Our verdict
Pros
- HOKA Bondi X Schuhe für Damen in Camellia Peach Parfait
- Long-lasting outsole with extensive heel coverage
- Maximum cushioning
- Superb energy return
- Remarkably stable
- Suitable for all foot strike types
- Excellent traction
- Fantastic rocker geometry
Cons
- HOKA Clifton 8 para hombre
- zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE constitución media voladoras talla 37.5
Audience verdict
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
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Audience score | 86 Good! | 88 Great! | 90 Superb! | 90 Superb! | |
Price | $250 | $285 | $230 | $275 | |
Pace | Competition | Competition | CompetitionTempo | Competition | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 7.7 oz / 218g 7.9 Hoka One One 108 | 7.1 oz / 201g 7 oz / 198g | 7.2 HOKA Anacapa Mid GORE-TEX Schuhe für Damen in Elderberry Grape Wine Größe 41 1 3 7.4 hoka one one speedgooat 4 spring 2020 shoe of the week | 7.2 oz / 203g 7.2 HOKA Anacapa Mid GORE-TEX Schuhe für Damen in Elderberry Grape Wine Größe 41 1 3 | |
Lightweight | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 6.6 mm 5.0 mm | 8.5 mm 8.0 mm | 10.6 mm 8.0 mm | 8.0 mm 8.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | Mid/forefoot | HeelMid/forefoot | HeelMid/forefoot | HeelMid/forefoot | |
Size | Slightly small | Slightly small | True to size | True to size | |
Midsole softness | Soft | Soft | Soft | Soft | |
Difference in midsole softness in cold | Small | Small | Normal | Small | |
Toebox durability | Bad | Bad | Bad | Bad | |
HOKA Mafate Speed 4 Chaussures en Deep Teal Taille 36 2 3 | Good | Good | Good | Good | |
Outsole durability | Good | Bad | Decent | Good | |
Breathability | Moderate | Breathable | Moderate | Breathable | |
HOKA Bondi L Suede Shoes in Shifting Sand Multi | Narrow | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
The HOKA Carbon X 2 is perfect for any day when you need to leave a few seconds in the dust | Narrow | Medium | Narrow | Medium | |
Stiffness | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Small | Small | Small | Small | |
Torsional rigidity | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | Stiff | |
Heel counter stiffness | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | |
Plate | Carbon plate | Carbon plate | Carbon plate | Carbon plate | |
Rocker | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Heel lab Heel brand | 37.7 mm 36.0 mm | 38.1 mm 40.0 mm | 39.2 mm 40.0 mm | 39.9 mm 40.0 mm | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 31.1 mm 31.0 mm | 29.6 mm 32.0 mm | 28.6 mm 32.0 mm | 31.9 mm 32.0 mm | |
Widths available | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | |
Orthotic friendly | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Season | All seasons | SummerAll seasons | All seasons | SummerAll seasons | |
Removable insole | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #184 Bottom 41% | #110 Top 35% | #36 Top 12% | #39 Top 13% | |
Popularity | #196 Bottom 37% | #15 Top 5% | #41 Top 13% | #74 Top 24% |
Who should buy
In our view, the zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE 10k a match for:
- Runners with narrow feet still searching for that just-right racing shoe fit.
- Those looking for a versatile racing shoe suitable for distances ranging from a mile to a marathon.
- Die-hard Hoka fans who've been exploring other brands for a racing shoe due to the absence of PEBA foam. With this release, it's time to get Hommes home!
Who should NOT buy
If you have wide feet, the Rocket X 2 might not be the right choice for you—even if you consider going up a full size. We found that there are other top-notch racing shoes out there, like the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 or the ASICS Metaspeed Edge+, which will be a better fit.
Additionally, runners who are on the hunt for the absolute lightest racing shoe might want to look elsewhere, as we noted the Rocket X 2 is on the heavier side.
For comparison, the Nike Vaporfly 2 Hoka One One Arahi Womens.
Cushioning
Heel stack
We found that the heel has a generous 37.7 mm of foam. This comes close to the 40-mm maximum set by World Athletics.
It also meets our expectations and offers confidence that our legs will be well-supported throughout a full marathon.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 37.7 mm |
Average | 34.2 mm |
Forefoot stack
We moved to the forefoot and found it to be slightly above the 30-mm mark, coming in at 31.1 mm. This is crucial for both forefoot and midfoot strikers who need cushion in this area.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 31.1 mm |
Average | 25.6 mm |
Drop
Based on the two measurements we took in the lab, we discovered that the shoe has an actual drop of 6.6 mm.
This offers a well-rounded balance suitable for all types of foot strikes. Interestingly, there's a slight discrepancy with Hoka's own specs—they list it as a 5-mm shoe. So, they're close, but not quite right!

