Hoka Skyward X 2 Shoe Review

The Hoka Skyward X 2 is Hoka’s max-cushioned, carbon-plated super trainer made for daily running, long runs, recovery runs, and steady mileage. It sits in the same premium trainer category as shoes like the ASICS Superblast, Hoka Mach X, On Cloudmonster Hyper, and other high-stack running shoes that blur the line between daily trainer and performance shoe.

I reviewed the original Hoka Skyward X, and that shoe was one of the more interesting Hoka trainers in recent years. It was massive, cushioned, protective, and expensive.

The Hoka Skyward X 2 keeps the same overall purpose, but Hoka made several updates. According to Hoka, the Skyward X 2 has an updated carbon fiber plate, less weight, less stack height, PEBA midsole foam, super-critically foamed EVA, a premium jacquard mesh upper, sticky rubber in the forefoot, and Durabrasion rubber in the heel. Hoka lists the shoe at $225 with a 5 mm drop.

That puts the Hoka Skyward X 2 in a very specific category: high-stack, plated daily trainers for runners who want protection, bounce, and structure without using a race shoe for every long run.

Hoka Skyward X 2 FAQ

What is the Hoka Skyward X 2 best for?

The Hoka Skyward X 2 is best for easy runs, recovery runs, long runs, and steady daily training. It has a lot of cushioning underfoot, and the carbon plate helps create a smoother rolling ride. It’s a great option for long runs, easy runs, and longer uptempo road runs.

Is the Hoka Skyward X 2 a race shoe?

The Skyward X 2 is not designed as a race shoe. It has a carbon plate, PEBA foam, and a large stack height, but the ride is built more for comfort and protection than aggressive racing. If you want a Hoka race shoe, something like the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 or Hoka Rocket X line will be more race-focused.

Is the Hoka Skyward X 2 good for marathon training?

Yes, the Hoka Skyward X 2 can work well for marathon training, especially for long runs and recovery days. I would pair it with a lighter workout shoe for faster sessions. If you are building a shoe rotation for marathon training, I also have a post on how alternating running shoes benefits your running.

Is the Hoka Skyward X 2 stable?

The Hoka Skyward X 2 is a neutral shoe, but it has a wide base, structured ride, and plated midsole that help it feel more stable than many tall super trainers. I think it works best for runners with normal to narrow feet who want a tapered toe box, lower-volume fit, and a rockered, stiff ride with a lot of protection.

Is the Hoka Skyward X 2 worth $225?

The Skyward X 2 is expensive. At $225, it is one of the more expensive daily trainers. It makes the most sense for runners who already know they like high-stack, plated trainers and want a premium shoe for easy runs, long runs, and recovery days. If you want one shoe for everything, there are more versatile options.

Now, let’s get into an honest Hoka Skyward X 2 shoe review. 

Hoka Skyward X 2 Quick Facts

• Weight: 11.0 oz, 9.1 oz women
• Stack height 44 mm in the heel and 39 in the forefoot
• Drop: 5 mm.
• Price: $225.
• Intended use: Easy runs, recovery runs, daily mileage, long runs, and steady efforts.

Hoka Skyward X 2 Upper

The Skyward X 2 uses a premium jacquard mesh upper, which is one of the bigger updates from the original Skyward X. Hoka also added reflective details, zonal tongue padding, and a tongue lace loop.

The fit is still very Hoka. Runners with narrow to average-width feet will have the easiest time with the Skyward X 2.

That is helpful if Hoka shoes usually fit you well. If you need extra room in the toe box, I would try these on before buying. At $225, this is not a shoe I would gamble on if Hoka uppers usually feel too snug. Many people may need to go up a half size.

The heel feels padded, the tongue adds comfort. The best running shoes disappear off your feet and I’ve found the Hoka Skyward X 2 to do that for the most part. I don’t know if any high stack shoe will completely disappear off your feet because of how bulky the shoe is, but it’s comfortable and I have no complaints.

The one concern I do have is breathability. It’s now summer weather in the Mojave Desert and I need shoes that are fully comfortable and breathe well. The Hoka Skyward X 2 isn’t bad but it’s not the best breathing shoe I’ve tried.

In running shoes, I wear between a womens size 10-11 wide and the Hoka Skyward X 2 in size 11 fits the best.

Hoka Skyward X 2 Ride

The midsole is where the magic happens and the Hoka Skyward X 2 uses PEBA foam, super-critically foamed EVA, and a carbon fiber plate. Hoka says the updated plate puts runners in a more engaged stance, while the shoe also lost weight and stack height from the original Skyward X. I liked the original Skyward, in fact, it was one of my favorite shoes but it was a tank. I was excited Hoka reduced some of the weight.

The PEBA foam gives the shoe bounce, EVA helps keep the ride controlled and the carbon plate adds structure and some responsiveness. In this shoe, the plate does not make the Skyward X 2 feel like a racing shoe. It helps gives the shoe a smoother roll.

The Skyward X 2 feels best during easy runs, long runs, and steady mileage. It is the kind of shoe I would reach for when my legs feel beat up, when I want a lot of protection from the road, or when I want a long run shoe that does not feel flat underfoot. Compared to the original Skyward, the Hoka Skyward X 2 is lighter and smoother.

It can handle faster long-run pacing, especially controlled steady efforts, but I would not choose it for track workouts, shorter intervals, or race-pace sessions where I want a lighter shoe.

