of cushioning for such a light shoe, which is the benefit of making the midsole from the lightweight Supercritical EVA foam.

I found the shoe fitted well in my usual running shoe size, but that’s because I have a narrow foot. As with many Hoka shoes, the Mach 6 might be a bit tight around the midfoot and forefoot if you have a wide foot. The creel jacquard mesh upper is comfortable and breathable, with padding around the collar of the shoe to cradle the back of the foot.

Running Performance

I’ve been a big fan of the past two versions of the Hoka Mach, with the Mach 4 and 5 offering versatility and a natural feel. By that I mean they were shoes that it was easy to forget about while running—they rolled along nicely at easy or fast paces without intruding on my thoughts.

The Mach 6 retains that admirable characteristic. It’s comfortable from the moment you pull it on and, whatever pace you’re running at, it provides a smooth ride. It’s not as explosively bouncy or propulsive as a plated shoe, but the new midsole set-up has spring in it, and the rockered shape of the shoe helps move you through your footstrike and up onto your toes.

Since it’s so light, picking up the pace feels good in the Mach 6, especially for short bursts. On my longest run I did the last five miles of a 15-mile run at sub-6min/mile pace, speeding up to around 5min 40sec/mile for the last three. While holding those paces is easier to do in a plated shoe like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, the Mach 6 still feels good for them, and it’s more comfortable for easy runs.

I did a couple of relaxed recovery runs and it was comfortable and stable at slow paces. It’s a shoe you can tackle almost all of your training in, and would also make a great marathon racing option if you don’t want to use a plated shoe. That said, based on performance alone I’d prefer to use a faster plated shoe for key workouts and races.

Is The Hoka Mach 6 Worth It?

The Mach 6 is a good daily trainer, offering the perfect blend of comfort and speed and certainly an option for a running shoe rotation. That’s especially apt if you prefer to train in non-plated shoes, since the Mach 6 is one of the fastest and most enjoyable plate-free options, rivaled only by the FuelCell Rebel v4. The Rebel has more bounce and is lighter still than the Mach, but the Mach is more cushioned for easy runs,

Within Hoka’s line-up the Hoka Mach X is the plated super-trainer that you could use for the same kind of runs as the Mach 6. I prefer the feel of the Mach 6, and it’s lighter and cheaper, and so gets my vote over the Mach X. The Hoka Clifton 9 is a more cushioned and less speedy Hoka option for those who find the Mach 6 too speed-focused, though I’d prefer to be in the Mach over the Clifton.

If you are happy to use plated shoes in training then the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and Adidas Adizero Boston 12 are among the best running shoes with regards to versatility. They have a more propulsive feel than the Mach 6 and are better for holding fast paces, and also comfortable for easy pace runs—though the Mach 6 feels more cushioned for those.

It took time for Hoka to launch a competitive modern racing shoe, but now it has two: the Cielo X1 and Rocket X 2. Both are among the best carbon plate running shoes, with the Cielo X1 offering more bounce and protection for longer events than the Rocket X2, which is lighter and nimbler.

The Cielo X1’s weight will put off some runners, but I was blown away with its performance. It’s springy, fun and fast, and doesn’t feel like a heavy shoe when running. It’s one of the best marathon running shoes too, competing with top options like the Nike Alphafly 3.

Hoka Cielo X1: Price And Availability

The Hoka Cielo X1 launched in February 2024 and costs $275 in the US and £250, making it Hoka’s most expensive carbon shoe, with the Rocket X 2 priced at $250/£220. The price is on par for top super-shoes though, and still shy of the $285/£285 the Alphafly 3 costs.

How I Tested This Running Shoe

I’ve run 37 miles in the Cielo X1, including a long track workout running 15 x 1km reps and a 24-mile long run as part of my marathon training. I have also tested the Hoka Rocket X 2, plus all the Carbon X line of shoes, and most of the best carbon plate running shoes.

Design And Fit

The Cielo X1 certainly looks the part of a super-shoe, with its decoupled midsole and aggressive rocker showing off the fact it’s built for speed. The midsole is made from two layers of a bouncy Peba-based foam, with a winged carbon plate sandwiched between them. The shoe has a drop of 7mm and stack height of 39mm at the heel and 32mm at the forefoot for the men’s shoe, and 37mm at the heel and 30mm at the forefoot in the women’s.

There are several cut-outs in the midsole to reduce weight, but the Cielo X1 is still heavy for a super-shoe, weighing 8.9oz/253g in my UK size 9. That’s around the same as the Puma Fast-R 2 Nitro Elite, but heavier than the other new super-shoes I’ve tested this year like the Nike Alphafly 3 and New Balance FuelCell SC Elite v4, while the Rocket X 2 is 7.9oz/225g.

The Cielo X1 has a knit upper with a partially gusseted tongue, and I found it fitted in my usual running shoe size, with a secure but comfortable hold around the heel and midfoot for fast running. This is despite the laces, which are made from a strange and stiff material that makes them hard to tie. The odd material made me concerned the laces would come undone during runs, but it hasn’t happened yet—after they were triple-knotted.

Aside from the cut-outs that show off the carbon plate, the bottom of the shoe is covered with a rubber outsole that has gripped well on my runs, including on a wet track and an all-weather path with muddy patches.

Running Performance

My first run in the Cielo X1 was the hardest workout of my London Marathon training block so far: three sets of 5 x 1km reps with a 100m jog recovery. The first set was done at 3min 30sec/km, my marathon pace, the second at 3min 20sec/km, and the third at 3min 10sec/km.

It was a great chance to judge the Cielo X1 at different speeds, and at marathon pace it felt amazing, with a bouncy ride that helped me cruise through the reps with a lower perceived effort than most shoes. That’s what I expected given the shoe’s marathon focus, but it also felt good for the faster reps, including the all-out reps in the final set of five. I thought the Cielo X1 would be cumbersome for those, but it felt nimbler on the foot than anticipated. It wouldn’t be my first pick for a 5K or 10K race—it’s not as agile and light as others—but it’s still fast over short distances thanks to its propulsive ride.

Where it really shone was on a progressive 24-mile training run, moving from easy pace to around 5min 45sec/mile for the final three miles. Even at easy paces the shoe felt comfortable and natural thanks to the rocker, and it only feels better as you speed up, with extra bounce and a faster transition onto your forefoot.

It also protects the legs well, and I felt reasonably fresh at the end of the 24-miler and bounced back to run the next day with minimal soreness. It’s better on this front than the Rocket X 2, which is still a great carbon shoe but less protective and bouncy by the end of long runs.

Is The Hoka Cielo X1 Worth It?

I didn’t expect to love the Cielo X1 as much as I did. I rate it as one of the best marathon running shoes, providing stiff competition to the Nike Alphafly 3, which I currently have as the best carbon racer overall. The Hoka is bouncy and protects the legs brilliantly while still providing a fast ride.

The weight does stick in the mind, though, and I don’t think it’s as well-rounded a racer as the Alphafly for shorter events. However, once you start running in the Cielo X1 it doesn’t feel heavy, and I wouldn’t be deterred from picking it for longer events.

I think it’s Hoka’s best carbon shoe yet, though those who prefer a lighter and more grounded shoe—and who mainly stick to shorter events—will probably prefer the Rocket X 2, which is cheaper and still a good long-distance option.

Hoka was one of the first brands to release a carbon plate racing shoe, with the original Carbon X coming out not long after the original Nike Vaporfly debuted at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. However, the three Carbon X models to date, along with the first Rocket X, didn’t make it into my selection of the best carbon plate running shoes, lacking the bounce and propulsion of the top racers.

Last year the Hoka Rocket X 2 came out and, for me, was the brand’s first proper super-shoe, with a lightweight and bouncy Peba-based midsole foam. Today sees the launch of the Hoka Cielo X1, which has a bolder, more innovative design than the Rocket X 2, and could well be Hoka’s best racing shoe yet.

The Cielo X1 has a 39mm stack height and a 7mm drop. Its midsole is made from two layers of Peba-based foams that sandwich a winged carbon plate. The shoe is bigger and heavier than the Rocket X 2, but designed to deliver a more propulsive ride to offset that weight gain.

There are cutouts in the midsole that reduce the weight of the shoe, which has a lightweight knit upper and minimal rubber on the outsole. The shoe has a pronounced rocker design, which is another key difference with the Hoka Rocket X 2.

In many ways, the Hoka Cielo X1 looks to be the Nike Alphafly 3 equivalent in the Hoka range, while the Rocket X 2 is more akin to the Nike Vaporfly 3. The Cielo X1 is the bouncier, more propulsive shoe and might be better suited to the marathon, while the Rocket X 2 is lighter and more agile, giving it an edge in shorter events. I’m speculating for now because I’ve yet to run in the Cielo X1, though my review sample is arriving soon.

The Hoka Cielo X1 is Hoka’s most expensive carbon shoe to date, costing $275 in the US and £250 in the UK, which is $25/£30 more than the Rocket X 2. It will be exciting to test the shoe and see if it can live up to a price that makes it one of the more expensive carbon shoes—though it’s still cheaper than the Nike Alphafly 3.

Strava has launched its annual Year In Sport report, which draws on data from the app’s 120 million-strong user base to highlight trends in fitness and sport. There are all kinds of interesting nuggets in the report, but as a running shoe obsessive, I immediately checked to see what the most popular running shoes worn by Strava users were.

Top of the charts globally was the Hoka Clifton—no data is given on the exact version of the shoe, with the latest being the Hoka Clifton 9—with the runner-up being the Nike Pegasus, with the Nike Pegasus 40 coming out in 2023.

Interestingly, the Hoka Clifton also topped the charts when just looking at US and UK users, with the Pegasus also being the runner-up in the UK, while the Brooks Ghost was runner-up in the US.

This data is from Strava users who log their shoes in the app, which is a minority of users in my experience, but the Year In Sport report is bolstered by a new survey of 6,990 active people from around the world in 2023.

I’d also say that the shoes that have come out on top are not huge surprises. The Clifton, Pegasus and Ghost are all well-established shoe lines that are good value and will work for a variety of runners. 

You can usually find these shoes in sales too, especially if you’re happy to opt for an older version. That’s wise with the Nike Pegasus 40 and Brooks Ghost 15 in particular, since the most recent versions aren’t substantial improvements, though I do much prefer the Clifton 9 to its predecessor.

It is a bit surprising that the Clifton has edged out the Pegasus and Ghost, since those are more established shoes from what are traditionally seen as bigger brands. 

The report also contains some interesting facts about which shoes have quickly grown in popularity, with the Asics Novablast and Saucony Endorphin Speed both standing out as shoes that have become much more popular in 2023 compared with 2022, along with the Clifton itself, which has surged all the way to the top of the charts. There is also a gender divide on shoe choice, with the Pegasus being the most popular pick with men globally, and the Clifton being number one for women.

The type of running shoe that excites you most as a runner is a matter of taste, but speedy shoes get my pulse racing and 2024 looks to be laden with thrilling new speedsters.

Contenders for the best carbon plate running shoes, as well as exciting super-trainers that bring super-shoe magic to your daily training, are all on the horizon. There are also intriguing cushioned shoes and daily trainers on the way in 2024, too, although details are more scarce.

Working off the announcements brands have made about their launches, as well as a bit of speculation about what may be to come, here are the running shoes I’m most excited to try in 2024.

Nike Alphafly 3

Admittedly, this is something of a cheat, as I’ve finished my Nike Alphafly 3 review and given it the full five stars, but it goes on sale January 4 so I’m counting it. I’m excited to see how runners take to it, having loved every step I’ve done in the shoe. I expect this will be the shoe Kelvin Kiptum uses in an attempt to break the two-hour mark for the marathon in an official race in 2024.

Puma Fast-R 2 Nitro Elite

Slated to be released in February, this outlandish super-shoe has a carbon plate that sticks out the front of the shoe to create more leverage. It also features a decoupled midsole made from aliphatic TPU, which Puma suggests delivers even more energy return than the Peba-based foams that have become standard in super-shoes. 

The Fast-R 2 is another shoe I’ve been testing (and enjoying) already, but I can’t say more until the review embargo lifts on February 1. Puma is also set to launch the Puma Velocity Nitro 3 early in 2024, which I’m equally excited about as a huge fan of the Puma Velocity Nitro 2.

Hoka Mach X 2

The Hoka Mach X super–trainer was a disappointment. I expected big things from a plated version of the excellent Hoka Mach 5, which also added a layer of Peba-based foam to the midsole, though it didn’t have much bounce and was unwieldy for fast runs. The Hoka Mach X 2 has more Peba and hopefully will be more super than trainer. It comes out in the second half of 2024. There are also rumors of a new carbon racer from Hoka landing in early 2024, which sounds exciting.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4

Brooks has not been at the races with its carbon super-shoes, but the Hyperion Elite 4 will hopefully change that thanks to the introduction of a new-and-improved midsole foam. British runner and 1500m world champion Josh Kerr has been using the shoe to great effect already, winning the 5th Avenue Mile in New York, as well as logging a 61min 51sec half marathon in them. The Hyperion Elite 4 is scheduled to come out in February 2024.