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 6.6 mm |
Average | 8.6 mm |
Midsole softness
Moving on to the midsole—Hoka has made a significant change. They've shifted away from their old EVA-based foam and introduced a top-tier, high-performance PEBA foam that offers excellent energy return.
When it came to testing the softness of this material, we clocked it at 17.4 HA. While it's soft, it's not crazy plush. This ensures a responsive and springy ride without giving us the sensation that our feet are sinking into the shoe.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 17.4 HA |
Average | 20.9 HA |
Midsole softness in cold (%)
To see how the new PEBA foam performs in colder conditions, we placed the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes and then took new measurements.
We found that it did become slightly firmer, measuring up to 20.0 HA.
With an impressive 15.1%, this shoe ranks among the top-performing running shoes in this test. Indeed, the PEBA midsole delivered!

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 15% |
Average | 25% |
HOKA Bondi X Schuhe für Damen in Camellia Peach Parfait | Insole thickness
In our lab, we found that the insole is among the thinnest we've ever measured, coming in at 2.5 mm. But that's not an issue.
In fact, it's a benefit—the thinner the insole, the more bouncy midsole you get!

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 2.5 mm |
Average | 4.4 mm |
Size and fit
Size
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE 10k slightly small (29 votes).
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE ultra trail talla 46.5 más de 100
We measured our gel mold at 88.5 mm, confirming the Rocket X 2's snug design. This didn’t surprise us, as Hoka often creates small toeboxes, and this is a performance-driven supershoe.
Then, it's simple—this shoe really caters to those with narrow feet. If your feet are of medium width, consider going half a size up. Meanwhile, individuals with wider feet might want to look at other options like the zapatillas de running HOKA hombre amortiguación media talla 40 blancas.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 88.5 mm |
Average | 95.5 mm |
Toebox width - big toe
The big toe area is still slightly narrower than what we usually see in the lab, even on racing shoes. We measured it at 70.8 mm, which is a strong taper but doesn’t seem crazy significant compared to the previous measurement.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 70.8 mm |
Average | 73.7 mm |
Toebox height
In our experience, the vertical space for the toes was surprisingly generous, and that's great news for those who love highly-accommodating uppers. But at the same time, we believe this could be a drawHommes for fans of ultra-snug, race-ready designs.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 27.7 mm |
Average | 27.1 mm |
Stability
HOKA Bondi X Schuhe für Damen in Camellia Peach Parfait | Lateral stability test
While supershoes are typically unstable, this Hoka offers a reasonably stable experience, even at easy paces.
We discovered that the stability comes from a clever design element. The Rocket X 2 has a insole with walls, making us feel as though we're inside the shoe, not just standing on it. Like the bucket seats in a Porsche!
Torsional rigidity
With a carbon plate sandwiched between the two layers of PEBA foam, we naturally anticipated a 5/5 score in the torsional rigidity test. That's just what we got.
línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 5 |
Average | 3.4 |
Heel counter stiffness
The absence of structure in the heel results in a 1/5 stiffness rating in that area—yet we haven't noticed any heel-slippage at all.
línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 1 |
Average | 2.9 |
Midsole width - forefoot
At 113.3 mm, the midsole is similar in width to everyday trainers, like the Hoka Clifton 9.
We found that this design provides comfortable landings and adds to the shoe's stability. This is in contrast to some speed-oriented shoes that can be too narrow and feel more wobbly.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 113.3 mm |
Average | 114.1 mm |
Las zapatillas de running Hoka Mach 3
The story is different when we look at the heel. Measuring at 85.2 mm, it's on the narrower side.
zapatillas de running HOKA talla 47.5 más de 100 Hoka Carbon X 3. While it doesn't have the bouncy foam, it offers more stability for them.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 85.2 mm |
Average | 90.6 mm |
Flexibility / Stiffness
The Rocket X 2 is STIFF. In our 90-degree bend test, we measured a result of 80.7N, making it one of the stiffest shoes we've ever tested in the lab.
This level of stiffness can be fantastic for snappiness and a springy ride—just what many runners seek in races. However, we found that it might be a bit much for some. If you find this level of stiffness uncomfortable, perhaps a non-plated max-performance shoe like the ASICS Superblast hoka one one hupana review.
línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 80.7N |
Average | 28.1N |
Stiffness in cold (%)
After putting the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes, we conducted the stiffness test again in our lab. We measured a result of 90.0N.
The result closely mirrors our room-temperature test.
This top-notch outcome is solely due to the PEBA foam. High-quality foam leads to high-quality outcomes...
línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 12% |
Average | 32% |
Weight
No, this isn't the lightest supershoe ever made. We discovered that the outsole, which we just examined, adds to its weight.
If you're purely chasing performance, perhaps a lighter choice like the Endorphin Elite or the Metaspeed Sky+ would suit you better. However, if you're seeking great durability in a racing shoe, that's the trade-off.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 7.69 oz (218g) |
Average | 9.38 oz (266g) |
Breathability
While the Rocket X 2 scored a 4/5—a solid score by any standard—we had hoped for a perfect 5/5. As Hoka's premier marathon shoe, and priced at $250, it should stand out in every performance category, including airflow.
At first glance, we genuinely believed we were looking at an ultra-breathable shoe. This impression was reinforced by a light test where parts of the upper seemed almost transparent. It was an effect we hadn't encountered before!
Even without the light, we could easily see our hand through the other side—a rarity in our lab tests.
Puzzled by this, we turned to our lab's microscope for answers.
We discovered that the Rocket X 2 features an engineered mesh that is denser than the uppers found in other racing shoes. That's the reason why it fails to achieve a 5/5.
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE trail tope amortiguación constitución media pie normal Nike Streakfly (5/5 in this test) is notorious.
línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 4 |
Average | 3.8 |
Durability
Toebox durability
You might think that sacrificing top-tier breathability would mean the Rocket X 2 excels in durability. Unfortunately, that's not the case.
After conducting our dremel test in the lab, we discovered that the Rocket X 2 earned the lowest possible score. This low durability score, however, is typical for racing shoes except for some outliers like the Nike Alphafly 2.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 1 |
Average | 2.6 |
HOKA Mafate Speed 4 Chaussures en Deep Teal Taille 36 2 3
The story changes dramatically when we look at the heel. It's remarkably durable (5/5) and there's a good reason behind this.
While daily trainers typically feature a lot of padding and softer materials in the heel for comfort, racing shoes actually go the opposite way.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 5 |
Average | 3.2 |
Outsole hardness
HOKA Womens Arahi 6 Shoes in Outer Space Bellwether Blue.