If you like the idea of carbon-plated trainers and racing shoes, I also have posts on carbon-plated running shoes that may help with comparisons.

Hoka Skyward X 2 Outsole

The outsole uses sticky rubber in the forefoot and Durabrasion rubber in the heel.

That layout makes sense for a daily trainer. The forefoot rubber helps with grip during toe-off, while the heel rubber helps with wear in a high-impact area. There is still some exposed midsole foam, which helps reduce weight.

For road running, the outsole works well. I would use the Hoka Skyward X 2 on pavement, bike paths, packed dirt, and smooth gravel. I would not choose it for technical trails, sharp turns, or uneven surfaces where a lower shoe would feel more secure.(Especially sharp turns, you may hurt yourself).

Durability should be solid for a premium trainer, although that will depend on your gait, running surface, and how often you use it. For more about mileage expectations, I have a separate post on how long running shoes last.

Where Does the Hoka Skyward X 2 Fit in a Running Shoe Rotation?

The Hoka Skyward X 2 fits best as a max-cushioned long-run and recovery-run shoe. Even though the Skyward X 2 is heavy, it’s fairly easy to pick up the pace…I wouldn’t rcae in the shoe but it’s not bad for some uptempo or slightly faster than usual work.

If you like having a few different shoes, the Skyward X 2 it is the protective daily trainer or long-run shoe. Then you can pair it with something lighter for workouts and something faster for racing.

Hoka Skyward X 2 Compared to Hoka Skyward X

The Skyward X 2 is lighter and slightly lower than the original Skyward X, with an updated carbon fiber plate and a new upper. Hoka says it shaved off weight and stack height while adding a more comfort-driven upper.

The original Hoka Skyward X felt protective, cushioned, and fun, but it was heavy. The Skyward X 2 keeps the high-cushion feel while making the shoe more usable for daily mileage.

If you liked the first version and wanted a smoother, lighter update, the Skyward X 2 is the better shoe. If you loved the extra width and massive platform of the original, you may notice the second version feels more fitted.

Hoka Skyward X 2 Compared to ASICS Superblast 2

The Hoka Skyward X 2 and ASICS Superblast 2 both sit in the premium super trainer category, but they feel different.

The ASICS Superblast 2 is more versatile. It works for easy runs, long runs, and faster running. The Skyward X 2 is more protective and more structured, especially for runners who like a plated ride.

If you want one premium trainer to cover most of your week, the Superblast 2 is easier to use across more paces. If you want a cushioned, plated long-run shoe that feels more protected, the Skyward X 2 has a stronger role.

You can also read my original ASICS Superblast review if you want more background on how that line became one of the most popular super trainers.

Hoka Skyward X 2 Compared to Hoka Mach X 3 

The Hoka Mach X 3 is the better choice for faster daily training, workouts, and marathon pace work. The Skyward X 2 is better for recovery runs, easy mileage, and long runs where you want more protection.

The Mach X 3 feels more nimble. The Skyward X 2 feels more cushioned. If you want a shoe that can handle workouts, go Mach X 3. If you want a shoe for long-run comfort, go Skyward X 2.

Hoka Skyward X 2 Compared to Hoka Bondi and Hoka Clifton

The Hoka Bondi and Hoka Clifton are more traditional cushioned trainers. They do not have the same plated, super trainer feel as the Skyward X 2.

The Clifton is lighter and more simple for daily running. The Bondi is highly cushioned and better for walking, recovery runs, and easy mileage. The Skyward X 2 adds PEBA foam, a carbon plate, and a more premium ride.

If you already like Hoka daily trainers and want more bounce and structure, the Skyward X 2 is the more advanced option. If you just need a comfortable daily trainer, the Clifton or Bondi will cost less.

Who Should Buy the Hoka Skyward X 2?

• You want a max-cushioned, carbon-plated daily trainer for easy runs, long runs, and recovery mileage.
• Runners who enjoy high-stack shoes but want more structure underfoot than a soft trainer usually provides.

Who Should Not Buy the Hoka Skyward X 2?

• You want a lightweight workout shoe, a race-day shoe, or a cheaper daily trainer.
• If Hoka shoes usually feel too narrow or if you need a lot of room in the toe box.
• The price is the biggest factor. At $225, the Skyward X 2 costs more than many daily trainers and sits close to the price of some race shoes.

Hoka Skyward X 2 Conclusion

The Skyward X 2 is a good update to the original Skyward X. It is lighter, smoother, and more refined, while still keeping the max-cushioned plated trainer feel that made the first version stand out.

It works best for easy runs, recovery runs, long runs, and steady mileage. The PEBA foam adds bounce, the EVA keeps the shoe controlled, and the carbon plate helps the shoe roll forward without feeling like a pure race shoe.

The biggest drawback is the price. At $225, the Hoka Skyward X 2 needs to have a clear role in your shoe rotation. If you want a premium long-run and recovery shoe, it does that very well. If you want one trainer for every run, there are better options.

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Reebok Floatzig Tread, Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, On Cloudboom Max

Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, adidas Prime Strung X3,

Trail Running/Hiking: Altra Experience Wild 3, Hoka Tecton X 3 

Races/Speedwork: ASICS Metaspeed Ray, Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Vaporfly 4

Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here.

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

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 of running shoes.

Questions for you:

What is your favorite daily trainer?

What is the most fun color running shoe you’ve had?