Merchandise are rigorously chosen and evaluated. Should you purchase by way of a hyperlink we might earn fee.
For quite a few years, I used to be actually completely satisfied to advocate the BondiX to a variety of runners. Nevertheless it slowly disappeared as a result of they have been engaged on one thing even higher within the background. This Hoka Skyward X evaluate is right here that will help you perceive this mega stack peak carbon plate shoe and who will adore it and who won’t.
One of many issues I beloved listening to from HOKA in previous discussions was that they don’t suppose velocity footwear or expertise must be restricted to the entrance of the pack. Why shouldn’t each runner take pleasure in the advantages of what they’re studying and growing?
Some would say there’s no worth within the carbon plate in case you are working slower than an 8 minute mile. I might say from teaching hundreds of runners that I’ve seen this to be an inaccurate assertion. (Plus, spoiler alert my legs felt so good after an extended run in these!)
The Hoka Skyward X is a vastly completely different shoe than the brand new HOKA Cielo X1 that I lately reviewed. However that doesn’t imply worse! It means it’s constructed for a unique form of runner. Nearly all of runners aren’t working sub 3 hour marathons and nonetheless deserve a shoe.
You’ll discover I’m going again to the Bondi for comparability right here as a result of many of us have tried it and that’s a great way to gauge for those who’ll just like the Skyward X. Checkout my full record of finest HOKA trainers to match all of them.
As at all times, I observe that I’m tremendous trustworthy in my critiques about what works, doesn’t work and naturally I’ve preferences in footwear after 20+ years working and testing tons of! So take what appears most precious to you from right here and determine if it’s a shoe value including to your rotation.
With out additional ado, let’s discuss extra about this enjoyable light-weight day by day coach.
Hoka Skyward X Evaluate
Is that this the very best stack peak working shoe? No, however it’s fairly darn shut! The Adidas Adizero Prime X is 50mm, whereas they Skyward X is clocking in at 48mm. Just some years in the past this may have appeared absurd, keep in mind how individuals checked out HOKA a decade in the past for being “so massive”.
However now, extra cushion and extra stack is the development.
I admit that as a coach, I used to be involved about this for awhile. Nonetheless, in keeping with Podiatrist Richard Blake, “Working in maximalist footwear might help alleviate the ache with situations and accidents like metatarsalgia, capsulitis, neuromas, sesamoid accidents and hallux limitus/rigidus signs.”
So now that we’ve put that concern behind us, let’s discuss some max cushion!
This shoe is finest for center and again of the pack runners who’re in search of a quick and responsive shoe to tackle long-distance races or interval coaching. Would this be my most well-liked shoe when cranking out 6:30 reps undoubtedly not. However am I all about it for a 20 mile run, you wager.
Whereas many footwear promote one thing like a meta-rocker to assist propel you from heel to forefoot, I’ll say that I discover it most in downhill working. I had that very same sensation with the BondiX as properly.
The opposite factor I seen was the stack peak didn’t section me. In testing this on a number of runs, I included the treadmill the place I usually detest max cushioned footwear and didn’t suppose twice about it.
Once more, Hoka is aware of create a secure shoe. It’s received a large base and actually hugs the foot, so I by no means felt my foot transferring round or in any manner unstable regardless of the peak.
From working straightforward tempo all the way down to half marathon tempo miles, the shoe felt actually good. Once more, if I have been racing an 8:30 tempo for the half marathon, I might in all probability go together with one thing extra just like the Saucony Endorphin Professional 4. BUT for a marathon runner over 4:30 or on a lot of these lengthy coaching runs, I actually see the worth.
The query is at all times is it value paying additional for the carbon plate for those who’re within the center or again of the pack. Right here I believe you’re getting extra from the expertise than simply that.
It’s how they’ve given you the PEBA midsole foam on high of the H-Curve plate and the EVA backside foam. There’s a sandwich for the ages with two supercritical foams. YES the excessive finish stuff for the on a regular basis runner.