New Balance SC Pacer v2

The whole of New Balance’s fast running line-up is set to undergo an exciting update in 2024, with new, angular looks and a Peba-based midsole foam. The SC Elite v4 is the top-of-the-range racing shoe and due to launch soon, but the most intriguing shoe may be the SC Pacer v2. This comes out late in 2024 and looks to be more cushioned than the original New Balance SuperComp Pacer, though at 32.8mm at the heel the stack is still a lot lower than most super-shoes that hit the 40mm limit set by World Athletics. That low stack means it’s light, at around 6.5oz. The Pacer v2 has been designed with the input of elite athlete Emily Sisson, who holds the US record for the marathon.

The Nike Alphafly 3’s release date was officially announced this week as January 4th 2024. It’s certainly going to be one of the most anticipated shoes of next year, but it’s not the only exciting shoe to be revealed this week because The Running Event trade show is taking place in Austin, Texas—and all kinds of thrilling shoes are being revealed.

In general, the best place to see what’s due to come out is on Instagram, where journalists at the event are posting pictures and information on major launches from all the brands present, which includes most of the big-hitters.

I’ve been glued to my feed looking for info on new shoes, and here are some of the most exciting ones that I’ve seen so far to look forward to in 2024.

New Balance SuperComp Elite v4

New Balance is set to overhaul its SuperComp line-up in 2024, which will be headed by the Elite v4, its top carbon racing shoe. It has a new Peba-based midsole foam and will launch in February with a price of $250.

The SuperComp Trainer 3 and Pacer 2 also seem to have major updates, using the new Peba-based foam, and the Pacer 2 in particular looks dramatically transformed from the low-stack first version of the shoe into a high-stack racer.

Puma Fast-R Nitro 2

Puma officially announced the Fast-R 2 on Wednesday November 29th, which will be its top carbon racing shoe, and it’s also on show at The Running Event. The key updates to the shoe include that both sections of foam are now the brand’s nitrogen-infused Peba-based foam Nitro Elite, and that the carbon plate extends beyond the front of the shoe to increase propulsion. The shoe will launch on February 22nd next year and costs $260.

Hoka Tecton X3

The latest generation of Hoka’s carbon plate trail racer is on show in Texas, and it has a new gaiter at the back to keep debris out. Ultra-marathon runner Jim Walmsley used a prototype of the shoe to win UTMB in 2023.

Hoka is also showing off Mach X 2 and Mach 6 road running shoes at the show, as well as the Speedgoat 6. Rumors are also circulating of a new carbon road running shoe that will join the Rocket X 2 in its line-up.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2

The Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro was one of my favorite new racing shoes of 2023, with its outlandish design: with a huge heel cut-out and an aggressive rocker-design created a bouncy and fast ride. The new version of the shoe on show in Texas has a new foam and plate, and Mizuno is also launching a new training shoe.

Brooks Hyperion Elite 4

Brooks is one brand yet to release a really convincing carbon plate running shoe, but that may well change with the Hyperion Elite 4, which has a new midsole foam and carbon plate that will hopefully mean it can challenge the best on the market. 

Nike Zegama 2

The Zegama 2 trail-running shoe will have a new Vibram outsole, making it the second Nike shoe to use Vibram after the Nike Ultrafly launched in 2023, and it also seems to have more ZoomX foam at the heel of the shoe, which should create a bouncier ride than with the original Nike Zegama.

The Hoka Cyber Monday/Black Friday sales have been a little disappointing. While there are a few good deals available in the UK, there’s been very little to report in the US, and my hopes of seeing shoes like the Hoka Clifton 9 or Hoka Rocket X2 in the sales have gone unfulfilled.

However, the Hoka Mach 5 is reduced in the UK, and if you can pick it up for under £100 then that is undoubtedly a great deal for one of the best all-round running shoes available. Both SportsShoes and Pro:Direct have included the Mach 5 in their Cyber Monday sales, and the cheapest you can get the shoe is £91.99.

The Mach 5 is a comfortable shoe for cruising through easy and long runs, but is also lightweight and responsive enough to use for faster runs. It’s a good long-distance racing option if you don’t want to use a carbon plate running shoe, and although the lack of an outsole means it’s not as durable as some shoes, it’s still a great addition to any running shoe rotation. 

If you’re looking for a deal on the best Hoka running shoes then Black Friday is the time to shop. The Hoka Black Friday sale is up and running in the UK, and there are big discounts on some of our favorites, including the Hoka Mach 5 and Hoka Speedgoat 5, as well as the Tecton X, which is one of the best carbon plate running shoes for the trails. Retailers have also started slashing the price of the shoes, sometimes bettering Hoka’s deals on popular shoes.

There are also deals on Hoka shoes in the US, though so far we’ve not been blown away by the sales, especially compared to the impressive deals available in the UK. We’ve rounded up the best deals in both the US and UK below, as well as popping in links to retailers so you can check for anything new. If the deal doesn’t impress us, we’ll also give you advice on other shoes you can get in the sales that are better value.

Hoka Black Friday Quick Links

Here’s a round-up of the best offers available from Hoka and third-party retailers.

US Quick Links

• Hoka: Shop the latest deals from Hoka direct
• REI: Up to 70% off Hoka running shoes and hiking boots
• Dick’s Sporting Goods: Hoka running shoes and hiking boots on sale
• Amazon: Deals on Hoka shoes updated daily

UK Quick Links

• Hoka: Deals on shoes and running gear
• SportsShoes: Up to 52% off Hoka shoes
• Pro:Direct Sport: Up to 58% off Hoka shoes
• Amazon: Deals on Hoka products daily

US Hoka Black Friday Deals: Editor Picks

UK Hoka Black Friday Deals: Editor Picks

FAQs

Hoka was founded in 2009, when it was known as Hoka One One, so it’s hardly a new face on the running shoe scene. But it’s a brand that’s known for bringing innovative approaches to the market.

It was Hoka that pioneered the maximalist running shoe movement, with huge stacks of lightweight foam on rockered shoes like the Bondi and Clifton. Pretty much all brands have now jumped on this bandwagon and released highly cushioned shoes, and in truth Hoka fell behind on some fronts for road running, particularly carbon plate racing shoes. But 2023 has been a strong year that has seen the brand catch up in most areas, and road runners can choose from a variety of great Hoka shoes to suit their needs.

Off-road, Hoka makes some of the best trail-running shoes on the market, and has long been popular with ultramarathon runners owing to the comfort of its cushioned designs. Even if you have no intention of hitting ultra-distances in your runs, Hoka’s trail range has you covered.

How I Tested These Shoes

I am a keen runner with a marathon PR of 2hr 28min and usually run around 50-70 miles a week on a mix of road and trails, during which time I test all kinds of running gear. I’ve tested and reviewed a variety of Hoka running shoes including most of its current range of road and trail shoes. I’ve picked the outstanding Hoka shoes for a variety of uses below. My personal favorite is the Hoka Mach 6 for its versatility.

The Best Hoka Running Shoes

The Clifton 9 showcases all the best qualities of Hoka shoes. It’s comfortable and well cushioned without being too heavy. The smooth, rockered ride works well for a variety of daily training runs, from easy plods to tempo sessions. It’s also stable for a neutral shoe, and grips well in wet and dry conditions on the road.

While I prefer the lighter Mach 5 for the same kind of runs, the Clifton is a more protective and beginner-friendly option, and it’s also more durable as it has a rubber outsole. If you’d prefer an even more cushioned option for your start in the sport, the Bondi 8 is a good option.

Read more in our Hoka Clifton 9 review

The Hoka Mach 6 is one of the most versatile shoes without a plate available from any brand, with a lightweight but cushioned design that makes it enjoyable to use for everything from slow long runs to fast intervals. The midsole foam is stable and bouncy, if not as springy as some materials on the market. The shoe ticks over nicely whether you’re plodding or sprinting.

A lot of the above is also true of the Hoka Mach 5, which I also found an excellent shoe, but there are upgrades on the Mach 6. One is that it has a rubber outsole as opposed to the rubberized foam on the Mach 5, which should make the newer shoe more durable. The Mach 6 also has a midsole made from Supercritical EVA foam, whereas the Mach 5 had a dual-density midsole with only a top layer of Supercritical foam, which is bouncier and lighter than the standard EVA used for the bottom layer.

Read more in our Hoka Mach 6 review

The Hoka Cielo X1 is one of the top marathon racing options available from any brand, with its rockered, propulsive ride helping you to lock in and hold race pace over long distances. It’s great fun to run in and despite being heavier than the Rocket X 2 it doesn’t feel bulky on the run, even when pushing to fast paces.

The extra cushioning on the shoe, along with the rocker, means it protects the legs over the long haul too—so you feel a bit fresher at the end of long hard runs and can finish strong. I also found this benefit extended to bouncing back quickly after long training runs, and felt great the day after a 24-mile marathon training run in the Cielo X1.

Read more in our Hoka Cielo X1 review

Hoka was one of the first brands to respond to the Nike Vaporfly by launching its own carbon shoe, but the Carbon X didn’t come close to delivering the bouncy, propulsive feel of the best super-shoes. It took a while for a proper rival to the best on the market to arrive from Hoka, but now there are two: the Rocket X 2 and the Cielo X1. Of the two, the Rocket X 2 is the lighter and more agile shoe, and is the better pick for short-distance events. It’s more stable than the Cielo X1 for rounding corners at high speeds and while it’s not as propulsive and bouncy as the Cielo X1, I appreciated the lighter design of the Rocket X 2 during short-distance races.

Read more in our Hoka Rocket X 2 review

The Skyward X is not a traditional cushioned shoe, with a huge stack of springy foam and a carbon plate in its midsole, but it’s brilliant fun for cruising around in at an easy pace. It’s a fairly versatile shoe for daily training, even if I’d rather be in a lighter and smaller shoe for speedwork. It excels over long distance and during high-mileage weeks, protecting the legs and helping you to bounce along.

Despite its size, the ride is smooth thanks to the rocker. I consistently found that I was running at a faster pace on easy runs than I expected given the low effort. I also had no stability problems when running in the Skyward X, despite the high stack height, with the sidewalls of foam and substantial heel counter helping to make it a stable shoe.

It is expensive, and the Bondi and Clifton are better-value cushioned options in Hoka’s range. The Bondi and Clifton are also lower and have more “normal” rides, making them better suited to newer runners who want a cushioned shoe to start out with.

Read more in our Hoka Skyward X review

The Mach X looks like a supercharged Mach 5 on paper, with a PEBAX plate in the midsole adding extra pop, and a much higher midsole stack that contains a PEBA-based foam for its top layer. It also has a rocker to create a smooth ride, and some rubber on the outsole to make it more durable than the Mach 5, though I didn’t find the Mach X had better grip.

All that extra tech comes at a higher price, and I didn’t notice enough of a boost in performance from the Mach X to necessarily make it worth the extra outlay over the Mach 5 for daily training. The Mach X is a bit more comfortable over long distances, and the plate does add some pop at speed, but the Mach 5 is a lot lighter and still performs well for longer and speedier runs. The Mach X is a good option for people who want a plated shoe but have found others too squishy and wobbly, because it is stable despite its high stack.

Read more in our Hoka Mach X review

Even though Hoka established itself on the market because of cushioned shoes like the Bondi, I’d say it’s actually now one of the weakest areas of its range, because the Bondi 8 falls well short of the best cushioned shoes from other brands. A shoe like the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, for example, is softer, smoother and lighter, despite having a much higher stack height than the Bondi 8.

If you’re sticking with Hoka, however, the Bondi 8 is still a solid shoe for cruising around in. It feels a bit blocky on the foot and doesn’t work well for anything beyond easy pace, but it will protect the legs well and durability is certainly not a concern.

Read more in our Hoka Bondi 8 review

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is built for ultramarathons, but even if you have no plans to log mighty distances in it, it’s still worth considering as one of the best all-round trail shoes available from any brand. It’s comfortable, I’ve found it grips well on any terrain bar very thick mud, and it’s light enough to pick up the pace in when required.

Unless you want a light and nimble racing shoe for the trails, or prefer more ground feel that you get from the relatively high-stack Speedgoat, it’s the best trail pick in Hoka’s range for pretty much any runner.

Read more in our Hoka Speedgoat 5 review

The twin carbon plates that run the length of the Tecton X2’s midsole add extra propulsion to its ride, making it one of the most accomplished trail-racers available on a range of terrains, though it does come unstuck in deep mud. 

With a firmer and lower midsole than the Rocket X2 road racer, the Tecton X2 doesn’t have quite the same wow factor, but it is much more stable and flexible, which is important when heading off-road. It’s expensive, and there is a case for bagging the older Tecton X in a sale if you can since the shoes have the same midsole design, but if you’re on the hunt for a top-tier trail racer, the Tecton X2 matches anything on the market.

Read more in our Hoka Tecton X2 review

The Speedgoat 5 is pretty comfortable on the road as well as the trail, but if your mix of running skews more towards the asphalt with a sprinkling of trails, then the Challenger 7 might be the better pick from Hoka’s range.

It’s comfortable both in terms of cushioning and grip while on the road and light trails, and is the perfect option for those who run on canal towpaths or light park trails when possible during otherwise mostly road-based runs. I’ve also found the Challenger 7 pretty good at gripping in the snow, and it’s quite a light shoe that can handle a range of speeds well, although it’s not the most nimble on uneven ground.

