Hoka Rocket X 2 Review: Hoka’s punchy and versatile carbon super shoe is well worth the wait…

Check out our roundup of the best running shoes 2023

Hoka Rocket X 2

BUY IT NOW:

$250 / £220, hoka.com 

Pros:

  • Springy and lively ride
  • Good versatility
  • Relatively stable for a carbon super shoe

Cons:

  • Very tight fitting
  • Not as propulsive as some rivals

Speed: 4/5
Stability: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5

It’s taken a while, but Hoka finally has a super shoe to compete with some of the best. The overhauled Hoka Rocket X 2 carbon racer has been rebuilt for guns-blazing racing and faster training efforts. And unlike the hit-and-miss first gen Rocket X, it delivers speed with a decent dollop of versatility too.

Hoka Rocket X 2 features

The Rocket X 2 now features an updated ProFlyX midsole unit that combines a higher stack dual-density PEBA midsole, a tweaked rocker and a reshaped carbon fibre plate.

That spoon-shaped plate is sandwiched between a softer layer of foam closer to the foot and a firmer, more responsive layer on the bottom, and works well with the more responsive foam to enhance rebound. The early-stage rocker also adds extra toe spring and makes for smoother transitions.

Get kitted out with the best shorts for men

The synthetic mesh upper, gusseted tongue and internal foot cage create a race-ready, locked-in feel with no foot slipping. But the fit is fussy and the somewhat cramped Rocket X 2 can be difficult to get into, especially for wide feet. with a high instep.

However, once it’s on and you’re running, there’s just – but only just – about enough room to make it a comfortable ride. The glove-like fit also means there’s no slipping off the midsole unit, even on tight turns at pace. So this is a good cornering shoe.

That’s helped by the weight-saving zonal outsole rubber reinforcements on high-traction areas that makes for good grip and durability.

Hoka Rocket X 2 weight, stack and drop

At 221g (7.8oz) in our UK men’s size 8.5 test shoe, the Hoka Rocket X 2 is among the lightest carbon shoes and that’s noticeable on the run. From the moment you lace them up they feel compact, agile, nimble and race ready. There’s an early-gen Nike Vaporfly feel here.

Discover the best gym shoes for 2023

The Rocket X 2 also has the lowest stack height (36mm / 31mm) and drop (5mm) of the leading super shoes. It might not be as punchy as bigger stack shoes like the Nike Alphafly and the Adidas Prime X Strung, but that lower drop and smaller wedge of foam makes for a subtle, stable and reliable platform to run off.

Hoka Rocket X 2 performance and versatility

In tests over more than 50 miles, the Rocket X 2 shows it’s everything you want in a race shoe: it’s light, lively, compact, agile and fun. It puts plenty of spring under the ball of your foot without being overcooked and that dual-density midsole makes for a nice platform to run off at a range of paces. The clip-along transition from the rocker gives it a nice roll that helps spare tired legs deep into longer runs.

Looking to upgrade your home gym? Discover the best dumbbell sets for home workouts

This is by far Hoka’s best race shoe yet. The ride is wonderfully well balanced, soft yet energetic and more compact than some of its bulkier rivals. There’s great versatility here, too. This shoe copes better than many carbon racers at a range of paces and distances.

At £220, the Rocket X 2 is at the lower end of the carbon super shoe price range and that makes it even more compelling. The only caveat: you’ll need to enjoy a very tight, foot-hugging fit and/or work hard to get the sizing spot on to guarantee comfort on long-haul runs.