Specs
I’ve examined just about the entire X or carbon plate footwear from HOKA and some have been a swing and a miss, just a few I actually take pleasure in. That is going within the actually take pleasure in pile.
- Impartial Carbon Plated Working shoe
- Max Cushion
- 5 mm drop (48 mm stack on males’s)
- 9.2oz (W8) / 11.3oz (M10)
- $225
- See all HOKA Skyward X avalable (early launch only one colour)
Right here you possibly can see that there’s a as soon as once more a lower out below the midfoot. That is oncean alternative to chop weight on a shoe the place they’ve added a lot stack and cushion. The one potential downside right here is getting a rock caught in the midst of your run…to date I’ve not had this occur, however have had sufficient footwear with openings to know it may well.
The opposite necessary factor to notice is the uncovered cushion on the only.
Once more in dropping some weight, there’s not rubber over the whole portion of the underside. This might imply points with traction on moist days or the potential for quicker breakdown of the cushion relying on working floor.
100% we all know these will not be a path shoe, however even these of you working on crushed gravel I’d in all probability say skip this shoe for these runs.
Match
General match is lots roomy, I might say usually carbon footwear are inclined to really feel extra slim and that’s not the case right here. You’re nonetheless getting a pleasant frivolously cushioned tongue and an enormous heel counter which is a part of serving to you are feeling secure. Actually, they’ve even dubbed it the “Deep Lively Foot Body”.
I didn’t discover the heel arising on my again aspect, which I used to be involved about. Actually, I didn’t even have to do heel lock lacing, which is a typical for me in most footwear.
I believe a variety of what makes this shoe really feel secure isn’t solely their customary large base, however the distinctive form used for the carbon plate.
The plate’s H-shaped design serves varied features. On the large medial aspect, it gives early touchdown assist, whereas the narrower rail on the lateral aspect features as a crash pad upon touchdown. Moreover, the rising carbon lip prevents extreme sinking and outward motion of the heel.
- True to measurement
- A bouncy cushioned really feel
- Highest stack peak, however nonetheless secure
- Good room within the toebox
- Tongue isn’t tremendous thick to remove room and never so skinny there are different points
- Tongue isn’t hooked up, however didn’t discover it transferring round
Skyward X vs Bondi
Is that this only a souped up model of the Bondi? No….it’s manner higher.
I’ve at all times referred to as the Bondi one of many plushest trainers ever. Which is nice in it’s personal manner, but in addition has a flaw for runners which is you could sink in to the cushion as you fatigue. This results in low again ache whereas working…so I’ve truly transitioned to calling it considered one of my high footwear for strolling and even run/stroll.
However with the Skyward X there’s extra bounce somewhat extra sturdiness to the shoe that I believe prevents this and offers you extra velocity.
Who Will Just like the Skyward X?
Should you already know that you just just like the match of Hoka, this can be a win. And for those who ever tried the BondiX and loved it, that is subsequent stage.
- It’s a roomier shoe
- Feels actually gentle weight due to the bounce (it’s undoubtedly not a light-weight working shoe)
- Not max cushioned with that plush really feel you sink in to
- Comfortable cushion that also permits for velocity
- A shoe that feels secure, however isn’t a stability shoe
Who Will Not Just like the Skyward X?
Should you’re in search of a bouncy carbon plate kind of froth for tremendous velocity days, that’s not what you’ll be getting right here. This can be a nice cushioned shoe with some velocity to it for the on a regular basis runner who desires extra from their half to marathon shoe.
In order for you a light-weight tempo run shoe, contemplate the Mach 6. Proper now that’s in all probability my go to shoe of alternative from Hoka. Up to now few years, the Clifton and Bondi simply didn’t hold tempo with what I’ve been testing from different manufacturers for the consolation of the cushion.
All proper, I hope this Hoka Skyward X evaluate helped you with making an knowledgeable shoe alternative!!
Searching for extra shoe critiques?
Different methods to attach with Amanda
Instagram Each day Enjoyable: RunToTheFinish
Fb Group Chatter: RunToTheFinish
Signal As much as Obtain a Weekly Publication with High Working Suggestions and Laughs