Read more in our Hoka Challenger 7 review

The original Hoka Tecton X was one of the first shoes to successfully incorporate into a trail racer the carbon plate tech that works so well in road shoes. It was one of the best trail-running shoes available, and that remains the case with the Hoka Tecton X2, which sticks to the same design as the original.

Hoka has changed the upper on the shoe to create a more secure fit, but underfoot the midsole and outsole are the same. A marginal improvement is fine for a second-gen shoe, but it’s a shame Hoka has bumped up the price of the Hoka Tecton X2, and this may mean hunting for a deal on the Tecton X is a smarter option for runners.

Hoka Tecton X2 Review: Price And Availability

The Hoka Tecton X2 launched in April 2023 and costs $220 in the US and £185 in the UK. The original Tecton X cost $200/£175, and is now in sales. The Tecton X2 is one of the most expensive trail shoes on the market, though still (a little) cheaper than most of the best carbon plate running shoes for the road.

Design And Fit

The new Matryx upper on the Hoka Tecton X2 is made from a fast-drying material that is light and breathable. Compared with the mesh used on the Tecton X it feels airier, though that is also partly because the toe bumper has been reduced in thickness.

Hoka has changed the laces on the shoe so they don’t extend so far down into the toe box. I had no concerns with the upper on the original Tecton X, but the fit feels more secure on the Tecton X2. I like the fit of the shoe in my normal UK size, 9 (it’s a US 9.5, whereas I normally have a US 10), but I have a narrow foot and some may find it too snug.

The ProFly X midsole has the same dual-density set-up as the Tecton X, with two layers of gas-infused EVA foams, the one on top being slightly softer. Sandwiched between those layers are the thin carbon plates, which run in parallel down the length of the shoe.

This differs from the full plate you’ll see in road shoes—which provides increased stiffness and propulsion on the road—but on trails you need more flexibility to take into account uneven ground, so the plate set-up in the Tecton X2 is designed to give pop without sacrificing stability and flexibility.

Another difference from carbon road shoes is that the Tecton X2 doesn’t have a high stack of foam in the midsole. The shoe has a 5mm drop and the men’s shoe is 32mm at the heel and 27mm at the forefoot, while the women’s is 30mm at the heel and 25mm at the forefoot.

While the 4mm lugs on the Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole are short, flat and broad (which indicates the shoe is mainly designed for harder trails), I found the Tecton X versatile on the trails. It gripped well in dry and wet conditions. That will be the same for the Tecton X2, which I’ve used only on dry trails so far. It’s never going to be a great option for the mud, though it does the job on most terrains.

How I Tested This Shoe

I’ve run 30 miles (about 50km) in the Hoka Tecton X2 across four runs, all in dry conditions. I have been on a mix of terrains, including grass, gravel and hard-packed forest paths, along with the road to and from my local trails. I ran at a mix of paces. I have also tested the Tecton X, as well as other carbon plate trail shoes such as the Saucony Endorphin Edge and The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro.

Running Performance

As with the Tecton X, I took the Tecton X2 out for a long run for my first outing in the shoe. Like its predecessor, it didn’t feel amazing immediately. It was somewhat stiff and didn’t have the wow factor of a soft, springy carbon road shoe. But it was comfortable over 10 miles on a variety of trails, it was stable at slow speeds, and it gripped well.

After a couple of runs, the midsole had softened and the stiffness disappeared, leaving a flexible ride with a little softness and some welcome punch from the carbon plates when you hit your straps on flatter, tamer rails.

I’ve done a couple of progression runs in the shoe, working from easy paces down to around 5min 55sec/mile pace on undulating dirt tracks and, without ever feeling dramatically fast, the Tecton X2 ticks over nicely at speed. It’s nimble on narrow trails, and the grip and stability of the shoe give you the confidence to really bomb downhills. 

Is The Hoka Tecton X2 Worth It?

The Tecton X2 is another very good trail shoe from Hoka, and a slight upgrade on the original. However, I’m not sure the improved upper is enough to merit its price rise. Unless you had problems with the fit of the Tecton X, I’d opt for the older shoe if you can find it for less.

Of the other carbon trail shoes I’ve tested, it’s closer in feel to the Saucony Endorphin Edge than The North Face Summit Vectiv Pro. The latter being softer, highly rockered, and feeling more like a road shoe. The Saucony has better grip on soft ground and a bouncier midsole foam, while the Tecton X2 feels more nimble on tricky trails; I prefer it for going uphill. 

Choosing between the three, I marginally prefer the Hoka and the Saucony to the Summit Vectiv Pro, which doesn’t have great grip and is heavier—though it might be more protective for long ultras.

A bigger question might be whether it’s worth buying a carbon plate trail shoe at all. They offer a performance boost, it’s just that it is not as dramatic as with carbon road shoes. You can get equally good trail-racing options for long distances, like the Hoka Speedgoat 5 and Saucony Xodus Ultra 2, for a lot less.

I love the Hoka Mach 5. I also love the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3. At first glance, I thought the Hoka Mach X might be the glorious combination of those two shoes, and one that set a new standard for the best running shoes.

Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. The Hoka Mach X is a great shoe and will be perfect for some runners, but the category of plated trainers it sits within is competitive and, for me, the Hoka loses out to the Endorphin Speed 3 and others, owing to its relative lack of speed.

Hoka Mach X: Price And Availability

The Hoka Mach X launched on 30th June 2023 and costs $180 in the US and £160 in the UK. It’s more expensive than the Hoka Mach 5, but about par for a plated training shoe, with rivals including the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 and Asics Magic Speed 3.

Design And Fit

The Hoka Mach X is a plated training shoe designed to handle a variety of runs, but with an emphasis on speed. It’s positioned above the Hoka Mach 5 in Hoka’s line-up, packing more tech into its midsole than the relatively simple Mach 5, which doesn’t have a plate and sits lower to the ground.

By contrast, the Mach X has a big stack of foam in its midsole. The men’s shoe has a stack of 39mm at the heel and 34mm at the forefoot, while the women’s shoe is 37mm at the heel and 32mm at the forefoot, for a drop of 5mm in both.

The Mach X has a dual-density midsole, with a top layer made from a Peba-based foam and the bottom layer made from a firmer EVA material. There are sidewalls of the EVA foam to increase stability, and the Mach X has a wide base to help on that front too.

A Pebax plate runs through the midsole between the plates, which adds pop without being as stiff and harsh as a carbon plate. This makes the shoe more suitable for daily training.

Another big difference from the Hoka Mach 5 is that the Mach X has a rubber outsole, with good coverage on the forefoot and heel, whereas the Mach 5 uses a rubberized EVA. The Mach X should be more durable as a result, though I didn’t notice an improvement in grip from the rubber.

The Mach X has a mesh upper with cushioning around the heel collar. It fits well in my normal running shoe size, and isn’t as narrow as some Hoka shoes, such as the Mach 5. 

At 9.3oz/265g in my US 9.5, the Mach X isn’t a heavy shoe, though it’s also not as light as many plated trainers in its category, which affects its performance for speed sessions.

How I Tested This Shoe

I’ve run 30 miles (50km) across four runs in the Hoka Mach X, doing a mix of easy and speedy daily training in the shoe to test its versatility. I have also tested the Hoka Mach 5 and many plated training shoes from other brands.

Running Performance

Given the high stack and the use of a Peba-based foam in the midsole, I expected a bouncy ride from the Mach X, boosted by the plate. However, it’s more of a smooth operator, with the rocker helping to transition you onto your toes before the plate adds extra punch to your toe-off. 

It’s comfortable and stable for such a big shoe, and I enjoyed rolling through easy runs in it. The foam isn’t squishy or harsh, and with the plate aiding efficiency the Mach X is a great option for long runs. 

However, the shoe didn’t impress as much during faster runs. I did a hard 45-minute progression run in the Mach X and in the closing 15 minutes it felt big and unwieldy. When trying to push the pace it was harder to get into a rhythm with the rocker, and the shoe felt heavier and less explosive than rivals like the Endorphin Speed 3.

It’s better at moderate paces, and would be a good tempo shoe, but for intervals or race pace efforts the Mach X didn’t work for me. It may be a better option for these runs for heavier runners, who might sink more into the fairly firm midsole and get more back from the plate.

Is The Hoka Mach X Worth It?

The Hoka Mach X is a good product, and it’s not the fault of the shoe that I had such expectations for it. It did fall short of those expectations, though. More importantly, it also doesn’t match up to the performance of other plated options like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 and Asics Magic Speed 3, which are lighter and speedier, and still good options for easy runs.

The Mach X is the best of the trio for easy efforts because it’s so comfortable and stable, but losing that edge on speed is problematic because there are lots of great shoes for relaxed runs that come in cheaper—including the Hoka Mach 5, which is also lighter than the X.

For a super-trainer, the Mach X may suit beginners (or heavier runners) better than the lighter, less stable options like the Magic Speed and Endorphin Speed. But in an increasingly loaded category of shoes, the Mach X doesn’t do enough to stand out. It’s a good shoe but it’s going up against some of the best all-rounders launched in recent years.

Hoka was among the first brands to join the carbon shoe revolution – its Carbon X came out not long after the Nike Vaporfly. However, it’s never really had a shoe that’s met the standard of the best carbon plate running shoes. The Carbon X and Rocket X are solid trainer/racers, but heavier and less propulsive than their rivals. The Hoka Rocket X 2 is a different animal, with a PEBA-based midsole that provides the soft and springy ride you expect from a super-shoe. It’s Hoka’s best racing shoe by a mile.

Hoka Rocket X 2: Price And Availability

The Hoka Rocket X 2 will launch on 16 March 2023 and costs $250 in the US and £220 in the UK. This means it’s Hoka’s most expensive carbon shoe – the original Rocket X cost $200/£140 and the Carbon X3 $200/£170 – though it is in line with the price of super-shoes from other brands.

Design And Fit

The most important update to the Hoka Rocket X 2 is the new midsole, which is now made from a PEBA-based foam rather than the EVA Hoka has previously used on its carbon shoes. The shoe has a dual-density midsole, with a softer layer of foam on top of the full-length scooped carbon plate, and a slightly firmer layer beneath.

This midsole is softer, bouncier and lighter than the foams used on the Rocket X and Carbon X3. The Hoka Rocket X 2 weighs 7.9oz/225g in my UK size 9, which is an increase on the 7.6oz/217g the original Rocket weighs in my size, but the new shoe’s stack has also increased by 6mm in height. The Rocket X 2 is 36mm high at the heel and 31mm at the forefoot for a 5mm drop.

The upper is made from a lightweight synthetic mesh with additional structure added at the midfoot and around the front of the shoe. There is no heel counter and minimal padding around the heel and on the gusseted tongue, the aim being to keep the upper as light as possible. In my normal size the Rocket X 2 fitted well, with regards to length, and though I had problems with heel rub, I think sticking with your normal running shoe size is the best option.

There is a substantial cut-out in the midsole – now par for the course with carbon shoes – that allows you to see the carbon plate from underneath. The outsole has rubber on the forefoot, along with two strips at the back of the shoe to provide grip and durability in heavy-use zones, with exposed foam around the cut-out in the midfoot.

How I Tested This Shoe

I’ve completed four runs in the Hoka Rocket X 2 ahead of its launch: a short interval session on the road and one on the track, a longer session that included a parkrun, and a 16km run with a 10km stint at marathon effort. I have also tested every generation of the Hoka Carbon X, the Rocket X, and most of the best carbon plate running shoes on the market.

Running Performance

When you start running in the Rocket X 2 it’s obvious that it’s different from Hoka’s previous carbon shoes. It’s softer and bouncier than the Rocket X and Carbon X3, and feels more akin to super-shoes from other brands than anything Hoka has produced before.

The ride is excessively soft at slower paces – in fact it’s so squishy the transition is a little slow. Once I started running fast in the Rocket X 2 it firmed up underfoot and felt snappy, moving me onto my toes quickly. 

I took it to the track to run 8 x 400m reps at fairly controlled paces with short 100m jog recoveries, and the Rocket X 2 felt fantastic. Running the reps felt like a cruise and when I picked up the last rep to run all-out, the shoe felt light and nimble.

The combination of its lower stack and drop compared with most other super-shoes also makes the Rocket X 2 feel more natural underfoot. It’s not exactly stable, since the foam is so soft, but you can attack corners on the road more aggressively than in higher shoes like the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2 or Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro.

I used it for a parkrun next, first running a steady 5K at around 3min 40sec/km pace and then going all out on the parkrun and logging 16min 43sec. I still enjoyed the Rocket X 2 on this, but a couple of concerns crept in.

One was heel rub. My left foot was raw by the end of the run. Since then I’ve heel-locked the left shoe and bandaged my heel to protect it when using the Rocket X 2, which has made it fine to use, but it’s still something to be wary of.

Also, late in the parkrun when I was tiring and rocking back more on my heels, I didn’t feel the shoe was rocking me forwards as effectively as higher-drop, firmer super-shoes like the Vaporfly or the New Balance Fuelcell SC Elite V3 – the latter has a lower drop than the Hoka but also has a firmer midsole and an aggressive rocker, so the drop feels higher to me.