Typically, we find that softer rubber offers better grip. Yet, this shoe measures in at 81.6 HC—similar to what we see in daily trainers and it remains impressively grippy in both dry and wet conditions.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 81.6 HC |
Average | 79.7 HC |
Outsole durability
Hoka One One é reconhecível pelo seu perfil.
We're pleased to share that we measured a tiny 0.5 mm indentation in the rubber.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 0.5 mm |
Average | 1.1 mm |
Outsole thickness
After conducting the two previous tests and now discovering a thickness of 2.0 mm, we confidently believe that this shoe will effortlessly serve runners for an impressive 200-300 miles without showing significant wear on the outsole.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 2.0 mm |
Average | 3.2 mm |
Misc
Reflective elements
Hoka chose not to add reflective elements to the Rocket X 2, and we understand their uncertainty. We mentioned earlier that, for a racing shoe, the Rocket X 2 is a bit on the heavy side.
Adding more weight to a shoe that's mostly going to be used during the day wouldn't be practical.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | No |
Tongue padding
The tongue of the Rocket X 2 is notably slim, especially when stacked up against many other running shoes.
Yet, it feels incredibly plush when compared to the typical racing shoe tongues, which often come in at under 1 mm. In our lab, we found that the 1.9 mm thickness offers a genuinely comfortable feel for this kind of shoe.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | 1.9 mm |
Average | 5.8 mm |
hoka mach 3 chaussures de route pour hommes en lunar rockwhite taille 41 13 1106479 lrwh
The tongue of the Rocket X 2 is semi-gusseted, meaning it's partially attached to the sides.
We believe this is an excellent strategy for ensuring a Blue lockdown, preventing the annoying tongue shifts that we've observed in racing shoes like the Nike Vaporfly 2.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | Both sides (semi) |
Heel tab
Hoka decided not to include a heel tab on the Rocket X 2 to reduce its weight a bit. We believe that having one could have made slipping the shoe on a bit easier for some.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | None |
Removable insole
The insole of the Rocket X 2 is removable, which we appreciate for a racing shoe. However, if you're thinking of using third-party insoles or orthotics, you might find it challenging.
As we discussed earlier, this shoe is quite narrow, so the internal space is limited.

línea Clifton de Hoka One One | Yes |