Article by Jen Schmidt, Sam Winebaum, Jeff Valliere, Adam Glueck, and Dom Layfield
Hoka Rocket X Path ($250)
Introduction
Sam: The Rocket X Path soars to new heights in traildom with one of many stack peak path runner we’ve ever examined and most probably the very best ever. And no shock, as Hoka originated the max cushion path runner method again in 2009 with the OG Mafate which towered over the minimal sneakers of the period after which some!
With a full stack peak of about 45mm heel / 39 mm forefoot, Hoka is searching for to maximise the sunshine weight and extremely reactive nature of the cutting-edge A-TPU midsole foam (and plenty of it!).
A carbon H-shaped plate and notably broad on the floor platform stabilizes and gives propulsion. With a gravel, mild path and highway targeted 3mm lug outsole (but one with sharp lugs), and a lightweight but supportive higher, the load of a US9 is a mere 9.2 oz / 261g.
“Idea automotive” or participant? The place does the Rocket X Path shine and the place does it wrestle? On the participant half we all know it’s a confirmed performer as Ludo Pommert wore precisely this shoe to maneuver from fiftieth place to fifth on the 2024 UTMB on the “smoother elements” of the path and Jim Walmsley wore them from Michigan Bluffs to the end in 2024 to run the second quickest time in Western States historical past.
We dig deep and share our findings within the evaluate.
Dom: Do you wish to use the identical gear that the professionals do? It’s a seductive, however harmful concept. You realize that the elites are going to make use of every little thing they probably can to offer them an edge over their opponents, and also you’d like a bit of that too. In some sports activities, the gear the professionals use is profoundly unfriendly to mortals, however a minimum of on highway, the proof means that bizarre runners expertise a minimum of as a lot – and probably extra – profit from hi-tech supershoes. For path, the waters could also be a bit of murkier, but it surely stays a really pure intuition to imagine that a minimum of a number of the magic of our heroes could percolate down whenever you lace up the newest and biggest.
Dom: Nevertheless, when you’ve been watching Hoka athletes at marquee occasions over the past 12 months or two, you’ll have seen that they’ve typically not been sporting the Tecton X 3, Hoka’s top-of-the-line ultrarunning shoe. As a substitute we’ve seen a various combine, with a lot of Tecton X “2.5’s” (I put the inverted commas as a result of it’s not completely clear that what they wore was truly the identical factory-standard shoe) and quite a few unreleased prototypes. Exterior the partitions of Hoka’s secret Chocolate Manufacturing unit, we’ll in all probability by no means know the main points, however with the Rocket X Path, most of the people will get their first alternative to purchase one thing supposedly originating from this hotbed of innovation.
Dom: Nominally primarily based on Hoka’s Rocket X 3 highway shoe, the Rocket X path is a high-stack, carbon-plated monster.
Professionals:
Very mild for the stack peak and cushion: Jen/Sam/Jeff V
Breathable higher is nice for warm climate: Jen/Sam/Jeff V
Beneficiant quantity of superfoam within the midsole: Jen/Sam/Jeff V
Massive rebound off the broad 125mm entrance: Sam/Jeff V
Efficient and never overly aggressive carbon plate: Sam/Jeff V
Satisfactory low profile outsole with aggressive lug shapes can be easy on highway: Sam/Jen/Jeff V
Cons:
Matches half measurement small: Sam/Jeff V/Dom
Not essentially the most secure on technical terrain on account of very excessive stack peak and broad platform: Jen/Sam/Jeff V/Dom
Outsized heel favors heel-strikers: Dom
Pointy toebox presses large toe medially: Dom
Stats
Approx. Weight: males’s 9.2 oz / 261g US9
Pattern Weights:
males’s 9.4 oz / 267g US 9.5 (matches like a US9)
US M10.5 (matches like US M10.0) 9.6 oz / 276 g
US M10.5 (matches like US M10.0) 9.8 oz / 279 g
ladies’s 8.8 oz / 250 g US9
Full Stack Peak: 45 mm heel / 39 mm forefoot
Platform Width:
Rocket X Path 100 mm heel / 85 mm midfoot / 125 mm forefoot US9.5
Tecton X3 100mm heel / 80mm midfoot / 120mm forefoot US10
First Impressions, Match and Higher
Jen: After highlighting the Mafate X only a couple months in the past at Western States, HOKA is again with one other long-distance path shoe. The Rocket X Path is light-weight, incorporates a carbon plate and superfoam midsole, and was apparently designed for gravel racing, a distinct segment that differentiates it from final fall’s Tecton X3 (a racer for extra technical trails) and the aforementioned Mafate X (an ultra-distance tank).
The Rocket X Path is a giant shoe. I dug out my Tecton X3’s for comparability, a shoe that had appeared huge once I first acquired it, and was struck by how a lot bigger the Rocket X Path is.
Granted, I used to be despatched a half measurement up from my ordinary US W8.5, however the Rocket is a full 10 mm wider in each the heel and forefoot and 5 mm wider within the midfoot in my samples.