On my most recent run in the shoe – 16km, with 10km steady at around marathon effort – I felt that the Rocket X 2 lacked the propulsion you get from shoes that hit the 40mm limit. The Hoka felt good in the 10km steady, when I was running fast but within myself and getting a smooth transition, but by the end of the run it seemed to lose a bit of bounce – as if the soft midsole had compressed during the run and lost some of its rebound.

Higher shoes with firmer foams, like the Alphafly 2 or Asics Metaspeed Sky+, retain their bounce further into runs, so it would be a concern for me if I was looking to do a marathon in the Rocket X 2. 

Is The Hoka Rocket X 2 Worth It?

The Rocket X 2 is a great carbon shoe and the best racing shoe Hoka has made. I enjoyed running in it, and any concerns I have about its performance are minor. However, minor concerns are all that really separates the best carbon plate running shoes, and I’d probably reach for a few others ahead of the Rocket X 2 on race day.

There are shoes with more bounce in the midsole, like the Nike Alphafly NEXT% 2, Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro and Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3, and shoes that have a more aggressive feel that keep you rolling late into races, like the Nike Vaporfly NEXT% 2 or New Balance Fuelcell SC Elite V3.

Where the Hoka Rocket X 2 stands out to some degree is its low drop. That said, the Asics Metaspeed Sky+ has a similar drop, though with a bouncier foam for long-distance events.

In my opinion, you wouldn’t be disappointed if you picked up the Hoka Rocket X. It’s a great option for races of any distance, though for me it would work best for 5K to half marathon. I just think in the highly competitive world of carbon shoes, I have enough concerns about the Rocket X 2 that I’d pick out a different shoe.

No shoe line better exemplifies what Hoka does than the Clifton. It’s a well-cushioned but surprisingly light shoe that works well for easy runs.

The Hoka Clifton 9 is my favourite version of the shoe yet, but still has faults common to Hoka’s road shoes, such as the dull midsole foam. It’s a solid daily trainer, but doesn’t match up to the best running shoes for me.

Hoka Clifton 9 Review: Price And Availability

The Hoka Clifton 9 launched on 15th February 2023 and costs $145 in the US and £130 in the UK. 

Design And Fit

The Clifton is a popular neutral daily trainer, and the updates Hoka has made to the ninth version are fairly small, though they do improve the shoe considerably. The EVA foam in the midsole is now lighter and more responsive, allowing Hoka to add 2-3mm to the stack height (2mm in the women’s shoe, 3mm in the men’s) while making the shoe lighter.

The stack height is now 32mm at the heel and 27mm in the forefoot in the men’s shoe, and 29mm at the heel and 24mm in the forefoot for the women’s, with the same 5mm drop as the Clifton 8.

That’s not a towering stack compared with max-cushioned shoes like the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 or Hoka Bondi 8, but it’s a lot of cushioning, which makes it a pleasant surprise that the Clifton 9 weighs just 9.2oz/262g in my UK 9 – slightly lighter than the Clifton 8 (9.4oz/266g in my UK 9) despite the increased stack.

Hoka has also reduced the weight by changing the upper to a lighter engineered knit, though there is still plenty of padding around the heel for added comfort on easy runs. The Clifton 9 is wider than most Hoka shoes, and fitted well in my normal size.

The outsole has good rubber coverage on the forefoot and heel, and the shoe has gripped well for me on wet pavements and one brief run on light trails.

How I Tested This Shoe

I’ve run 41km in the Clifton 9 ahead of its launch, doing a mix of easy and tempo-training runs. I have also tested several past versions of the Clifton including the Clifton 8.

Running Performance

While it is only a little lighter than the Clifton 8, the changes Hoka has made with the Clifton 9 make the shoe feel more sprightly than its predecessor. The foam gives a little more back when running fast, and the rocker design is smooth and helps you tick through easy runs comfortably.

I enjoyed the Clifton 9 most on easy runs, which is when it’s a shoe you can pull on and forget about. It protects the legs without being bulky or feeling overbearing, and it’s stable and grips well.

The shoe loses some of its charm when you push the pace, and when doing progression runs in it from easy to tempo paces, the dullness of the midsole was noticeable compared with daily trainers that use bouncier foams, like the New Balance Rebel v3 or Puma Velocity Nitro 2.

It’s also less responsive than the Hoka Mach 5, which Hoka bills more as a fast training shoe, though it actually works well as a daily trainer because of the mix of comfort and speed it offers. The Clifton 9 will be more durable than the Mach 5, which doesn’t have any rubber on its outsole, but the ride of the Mach 5 is more enjoyable for pretty much any kind of run.

Is The Hoka Clifton 9 Worth It?

The Hoka Clifton 9 will please existing fans of the line, offering increased cushioning and a more responsive ride while being lighter. It does the same job as the Clifton 8, just a little better, and it’s a reliable daily trainer for those who like a rockered ride.

However, I don’t think it will win many new fans. The midsole lacks the bounce and versatility you get from more impressive shoes, including Hoka’s own Mach 5. The Clifton feels like a more robust and cushioned shoe than the Mach 5, but the ride is less enjoyable, no matter what kind of run you’re doing in it. However, I do prefer the Clifton to the Bondi 8, which has added even more cushioning but become cumbersome and heavy as a result.

While I didn’t dislike the Clifton 9 and would be happy pulling it on for a range of daily training, there are too many other shoes I’d prefer to reach for, including the cheaper Puma Velocity Nitro 2 or New Balance Rebel v3, to make it one to recommend.

The Hoka Challenger 7 is built to handle pretty much anything you throw at it. It’s cushioned, but lightweight, and has an outsole designed to be comfortable on the road while still gripping on the trails. It’s one of the best trail-running shoes going, and it’s not a bad shoe even if you exclusively stick to the road.

However, being so versatile comes at a cost in that there’s no one type of run where I’d rate the Challenger 7 as the best shoe available. It’s among the top options for runners who just want one shoe and do mix up their terrains, but it would be harder to fit into a shoe rotation. Even among road-to-trail shoes there are strong alternatives that are better than the Challenger 7 in some regards.

Hoka Challenger 7 Review: Price And Availability

The Challenger 7 has been available since December 2022 and costs $145 in the US and £130 in the UK.

Design And Fit

Hoka has introduced a raft of changes that make the Challenger 7 lighter, softer and more suitable for the road than the Challenger 6. The mesh upper is now softer and more pliable, and while it doesn't have as much structure or protection around the toes as full trail shoes, there is a plastic heel counter for added support there.

It’s worth noting that the Challenger 7 has quite a narrow toe box, something that is common with Hoka shoes. There is a wide version of the shoe available, though. I have a narrow foot and the fit was good for me in my normal size.

The midsole of the shoe is made from an EVA foam, which has been tweaked to be softer than the material used in the Challenger 6. The foam is clearly very light because despite the large stack of foam the Challenger 7 weighs just 9oz/257g in my UK size 9. The shoe has a 5mm drop with a stack height of 31mm in the heel and 26mm in the forefoot for the men’s shoe, and 29mm in the heel and 24mm in the forefoot for the women’s.

Hoka has also adjusted the outsole of the Challenger 7, using smaller, flatter lugs than its predecessor had in the centre to create a smoother ride when on the road. The outer lugs are longer to provide better grip on the trails.

How I Tested This Shoe

I have done a variety of runs in the Challenger 7 to test its performance at different speeds and on different terrains. I’ve used it in snow and on muddy trails, as well as on well-kept forest tracks and on the road, and done several easy runs plus a fartlek session in it.

Running Performance

The Challenger 7 arrived during a rare week of snow in London, where all my runs involved negotiating icy streets on the way to hard-packed snowy trails in the forest. It couldn’t really have been better timed, because the grip on the shoe was excellent for this kind of run, and when sticking to easy paces the cushioning on the shoe is comfortable without being too heavy or bulky.

It was a very strong first impression, and the Challenger 7 has backed that up by performing well even once the snow melted away. The forest trails I run on are muddy at this time of year and while the lugs on the outsole aren’t that deep, they have enough purchase to keep you upright unless you stray on to very boggy ground. 

On slick grass, especially when running downhill, I was less confident in the grip of the shoe, but if you’re spending a lot of time on that kind of terrain you’d want a full trail shoe. For the most part, however, the grip exceeded expectations.

That’s especially true because of how well the shoe runs on the road. The ride is smooth and the small lugs didn’t create any skittishness on icy or wet pavements.

I also found that the Challenger 7 was light and fast enough to do a fartlek session in the woods on trails that were both wet and icy in patches. It isn’t an out-and-out speed shoe, and on the road I’d want a more responsive ride, but for that kind of relaxed interval session when you’re more focused on effort than specific target paces it worked well. The grip was also good when I was running at speed, though slowing down was a necessity on icy corners.

The only terrain where I did feel the size of the shoe made it a little ungainly was on uneven ground, like frozen rutted grass. The shoe isn’t heavy but it is a bit awkward when landing on narrow spots, and lower-stack trail shoes are better suited to that terrain.

While the midsole is comfortable, it doesn’t deliver the bounciest or most exciting ride. For a trail shoe it’s fine, but if you are spending more time on the road then there are more enjoyable shoes to use, including options like the Puma Velocity Nitro 2 which has a good outsole for light trail use.

Is The Hoka Challenger 7 Worth It?

I enjoyed running in the Hoka Challenger 7 and if you prefer to only have one shoe on the go at a time, and like to mix up the terrains you run on, it’s one of the strongest options available. It’s lighter than the Nike Pegasus Trail 4 and Inov-8 Parkclaw G 280, and more comfortable than the Puma Fast-Trac Nitro on the road, though I do find the Puma a faster shoe.

There is some overlap with other shoes in the Hoka range though, including the excellent Hoka Speedgoat 5, which is a full trail shoe that can handle tricky terrain better than the Challenger, but is still pretty comfortable on the road. The Hoka Torrent 2 also does a similar job, being slightly more trail-focused than the Challenger. 

All are solid options, but if your trail running will involve some fairly rugged ground the Speedgoat and Torrent offer more reliable grip, and they are not uncomfortable for road running. 

The Challenger 7 would be the better pick if the balance of your running is around 70% road and 30% on light trails. However, in that scenario there are excellent road running shoes that can probably handle the trails you tackle, like the Puma Velocity Nitro 2 or Nike Pegasus 39.

If you have a shoe rotation you’d be better off getting more specific tools for the job of the different types of runs you do. You can get a trail shoe for the terrain you’re likely to be on most, plus a road shoe with a livelier midsole foam than the Challenger.

The Hoka Bondi 8 is a classic in the max-cushioned category of running shoes. The early versions offered high stacks of foam way before other brands picked up on the idea in order to deliver the best cushioned running shoes. The Bondi has long been one of the best running shoes for those seeking protection from the impact of the sport.

However, competition in the max-cushioned category is fiercer than ever and, even after several updates on the Bondi 7, the Hoka Bondi 8 falls short of the best cushioned shoes.

Hoka Bondi 8: Price And Availability

The Hoka Bondi 8 is available now and costs $160 in the US and £145 in the UK, which is pricier than Hoka’s other classic cushioned shoe, the Clifton 8, which is $140/£130.

Design And Fit

The upper on the Bondi 8 will be familiar to long-term fans of this shoe line. It is a breathable engineered mesh with flat laces and plump padding on the tongue and collar to create a luxurious feel. The fit is a little narrow: this worked well for me in my normal size, since I have a narrow foot, but those who have struggled with narrow Hoka shoes in the past will probably have similar complaints here.

Based on appearances, the midsole seems similar to previous versions of the shoe. It’s still a big stack of foam with side walls, so your foot sits within the foam at the heel to create a bucket seat effect. The stack height is 33mm at the heel in the men’s shoe and 31mm in the women’s, with a 4mm drop, and my UK size 9 weighs 11.4oz/323g. However, the midsole has been changed from the Bondi 7, Hoka having modified the foam to make it lighter and softer. The heel crash pad has also been extended to make for a smoother ride when heel-striking.

The outsole has exposed foam in the midfoot but good rubber coverage in the key impact areas around the heel and forefoot. The Bondi has always been a durable shoe and from my use of the 8 I expect it to last hundreds of miles of running.

How I Tested This Shoe

I have run 50km in the Hoka Bondi 8, using it mostly for easy runs during my marathon training. I haven’t run in the Bondi 6 or 7, but have used the last few versions of the Clifton.

Running Performance

If the Bondi 8 is softer and lighter than the Bondi 7, I feel relieved that I never used the previous version because soft and light are not two adjectives that come to mind when running in the 8.

It’s a heavy shoe, even within the max-cushioned category, and many of those cushioned shoes that are heavier than the Bondi 8 feel lighter on the foot because of a well-designed rocker or a responsive midsole foam. I didn’t feel either with the Bondi 8. The foam isn’t unduly firm, but it’s not soft, squishy, bouncy or especially exciting. It’s a dull ride, and while it undoubtedly protects the legs well during high-mileage weeks, it doesn’t bring much joy to the run.

The Bondi 8 is not a versatile shoe either. Any time I tried to move beyond easy paces it felt uncomfortably large and awkward. You could argue that it’s a shoe designed only for easy running, but there are many well-cushioned shoes that are just as comfortable that offer more versatility than the Bondi 8. That is the Bondi 8’s main problem. 

