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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Pros

  • Ultra-responsive PEBA foam
  • Zapatillas HOKA ONE ONE Torrent 2 Thyme Amarillo dorado
  • Maximum cushioning
  • Superb energy return
  • Remarkably stable
  • Suitable for all foot strike types
  • Excellent traction
  • Fantastic rocker geometry

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Cons

  • Bloody narrow toebox
  • Heavier than the competition

Audience verdict

86
Good!

Who should buy

In our view, the sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance is a match for:

  • Runners with narrow feet still searching for that just-right racing shoe fit.
  • zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE neutro ultra trail talla 49.5.
  • 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!

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance

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 Aún no conoces las zapatillas running Hoka+, 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.

zapatillas de running HOKA entrenamiento amortiguación media Nike Vaporfly 2 delivers similar cushioning and Pebax foam but comes in a much lighter package.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Heel stack
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 37.7 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 397 running shoes
Number of shoes
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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Forefoot stack
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 31.1 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 397 running shoes
Number of shoes
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!

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Drop
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 6.6 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 397 running shoes
Number of shoes
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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Midsole softness
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 17.4 HA
Average 21.0 HA
HOKA Bondi 8 Chaussures pour Homme en Black Taille 46 2 3.
Compared to 324 running shoes
Number of shoes
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto ritmo medio pie normal (%)

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.

zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE trail talla 37.

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

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Difference in midsole softness in cold
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 15%
Average 25%
Compared to 324 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
zapatillas de running HOKA ONE ONE asfalto ritmo medio pie normal
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!

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Insole thickness
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 2.5 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 393 running shoes
Number of shoes
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Size and fit

Size

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance is slightly small (23 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 374 running shoes
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

footwear hoka one one clifton 7 1110509 mmhc

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 want to look at other options like the Zapatos HOKA ONE ONE M Gaviota 4 1123198 Bbgp.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance footwear hoka one one clifton 7 1110509 mmhc
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 88.5 mm
Average 95.5 mm
Compared to 152 running shoes
Number of shoes
90.9 mm
footwear hoka one one clifton 7 1110509 mmhc
102.4 mm

HOKA Women's Challenger 6 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes in Outer Space Arctic Ice

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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance HOKA Women's Challenger 6 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes in Outer Space Arctic Ice
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 70.8 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 152 running shoes
Number of shoes
67.9 mm
HOKA Women's Challenger 6 GORE-TEX Hiking Shoes in Outer Space Arctic Ice
83.5 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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Toebox height
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 27.7 mm
Average 27.2 mm
Compared to 151 running shoes
Number of shoes
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance | Stability

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance | 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
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 5
Average 3.4
Compared to 376 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

hoka one one x this is never that speedgoat 4 marshmallow cyan blue

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
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 1
Average 2.9
Compared to 360 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
hoka one one x this is never that speedgoat 4 marshmallow cyan blue
5

HOKA ONE ONE Bondi L Embroidery Unisex

At 113.3 mm, the midsole is similar in width to everyday trainers, like the zapatillas de running HOKA amortiguación media media maratón talla 38.5.

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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 113.3 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 398 running shoes
Number of shoes
103.3 mm
HOKA ONE ONE Bondi L Embroidery Unisex
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

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

We discovered that extreme heel strikers might prefer something wider in this area like the Hoka Carbon X 3. While it doesn't have the bouncy foam, it offers more stability for them.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Midsole width in the heel
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 85.2 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 398 running shoes
Number of shoes
73.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 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 would be a better fit.

Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 80.7N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 380 running shoes
Number of shoes
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Lightning Cut Short Hoka One One Track Meet (%)

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 bondi 7 chaussures de route pour hommes en blue moonmoonlit ocean taille 40 1110518 bmmo.

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

Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 12%
Average 33%
Compared to 380 running shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Lightning Cut Short Hoka One One Track Meet
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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Weight
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 7.69 oz (218g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 398 running shoes
Number of shoes
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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance upper miscroscope

The difference with the Nike Streakfly (5/5 in this test) is notorious.

nike zoomx streakfly microscope upper 19346245 1440

Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 4
Average 3.8
Compared to 327 running shoes
Number of shoes
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 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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Toebox durability
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 1
Average 2.5
Compared to 261 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Heel padding durability
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 257 running shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The rubber in the outsole of the Rocket v2 is notably hard for a racing-focused shoe.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Outsole hardness
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 81.6 HC
Average 79.8 HC
HOKA Bondi 8 Chaussures pour Homme en Black Taille 46 2 3.
Compared to 378 running shoes
Number of shoes
57.0 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

Max Cushion à la Hoka.

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

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Outsole durability
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 0.5 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 239 running shoes
Number of shoes
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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Outsole thickness
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 2.0 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
Number of shoes
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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Reflective elements
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Tongue padding
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 1.9 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 395 running shoes
Number of shoes
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

HOKA ONE ONE Mach 4 Blue Red 1113529-BFHC

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

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance HOKA ONE ONE Mach 4 Blue Red 1113529-BFHC
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Heel tab
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance 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.

sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Removable insole
Test results
sneaker sales comfort stores hoka on new balance Yes