The distinction in stack peak is (45/39mm forefoot/heel within the Rocket X Path and 40/35 mm within the Tecton X3), it seems like extra. Nonetheless, it’s mild: even with the additional width and peak, it’s solely about 10 g heavier than the Tecton X3 (and once more, the comparability is between a US W9 vs. US W8.5, so the true distinction is probably going a lot smaller).
The higher is designed to be mild and versatile, with a breathable engineered mesh higher over versatile neon reinforcements. A patent is pending on the “dynamic vamp”, although it doesn’t appear to stretch as a lot because the identify would counsel. The tongue is minimal with a versatile, stretchy gusset. I discovered that the higher locked down fairly properly for a safe maintain by way of the midfoot, even with the half measurement up.
Sam: The Rocket X Path is big in all dimensions and on the identical time extremely mild for its stature. Clearly, I used to be frightened about such heights on path however the very broad platform gave me some consolation (stability and for positive cushioning)
My US9.5 (equal in match to a US9) weighs a mere 9.4 oz / 267g and this on the broadest forefoot path platform I can recall at 125mm (110-115mm most typical). The heel can be broad at 100mm (few sneakers are over 90mm) with the midfoot 85mm, extra standard for an extremely kind shoe.
The intent is to make use of the very reactive A-TPU foam as a entrance launch pad with the H formed carbon plate, which is basically two parallel plates linked on the entrance with a ba,r stabilizing all that foam whereas protecting the 45 mm heel broad sufficient to maintain issues beneath management on landings. All of it works very properly on the fitting “terrain”.
The higher is a skinny non stretch engineered mesh with many pliable midfoot yellow underlays with the considerably extra substantial white ones additionally forming a fairly pliable however in depth toe bumper.
Mixed with the skinny tongue and the “dynamic vamp”, the thought right here is to carefully conform the higher to the foot on the lightest attainable weight with out suffocating or inflexible construction.
It really works surprisingly properly for the supposed easy trails functions. And talking of suffocating that is one breathable higher as all of my runs have been in excessive warmth and humidity and cozy. That is clearly an higher designed for heat circumstances similar to these at Western States.
The heel counter is inflexible and fairly low on the Achilles, however in a sensible transfer, given it’s low its rear collars are extra deeply padded than ordinary for a race shoe for an amazing maintain even in my outsized pair.
I used to be despatched a full measurement up from my regular 8.5 and.. with thicker socks the sizing works with right size and beneficiant however not loopy sloppy quantity so for positive they run a half measurement small for me.
Given the quantity (greater than size) in my oversize pair I’ve to cinch the laces fairly snuggly however have had no lace chew points. And we’ve crinkle minimize laces which maintain pressure properly.
Jeff V: Out of the field, I’m struck by the mixture of stack, general measurement and general mild weight. The higher is exceptionally minimal for such a giant, excessive stack shoe, however upon preliminary step in, it’s evident that it’s fairly properly held and efficient.
The skinny engineered mesh is pliable, versatile and fairly breathable, however I’m impressed that it’s so comfy and gives a wonderful foothold for the much less technical intent of the shoe. The heel is properly structured, properly padded, properly held and cozy, with the crinkle minimize laces offering excellent lockdown.
There may be not a lot of a toe bumper, as it’s just about only a thicker, extra bolstered part of the ahead a part of the toe field.
Whereas the “toe bumper” is skinny, it’s not a problem given a) the shoe just isn’t actually meant for trails which are technical sufficient for that to actually matter and b) your foot is using greater and unlikely to bang a rock.
The tongue is paper skinny and gusseted, but it surely lays properly over the foot with minimal adjusting and is sort of comfy.
The heel collar is low, becoming completely under my ankle bone.
Hoka appropriately despatched me a measurement 10.5 with none questioning or dialog forward of time, figuring out that I sometimes put on a measurement 10.
At a half measurement up above my regular measurement, they match me completely, with a safe lock down within the heel, midfoot and toe field, with nearly a thumbs width of area ahead of my large toe. I wouldn’t name the toe field spacious, however has ample room for foot swell, splay and general consolation for longer runs (the skinny nature of the higher permits for some forgiveness right here). If you’re often borderline on sizing up in different sneakers, put on thick socks or simply desire a bit extra room, you could contemplate going a full measurement up above regular.
With the match caveats out of the way in which, I discover foothold to be excellent and consistent with the aim of the shoe. I’ve examined on my ordinary steep, rocky, technical trails within the foothills above Boulder and contemplating the stack and minimal higher, they carried out higher than I anticipated, as my toes didn’t slide or waver, though I felt like the general measurement, stack and stiffness had me extra restricted in technical terrain, feeling considerably tippy. Whereas operating on much less steep, smoother trails or filth roads at excessive velocity (or any velocity), then the higher actually shines, feeling fairly confidence inspiring, breathable and I had no scorching spots or constricting factors.