Sure, it’s an easy run shoe that you can rack up a lot of miles in without worrying about durability. However, that’s now the minimum expectation for a max-cushioned shoe, and others like the Brooks Glycerin 20, Nike Invincible 2, On Cloudmonster and Saucony Triumph 20 offer a lot more to runners. I also prefer the lighter Clifton 8 if sticking within Hoka’s range.

Is The Hoka Bondi 8 Worth It?

The Bondi 8 does what the Bondi line has always done, which is offer a lot of protection and cushioning for easy runs. If that’s all you used it for and you are happy with a stable but dull ride, then it’s a reasonable option.

However, in my opinion there are a multitude of better options on the market. The Nike Invincible 2 is less stable, but bouncier and more enjoyable to use. The Brooks Glycerin 20 has a more responsive midsole and is more versatile while still comfortable. The same goes for the Saucony Triumph 20, while the On Cloudmonster is much lighter and works well as a daily trainer.

The Hoka Clifton 8 is a more versatile cushioned shoe as well, and even if you do want the stable, protective ride offered by the Bondi 8, I’d say the Nike Infinity Run 3 offers that with a smoother feel than the Bondi thanks to its well-executed rocker. 

The Hoka Mach 5 is pitched as a lightweight, speedy shoe, and notably it aims to fulfil the brief without using a carbon plate or a huge stack of springy cushioning. It is a very simple shoe by modern standards, and yet is at least the match of the fastest training shoes on the market. Like the Hoka Mach 4 before it, I rate the Mach 5 as one of the best running shoes.

If you’re hesitant about using plated shoes, or simply shy of spending significant sums on a training shoe, then the Hoka Mach 5 is well worth considering. 

Hoka Mach 5: Price And Availability

The Hoka Mach 5 is available now and costs $140 in the US and £130 in the UK, which is a small price rise on the Hoka Mach 4.

Design And Fit

The Mach 5 builds on the success of the Mach 4, but there are a couple of notable changes to the shoe. The new mesh upper is lighter and is better at holding your foot securely, and there’s minimal cushioning on the tongue and collar, which keeps the weight down. I found that the shoe fit me well in my normal size.

Hoka has also changed the midsole composition on the Mach 5 compared with the 4. It is still a dual-density midsole with a bottom layer made of rubberised EVA foam, but the top layer is now a version of the brand’s responsive ProFly+ foam.

I was nervous about this change, because Hoka used ProFly+ on the Mach Supersonic, an ill-fated variation on the Mach 4 that promised more speed, but ended up being heavier and less comfortable.

Fortunately, the ProFly+ foam used in the Mach 5 feels different, and delivers on the promise of the Supersonic in being a little more responsive than the top layer on the Mach 4, which was on the softer side.

The shoe still has a rockered profile and a 5mm drop, and weighs a little less than the Mach 4. My UK size 9 is 8.1oz/229g compared with 8.3oz/236g for the Mach 4.

Despite widespread criticism of the durability of the Mach 4’s outsole, Hoka has opted to keep the same design with the Mach 5, which means the rubberised EVA used for the bottom half of the midsole is left completely exposed, rather than having a rubber outsole. Grip has never been a problem, and the soft, smooth ride of the shoe is no doubt partly down to having no rubber on the outsole, but it does wear down quickly owing to the lack of rubber.

How I Tested This Shoe

I have run 80km in the Hoka Mach 5 using it for a range of daily training including a 20km long run and some tempo runs. I also used the Mach 4 extensively because it was one of my favourite shoes of 2021. Here’s my Hoka Mach 4 review for reference.

Running Performance

As mentioned, I didn’t enjoy running in the Hoka Mach Supersonic, and feared for what that meant for the Mach 5, especially having liked the Mach 4 so much. It only took one run to be reassured that the shoe was still a winner.

Although the marketing of the Mach line emphasises speed, it is more of a general daily trainer in my eyes – comfortable enough to use for easy runs while having a light and poppy feel when you do want to run fast.

The transition from heel to toe is smooth and the shoe feels very natural, as opposed to the blocky Mach Supersonic, which I was always aware of when running in it. Instead, the Mach 5 effectively disappears on the foot and I always found it easy to get into a good rhythm at either easy or faster paces.

While it has a relatively low stack for shoes these days (the stack height is not confirmed, but it’s around 29mm at the heel) the Mach 5 is comfortable to use for long runs at relaxed paces, and it excels in long training sessions at anywhere from easy to tempo pace.

When you push beyond that to faster race paces the Mach 5 does lack a little of the punch you get from plated training shoes like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, but it is lighter and still great to use for short intervals as a result. It’s also good for long reps at slower race paces and would make a solid marathon racing option for those who don’t want to use a plated shoe.

Is The Hoka Mach 5 Worth It?

In a marketplace full of complex shoes packed with technology, the Hoka Mach 5 is a refreshing reminder that you can still make a very impressive shoe without a plate or 40mm-high stack of foam.

While it does lose out a little on top-end speed compared with the best plated training shoes like the Endorphin Speed or Puma Deviate Nitro, I rate it as faster than many plated shoes, like the Nike Zoom Fly 5, Adidas Boston 10 or New Balance SuperComp Trainer.

It’s also much cheaper than most rivals and more enjoyable to use for easy runs. It’s one of the best daily trainers going and while the outsole does wear down faster than a rubber one, you’ll still get many hundreds of miles out of the Mach 5.

The only other note I have is that while I consider the Mach 5 a minor improvement on the Mach 4, it’s not enough of an upgrade that I’d get the 5 over the 4 if the latter was discounted, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for attractive offers on the older shoe.

Carbon-plate running shoes might be de rigueur on the road-racing scene now, but they’ve yet to become commonplace on the trails. One reason for that is the propulsion they provide doesn’t kick in if you’re not on flat, hard surfaces, and another is that the plates are often paired with high stacks of soft foams in road shoes, which would make a trail shoe dangerously wobbly.

The North Face Flight Vectiv was the first carbon-plate trail shoe I tested and while it earned itself a spot in our round-up of the best trail-running shoes, it only shone on hard, relatively tame trails. It almost felt like a road shoe at times. The Hoka Tecton X is a proper trail shoe with an outsole that can handle a range of terrain, and with two carbon plates in its midsole it held a lot of promise. 

Hoka Tecton X: Price And Availability

The Tecton X is available from Hoka and costs $200 in the US and £175 in the UK. That price is par for the course with carbon-plate road racers, but it’s a lot for a trail shoe with other top options from Hoka like the Speedgoat 5 and Zinal costing $155/£130 and $160/£140 respectively. That said, The North Face Flight Vectiv is similarly expensive at $199/£180.

It is available now on Hoka UK but not from Hoka US just yet, and will hit third-party retailers shortly. 

Design And Fit

The most exciting part of the Tecton X is the tech in the midsole. The shoe has a dual-density Profly X midsole, with a softer layer of foam on the top and a firmer, more-responsive layer beneath.

Sandwiched in those foams are two carbon plates that run in parallel down the length of the shoe. By having two plates instead of one larger one the Tecton X is less rigid and works better on uneven, technical trails while still providing extra pop.

The upper is a jacquard mesh with a gusseted tongue. There is cushioning around the heel and a thin toe bumper to protect your feet a little, but the design prioritises keeping the weight down for racing rather than comfort and protection. 

I found that the Tecton X fitted me well in my normal size, though I did note that my UK 9 was a US 9.5, rather than a 10, which it is with most shoes. Some may find the toe box a little snug, especially if you are planning to use the Tecton X for ultra distances.

The shoe has Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole with short, flat 4mm lugs. These are best suited to hard trails rather than soft ground, but do a solid job across most terrains. The lugs are confined to key areas in the heel and forefoot, with a lot of exposed foam in the midsole, another measure that helps keep the weight down.

At 260g (UK 9) the Tecton X is light for a trail shoe with this much cushioning. The shoe has a 4mm drop and a stack height of 33mm in the heel and 29mm in the forefoot for the men's shoe, and 31mm in the heel dropping to 27mm in the forefoot in the women’s shoe.

How I Tested This Shoe

I’ve run 65km in the Hoka Tecton X, covering a range of trails including well-kept forest paths, canal towpaths and muddy single-track. My longest run was 24km, and I have mixed up my paces in the shoe, with long stretches of fast running on hilly and flat trails.

Running Performance

When you first step into a top carbon-plate road racing shoe it’s apparent they are a different breed, but the Tecton X’s qualities take a little longer to reveal themselves. On my first run in the shoe – 90-minutes, where I ran on a mix of terrains – there were instances when it felt fantastic, but for the most it felt like a pretty standard lightweight trail shoe.

When it’s good, however, it’s very good. I think on every uphill during my runs in the shoe I found I was running faster than I thought, based on feel. And, when you do get a long stretch of harder, flatter terrain the plates come into play. During that first long run I ran a progression 5K along a canal towpath going from around 3min 40sec/km to 3min 28sec/km and while it’s not explosively fast it does roll you onto your toes nicely and has a punchy toe-off. 

You generally need to be on harder trails to unlock that feeling. On one muddy run in the forest the Tecton X gripped well but I didn’t get much propulsion from the plates when I upped the pace. It’s the same on uneven ground – the Tecton X’s outsole can handle it, but don’t expect anything dramatic from the plates until you hit the flat stuff.

I found that the Tecton X was comfortable for long stretches on hard ground and even roads, but noticed that when trying to run fast on asphalt the sticky feel to the outsole detracted from the ride. In contrast, those lugs were excellent at finding purchase on dusty, gravelly tracks with a loose layer on top, where road shoes will slip a little on each step.

The Tecton X feels too firm to be truly enjoyable on purely easy runs, when I’d much prefer to have something like the Hoka Speedgoat 5 on my feet. I think the Tecton X will be an ultra-marathon racing option for some, but I think just as many would want a softer option for long events, with the Tecton X’s sweet spot perhaps being 20km-50km trail races.

Is The Hoka Tecton X Worth It?

The Tecton X is a very good trail-racing shoe, but when you compare it with non-plated options like the Speedgoat 5, Hoka Torrent 2 or Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra, the performance gap is noticeable, but nowhere near as significant as with road-racing shoes. It’s worthwhile splashing out big money for a carbon road super-shoe if you’re focused on performance, but I’m not sure the Tecton X is worth spending such a large amount of money on, unless you are lining up events that play specifically to its strengths and have long stretches of relatively flat, hard ground where the carbon plates come into play.

I rate it as a better option than The North Face Flight Vectiv, which only works on harder ground, whereas the Tecton X can handle most trails because of the more impressive outsole. If you’re desperate to pick up a carbon-plate trail shoe, this is the one I’d suggest from the two I’ve tested. But I’d hesitate to say go and grab the Tecton X over the Torrent 2 if tackling shorter trail events or the Speedgoat 5 if going long.

The Hoka Speedgoat is a favourite of the ultra-marathon community because of its comfortable ride, which protects your feet from the rigours of multiple terrains and massive mileage, though it’s also a popular shoe among trail runners too.

As such it was a surprise to see Hoka change the upper, midsole and outsole of the shoe on the Speedgoat 5 – but the changes are for the better, making the newest Speedgoat lighter, bouncier and more comfortable than its predecessors. This is one of the best trail running shoes, no matter what kind of off-road runner you are.

Hoka Speedgoat 5 Review: Price And Availability

The Hoka Speedgoat 5 costs £130 and launched on 15th March 2022, though it is yet to be available via the Hoka site. You can select your size and register for updates on when it comes into stock.

Design And Fit

The changes to the Hoka Speedgoat 5 start with the upper, which is made from a new mesh that is partially recycled. The mesh has more give in it than on previous versions of the shoe, partly because there are fewer overlays on the upper. This reduces weight and creates a less restrictive feel to the fit. 

That said, the toe box tapers dramatically to a point at the front, and you may experience rubbing around the toes as a result. I have a narrow foot and found my normal size to be just right, but those with a wide forefoot in particular may find it tight around the toes, especially if planning to head out for an ultra-marathon.

I found that the upper holds the foot securely and comfortably, so you don’t get lateral movement of the foot when jinking down narrow descents or running on cambered trails.

The midsole has been updated with a lighter EVA compound that’s also springier than the foams used on the Speedgoat 4. It’s still as cushioned and protective as past Speedgoats, though, deadening the impact of long runs on hard trails.

As with many Hoka shoes, the Speedgoat 5 has a rocker design to move you smoothly through your footstrike. The shoe has a 4mm drop, with a 33mm heel stack height on the men’s shoe, and a 31mm heel stack height on the women’s. My UK size 9 weighs 299g.

Hoka has improved the outsole using new 5mm traction lugs that are stepped and have little spikes on them to bite into the ground. The lugs are made from durable Vibram Megagrip rubber and offer reliable grip on pretty much any surface, while still being comfortable to use on roads and flat, hard trails.

How I Tested The Hoka Speedgoat 5

I admit I was not able to run any ultra-marathons during my testing of the Speedgoat 5: they’re tricky to fit into a regular training plan while also testing other shoes. I did get out for a 24km run in the woods, and a couple of other 15km trail runs, along with a shorter run along a canal towpath where I did speedwork to see how the shoe lived up to the first half of its name. 

