Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review

Wow, the Hoka Tecton X2 is a good shoe. How’s that for an intro?

I was excited to try it. I needed a new trail shoe, and the colors of the Tecton excited me. I was so excited that I forgot to take more photos before using it.

Hoka Tecton X2 Quick Facts:

Weight: 9.1 oz

Heel to Toe Drop:

Cost: $225

Hoka Tecton X2 Fit:

The Hoka Tecton X2 upper has been completely redesigned. Wahoo. The re-engineered upper maximizes weight savings. Hoka uses a new “Matryx” upper. What does that mean? The upper is light, breathable, and inherently hydrophobic (preventing water from getting in). The high-contrast Matryx upper uses a lay-flat gusseted tongue to help keep trail debris out.

My first run in the Tecton X2 was the Point Mugu trail race. It was muddy, and we had two calf-deep water crossings. (Plus plenty of mud). If there were ever an excellent time to test the upper of a running shoe, it would be then. My feet got very wet, but I didn’t find any irritation or rubbing. The next day I didn’t have any blisters. The upper dried relatively quickly during the race, instead of the Texton X2 getting heavy and shedding the extra mud. It performed like a dream.

The best uppers disappear off your feet and the Hoka Tecton X2 has done just that. The heel is plus where the tongue is thin and breathable.

As far as fit, I wear a size 10-11 wide running shoe. Hoka has gotten a little more narrow in the last year, and I’ve found the women’s size 11 fits the best.

Hoka Tecton X2 Ride:

Let’s get to the ride, shall we? It’s hard to justify a $225 trail shoe, even with the carbon plate. Is the Hoka Tecton X2 worth it? The Tecton X2 uses “PROFLY-X. This means it has a carbon fiber plate.

The shoe is designed to roll easily from heel to toe, giving you propulsive toe-offs. The thing about carbon plates in the trail world is they are only as good as the terrain. You don’t get a boost by scrambling up a bunch of rocks. LOL, although sometimes it feels like carbon-plated shoes have trampolines. The more technical the terrain, the smarter you need to run. But what the carbon plate will do is fatigue your legs less. So if you’re running a 100 miler, your legs might feel less tired towards the end.

Durability and Traction: The Tecton X2 uses “Vibram Megagrip with Litebase.” Most are familiar with how much traction Vibram sole shoes give, and the Tecton X2 is no different. I’m not sliding around in the several muddy runs I must do. Even in ankle-deep mud, I still found some traction. Plus, I didn’t lose a shoe.

Regarding durability, I got about 200 miles in the previous Tecton, which is how I anticipate the Tecton X2. It doesn’t have much cushion and feels like Hoka cut out everything unnecessary to the weight.

So far, I’ve enjoyed running in the Hoka Tecton X2. It has handled every type of trail I’ve done, including Point Mugu, dryer terrain, and up a few mountains. It takes it all well. I haven’t had a point so far that I thought: “Wow, I wish I had a different shoe.” The only thing I see being an issue is if you prefer a lot of cushion in their trail shoes, the Tecton X2 isn’t it. You feel the ground more.

Hoka Tecton X2 Conclusion:

This is one of my favorite Hoka shoes to date. So far, there hasn’t been anything I don’t like. Which is rare for a running shoe LOL. Can you tell I’m a fan?

Who should purchase the Hoka Tecton X2? If you’re looking for a fast trail shoe that can handle almost any terrain.

Who should not buy the Hoka Tecton X2? If you prefer more cushion in their trail running shoe,s the Hoka Speedgoat 5  or the Hoka Mafate 4  are better options.