Adam: The Rocket X Path is a completely huge path shoe, to the purpose the place I questioned if it might even be able to offering stability and predictability on path, and even being mild sufficient to be runnable. I’ve only a few highway sneakers that match this stack, not to mention path sneakers.
Hoka despatched me an 11.5, a half measurement bigger than I usually put on, which I feel was the fitting measurement for me on this shoe. The higher is extraordinarily skinny, however with a properly cushioned heel cup, wonderful laces that maintain pressure properly, and wonderful breathability. Once I first put the shoe on, I discovered the higher felt very comfy, however with out being free anyplace and a bit of little bit of room to splay the toes for my comparatively slim toes. Specifically, I used to be impressed with the texture of the shoe.
The step in really feel was tender, as a result of huge stack peak, however the foam was agency sufficient that it felt direct and responsive, with the vast outrigger like heel offering good stability. Initially, the shoe feels premium, comfy, and extremely mild for the quantity of stack and safety it gives.
Dom: The very first thing I seen in regards to the Rocket X Path was the forefoot rocker. I’ve examined many heavily-rockered race-oriented path sneakers, however the RXT forefoot has extra forefoot rocker than anything I’ve seen. With the RXT, as quickly as you shift your weight to the ball of your foot, the shoe instantly begins to tip ahead, a sensation that I recall hanging me method again once I first tried on a pair of (then ground-breaking) the unique Nike Vaporfly 4%. On this method, the RXT reveals its road-shoe roots. The Nike VF4% was terrifyingly unstable off highway, and fortunately the RXT is nowhere close to as hazardous, however I do assume that this aggressive ahead roll makes the shoe really feel a bit of jittery.
Dom: The RXT heel, too, feels extra like a highway shoe. In comparison with a Tecton X 3, the stack is barely greater, and the only has been widened so as to add stability. To my thoughts, the result’s a heel that feels usually overbuilt (paying homage to the Hoka Challenger 7). Even on easy floor, as a predominantly forefoot-striker, the heel felt like a wall of froth that I wanted to beat to be able to get weight onto the entrance of the shoe.
Dom: The opposite reviewers have mentioned development particulars of the higher, so I’ll confine myself to some particular factors. Firstly the first material is a really powerful mesh bolstered with an underlay internet. It’s very breathable, and appears (to this point) to be sturdy. The one draw back is that it lacks stretch, so consolation just isn’t fairly pretty much as good as e.g. the Tecton X 3, which has a stretchy vamp within the forefoot. Alternatively, foot lockdown is impeccable, a key trait for a operating shoe with this a lot stack peak. I have to additionally say that I approve of the simplicity right here. Once I have a look at high-end sneakers with variable-density and multi-directional weaves within the higher, I typically marvel if that is simply know-how for its personal sake, and if an identical finish could possibly be achieved extra merely. The Rocket X Path demonstrates that much less flashy development can work simply as properly.
Dom: Lastly, the form of the Rocket X Path toebox disillusioned me. Hoka sneakers have by no means felt like a very good match to the form of my foot, however on the entire I’ve discovered them tolerable. For some cause, the toebox within the RXT feels extra pointy than different Hoka sneakers, most notably the Tecton X 3. As I used to be operating, I used to be persistently conscious of the shoe urgent my large toe inward. In case your toes have grown over time to be shoe-shaped, this doubtless received’t annoy you.
Personally, I’m one of many weirdos who employs doubtful methods like toe spacers, sporting as few closed-toe sneakers as attainable, and sneakers that permit toes to straighten out to be able to encourage my toes to revert to a extra ‘pure’ form. Whereas I’m an evangelist for extra anatomically-shaped sneakers (like Altra, Topo Athletic, and up to date Inov8), I’ve been delighted to note that extra manufacturers are utilizing lasts that permit a bit of extra space for the large toe to straighten. (I’m pondering particularly of VJ Extremely 3 and On Cloud Extremely Professional). I don’t see why Hoka can not do the identical.
Midsole & Platform
Jen: The superfoam A-TPU midsole right here is mild, agency, and bouncy. In an A/B take a look at run with the Tecton X 3, the midsole of the X3 was rather more compressible, whereas the Rocket X feels stiffer particularly beneath the forefoot with its greater stack than Tecon X peak and plate.
The journey is as energetic as you’d count on from 42 mm of superfoam, particularly on flat gravel, non-technical singletrack, or roads. I truly preferred it rather more than anticipated on the highway sections of some road-to-trail restoration runs.
Stability was a key query for me, as with all the latest high-stack path supershoes. The carbon-fiber ingredient right here morphs from the parallel plates of the Tecton X3 to an H form, maybe to stabilize by way of the crossbar. I didn’t discover a noticeable distinction in stability, nonetheless, that means that I had a reasonable probability of an ankle roll on any given day when issues acquired technical.
