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.

sportiva mutant vs hoka one one speedgoat Pros

  • Ultra-responsive PEBA foam
  • Long-lasting outsole with extensive heel coverage
  • Maximum cushioning
  • Superb energy return
  • Remarkably stable
  • footwear hoka one one bondi 7 1110518 batl
  • Excellent traction
  • zapatillas de running HOKA pie normal talla 42.5

sportiva mutant vs hoka one one speedgoat Cons

  • Bloody narrow toebox
  • Precio más bajo de las Hoka One One Rincon 2 para mujer

sportiva mutant vs hoka one one speedgoat | Audience verdict

86
Good!

Who should buy

In our view, the hoka arahi 4 m running a match for:

  • Runners with narrow feet still searching for that just-right racing shoe fit.
  • hoka one one ora recovery slide mens shoes black black 1099673 bblc.
  • 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 Rocket X 2

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 coral to look elsewhere, as we noted the Rocket X 2 is on the heavier side.

For comparison, the Nike Vaporfly 2 delivers similar cushioning and Pebax foam but comes in a much lighter package.

Hoka Rocket X 2 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 Rocket X 2 Heel stack
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 37.7 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 400 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
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 Rocket X 2 Forefoot stack
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 31.1 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 400 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
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 Rocket X 2 Drop
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 6.6 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 400 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
0.0 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 Rocket X 2 Midsole softness
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 17.4 HA
Average 21.0 HA
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE entrenamiento minimalistas verdes.
Compared to 327 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

Midsole softness in cold (%)

To see how the new PEBA foam performs in colder conditions, we GTX the shoe in the freezer for 20 minutes and then took new measurements.

sportiva mutant vs hoka one one speedgoat.

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

Hoka Rocket X 2 Difference in midsole softness in cold
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 15%
Average 25%
Compared to 327 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

sportiva mutant vs hoka one one speedgoat | 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 Rocket X 2 Insole thickness
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 2.5 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 396 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

hoka arahi 4 m running slightly small (25 votes).

Hoka mach 5 yellow blue white women road running racing shoes 1127894-epsb?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 377 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

We measured our gel mould 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 coral to look at other options like the Nike Alphafly 3.

Hoka Rocket X 2 Toebox width - widest part
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 88.5 mm
Average 95.5 mm
Compared to 155 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
90.9 mm
Toebox width - widest part
102.4 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.

Hoka Rocket X 2 Toebox width - big toe
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 70.8 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 155 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
67.9 mm
Toebox width - big toe
83.5 mm

Toebox height

In our running, 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 Rocket X 2 Toebox height
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 27.7 mm
Average 27.2 mm
Compared to 154 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

While supershoes are typically unstable, this Hoka offers a reasonably stable running, 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 Rocket X 2 5
Average 3.4
Compared to 379 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
1
Torsional rigidity
5

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.

Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 1
Average 2.9
Compared to 363 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

HOKA Clifton 8 Chaussures en Summer Song Ice Flow Taille 42 2 3

Características Hoka one one Tênis Running Clifton 8 Hoka One One Carbon X 2 Mens.

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 Rocket X 2 Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 113.3 mm
Average 114.2 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
103.3 mm
HOKA Clifton 8 Chaussures en Summer Song Ice Flow Taille 42 2 3
126.9 mm

Hoka One One Men Anacapa Low GTX Ouer Space Mounain Spring 1122017-OSMS

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

tenis hoka one one clifton edge masculino AXF hoka ora recovery slide m running. While it doesn't have the bouncy foam, it offers more stability for them.

Hoka Rocket X 2 Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 85.2 mm
Average 90.8 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
73.0 mm
Hoka One One Men Anacapa Low GTX Ouer Space Mounain Spring 1122017-OSMS
106.6 mm

Hoka One One EVA

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 Rocket X 2 stiff

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 ora recovery slide 2 herren 1099673 bblc.

Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 80.7N
Average 28.1N
hoka one one carbon x gallery.
Compared to 383 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
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.

HOKA Challenger ATR 6 Schuhe für Damen in Blue Graphite Blue Glass Größe 36 2 3.

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

Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 12%
Average 33%
Compared to 383 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
0%
Stiffness in cold
111%

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 Rocket X 2 Weight
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 7.69 oz (218g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 401 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
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 Rocket X 2 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 Rocket X 2 upper miscroscope

much like many of Hoka One Ones hiking kicks Nike Streakfly (5/5 in this test) is notorious.

nike zoomx streakfly microscope upper 19346245 1440

Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 330 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

You might think that sacrificing top-tier breathability would affect 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 Ténis HOKA Bondi 8 laranja branco amarelo mulher.

Hoka Rocket X 2 Toebox durability
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 1
Average 2.5
Compared to 264 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
1
Toebox durability
5

Hoka One One shoe to get if youre into maximal comfort

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 Rocket X 2 Hoka One One shoe to get if youre into maximal comfort
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 260 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
1
Hoka One One shoe to get if youre into maximal comfort
5

Outsole hardness

zapatillas de running HOKA hombre asfalto amortiguación media talla 42.5.

Hoka Rocket X 2 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 Rocket X 2 Outsole hardness
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 81.6 HC
Average 79.8 HC
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE entrenamiento minimalistas verdes.
Compared to 381 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
57.0 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

Ténis Hoka One One Elevon 2 bordô mulher.

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

Hoka Rocket X 2 Outsole durability
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 0.5 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 242 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
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 serve runners for an impressive 200-300 miles without showing significant wear on the outsole.

Hoka Rocket X 2 Outsole thickness
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 2.0 mm
Average 3.3 mm
Compared to 398 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
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 Rocket X 2 Reflective elements
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 No

Tongue padding

hoka speedgoat 4 wide chaussures pour hommes en black irisevening primrose taille 40 23 1106528 biep 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 Rocket X 2 Tongue padding
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 1.9 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 398 running shoes
Ténis Hoka One One Speedgoat Mid 2 GORE-TEX azul preto amarelo mulher
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

derfor br du lpe i clifton 6 fra hoka one one

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

Hoka Rocket X 2 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 Nike Vaporfly 2.

Hoka Rocket X 2 derfor br du lpe i clifton 6 fra hoka one one
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 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 Rocket X 2 Heel tab
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 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.

Hoka One One chunky lace up trainers Toni neutri.

Hoka Rocket X 2 Removable insole
Test results
Hoka Rocket X 2 Yes