Running Performance

The stand-out run I did in the Hoka Speedgoat 5 was the 24km Sunday long run. This was the morning after a rare night out, so I was not only hungover but also suffering the effects of having little sleep because of the clocks going forwards. I was not excited about running 24km, especially since the plan was to progress the pace from easy to steady and finish strong.

It turned out to be one of my most enjoyable runs in a long time (and I enjoy nearly all my runs), and while I can’t put it all down to the Speedgoat, it was a major factor. The shoe was comfortable and smooth to run in early on, then felt light and speedy as I moved through the gears late on to finish around a pace of 3min 40sec/km. 

Over the course of the run I covered a range of terrain, including muddy sections, stints on the road and sharp descents on uneven, hard ground, and the Speedgoat cruised through it all. It offers fantastic grip on any surface and the cushioning protects the body from the impact of running. Those who like to feel the ground beneath them might even find the ride too deadened, but for longer runs it’s just what I’m looking for.

I had a similarly joyful experience in the Speedgoat on other long runs where I stuck to easy and steady paces. It is a shoe that will help you roll all day at a good pace. 

When I pushed to faster speeds at around my 10K or half marathon race pace on flat canal paths it was less impressive, feeling large on the foot – but that’s not really what the Speedgoat 5 is for. It’s designed to be a shoe that can carry you a long way at a good pace on varied terrain, and it excels at that.

Is The Hoka Speedgoat 5 Worth It?

There’s little to fault the Speedgoat 5 on and if you find the fit around the toe box comfortable I would recommend it as one of the best trail running shoes. That’s particularly true for ultramarathon runners looking for a protective shoe that can handle a variety of terrains, but even those who stick to shorter trail runs will enjoy the smooth ride and exceptional grip.

Hoka also has the Torrent 2 in its range, which is lighter and speedier on short, fast runs, but the outsole is not as impressive as on the Speedgoat 5 and I prefer the ride of the latter. I also rate the Adidas Terrex Speed Ultra as a lightweight, long-distance trail-racing shoe, but the Speedgoat 5 is more comfortable on harder ground.

What’s New On The Hoka Carbon X3

There are two notable updates on the Hoka Carbon X3. The midsole is now made of a lighter, softer and springier EVA foam, and the upper is now a knit material rather than mesh. 

Overall, the changes on the Carbon X2 have improved the shoe, but the Carbon X3 still falls short of the performance of other carbon plate running shoes including Hoka’s own Rocket X, especially when running fast.

It impresses more as a versatile trainer/racer that can handle regular running better than most carbon shoes, and those who tackle ultramarathon events on the road might find it a good pick for that. Even then, I’d say there are better options than the Carbon X3 on those fronts.

Hoka Carbon X3: Release Date And Price

The Hoka Carbon X3 will go on sale on 1st March 2022 and will cost £160/$180. That price makes it cheaper than most carbon plate shoes, though Hoka’s own Rocket X is cheaper at £140. The impressive Puma Deviate Nitro Elite is just £10 more at £170, though it’s rarely in stock.

Sign up to be alerted when the Carbon X goes on sale

Design And Fit

The Carbon X3’s new knit upper has supportive sections to achieve a locked-down fit and for the most part it works well, but when I used the shoe for faster training sessions there was some lateral movement of my foot in the shoe when rounding corners. It’s not something I’d mark down as a serious problem, though, and the knit material is both comfortable and breathable.

Along with a full-length carbon plate, the midsole of the Carbon X3 features a new EVA foam, which is an improvement on the material used in the Carbon X2. The ride of the X3 is a little softer and bouncier, though it’s still not as springy and propulsive as top-tier carbon shoes like the Vaporfly.

It has an outsole made from rubberised EVA, rather than a full rubber outsole, and this reduces the grip and durability. It’s a shoe best kept on the road as a result, but it did grip well on wet pavements.

At 240g in my UK 9, the X3 is slightly lighter than the X2, which was 246g, but it’s still heavier than pretty much every other carbon shoe I’ve tested, which does point to the fact the X3 is built more for versatility and longer events. It has a drop of 5mm and the stack height is 32mm at the heel, which is lower than most carbon shoes and contributes to the X3’s more stable feel.

At the back of the shoe you have an extended swallowtail design to smooth the transition of your footstrike when landing on the heel. Even as a heelstriker I remain unconvinced of the benefits of this protrusion, but I can’t say it particularly annoyed me either.

Running Performance

I’ve run just shy of 80km in the Hoka Carbon X3, including a hard tempo run, a long run covering 21km, several easy runs and a couple of progression runs working from an easy to steady pace.

Out of the box I took it for the tempo run, where I warmed up with 30 minutes of easy running before running for 30 minutes at around 3min 30sec/km pace. It wasn’t a great first impression. Compared with other carbon shoes it felt clunky and laboured, and the foam gave little back in terms of bounce. 

That second 30 minutes was around my marathon pace and on the other occasions I have hit that pace or faster in the X3 I’ve had a similar experience. It just doesn’t feel built for that kind of pace and I’d sooner have pretty much any other carbon shoe on my foot, or even a nylon-plated shoe like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2.

However, when running at easy and steady paces, I enjoyed wearing the X3 a lot more, especially on the longer run and the progression runs. When you’re not pushing so hard, the ride feels smooth and I consistently found that when just ticking along, I was running at a faster pace than I’d expect for my heart rate.

I ran a 1hr 29min half marathon in the shoe on that Sunday long run at the end of a tough week of training and the day after a long cross-country race. My main aim in the long run was to keep my heart rate down. The pace came naturally and it does show off the better aspects of the X3’s ride in helping you roll along at a decent pace, but not pushing too hard, which may well work well for road ultramarathons.

I found it also works well for easy runs, and it has a more stable ride than most carbon shoes. That makes it a more versatile option and similar to shoes like the Endorphin Speed 2, New Balance FuelCell TC or Puma Deviate Nitro, which are plated training shoes rather than thoroughbred racers.

On the other hand I’d rate all those shoes as faster options than the X3 for speedwork, tempo runs and races up to the marathon distance. 

Is The Hoka Carbon X3 Worth It?

The Hoka Carbon X3 is an improvement on the X2, but because there are better options for both race-day performance and all-round versatility it’s not a shoe I’d pick up myself. However, as a stable plated shoe that can handle ultramarathon events, it may suit some people.

If you are looking for a carbon racer I’d still pay the extra and get pretty much any other brand’s top shoe, or save money and pick up the Rocket X if sticking with Hoka’s line-up. 

On the other hand, if you want a versatile speedy shoe then the Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 remains the best out there, and it’s £5 cheaper than the Carbon X3 at £155.

Once reserved for elite runners, carbon plate running shoes are increasingly common, and every time I take part in a race I’m struck that they’re worn throughout the field, rather than just by the keenest beans at the front.

Despite this popularity, many runners would still wouldn’t consider this type of shoe “for them”. A major part of that will be the price – many cost over £200 – and part is the lack of durability, with most carbon shoes falling well short of the 700-800km of running you’d expect from a traditional running shoe. They are often soft and unstable too, which can put runners off, and the misconception that super-shoes are the preserve of the fastest does persist, even though evidence suggests that pretty much any runner can benefit.

With an eye on these runners who are curious but unsure about carbon shoes, Hoka has pitched its Bondi X as a carbon shoe that will work for runners of all levels.

The standard Bondi is a popular maximally cushioned shoe whose best quality is how comfortable it is on easy runs. The Bondi X slips a carbon plate into that high stack of cushioning to produce a stiffer, firmer and more versatile ride. The Bondi X is still fairly soft and cushioned, but the extra pop from the plate makes it better suited to faster running too.

I will say, however, that it’s still not a great shoe for fast stuff. On longer runs where I worked through the gears to finish at a steady pace it felt fine, but when running fast from the off, the shoe felt huge and clunky. It’s not exactly heavy, but it’s certainly not light and it feels like there’s a whole load of shoe on your foot.

On easy runs, though, you can get into a nice groove with it, and when rolling along I did find myself running at a faster pace than expected at times. It’s also a more stable ride than most carbon shoes, which otherwise are reserved for fast training sessions. The Bondi X can eat up your base training runs happily enough, but then there are an awful lot of shoes that can do that, and most of those don’t cost £180.

The price of the Bondi X is my main sticking point. It’s the most expensive Hoka carbon shoe, ahead of the Rocket X at £140 and Carbon X 2 at £160. Both of those shoes are more explicitly performance-focused and perhaps the Bondi X will sway runners who are put off by the firmer rides of those shoes – but if the idea is a more accessible carbon shoe for the masses, the price is off-putting.

I’d also question the purpose and performance of the plate here. Maybe there’s a little more stiffness and pop in the shoe because of it, but it doesn’t really translate into a particularly impressive ride – certainly no more so than the Saucony Triumph 19 or New Balance Fresh Foam 1080v11. Both of those are more traditional cushioned shoes that offer a similar mix of comfort and speed to the Bondi X, but without using a carbon plate or costing so much.

Perhaps the biggest question is do you really need or even want a carbon plate for the runs the Bondi X is designed for? I’d argue no. And even if it is a nice thing to have in the shoe, the price is too much for a shoe that doesn’t outperform cheaper, plate-free options.

There are two shoes that have stood out in recent years as consummate all-rounders. The first is the Nike Pegasus Turbo, of which there have been two editions both offering a cushioned, quick ride. The second is the Saucony Endorphin Speed, which paired a nylon plate with Saucony’s bouncy PWRRUN PB foam to produce a similar level of performance as a carbon racer while also being comfortable enough to use for daily training.

Despite being among the best running shoes, both are tricky to get hold of. Much to the dismay of its many fans, Nike appears to be ending the Pegasus Turbo line at the second shoe (this could change, fingers crossed). Meanwhile the Endorphin Speed is often sold out, such is its popularity. Both shoes also cost more than £150.

The Hoka One One Mach 4 matches these two stand-outs with a comfortable and quick ride that can handle a variety of training, and it would also be suited to longer races like half marathons and marathons. That it costs £125 and appears to have fewer stock issues makes it an exciting release indeed.

The Mach line has primarily been for fast training, but this fourth edition has a softer feel upon landing than its predecessors, improving its comfort on easy runs. The shoe has two layers of foam in the midsole, with a softer upper layer to create that cushioned ride, while the bottom layer is made from a rubberised foam for improved durability.

That rubberised foam is also used for the outsole, and Hoka has opted not to put a layer of rubber on the shoe. So far the outsole has gripped well for me, but I do have concerns about its durability without a full rubber layer to protect the midsole.

The shoe also uses Hoka’s ProFly design, which accentuates softer foam in the back half to cushion your landings, then firms up at the front of the shoe to add more responsiveness to your toe-off. There’s a rocker to roll you through your foot strike, while heelstrikers are aided by the extended swallowtail on the back of the shoe, which is designed to get you off your heel and through your foot strike efficiently.

I did not like the swallowtail in Hoka’s Carbon X2 shoe – it got in the way on easy runs – but it’s less pronounced in the Mach 4 and doesn’t take anything away from the ride. I’m not sure it’s adding much, and I say that as a heelstriker, but the transition from heel to toe is smooth.

The Mach 4 has a standard engineered mesh upper that is snug around the toe box. I have narrow feet and found the shoe was true to size, and it was easy to get a tight, locked-down fit around the midfoot. If you have very wide feet or prefer a roomy toe box, you might want to try a half size up. For reasons known only to Hoka, the laces on the shoe are astonishingly long.

I’ve used the Mach 4 for a mix of runs, including short easy efforts, a half marathon at an easy pace, and a steady 20-miler (32km), along with a speed session including some short hill reps. It’s handled everything I’ve thrown at it, mostly with aplomb. It’s comfortable and protective on easy efforts, but not so squishy that you feel like you have to work extra hard to hold a fast pace.

The lightness of the shoe certainly helps on the speed front:the UK 9 I wore weighed just 236g. Given the high stack of the Mach 4 that’s impressive.

There are only two areas where I’m not completely sold on the shoe. The first is for all-out speed work and short races, where you will benefit from using a racier model, perhaps one with a carbon plate. Although the Mach 4 was fine for my session mixing 3km reps and hill sprints, I’d prefer something even speedier on my foot on the track for 400m reps, for example.

It’s not awful for that kind of running and if you stick to owning one shoe at a time rest assured you can go all out in the Mach 4. However, if you use it alongside another shoe my choice would be a proper racer, like Hoka’s Rocket X, or any of the excellent carbon plate shoes available now.

My other concern is durability. That rubberised outsole is unlikely to handle as much mileage as a full rubber covering. Even after 80km I can see the pattern has worn off some high-impact areas: between the heel and midfoot where I land and on the front of the shoe at my toe-off point. I don’t think the shoe will fall apart any time soon, but you might start to lose grip after a few hundred kilometres and I don’t expect it to last past 800km.

The Pegasus Turbo was more durable (as long as you didn’t rip the upper off the midsole, which was an occasional problem for some), while the Endorphin Speed is faster than the Mach 4, if a little less comfortable on easy days.

However, despite those small caveats the Mach 4 is still one of the best all-rounders, and it is more widely available and cheaper than the other top options. If you’re looking for a do-it-all shoe, or a versatile training option to pair with a racer, then it’s certainly a worthwhile purchase.