The mixture of width/peak/rigidity makes the Rocket X really feel incredible when choosing up the tempo on flatter terrain, its supposed use case. When you may actually open up your stride and never fear about footing, this shoe is quite a lot of enjoyable.
On the flip aspect, the dearth of groundfeel and flexion makes it much less well-suited to something rocky.
Though the Rocket X made a notable look in Fuzhao Xiang’s Western States efficiency (2nd in 16:47) this 12 months, she didn’t change into it till after the extra technical excessive nation and canyons sections, suggesting that she could have felt equally.
Sam: One large of a shoe.
To go along with heights we even have a really very broad platform at 100 mm heel / 85 mm midfoot / 125 mm forefoot which clearly may help stability together with the H form carbon plate. I say doubtlessly as a inflexible carbon plate in such an enormous stack peak shoe doubtless could be a no go on something aside from highway. Fortuitously, the shoe and plate have some flex.
Path “really feel” one has to neglect about it right here. The huge stack of very reactive, decently agency foam is on no account mushy and is extremely protecting of the legs. The A-TPU foam is for my part the most effective of the present foams for its extremely reactive and springy, decently tender and pulled collectively in really feel. Not overly bouncy really feel or for that matter overly agency both. Tremendous enjoyable and manageable
This midsole and platform is all about most cushioning as a result of peak and breadth of the 125mm platform up entrance with a definite sense of rebounding and rolling ahead decisively on extra mellow surfaces and for a lot of hours. There may be sufficient stability (and a lot greater than say the highway Adizero Prime X and even for me the Terrex Velocity Extremely) for me to navigate simpler trails.
The broad 100mm heel landings ( I’m a heel striker at most reasonable paces) are commendably secure. When mixed with the very mild weight for a lot shoe, the turnover is surprisingly fast and thrilling if not precisely agile, helped by the entrance rocker, the sunshine weight and the dynamic A-TPU foam.
Sure, it’s a “path” shoe however the easy trails, paved highway and gravel journey can be the place it actually shines. All that foam and the entrance rocker will be totally leveraged and the shoe tracks straight and easy at a really wide selection of paces and with out having to have “particular” focus at each step as a lot of the first technology of carbon path tremendous sneakers required.
Jeff V: The A-TPU midsole is remarkably good right here. Whereas the stack may be very tall, it’s agency, responsive and bouncy with out being overly so. The texture is sort of energetic and propulsive, properly cushioned with none mushy really feel and fairly secure when going quick on much less technical trails and even performs surprisingly properly on reasonably technical trails.
As I discussed within the higher part, the Rocket X is out of its vary on technical terrain, which I knew getting in, however I nonetheless needed to push the bounds to see what they might do. With nice care, I may negotiate steep, rocky technical trails at reasonable speeds for a short time with none actual points, however as a result of they’re inflexible and with such a giant stack, they simply usually are not conforming or agile sufficient to push on this type of terrain.
Operating quick on much less technical trails, significantly on easy singletrack or filth roads, rolling on reasonable inclines, declines, that is the place the Rocket X actually shines. They’ve a lightweight really feel and are very responsive, secure, properly cushioned however on the agency aspect and are properly geared up for runs of any size at quicker speeds.
Adam: There are two issues that make the Rocket X midsole in contrast to some other shoe I’ve examined. The primary is the geometry, and the second is the A-TPU foam.
That is the primary shoe I had tried with an A-TPU midsole. I’ve discovered supercritical foams and PEBA are sometimes actually tender and low density, as a method of decreasing weight. Whereas this gives wonderful cushioning, as a bigger and extra power-focused runner, I typically really feel like they squish an excessive amount of and don’t really feel pretty much as good accelerating, decelerating, climbing, or turning, which occurs quite a bit on trails.
Firmer however nonetheless responsive, damped, and environment friendly foams are what made me love the Salomon S/Lab Pulsar 4 a lot. A-TPU is unquestionably firmer than different tremendous foams I’ve tried, reminding me of Asics FF-Turbo within the Metaspeed Sky, or Saucony’s Powerrun PB within the Endorphin Velocity and Professional, coincidentally a few of my favourite highway tremendous sneakers.
The low density of A-TPU has allowed Hoka to create the geometry of this shoe with out it being unreasonably heavy. With a large stack peak, vast heel for touchdown stability on descents, and a stabilizing plate that’s buried deep sufficient within the center to easy out its rocker feeling at slower paces, the results of all this innovation is a shoe that cruises as effortlessly at 6 minute tempo on pavement, because it does 15 miles right into a path race.
This could possibly be one in all my favourite highway sneakers, and but it’s completely comfy on filth and gravel. The cushion is unmatched by some other shoe I’ve examined, and but it is capable of offer you immense responsiveness whenever you select to select up the tempo.
You do pay a value, which is that there’s principally no floor really feel, the mixture of the plate and stack peak get rid of that, and equally, I wouldn’t select this midsole for rocky, rooty, or muddy terrain, however for dry rolling trails close to my residence in California, it’s spectacular.
