- AEasy Pace
- BModerate Pace
- CRace Pace
- SComfort
The Hoka Skyward X is a max-cushion super trainer for long, easy, and recovery runs, prioritizing comfort and joint protection. It boasts a huge 48-49mm heel stack with responsive PEBA and Super Critical EVA foams, plus a stability-focused carbon plate for a bouncy yet stable ride. While praised for excellent cushioning, smooth transitions, and durability, it's notably heavy and expensive. Some found it less exciting or too bulky for faster paces, with minor upper fit or break-in period concerns for a few.
Highlights
- Exceptional max cushioning with a bouncy, energetic PEBA foam response
- High stability for a max-stack shoe due to wide platform and H-frame carbon plate
- Smooth, rocker-driven transition through the stride
- Durable construction with high-abrasion rubber outsole
- Secure heel lockdown and chafe-free upper for most runners
Considerations
- Noticeably heavy weight that becomes apparent at slower paces
- Inconsistent upper fit with a narrow midfoot and loose forefoot for some
- Requires sufficient power or faster paces to fully activate the foam bounce
- Lengthy break-in period needed to reach optimal comfort
- Extreme stack height makes it ineligible for sanctioned racing
Specifications
Key features
- Long Run
- Max Cushion
- Plated
Midsole
Primary midsole
PEBA
PEBA · HOKA
Secondary layer
Supercritical EVA
EVA · HOKA
YouTube
Hoka Skyward X: In-depth Shoe Review | Is This "Super Trainer" Too Heavy, Or Does It Fly?
Marathon Handbook · youtube.com
Opens in new tab
YouTube
Hoka Skyward X | Full Review
Believe in the Run · youtube.com
Opens in new tab
YouTube
Why Is THIS The Best Rated Hoka Running Shoe? (Hoka Skyward X Honest Review)
Ben Parkes · youtube.com
Opens in new tab
YouTube
Hoka Skyward X
Kofuzi · youtube.com
Opens in new tab
YouTube
Hoka Skyward X - Super Trainer or Stability Shoe?
RadDadBodTV · youtube.com
Opens in new tab
YouTube
Hoka SKYWARD X 200 mile - NEW REVIEW METHOD
MidLife Runner · youtube.com
Opens in new tab