If you want a snapshot of how dramatically the running shoe landscape has changed in the past two years, consider the fact that when Hoka’s Carbon X launched in 2019 it was one of just a handful of carbon plate shoes, and the only real competitor to the Nike Vaporfly.

Naturally that benefitted the Carbon X’s popularity, especially as the Vaporfly was very hard to get hold of then, even though it was a very different style of carbon shoe to Nike’s all-conquering racer – firmer, more stable and more durable. You could use it for lots of training and easy running, but it didn’t really come close to matching the performance of the Vaporfly on race day.

The Carbon X2 has launched into a very different environment, one in which almost every brand now offers a carbon plate shoe. The X2 faces stiff competition, not least from Hoka’s own cheaper, lighter Rocket X.

Hoka has made a fair few changes since the X, with mixed results. The most obvious change for the X2 is the swallow heel design, which now extends further back. The intent is to make the ride smoother and more efficient, especially for heelstrikers. This exaggerated heel design is appearing on more and more shoes, but even as a heelstriker myself I remain unconvinced of the promised benefits.

Hoka has also softened the foam in the midsole, and moved the carbon plate further down, making for a less stiff ride compared with the original Carbon X. It’s still not as soft as many carbon shoes like the Nike Vaporfly NEXT%, Adidas Adios Pro or New Balance FuelCell RC Elite, or even the Rocket X, but it’s not unpleasantly harsh.

As with the Carbon X and many Hoka shoes, the X2 has a rocker design to help move you through your footstrike smoothly. The outsole is made from rubberised foam, rather than entirely from rubber, to keep the weight down: this could affect durability, but the original X had the same design and I found it stood up well to a lot of road running.

The X2 is lighter than the first version of the shoe, despite the enlarged heel, weighing 246g in my UK size 9 compared with 258g. I’ve also found it performs better at speed than the original, though it’s less impressive at steady and easy paces.

I’ve done several hard sessions in the X2 along with plenty of easier runs, and it surprised me with how well it handles speed. I logged a 16km run alternating 3min 45sec/km and 3min 25sec/km pace, as well as an interval workout doing 1km reps alternating between 3min 25sec/km and 3min 10sec/km paces.

On the 16km run the shoe felt smooth and stable, if lacking the squish-and-pop feel of something like the Vaporfly. When running the 1km reps the X2 felt good at 3min 25sec/km pace, but when pushing to 3min 10sec/km, which is my 5K pace, it started to feel more awkward.

The X2 didn’t perform as well at easier paces, which is surprising because I did enjoy rolling through long easy and steady runs in its predecessor. The extra foam around the heel makes the X2 seem somehow less nimble than the X, despite being lighter.

I prefer the feel of the Rocket X for every type of run and at £140 it’s cheaper than the X2. Hoka has positioned the Rocket X as more of a short-distance racer, but I’ve found it has the comfort for sustained pacy efforts, and would rate it as a good half marathon and marathon running shoe.

The Carbon X2 also struggles to hold its own in a strong super-shoe field. Notably there is the terrific Saucony Endorphin Speed available for £155 (when in stock), which is a great all-rounder I’ve logged well over 500km of easy runs, fast training and races in.

At £160 the Carbon X2 is cheaper than most of the best carbon racers, though the excellent Adidas Adios Pro is £170 (admittedly it is almost never in stock either). However, the X2 doesn’t get close to the performance of the Nike Vaporfly NEXT% (£240) or Alphafly (£260), and I also rate the Saucony Endorphin Pro (£190) and New Balance FuelCell RC Elite (£210) as better racers, along with the Adios Pro.

It’s not a top-class racer then, and there are better all-rounders available for less money, which leaves the Carbon X2 a little high and dry. It’s a good shoe, but in 2021, you need to be something special to stand out as one of the best carbon plate running shoes.

Given the dizzying hype that surrounds the launch of most new running shoes, it’s very rare for something to be undersold. Yet that’s exactly what I think Hoka has done with the Rocket X.

While the brand still lays it on thick, describing the Rocket X as an “incredibly lightweight, insanely responsive racer”, it’s also pitched as a shoe geared to elite athletes and shorter race distances. While that may well be true, in my experience it’s a lot more versatile than that and I think runners of all levels would love using the Rocket X as a lightweight racing and fast training shoe.

It’s also good value. Yes, £140 is a lot of money, but it’s par for the course for new launches, and it’s far cheaper than other carbon plate shoes. Nike’s top racers are £240 or more, and most brands cluster around the £200 mark, with Adidas’s Adios Pro (£170) and Hoka’s Carbon X (£160) offering the best value before the Rocket X launched.

The Rocket X isn’t like Adidas or Nike’s carbon racers, with an EVA midsole that doesn’t offer the same soft and squishy feel. But it’s not excessively firm either – the ride is comfortable and smooth, and it sometimes felt like I was barely touching the ground at all when running fast, so quickly did the rocker in the shoe move me through my foot strike.

At 217g in my UK 9, the Rocket X isn’t the lightest super-shoe out there. The Nike Vaporfly is under 200g and other options from New Balance and Brooks weigh in nearer 200g. However, the Rocket X didn’t feel like it was weighing me down on fast runs.

I’ve used the Rocket X for a couple of tempo 10Ks, plus two tough sessions, including a 10 x 1km workout on the track where I alternated 3min 30sec/km and 3min 10sec/km paces for the reps. I was surprised and impressed by how the shoe handled this kind of speedwork. It definitely fits the bill as a fast training shoe and short racer.

I was equally surprised and impressed by how comfortable it was over a steady half marathon effort. I thought the shoe would start to feel harsh after the 16km mark, but I was wrong. I’d go so far as to say the Rocket X would be a good half marathon and marathon racing shoe too. I certainly think it’s better suited to fast running than Hoka’s Carbon X over any distance, though I’ve yet to test the new Carbon X 2.

The upper on the shoe is comfortable and the fit was true to size for me. The tongue could do with being a bit longer, especially if you prefer to heel-lock your laces, and the laces are unnecessarily long too – they will flap around even if you heel-lock and triple knot.

There’s nothing of note to the outsole, which just has a thin covering of rubber on the forefoot and around the heel to keep the weight down. After 100km of running on pavements and the track I’ve not seen much wear and tear.

The Rocket X is easily Hoka’s best carbon shoe yet. It’s faster than the Carbon X and far more comfortable than the Carbon Rocket, which was really suitable only for short distances owing to its firm ride. The Rocket X is also a pretty stable shoe, especially for a carbon racer. I think most runners will get along with it, whereas shoes like the Nike Alphalfy and Vaporfly can be more divisive because of their distinctive rides.

However, while there’s nothing really bad to say about the Rocket X, it still suffers in comparison with some of the competition. Saucony’s Endorphin Pro has a similar feel but I rate it as the faster racing shoe, and given the choice I’d still opt for one of the Nikes on race day.

The relatively low price of the Rocket X redeems it though – it’s cheaper even than many of the training partner shoes in other brands’ line-ups, like Nike’s Tempo NEXT% and the Saucony Endorphin Speed. The Rocket X has the stability and comfort to be used regularly during training, while still having the speed to shine on race day. That versatility, paired with the price, makes it a carbon shoe worth checking out, whether it’s to use in concert with another racing option like the Vaporfly or as your fast trainer and racer combined.

Hoka Clifton Edge Review

While the Clifton 7 is a very minor update on the Clifton 6, Hoka has also released the Clifton Edge in 2020, which is a significant departure from the rest of the shoes in the line.

The most notable feature on the Edge is the extended heel of the shoe, which juts out behind you in order to provide a smoother transition from heel to toe, especially when running downhill. Apart from on descents, I didn’t really notice this addition to the shoe, but it certainly makes for a comfortable and stable ride when you are flying down hills.

However, the Edge doesn’t just bring an outlandish heel to the table – it’s also designed to be firmer and faster than the standard Clifton, with a new foam in the midsole. As with most Hoka shoes, the Edge is much lighter than you’d expect given the size, with my UK 9 weighing 257g, so on paper it looks like a solid all-rounder that will perform well for both easy and faster running.

In practice, it didn’t excel in either type of run. It’s not as soft and luxurious for easy runs as the normal Clifton, and the Edge didn’t feel light and smooth on tempo runs either: the wide base and long heel seemed to extend my ground contact time and make picking up my feet that bit harder.

While I did enjoy using it for long runs at a steady pace, the Edge falls in between useful categories as a shoe, being neither enjoyably soft or reliably quick. The exposed foam on the outsole keeps the weight down but casts doubts on its durability – my pair showed quite a bit of wear on the heel after just 60km. If you want a soft shoe, the standard Clifton or Brooks’s Glycerin line are better bets, while Hoka’s Rincon is a genuine all-rounder that’s great to use for fast and slow running.

Buy men’s from Hoka One One | Buy women’s from Hoka One One | £140

Hoka Clifton 6 Review

The Hoka One One Clifton line of low-offset running shoes attracted a dedicated fanbase from its first release by increasing the cushioning without adding too much weight. This is a shoe that people really love to run in and when I first tried out the Clifton 4 it didn’t take long for me to see why.

Both the Clifton 4 and 5 had a delightfully soft ride that made them an absolute treat to run in on easy and recovery days, with the cushioned feel of the shoe most obvious when running downhill.

The only criticism I had of those two editions of the Clifton was that while they were lightweight, the ultra-soft feel of the cushioning made them hard work to run faster in. They lacked the bounce that you find in more responsive cushioned options like the Saucony Triumph ISO 5 or Adidas UltraBoost 19.

The Clifton 6 was an improvement on that front, and the seventh edition of the shoe has done little to change the feel of the shoe, with only minor updates made to the upper. While the past two editions of the Cliftons are still soft, the ride feels smoother and more responsive, and I found it far easier to maintain a fast pace in the Clifton 6 compared with the 4 or 5. I even took it down to the track for some 800m reps, done a little slower than my 10K race pace, and it didn’t feel too spongy.

It still wouldn’t be my first choice for track or tempo runs, where there are plenty of firmer, faster shoes that are preferable including the Hoka’s Mach 2, but the Clifton 6 is better suited to that kind of running than past editions while retaining the plush cushioning for long and easy runs.

The extra bounce in the 6 also makes it a stronger option for long races, especially once you hit marathon distance. The Clifton line has always had impressive durability, so it’s a great pick for someone seeking a maximum-cushioning shoe they can use for a long training schedule and then race day itself.

Hoka has also updated the upper on the Clifton 6, which is a softer, stretchier mesh than its predecessor. I found it comfortable, with enough room in the toe box and a secure enough fit around the midfoot. The shoe is true to size and in my experience it didn’t require breaking in.

The changes to the Clifton 6 haven’t altered the nature of the shoe – it’s still a soft, cushioned option that will make your easy running a joy – but the tinkering Hoka has done has made it better suited to faster running, making it more of an all-rounder. It’s my favourite of the three Clifton shoes I’ve tried.

Buy from Hoka One One | £120

See related 

• The Best Running Shoes
• The Best Marathon Running Shoes For Training And Racing
• Hoka One One Evo Carbon Rocket Running Shoe

Hoka Clifton 4 Review

The Hoka One One Clifton has starry-eyed advocates who describe its ride as “pillowy soft” or “like running on clouds”. This is a shoe that people really love to run in, and it only took me one outing in them to see why.

The Clifton 4 has added some weight compared with earlier iterations of the shoe – at 265g (men’s size 8), it’s about 30g heavier than the Clifton 3. However, it still feels almost disconcertingly light on the foot considering the amount of cushioning packed on the sole.

That extra weight is there for a reason, with the denser midsole expected to be more durable than on previous Cliftons, and the new upper more breathable and better-looking, especially in the blue/jasmine colourway.

Importantly, the updates haven’t result in the Clifton losing the marshmallow ride it is famed for. It is hard to overstate how comfortable it is to run in this shoe, and due to the lightweight frame and creamy smooth heel-to-toe transition, the expansive cushioning doesn’t slow you down on everyday runs. I was regularly surprised by how quickly the mile notifications came around on easy runs in the Clifton – you simply don’t feel the road passing by under your feet in the same way as with other shoes.

While that’s a positive in terms of comfort, it’s a negative for those who like a more responsive shoe, especially during interval sessions or longer tempo runs. While the Clifton 4 is light enough for speedier sessions, the extra cushioning does result in a somewhat squishy feel, which hits the pace a little compared with tackling tempo efforts in a stiffer, less cushioned shoe.

If pace is not a great concern for you, the Clifton 4 is a superb all-round shoe that will carry you through all your training and races. You’ll love every step you take in them. And even if you keep a more responsive shoe in your arsenal for race day, the Clifton 4 is a great option for most training runs. It will certainly be the shoe I reach for on easy runs this winter.

If Hoka knows how to do one thing with its running shoes, it’s cram a load of cushioning on without making the shoe uncomfortably heavy. Even so, I was taken aback at how light the Rincon is – the men’s shoe is 218g and the women’s is 179g (weight will vary depending on size) – given the substantial wedge of EVA foam it sports.

That’s a promising start on paper, but with Hoka shoes the size of the cushioning sometimes means they feel a little cumbersome even if they’re light. That’s emphatically not the case with the Rincon, which feels positively nimble, especially when you start to quicken your pace.