Dom: Again within the day, path sneakers have been all fairly horrible: heavy and clunky. Like many runners, I’ve used a ton of ‘highway’ sneakers to race on path, and questioned ceaselessly why operating shoe manufacturers don’t simply take a highway shoe and slap a lugged outsole on it, maybe reinforcing the higher barely. The Rocket X Path is likely one of the few examples the place it looks like the shoe’s designers did precisely that. And the consequence? A shoe that may be very robust on highway and easy trails, however not so nice when the terrain will get spicy. An instance of ‘watch out what you ask for?’
Dom: Along with being extra comfy on flatter floor, I’m guessing that the Rocket X Path is a greater match for heel strikers. I predominantly land on my forefoot, and thought the heel of the RXT felt too cumbersome: a hump that I needed to surmount earlier than getting weight on the entrance of the shoe. With a bit of extra heel rocker and some millimeters much less stack within the again, I feel the shoe would really feel extra nimble and move higher.
Outsole
Jen: The zonal rubber outsole options 3 mm lugs primarily within the forefoot, with only a smattering within the midfoot and heel. Whereas the Tecton X3 outsole featured a nearly-full-coverage Vibram outsole with 4 mm plus Traction Lug min lugs, the outsole right here is in the direction of the minimal aspect. It gives traction that’s utterly ample for gravel roads, however a bit of missing on steep or free trails. I haven’t tried it in moist circumstances but.
Sam: The outsole is for positive low profile at 3mm and with fairly minimal protection, consistent with the purpose of decreasing weight. That stated, due to the vast platform on the floor and the sharp angular lugs, the grip on mild gravel, arduous filth and pavement in dry circumstances thus far has been wonderful and in addition quiet on pavement. Additional the outsole performs properly with the froth above not over stiffening the shoe, there may be truly some flex regardless of the large stack peak.
Jeff V: The 3mm lugs listed below are in line and applicable for the aim of this shoe. They’re very a lot ample on packed trails, filth roads, roads, arduous surfaces and in most circumstances the place circumstances usually are not significantly steep or free. I’ve examined the shoe on steep, free terrain and so they truly gripped moderately properly, the place the tread sample is flexible and the rubber is sticky. The tread is laid out strategically to optimize weight discount, so there’s a good bit of uncovered foam, however haven’t discovered that to essentially be a problem in both traction or sturdiness (and in addition permits for some flex).
Adam: I agree with Jeff that the lugs match the aim. If I’m operating on mud, rocks, or roots that require extra traction than this, operating in a shoe with this a lot stack and cushion in all probability isn’t an amazing concept for that terrain. That stated, on pavement, filth, gravel, and light-weight path, the outsole may be very efficient, offering good grip and acceleration and not using a ton of extra weight or drag. I haven’t seen a ton of damage within the non-tread areas of the outsole, however should proceed to judge the sturdiness over time.
Dom: The outsole might be the one facet of the Rocket X Path the place I’ve no complaints. Because the others have identified above, protection is proscribed, and lugs are small. However there’s sufficient outsole to get you thru all however essentially the most difficult circumstances with none nasty surprises. Given Hoka’s description of the RXT as a shoe for “buff filth and gravel roads”, the light-weight outsole design appears proper on the cash.
Trip, Conclusions and Suggestions
Jen: The Rocket X Path is a very fit-for-purpose shoe. Designed for gravel racing, it shines on non-technical arduous surfaces the place the superfoam/carbon plate can totally ship. It’s quick, however not significantly agile. Nonetheless, runners who’ve a flat, quick extremely on deck or who do quite a lot of speedwork on gravel roads could discover it an ideal match.
Jen’s rating: as a path shoe *.15/10; as a highway/gravel shoe 9.5/10
Trip (30%): 7.5 (lack of stability on path, feels a bit large and clunky for my style) – 9.5 on highway/flat gravel
Match (30%): 8.5 (very comfy, good lock down by way of the midfoot, however sizing appears a bit of off)
Worth (10%): 8, greater if highway/gravel given higher efficiency there and comparability to different trainers with this a lot superfoam
Fashion (5%): 8.5
Traction (15%): 7.5, 10 if thought-about a highway/gravel shoe
Rock Safety (10%): 10 (I barely really feel the bottom by way of that a lot superfoam and plate)
😊😊😊 (path), 😊😊😊😊.5 highway/gravel
Sam: I’ve run the Rocket X Path greater than ordinary for a evaluate shoe as a) I preferred its energetic protecting and propulsive journey a lot and b) most of my latest operating has been on gravel roads and paths, easy forest and plenty of highway, all areas the place it shines. In reality, of all of the latest tremendous max highway sneakers similar to Skyward X, Prime X Strung, Hyperion Max, and even Sonicblast, it’s my favourite. Why? Mild weight, large dynamic cushioning, forgiving carbon plate, easy on highway, large grip outsole which makes it terrain versatile and simple to roll gradual or quick from my tendency to heel strike.
