Our verdict

For years, Hoka enthusiasts have awaited the Rocket X 2, and it doesn't disappoint. Boasting an all-new, bouncy PEBA midsole, we are happy to confirm it delivers the same energy return as the world's best racing shoes. The rocker design offers a smooth, stable ride, and we found the outsole truly shines in durability and grip. However, the $250 MSRP combined with a narrow upper might not meet everyone's expectations.

Schuhe HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Wide 1110530 Rtos Pros

  • Ultra-responsive PEBA foam
  • ZAPATILLA TRAIL RUNNING HOMBRE HOKA CHALLENGER ATR 5
  • Maximum cushioning
  • Superb energy return
  • Remarkably stable
  • Suitable for all foot strike types
  • Excellent traction
  • zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE talla 36 grises

Schuhe HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Wide 1110530 Rtos Cons

  • Bloody narrow toebox
  • zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE mixta asfalto

Audience verdict

86
Good!

Who should buy

In our view, the Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 is 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 back home!

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250

Schuhe HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Wide 1110530 Rtos | 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 hoka one one clifton 6 1102872 bwwh or the ou Hoka One One proposent des chaussures techniques pour vous équiper dans vos pratiques sportives+, 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.

HOKA Gaviota 4 Chaussures de Route pour Hommes en Black Black Puma hombre amortiguación media material reciclado delivers similar cushioning and Pebax foam but comes in a much lighter package.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 parts

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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Heel stack
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 37.7 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Forefoot stack
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 31.1 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 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!

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Drop
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 6.6 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Midsole softness
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 17.4 HA
Average 20.9 HA
zapatillas de running Hoka One One asfalto tope amortiguación talla 47.5 naranjas.
Compared to 330 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

Suelas de las Hoka One One Speedgoat 2 (%)

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.

Though much leaner and less cushioned than the quintessential Hoka.

With an impressive 15.1%, this shoe ranks among the top-performing running shoes in this test. Indeed, the PEBA midsole delivered!

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Difference in midsole softness in cold
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 15%
Average 25%
Compared to 330 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
0%
Suelas de las Hoka One One Speedgoat 2
63%

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!

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Insole thickness
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 2.5 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 is slightly small (29 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 382 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Schuhe HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Wide 1110530 Rtos

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 Nike Alphafly 3.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Schuhe HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Wide 1110530 Rtos
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 88.5 mm
Average 95.5 mm
Compared to 158 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
88.5 mm
Schuhe HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Wide 1110530 Rtos
102.4 mm

zapatillas de running HOKA distancias cortas talla 39

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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 zapatillas de running HOKA distancias cortas talla 39
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 70.8 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 158 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
66.7 mm
zapatillas de running HOKA distancias cortas talla 39
83.6 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 drawback for fans of ultra-snug, race-ready designs.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Toebox height
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 27.7 mm
Average 27.1 mm
Compared to 157 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Stability

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.

Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 5
Average 3.4
Compared to 382 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
1
Torsional rigidity
5

unbox hoka one one tor ultra simply taupe

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.

Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 1
Average 2.9
Compared to 366 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
1
unbox hoka one one tor ultra simply taupe
5

HOKA ONE ONE Rincon 3 Wide

At 113.3 mm, the midsole is similar in width to everyday trainers, like the Hoka One Clifton 8.

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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 113.3 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
102.2 mm
HOKA ONE ONE Rincon 3 Wide
126.9 mm

Zapatillas Trail hombre hoka Challenger Atr 6 M 42 Negro

The story is different when we look at the heel. Measuring at 85.2 mm, it's on the narrower side.

the LA and Boston-based retailer is now partnering with Hoka on a two-piece footwear collection kanye west hoka hiking boots. While it doesn't have the bouncy foam, it offers more stability for them.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 85.2 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
70.8 mm
Zapatillas Trail hombre hoka Challenger Atr 6 M 42 Negro
106.6 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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 stiff

This level of stiffness can be fantastic for taille 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 would be a better fit.

Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 80.7N
Average 28.1N
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE hombre trail rojas.
Compared to 383 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

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.

Runners in Hoka One One footwear and apparel.

This top-notch outcome is solely due to the PEBA foam. High-quality foam leads to high-quality outcomes...

Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 12%
Average 32%
Compared to 383 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
0%
Stiffness in cold
101%

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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Weight
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 7.69 oz (218g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 404 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 microscope

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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 upper miscroscope

HOKA Men's Zinal Trail Running Shoes in Atlantis Outer Space Nike Streakfly (5/5 in this test) is notorious.

nike zoomx streakfly microscope upper 19346245 1440

Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 333 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
1
Breathability
5

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 ZAPATILLA 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 anthracitelunar like the Nike Alphafly 2.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Toebox durability
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 1
Average 2.6
Compared to 267 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
1
Toebox durability
5

hoka one one clifton edge release date info

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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 hoka one one clifton edge release date info
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 262 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
1
hoka one one clifton edge release date info
5

Outsole hardness

Hoka One One do biegania Białe.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 outsole
There's more rubber coverage in this shoe compared to many marathon shoes, enhancing its durability—especially beneficial for heel strikers. And look at that midsole cutout that reveals the carbon plate!

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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Outsole hardness
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 81.6 HC
Average 79.7 HC
zapatillas de running Hoka One One asfalto tope amortiguación talla 47.5 naranjas.
Compared to 384 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
56.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

We were eager to see if our initial thoughts on durability held up during the ZAPATILLA test.

We're pleased to share that we measured a tiny 0.5 mm indentation in the rubber.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Outsole durability
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 0.5 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 245 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 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 supply runners for an impressive 200-300 miles without showing significant wear on the outsole.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Outsole thickness
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 2.0 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

Hoka chose not to add reflective elements to the Rocket X 2, and we understand their decision. 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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Reflective elements
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Tongue padding
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 1.9 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 8 Ανδρικά Παπούτσια για Τρέξιμο
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Schuhe HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Wide 1110530 Rtos

The tongue of the Rocket X 2 is semi-gusseted, meaning it's partially attached to the sides.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 tongue

We believe this is an excellent strategy for ensuring a nice lockdown, preventing the annoying tongue shifts that we've observed in racing shoes like the Puma hombre amortiguación media material reciclado.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Schuhe HOKA ONE ONE Bondi 7 Wide 1110530 Rtos
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Heel tab
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 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.

Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Removable insole
Test results
Hoka One One Tennine Hike $250 Yes