Hoka Skyward X2 is a super trainer for the masses. I’ve previously called this the race day shoe for the back of the pack and it’s gotten an upgrade that allows me to continue to stand by that!
Super trainers are a weird category because some are still designed for forefoot faster runners as a recovery type shoe and others we’re finding make great race day shoes for a big swath of runners.
The original Skyward X really impressed me and they’ve made some big updates for version 2 that I think most runners are going to appreciate (in fact even the price tag magically stayed the same after 2 years).
The Skyward X2 is an incredible super trainer for heavier runners, middle and back of the pack runners. It provides cushion for the long miles, a little bit of pop to pick up speed and a comfortable ride. It’s not yet as fast as we might like to see with some competitors on the market, but still a really fun ride that’s also durable!Our Verdict
Who is it Good For?
- Wide Feet: Standard Hoka fit, which is more accommodating than most carbon shoes.
- Heavier runners: Absolutely, an ideal shoe for longer runs and race day.
- Long Runs: Designed for long mileage comfort, even though it’s not the lightest shoe.
- Front of the pack: No. I don’t think this is a recovery shoe or speed shoe that they’ll be reaching for with other options available from Hoka.
This super trainer is an ideal mid to back of back running shoe for long training days or marathon race day. It’s got a little bouncy, a little roll and great stability to keep the legs feeling fresh.
Hoka Skyward X2 Overview
Can you drop 2mm of foam and still be a great super shoe? It’s the combination of foam and carbon plate that create speed, but there’s a delicate balance there and Hoka decided to fine tune it all in this updated version of the Skyward X2.
They were so ahead of the game with this shoe originally, but a lot of other brands have now caught up with lighter and let’s be honest faster shoes in this same max cushioned super trainer category. HOWEVER, I still think this one is a winner for our heavier runners and back of the pack.
They kept the same foam with a PEBA and super critical EVA midsole, just took a little bit of it away to allow for a shift in the plate and to slim down the width of the foam.
The carbon plate sandwiched between that super fast foam and durable foam has been updated to be a bit more aggressive. However, the plate isn’t really what we noticed it was more about the shoe feeling a bit softer and a bit bouncier. Again bouncy is relative! This is not the Cielo X1 elite racer bouncy.
What does that feel like?
It’s a nice soft feeling underfoot without sucking you down in to the cushion. You won’t be losing energy AND that overly soft shoe often results in lower back pain while running because you sink in. One of many reasons we see this as a top contender on our shoes for heavier runners list.
Is it a fast shoe? It’s faster than the original!
I always notice with the Skyward that my easy pace naturally creeps up just little without an increase in HR and that’s fun. But to put it to the test, I tried it out at a variety of paces from easy to half marathon (understanding half marathon post injury is a little slower right now!).
Once I started hitting around the 8:30 pace the shoe felt fine, but I would have been working less in a shoe like the Saucony Endorphin Pro 5. This likely comes down to the weight and the difference in how bouncy the foam is for a more uptempo shoe.
Another feature that felt similar to the original was my pace pick up was always more noticeable with even the slightest of downhill. A course like the Phoenix Mesa Marathon with just a subtle down would be incredible or of course any course with a lot of good downhill.
Hoka Skyward X2 Specs
- Brand: Hoka
- Usage: Super trainer
- Previous Model: Hoka Skyward X
- Weight: 9.1 ounces Women’s/ 11.1 ounces Men’s
- Stack Height: 46mm
- Heel to Toe Drop: 5mm
- Available in 2 colorways at launch
- Available in wide soon
- Available at hoka.com for $225
I’m mildly obsessed with the shimmery color and overall the colors in this launch look like fast fun shoes. They don’t feel like a chunky old school shoe.
For anyone concerned about such a big stack, there’s data to say it’s all good!
Podiatrist Richard Blake, “Running in maximalist shoes can help alleviate the pain with conditions and injuries like metatarsalgia, capsulitis, neuromas, sesamoid injuries and hallux limitus/rigidus symptoms.”
Quick Take
Pros
- Curved carbon plate
- Comfortable cushion
- Nice toebox
Cons
- Heavy
- Wish laces were a tad longer
- Still a pricey shoe (but more durable than other carbon plated)
Hoka Skyward X2 Fit
Standard Hoka fit with decent room through the midfoot and true to size in length.
They redesigned the upper from knit to a jacquard mesh, which has allowed it to be more breathable. It’s still not as thin as some shoes, but for the weight and style of shoe it’s a really comfortable locked in fit.
The gusseted tongue has become an expectation and we’re happy to see it here again, leaving behind the thicker and warmer padded tongue. That little connection on each side keeps the tongue from moving around during the run. It’s a fairly thin tongue, but remains soft and no issues with it digging in or not providing enough coverage. It’s got small areas of padding, which become more helpful for longer runs as feet swell and might feel the laces more.
I did find I needed to do heel lock lacing with these, but took a little bit of messing with the laces to get enough lace to make that happen. If you have a high volume foot where you can’t tighten through the midfoot, then you may need longer laces to do heel lock.
At 46mm which is 6mm above the World Athletics limit it should be unstable, but it’s not. Not in the slightest. Cornering, uphill, downhill, variety of paces and it’s very comfortable and solid.
Add to that the rubber coverage on the outsole and you’ll feel confident wearing these even in wet conditions.
Similar Shoes to the Hoka Skyward X2
We’ve tested a few super trainer shoes that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit.
- Asics Superblast 3 – A non plated option that’s lighter and can pick up the pace better
- Adidas Evo SL – A nylon plate that’s light and fast, but a little less stable
- Nike Zoomfly 6 – We called this a 4 hour marathon shoe, but it’s also great for those above that with a plate
While a lot of folks have compared this shoe to the Vomero Plus, we just found that shoe to be less than ideal for most folks and a max cushioned shoe isn’t the same as a super trainer.
Hoka Skyward X2 vs Hoka Mach X3
When a brand starts creating a lot of shoes in the same category it starts to get a little confusing about the differences and which one is right for you. The Skwyard X2 is a very different feel from the super plush Bondi, which means it’s closer to what you’re going to find with the new Hoka Mach X3 super trainer.
- Same foam in both shoes
- Carbon plate in Skyward and PEBAX in Mach X3
- The winged PEBAX plate Mach X3 will be faster
- Mach X3 is about an ounce lighter
- Skyward X2 is 46mm, Mach X3 is 42mm – both feel equally stable
- A little more bounce to the X3
- The additional foam in the Skyward might feel even better for heavier runners or those on their feet 6+ hours
- Pick up is easier with the Mach X3 so if you want a shoe to do more tempo work it’s a little better
What to Read Next?
- Best Running Shoes for Heavy Runners
- Does it Matter if You Run or Lift First?
- Hoka vs On Running Shoes – which is right for you?
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