This precise shoe with a bit much less outsole could possibly be referred to as a Skyward X 2. Its higher is superior, its foam and plate package deal but higher built-in and even, as is, we’re 42g lighter.
Wait, this factor known as Rocket X Path. Proper?
Sure, additionally it is a wonderful path shoe for reasonable easy terrain for me. It’s lots secure however its sheer peak and relative softness make them a minimum of, in sensation, tippy as quickly as surfaces get extra irregular. I’ve but to push them arduous on technical terrain and possibly received’t as I’ve many different selections for that and their energy is elsewhere. My New Hampshire trails are rocky, rooty and irregular so it’s not my first choose for there however I can’t wait to get them to Park Metropolis easy groomed single tracks the place they’ll for positive come into their ingredient.
It’s for me it’s one the most effective gravel kind shoe of the 12 months and one the most effective if not the most effective highway tremendous max sneakers of 2025 given its tempo and terrain versatility, supreme cushion, and enjoyable daring energetic journey.
Sam’s Rating: 9.6 /10 ( regardless of its “Path” naming I’m scoring it as a gravel, simple trails and highway shoe for now)
😊😊😊😊😊
Jeff V: The Rocket X is definitely probably the most enjoyable and thrilling sneakers I’ve run on this 12 months. Whereas not ideally fitted to my everyday runs on steep, technical trails, they’re an actual blast for much less steep and fewer technical trails, once I wish to push quick, or, simply put on a maximal shoe that runs significantly mild and strikes alongside very simply and effectively, irrespective of the tempo.
I may simply see choosing the Rocket X for any race that’s mid to lengthy distance so long as it’s not too technical, or they actually simply work nice as a each day uptempo reasonable to mild path, or gravel, door to path coach. Whereas the stack is tall and I discover them to be a bit too stiff for technical terrain, they’re surprisingly secure if not leaping and balancing rock to rock for instance, as they simply eat up and steamroll the smaller rocks, bumps and undulations. The higher may be very minimal, breathability is superb, but comfy and efficient at protecting the foot properly planted and safe.
Total the Rocket X Path is a powerful max stack, very versatile supershoe that may steadiness a variety of paces and terrain.
Jeff V’s Rating: 9.6/10
Trip: 9.5 – Quick, easy, environment friendly, cushioned
Match: 9.75 – sizing confusion apart, when you get your measurement, match is superb
Worth: 9 – $250 is simply the going charge for carbon plated tremendous sneakers. These are so versatile.
Fashion: 9
Traction: 9.5 – for the supposed function of the shoe, excellent
Rock Safety: 10
😊😊😊😊😊
Adam: On my second run in these sneakers, I preferred them a lot that I made a decision to make use of them for a 50km race. They felt incredible, and left me with no blisters, no rolled ankles, and much much less sore general than I anticipated to be. It’s uncommon that my long term cushioned shoe additionally feels quick and versatile sufficient for race day.
The actual query in regards to the Rocket X Path is what kind of terrain you run on repeatedly. In case your close by operating trails embody hearth roads, or are easy sufficient you could possibly journey them on a gravel bike or run them in a secure pair of highway sneakers, these could be properly suited to it.
Within the Appalachian mountains of New Hampshire the place I grew up, they’re missing floor really feel and too tall, however for the rolling trails of the Bay Space, they really feel exactly engineered with a number of the greatest know-how I’ve skilled in a shoe for miles and miles of enjoyable. The Rocket X path is what I might contemplate a gravel shoe. It might be one in all my favourite if not my favourite highway shoe of the 12 months for half marathon distances and above, but it surely’s able to rather more than that.
Adam G’s Rating: 9.7 / 10
Trip: 10 – Quick, easy, environment friendly, cushioned
Match: 9.5 – Measurement up 0.5, and it’s fairly nice.
Worth: 9 – $250 It’s costly, however if in case you have the fitting terrain, value it
Fashion: 9
Traction: 9.5 – for the supposed function of the shoe, excellent
Rock Safety: 10
😊😊😊😊😊
Dom: I used to be much less enthusiastic in regards to the Rocket X Path than the opposite RTR reviewers. For me, it appeared to be attempting to unravel an issue that I don’t have. On easy floor, it felt too cumbersome and heel-heavy for my style. And on technical terrain, it was notably mediocre: the mixture of a excessive stack, stiff sole, and minimal floor really feel didn’t encourage confidence. I’m positive the RXT is a stable shoe that quite a lot of runners will like, but it surely simply didn’t land for me.
Dom’s rating: 8 / 10
Trip: 8/10 – Bouncy, quick and enjoyable. However actually just for mellow terrain, and better-suited to heel-strikers.
Match: 8/10 – Respectable width, wonderful foot retention, however an excessive amount of toe-smushing for my style.
Worth: 7/10 – In keeping with different high-end supershoes, with out the efficiency to justify value.
