Hoka Rocket X
What’s the story?
Hoka pitches the Rocket X as a balls-out racer built to go hard and fast over shorter distances. But in reality this is a lightweight shoe you can use for both racing and training. It combines a high stack of Hoka’s lightest EVA midsole foam with the brand’s trademark rocker (the same 1mm carbon plate you find in its longer-distance racer, the Carbon X), plus a structured but breathable mesh upper.
But what sets it apart from other carbon shoes is a low-profile midsole cushion bed – so even though you’re running on relatively large wedges of foam, your feet still feel close to the ground.
Are they any good?
We were surprised by the Rocket X’s ability to handle a wide range of distances and paces. They’re light, nimble and nippy enough to power you – and your burning lungs – rapidly round your local parkrun. But they also have the right credentials for stepping up to longer distances.
What’s even more surprising is how fast and smooth they feel when you’re moving well. Like most EVA midsoles, they don’t quite deliver the big bounce of many super-shoes, but that less aggressive squish-and-response sensation makes for a much more natural ride. The real magic, though, comes from that curved rocker that rolls you effortlessly through your stride, helping you to turnover with impressive speed.
At 210g, the Rocket X is heavier than rivals from Nike and Adidas, but they somehow don’t feel weighty on the feet. The mesh uppers hold and hug nicely without being constrictive, and unlike some carbon shoes, the Rocket X delivers the stability and comfort needed for regular training, not just racing. A rubberised outsole with strategically reinforced sections also ensures durability, even when you venture off the tarmac onto gravel park paths.
This is one of those shoes that has the skills to carry you from your first training session right to the finish line on race day. That versatility, combined with a friendly price tag, make it a carbon shoe worth checking out.
£140 / stuff.tv/rocketx
Key specs
● 210g ● 30mm heel stack, 25mm toe stack ● Carbon plate