HOKA Skyward X Review
The HOKA Skyward X promises to deliver the supertrainer experience with a carbon plate, PEBA midsole foam and a whopping stack height.
HOKA Skyward X
Men's
Race
Shoes
$225
Happy Fit Guarantee
Features
Miles feel effortless in the HOKA Skyward X.
This supremely cushioned trainer takes soft and smooth to the extreme. It features HOKA's groundbreaking suspension system with a convex carbon fiber plate that compresses and springs back with every stride. A highly resilient PEBA foam sits closest to your foot for lively, cloud-like cushioning, while a super critical EVA frame provides a stable base below.
In our full review of the HOKA Skyward X, run tester Mandy said, “I felt as if I was rolling through my runs and could run forever. This included both weekend long runs and shorter after-work runs. I liked running hillier sections in these shoes more than flatter sections because the combination of the carbon plate, cushioning and rocker shape allowed me to really let ‘er rip when going downhill.”
Details:
- Upper: A flat knit upper with zonal engineering molds to your foot for a sock-like fit. Perforated material increases breathability while plush padding on the tongue and heel collar gives you a premium feel. A tapered heel collar reduces chafing and irritation on your Achilles, and extra eyelets allow you to tie the marathon loop to lock down the fit.
- Midsole: The Skyward X's midsole has three layers that work together to provide a comfortable and efficient ride. The first layer, closest to your foot, is made of PEBA foam, which gives a bit of cushioned bounce with each step. Beneath that is a curved carbon-fiber plate that compresses when your foot strikes the ground, storing energy to spring back and propel you forward as you push off. Finally, the bottom layer is an EVA foam that works with HOKA's signature rocker shape to create a smooth and effortless transition from heel to toe as you walk or run.
Tech Specs
HOKA Skyward X
| Drop | 5 mm |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.2 oz (W), 11.3 oz (M) |
| Stack Height (heel/forefoot) | 46 mm/41 mm (W),48 mm/43 mm (M) |
| Category | Neutral |
| Surface | Road |
Ride
Cushioning
Energy
What’s New
The Skyward X is a new super trainer from HOKA designed to soak up your daily miles. Its dual-density midsole is plush and energetic to keep your legs feeling fresh while the carbon fiber plate gives you a smooth and stable ride.
Who It’s Best For
The Skyward X is a neutral, max-cushioned shoe with a carbon fiber plate that gives you extra stability and peppy energy return.
“I would recommend the Skyward X for someone training for a long race who likes a lot of cushioning and is training on a lot of ups and downs,” Ashley says in our HOKA Skyward X review. “It shines on steep, paved surfaces.”
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll love how smooth and easy miles feel in the Skyward X. And when you want to pick up the pace, the snappy carbon plate gives you stability and energy return for energetic toe-offs.
“I really loved the cushioning in the Skyward X because it feels super soft without leaving my feet sinking into the shoe,” Mandy says. “It felt as if the cushion and the plate were helping propel me forward.”
