If Beyonce dedicated the song upgrade to a shoe, it would be the Hoka Rocket X 2. You might have loved the original version…you might have hated it, but this year’s version is Hoka’s fastest carbon-plated shoe to date. This massive upgrade has made it the top in the carbon shoe world. And no, I’m not just saying that.
Hoka Rocket X 2 Intro:
You don’t need the tech specs to know the Rocket X 2 is a completely different shoe. It just looks different. It looks more sleek and modern. The Rocket X 2 has been given 6 mm of stack height. This means there is a lot more cushion! It also features a new PEBA midsole foam and a carbon plate shaped like a spoon. Does that take spooning to a new level?
The extra stack height plus new foam has made the Rocket X 2 more bouncy. Many people associate carbon plated footwear with a bounce factor. It isn’t the carbon plate the provides the bounce, it’s actually the foam. The previous version of the Hoka didn’t have enough foam which made it feel flat.
Hoka Rocket X 2 Quick Facts:
Weight: 6.7 oz
Heel Toe Drop: 5 mm
Price: $250
Hoka Rocket X 2 Fit:
The Hoka Rocket X 2 uses a technical, synthetic mesh. The gusseted tongue sits on top of your foot, and the light padding that keeps you comfortable without adding much weight. Unlike many Hoka shoes, the Rocket X 2 has a “performance fit” and does fit more narrow than most other models. It actually fits similar to the lifestyle shoe: Hoka Transport. Even though it’s one of the more narrow fitting Hokas, it’s one of the most wider carbon plated models. So is the Hoka Rocket X 2 the most wide carbon-plated shoe? Probably.
The best running shoes are comfortable and disappear off your feet. For the most part, the Rocket X 2 does just that. I can’t say there are many carbon-plated shoes I feel super comfortable in, but this is one of the most comfortable. My feet feel good, and I don’t have any hot spots. I can’t emphasize enough how comfortable this version is. I was able to take it right out of the box and run with no bhot spots. I really contemplated it for my marathon even though I hadn’t run more than 10 miles in it.
I usually wear a women’s size 10-11 wide in running shoes. In Hoka, it’s usually a 10.5. I found the 10.5 most comfortable in the Hoka Rocket X 2. I kept my regular size despite running slightly narrower than other carbon-plated shoes.
Hoka Rocket X 2 Ride:
A common complaint with the original Rocket was it “wasn’t bouncy.” Many people found it to feel flat, almost like a 2016 racing flat. They didn’t have that “oomph” that many carbon-plated shoes have.
Hoka listened and updated the Rocket with a new PEBA midsole foam. It’s much softer and more responsive than the previous versions of EVA foam. The 6 mm of extra stack height provides that bounce feature so many have been looking for.
Traction and Durability: I wondered how the Rocket X 2 stacked against other carbon-plated shoes in both categories. I found taking sharp turns (especially in the rain) pretty standard. I didn’t have to worry about sliding around. Hoorah! The Rocket X 2 has a lot more fraction and durability than the carbon rocket, because there is more rubber on the bottom.
Regarding Durability, I’ve put just over 50 miles on the Rocket X 2 with no signs of slowing down. It has more durability than the Carbon X, and that’s because Hoka has added plenty of rubber on the bottom.
I figured the Rocket X 2 would be a “fast” shoe in my rotation, and that’s precisely what it is. It’s the fastest carbon-plated shoe from Hoka and a great competitor to other carbon-plated shoes. I knew it would be a fan within the first mile of running in the Rocket X 2. It’s fast, bouncy, and responsive. I am impressed by how far Hoka has come between the original Rocket and now. They have truly outdone themselves.
Hoka Rocket X 2 Conclusion:
Is the Hoka Rocket X 2 good? Yes, it’s great. It’s a massive update from the previous version. It’s finally a fast carbon-plated shoe it’s a good option. It’s hard to choice between the Clifton and Rocket X 2 for the “best Hoka update of the year”. To be honest, I don’t know. They do make a great partner
Who should buy the Hoka Rocket X 2? Anyone looking for a racing shoe. Especially if you need something wider.
Who should not buy the Hoka Rocket X 2? Anyone who is looking for an easy-run shoe. Hoka has plenty of other shoes meant for easy runs or recovery. The Hoka Bondi or Clifton are both excellent options for easy run days.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs: Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12, Saucony Triumph 19, Mizuno Wave Neo Ultra, 361 Centauri
Speed Work: Hoka Solimar, Altra Vanish Carbon, 361 Flame, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly
Long Runs: Hoka Rocket X 2, ASICS Superblast
Trail Running/Hiking: Brooks Caldera 6, Saucony Peregrine 12, Hoka Torrent 2, Hoka Zinal Shoe, Speedland SL: PDX,
Races: Nike ZoomX Streakfly, Asics Metaspeed Sky, Hoka One One Rocket X, adidas Adizero Pro, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro 2, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Are you looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths about running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Hoka Rocket X 2?
What is your favorite fast shoe?