The Rincon has a speedy and smooth heel-to-transition that feels good when plodding along at an easy pace, but really shines when you move up through the gears. Of all the runs I did in the Rincon – everything from short interval sessions and fast 5Ks to long runs and easy recovery efforts – it was long progression runs that really showed it at its best.

The combination of the smooth ride and ample cushioning makes it comfortable and quick when you’re looking to hold a fast pace over long distances, making it a great option for half marathon or marathon races. It’s just about nippy enough for 5Ks and 10Ks too.

I’d still shy away from using the Rincon regularly for recovery runs given the choice, just because it isn’t as cushioned as something like the Hoka Clifton 6, which is all about comfort. However, if you want one shoe to do it all then the Rincon is comfortable enough for easy days, and it can certainly fly on fast days.

See related 

• Hoka Carbon X Running Shoe Review: A Great Long-Distance Trainer And Racer
• The Best Running Shoes Of 2021
• The Best Cushioned Running Shoes For Your Marathon Training

I preferred the ride of the Rincon to Hoka’s Carbon X shoe, which has a carbon plate in the midsole. Although the plate might help you hold your pace over a marathon distance race or longer, the lightness of the Rincon makes it feel speedier and it’s just a little more enjoyable to run in. The fact that the Rincon is £105 compared with £160 for the Carbon X more or less seals the deal if you are picking between the two.

Sterner competition is to be found among other brands, however. The past couple of years have seen a parade of brilliant all-rounder shoes, like the New Balance FuelCell Rebel: it’s bouncier than the Rincon and costs only a little more at £120, but I’d say it skews more firmly towards speed sessions and races, being less comfortable to use on easy runs than the Rincon.

The Nike Pegasus Turbo remains my favourite all-rounder shoe if money is no object, with a softer yet somehow faster ride than any other all-rounder I’ve run in, but since the Turbo costs £160 I’d definitely be tempted to opt for the Rincon and pocket the difference in the real world – when money is usually an object, after all.

Despite the massive success of Nike’s Vaporfly 4%, not every brand has rushed to release their own running shoe containing a carbon plate and those that have aren’t taking on Nike’s marathon record-setter head-on. New Balance recently launched the 5280, which is designed as a one-mile road racer, and Hoka has the Carbon Rocket which I found very stiff and fast, better suited to races up to 10K.

Now Hoka has another shoe with a carbon plate: the Carbon X, which is intended for a different market altogether – namely long-distance running. It’s a record-setter too, having been launched at a 100km race where the 50-mile world record was broken by Hoka athlete Jim Walmsley.

The Vaporfly 4% and its successor the NEXT% are pure racers designed for one thing – to propel you to PBs – and as such they aren’t durable enough to take out for regular training runs. In contrast the Carbon X can handle that load, although it doesn’t have the same race-day pop. After a few weeks running in the Carbon X I think it would be a good marathon racing shoe for most people, and would also work for 10Ks and half marathons for some. However, most committed runners would probably rather wear something lighter and faster come race day.

I tried the Carbon X on a variety of runs, including easy efforts, track sessions and a steady 21km long run. I also took it on different terrains and I was impressed that it just about had enough grip for forest tracks in the rain, even if it’s by no means a trail shoe.

Of all the runs I tried in the Carbon X, the long run was definitely where it was at its best. Over the run I increased my pace and the shoe felt smoother and smoother as I did so. Hoka’s EVA foam Profly X midsole doesn’t have the soft feel of the Vaporfly’s ZoomX, so the ride isn’t the same squish-and-pop combo you get in the Nike shoe. Instead the plate in the Carbon X adds some propulsion to your toe-off and, in combination with the fast heel-to-toe transition of the shoe, this makes it brilliant for holding any pace over long distances.

See related

• Best Cushioned Running Shoes
• The Best Running Shoes

You lose the smooth ride on easy runs, however, and the Carbon X felt a little awkward to me when I dropped my pace. Hoka make a lot of comfortable shoes for easy runs, like the Clifton 6, but the Carbon X is built for speed. It’s not unpleasant to run in at a slow pace, but it’s not what it’s best at.

It works better for track sessions, even if it’s not an out-and-out speedster. I used the Carbon X for 400m, 800m and one-mile reps over the course of two track sessions and despite the large stack height of the cushioning it felt responsive and not at all unwieldy. It’s not going to be anyone’s pick for a track race, and I’d say it’s a bit too much shoe for a 5K or 10K, but the Carbon X outperforms expectations when it comes to fast training.

If you have a marathon lined up the Carbon X is a shoe that could handle all your training and help you excel on race day, though I’d still suggest something softer for your easy running. Rather than the Vaporfly, it’s more similar to the Nike Pegasus Turbo in its versatility. It’s not as soft as the Turbo on easy runs, but it does have more pop when pushing the pace over long distances, and can handle track and tempo training runs too.

It seems certain that more shoes with carbon plates will be launched in the coming years. Whether any match the magic of the Vaporfly remains to be seen, but the Carbon X is the first to offer a viable alternative for people seeking a long-distance racing shoe that’s more versatile and durable than the Vaporfly, and around £50 cheaper too.

Given the success Nike has enjoyed with the Zoom Vaporfly 4% it’s no surprise to see other brands launching shoes with carbon-fibre plates. In fact, the only real surprise is how long it’s taken and why more brands haven’t done so – but perhaps the Hoka Carbon Rocket is an indication, because despite having a carbon plate it’s nothing like the Vaporfly.

Nike’s record-setting shoe pairs the plate with the company’s soft and bouncy ZoomX foam, which makes it both forgiving and fast – ideal for long-distance racing. In contrast the Carbon Rocket is probably the stiffest and firmest shoe I’ve ever run in, and that combined with the 1mm drop from heel-to-toe made it a shoe I could only use very sparingly. I’m not well conditioned for that style of shoe – I’m used to 10mm drop shoes and prefer a softer ride.

After an easy 8km in it for my first run, I put it to the test properly with a progression 10K where the last four kilometres were around my 10K race pace. In the midst of a busy marathon training schedule I felt that the stiff and snappy ride of the Carbon Rocket helped me stay on pace in a tough workout where I wouldn’t have been surprised to drop off the pace, but I definitely felt my legs were more beaten up than normal at the end of the run and my calves were tight too. That’s probably down to the shoe’s low drop – I can get by in 4mm shoes, but I’ve never done a lot of running in something so close to a zero-drop shoe, so my body isn’t really used to it.

After taking a few days off from the Carbon Rocket I did my longest run in it – a 90-minute progression run. About 45 minutes in I started to feel pain in my forefoot and although it never became unbearable, that pain stuck with me for the rest of the run. I thought the Carbon Rocket might ease up a little after 80km or so but I’ve seen no sign of that, and every run I’ve done in it over 45 minutes has resulted in forefoot pain. It’s just too stiff for me to use regularly.

Along with the carbon plate the Carbon Rocket has Hoka’s dual-density ProFly midsole, which is softer at the back to cushion your landing and then firmer at the front to provide some pop to your toe-off. I’ve loved this midsole in other Hoka shoes like the Mach and Torrent, but you can’t feel the dual density at all in the Carbon Rocket – it’s just firm all over.

Although it’s certainly a fast shoe, I’d still lean towards softer speed shoes like the Vaporfly, Reebok Floatride Run Fast and Adidas Boston 7 for my fast running, and I also prefer the responsive ride of the Hoka Mach to the Carbon Rocket.

However, it bears repeating that the Carbon Rocket is pretty close to the polar opposite of the shoes I tend to use, and those who do like a low-drop shoe might find it more to their tastes. I’d say it’s still too firm to use more than a couple of times a week, but it’s a speedy option for 5K and 10K races, and maybe half marathons too, though you’ll need some extra time for your legs to recover afterwards.

See related 

• The Best Barefoot Running Shoes
• How To Transition Safely To Barefoot Running
• The Best Running Shoes

The bottom of the shoe might divide opinion, but the top is an indisputable success. The upper is lightweight, breathable and holds the foot in place without being overbearing even as you crank up the speed. And the bright yellow colourway is excellent too. I found that the Carbon Rocket was true to size and in line with other Hoka shoes I’ve worn.

If you’re looking at the Carbon Rocket as a cheaper, more durable alternative to the Vaporfly, you’ll be disappointed. It’s a completely different shoe, even if they both contain a carbon-fibre plate. As a lightweight, low-drop racer, the Carbon Rocket and its fast and firm ride will surely delight some runners, but it’s definitely one that won’t work for everyone.

Hoka shoes don’t look like they are built for speed. The sizeable chunk of cushioning on all models suggest they are designed with leisurely runs rather than pacy interval sessions in mind – but appearances can be deceptive. The Mach follows on from Hoka’s Clayton line in offering a light, responsive shoe that can handle track sprints as easily as long plods.

The ProFly cushioning in the Mach’s midsole is designed to be firm in the forefoot and softer under the heel, though the two sections overlap to ensure a smooth transition from heel to toe. The aim of this dual-density cushioning is to give runners a soft landing on the heel followed by a firm toe-off from the forefoot. The best of both both worlds – support and speed.

I certainly noticed the benefit in the heel-to-toe transition and the shoe felt snappy underfoot. It almost felt like my foot was gliding over the ground, barely touching it and not losing any speed when it did – in fact it felt like I picked up speed every time I touched the ground. Naturally, that wasn’t really the case and I was tramping along in the same fashion as always, but it felt fantastic, and even on the jog home after a tough track session the Mach was light on the foot and offered much-needed cushioning for my tired legs.

The Mach is at its best in faster steady runs and interval sessions, but there is enough cushioning for slow runs too – it is still a Hoka shoe with a huge chunk of foam on the bottom, after all. However, it doesn’t have the marshmallow soft feel of other Hoka shoes like the Clifton 4 – the Mach is stiffer and better for faster stuff.

Hoka uppers have tended towards bright colours and very busy designs in the past, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but I far prefer the more understated look of the Mach. The upper is breathable and treads the line between stretchy and secure nicely – it doesn’t pinch or rub, nor does your foot slip when you round a tight corner.

From above, the Mach could easily be mistaken for one of Adidas’s or Nike’s stylish running shoes, although from the side the visible chunk of cushioning – in the case of the pair I had, bright yellow cushioning – does diminish the aesthetic effect. (That said, I rather liked the yellow.)

One small note on the Mach is that it picks up static like nobody’s business. If you wear them on carpets, expect your next contact with any metal to be shocking.

The Mach is suitable for pretty much any type of daily training on road or track, has enough grip for light trail running and is an excellent road racing option too, especially at distances of a half marathon and above. It’s a cracking all-rounder, and my favourite Hoka shoe so far. If you’ve yet to dabble with Hoka’s distinctive brand of running shoe, the Mach is a great place to start.

It only takes one look at Hoka’s shoes to realise what sets them apart from other brands. There’s a vast amount of cushioning on the sole – so much it almost makes them look comical, but that does translate into an extremely comfortable and supportive shoe.

The Arahi is a prime example of this approach, with plenty of cushioning crammed into its lightweight frame. It also has the same heel-to-toe drop that’s standard on Hoka One One shoes. The sole of the shoe is almost flat (5mm offset on the Arahi, compared to the conventional drop of 10-12mm), something proponents of the style claim can reduce injury – a claim that’s unproven, but worth considering if you struggle with regular niggles.

The Arahi does differ to other Hoka One One shoes in one vital respect – it offers some stability for over-pronators (those whose feet roll excessively inward when landing). This is achieved via a J-shaped piece of foam built into the sole that is positioned around the heel and inner side of the foot. This guides the foot back into the optimum position when running without being as rigid as other support shoes.

While I generally prefer to run in neutral shoes, the amount of stability in the Arahi isn’t great enough to make it uncomfortable and I reckon any runner will enjoy the smooth heel-to-toe transition it provides on steady, flat runs.

It might look like a clompy tank, but the ride in the Arahi is excellent – light on the foot and smooth – especially on steady longer runs. For recovery sessions during a hectic training period, the Arahi is ideal. It offers a huge amount of cushioning and support on road or easy trails to help make the miles ease by.

However, it’s less enjoyable to run in during hill sessions. The smooth transition I enjoyed on the flat disappeared and it became a bit of a slog. Also, although it’s light considering its level of cushioning, it’s still not a shoe for sprints. Whatever the claims of flatter platform shoes regarding injury, I prefer a bigger offset from heel-to-toe when upping the pace or tackling hills, as well as less cushioning.

The upper is fairly narrow around the midfoot but loose at the front. It’s a good fit and doesn’t overheat or annoy on longer runs.

Hoka One One has positioned the Arahi as a lightweight shoe with loads of cushioning and a touch of support, and it certainly lives up its billing. If you rack up a lot of distance every week, doing some of those miles in the Arahi will be a treat. If you really like the fit and feel, it’ll also work for longer road races. Although the stability features on the Arahi aren’t uncomfortable, if you’d prefer an entirely neutral shoe with the same benefits, the Hoka One One Clifton might be a better choice.

• Best Stability Running Shoes For Overpronation
• Hoka One One Clifton Running Shoe Reviews: Clifton Edge vs Clifton 6 vs Clifton 4
• Hoka One One Mach Running Shoe Review