Traction: 9/10 – Strong, and adequate for supposed use.
Rock Safety: 10/10 – With tons of froth and a plate, you received’t really feel a factor.
😊😊😊
Hoka Rocket X Path in profile: have a look at how flat the heel is in comparison with different ‘supershoes’
8 Comparisons
Hoka Tecton X 3 (RTR Evaluate)
Jeff V: I personally discover the Rocket X Path to be quicker, extra propulsive and a extra enjoyable, dynamic journey, however extra door to path, gravel, reasonable trails. For those who favor extra technical trails nonetheless, the Tecton is extra trim and agile, with higher traction and a really useful inbuilt gaiter (top-of-the-line on the market).
Jen: I agree with Jeff that the Tecton X 3 is a greater match for technical trails. The narrower match and decrease stack peak lend stability and agility which are missing within the Rocket X. I’d attain for the Rocket X on highway or gravel, however the Tecton X 3 on most trails.
Dom: I feel the Tecton X 3 is a greater shoe. The burden of each sneakers is principally an identical, however the RXT has extra cushion. Whereas that sounds prefer it ought to be a bonus of the RXT, the TX3 has sufficient cushion and safety to run so long as you need over just about any terrain, so why would you need extra? The upper stack of the RXT simply makes it much less secure. Moreover, I didn’t like the additional width of the RXT heel (this simply makes the again finish of the shoe really feel cumbersome, and is an actual drawback in off-camber and uneven terrain) and I discovered the toebox of the RXT rubbed on the medial aspect of my large toe. The TX3 has a built-in gaiter to maintain out particles: I admire this, however I do know some runners would favor to not have it. One other criticism leveled on the TX3 is that it could possibly really feel a bit of tender and mushy; the RXT cushioning is barely firmer.
The Rocket X Path heel (proper) is clearly considerably bigger general than the Tecton X 3 (left). What’s stunning is that the width of the outsole (measured at its widest level) is similar.
Adidas Terrex Agravic Velocity Extremely (RTR Evaluate)
Dom: The Adidas Terrex Agravic Velocity Extremely is arguably essentially the most profitable high-end extremely race shoe of the final couple of years. Each the Rocket X Path and ASU are expensive, carbon-plated, superfoamed path racers. The ASU just isn’t a heat hug of a shoe: it has a minimal higher with little or no stretch, and with troublesome sizing; it’s extra closely rockered than anything on the paths. What’s simple is that the ASU is (1) very quick at excessive speeds, and (2) unforgiving. Personally, I just like the comparatively slim heel, which makes the shoe mild and nimble, however some runners wrestle with it. For those who desire path sneakers with vast, flared heels, the Rocket X Path could also be a more sensible choice. The 2 sneakers are principally an identical in weight, however the RXT has extra cushion, significantly within the heel. RXT has a bit of extra forefoot rocker and far much less on the rear. At $220 USD, the ASU additionally has a slight edge on value, in comparison with $250 for RXT.
Hoka Mafate 5 (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: A lot heavier at 10.85 oz / 308g US 9 and extra aggressively 5mm MegaGrip lugged the newest Mafate has plush principally supercritical foam underfoot, a plastic ¾ plate and an identical becoming (though TTS in contrast to Rocket X Path) considerably extra rugged higher. Whereas the Rocket X Path is the long term on easy and even pavement possibility, the Mafate is the lengthy on essentially the most technical terrain Hoka possibility.
Jeff V: Agreed with Sam. Mafate 5 is heavier and extra geared in the direction of extra rugged, technical trails with a extra beefed up and protecting construct, superior traction. Rocket X significantly better for going quick on much less technical terrain.
On Cloudultra Professional (RTR Evaluate)
Jen: The Cloudultra Professional was designed with UTMB in thoughts, and correspondingly performs significantly better on steep or technical trails than the Rocket X Path. With a barely decrease stack peak (38.5 mm) and barely narrower base all through, it’s a little simpler to maneuver and has the identical spectacular lightness for the quantity of cushion. Runners with low to medium quantity toes or who hit trails a minimum of often could favor the Cloudultra Professional over the Rocket X.
Dom: The On Cloudultra Professional is a significantly better shoe at an an identical weight to the Rocket X Path. Whereas each sneakers are bouncy and quick on easy floor, the Rocket X could have an edge, significantly in case you are a heel striker. On trails, it’s not even shut. The CUP rolls extra easily, feels extra nimble, and has extra outsole protection. The CUP final is extra uneven, offering extra room to your large toe. The one draw back of the CUP is that the higher is excessively ventilated, and allows quite a lot of mud.
TNF Vectiv Professional 2 (RTR Evaluate)
Jeff V: I discover the Vectiv Professional to be extra inflexible and doesn’t do as properly on assorted terrain (which is saying quite a bit). The Rocket X is extra propulsive, higher cushioned and extra pleasant for longer runs and quicker paces.
TNF Vectiv Professional 3 (RTR Evaluate quickly)
Jen: I haven’t put fairly sufficient miles on the Professional 3 for a full evaluate but, however to this point it’s a really comparable shoe to the Rocket X Path. The Rocket X does really feel extra cushioned and energetic on arduous surfaces, and each really feel most at residence on gravel or non-technical path.
Dom: Like Jen, I’ve not put many miles on the TNF Vectiv Professional 3, however I’ll say that it’s a considerably heavier shoe (at 11.4 oz vs 9.9 oz, 324 vs 298 g in measurement US M10 – 10.5 in RXT). It additionally has a grippier outsole with extra protection. Probably the most notable facet of the VP3 is that it has two, vertically-stacked carbon plates. All of this provides as much as a shoe that’s constructed like a tank.
VJ Extremely 3 (RTR Evaluate)
Jeff V: The Extremely 3 is rather more appropriately designed for extra technical terrain, as it’s a lot slimmer, agile and secure in technical terrain, with far superior traction. The Rocket X is healthier for much less technical terrain at quicker paces.
Dom: The VJ Extremely 3 is unplated, and ranks with the La Sportiva Prodigio Professional and Norda 001A or 005 as a best choice for many who are (rightly) skeptical about the advantages of a plated path sneakers. I a lot desire the final of the VJ, which has a extra uneven toebox. It additionally has higher floor really feel and astonishing grip. The Rocket X Path wins on easy floor.
New Steadiness SC Path (RTR Evaluate)
Adam: The SC path tries to do one thing much like the Rocket X Path, utilizing an identical carbon plate, and responsive foam, however finally ends up being a lot much less quick and enjoyable. On extra technical terrain, the decrease stack and extra structured higher rewards the SC path, but it surely’s a a lot slower and heavier shoe, and never one I’d select to race over the Rocket X.
Dom: For me, the SC Path was a close to miss. On paper, It had all of the substances of an excellent shoe, however the entire was someway lower than the sum of the elements.
Saucony Endorphin Edge (RTR Evaluate)
Adam: A-TPU truly jogs my memory quite a lot of Saucony’s Powerrun PB in operating really feel. The Edge has rather more aggressive traction and a decrease stack peak. It seems like a quick and responsive shoe, however one that’s arduous on the calves for distances above a half marathon. Given the extra superior and lighter foam of the Endorphin Edge, I’d choose the Rocket X except I used to be in actually muddy, rocky, or rooty circumstances.
Index to all RTR critiques: HERE
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Tester Profiles
Jennifer Schmidt discovered path operating in her mid-20’s and started dabbling on the roads a couple of years later. Path 50k’s are nearest and dearest to her coronary heart, and he or she not too long ago received the 2025 Method Too Cool 50k and Silver State 50k and positioned fifth on the 2025 Tamalpa Headlands 50k (USATF nationwide championships) and sixth on the 2025 Black Canyon Ultras 50k. Lately, you will discover her totally on the candy California singletrack round Auburn, chasing aggressive and private objectives over a wide range of surfaces and distances. Relying on the season, she additionally competes within the USATF highway and XC circuits for Sacramento Operating Affiliation’s racing workforce, with a marathon PR of two:41.
Jeff Valliere likes to run and discover the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and extra technical the higher. He has summited all the 14ers within the state, many 13ers and different peaks in Colorado and past, plus, he has summited his native Inexperienced Mountain over 2,300 occasions up to now 20+ years. He will be discovered on mountain trails each day, irrespective of the climate, season, circumstances or whether or not there may be daylight or not. On the aspect he likes to ski (all varieties) bike and hike, typically together with his household, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outside. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, however has referred to as Colorado residence for almost 30 years. He’s 5’9” and 145 lbs.
Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Street Path Run. He’s in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 54th 12 months of operating roads and trails. He has a a long time previous 2:28 marathon PR. Lately he runs halves within the simply sub 1:43 vary if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week principally at reasonable paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, climbing or on nordic skis. He’s 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he’s not having fun with too many wonderful New England IPA’s.
Adam Glueck (6’0 205 lbs) is a path and mountain runner at present primarily based in California. He not too long ago graduated from Dartmouth Faculty in 2022, the place he competed in Nordic Ski racing, racing in NCAAs twice and on the nationwide Supertour and worldwide Ski Basic Marathon circuit. When he’s not engineering, Adam now races path operating over distances from 5k to 50k, and also you’ll discover exploring new trails from Yosemite to Moosilauke to Marin to Hong Kong.
Dom 51, trains and competes primarily on trails in Southern California. In 2017 he was 14th at Western States 100 and in 2018 completed fiftieth at UTMB and thirty second on the 2018 Los Angeles marathon in a time of two:46. In 2019, his solely notable end was on the multi-day Dragon’s Again race within the UK. In 2022 Dom completed 4th within the Angeles Crest 100 and was tenth in his age group at UTMB. In 2025 Dom received the Ray Miller 50 Mile in California.
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