The HOKA Rocket X 3 won’t be the flashiest carbon-plated racer on the market, however after testing it by warmth, humidity, and a tricky exercise, I can say it’s an superior choice. Let me backtrack. HOKA has a ton of carbon-plated footwear now, and I feel that is superior, however I additionally suppose it causes some to get misplaced within the combine. Though the HOKA Rocket X 3 was one of many first carbon-plated footwear, it will get misplaced after the Cielo X1 2.
The Rocket X 3 was once HOKA’s top-tier race day shoe till the Cielo X1 got here in and raised the bar. Nonetheless, this up to date model of the Rocket holds its personal and appears like HOKA’s most accessible plated racer. In the event you’re on the lookout for one thing that’s aggressive but forgiving, gentle however not flimsy, and quick with out beating up your ft, this may very well be it.
Earlier than attempting the HOKA Rocket X 3, I had just a few questions:
Does the HOKA Rocket X 3 match true to dimension? Sure. I’m truly one of many extra true-to-size carbon-plated choices. In the event you want a wider choice…
Is the HOKA Rocket X 3 quick? Sure, I consider it’s a lot sooner than the earlier model.
Is the HOKA Rocket X 3 a stability shoe? Technically no, nevertheless it does have a wider platform, making it an excellent choice for individuals who might have a stability shoe.
Now, let’s get into an trustworthy HOKA Rocket X 3 shoe evaluate.
Fast Details
Weight: 8 oz (unisex)
Stack top: 42 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot
Heel-to-toe drop: 7 mm
Floor: Street and observe
Value: $250
Finest for: Racing, exercises, lengthy runs at tempo
HOKA Rocket X 3 Higher and Match
HOKA made a notable change to the higher on the Rocket X 3. Gone is the artificial mesh from the earlier model, changed with a one-piece warp-knit materials. Whereas I received’t faux to totally perceive warp knitting, I’ll say the result’s spectacular: smooth, breathable, and supportive with out feeling restrictive. My greatest fear with uppers proper now could be breathability, and I received’t contact a operating shoe higher that isn’t breathable. Fortunately, the HOKA Rocket X 3 breathes effectively.
The perfect-fitting uppers disappear off your ft, and the HOKA Rocket X 3 does simply that. Like I mentioned, I’ve no points with breathability, and I haven’t had any sizzling spots or blisters. I discover it to be one of many best-fitting carbon-plated footwear on the market proper now. I recognize that HOKA has stored good heel padding. So many manufacturers are shaving away heel padding in favor of weight financial savings, however HOKA acquired this one proper. The plush heel counter was comfy. I do suppose HOKA may determine the way to make the shoe lighter, although.
In trainers, I put on between a ladies’s dimension 10–11 large, and the dimensions 11 suits one of the best. The HOKA Rocket X 3 isn’t the widest HOKA operating shoe, nevertheless it’s wider than most carbon-plated footwear, so you probably have a large foot, you’ll most likely prefer it.
HOKA Rocket X 3 Experience
Let’s discuss foam. The Rocket X 3 incorporates a dual-layer PEBA midsole with a full-length carbon plate sandwiched between the layers. It’s the sort of setup you anticipate in a high-performance racing shoe: springy, propulsive, and designed that can assist you maintain tempo when your legs begin to fade.
The underfoot really feel lands someplace within the center: not marshmallow-soft, not brutally agency. You get that signature pop on toe-off with out shedding floor really feel. For tempo runs or longer intervals, the midsole retains you shifting ahead with minimal power loss.
The carbon plate now contains “winglets”…refined extensions that wrap barely across the midfoot. Whilst you might not discover them at first look, they create a extra grounded journey, particularly over less-than-ideal surfaces. I took this shoe by uneven roads, unfastened gravel, and sun-baked sidewalk cracks with out ever feeling wobbly. Have you ever ever seen somebody take a nook within the Alphafly? That’s not a fear with the HOKA Rocket X 3.
Essential to notice: HOKA did enhance the drop from 5 mm within the Rocket X 2 to 7 mm within the Rocket X 3, and it misplaced about 0.3 ounces of weight. (However as talked about, I feel it must lose most likely one other ounce to really feel tremendous aggressive in at this time’s carbon-plated market.) Due to the broader platform, it’s one of many extra steady choices on the market. Is the HOKA Rocket X 3 a stability shoe? No, however the wider platform provides it inherent stability that not numerous carbon-plated fashions have.
The place does the HOKA Rocket X 3 match into my rotation? It’s a exercise and race day shoe. It feels a lot sooner than earlier variations, and I really feel like I may truly run quick. I’ve taken it on just a few different varieties of runs and it’s felt high quality, nevertheless it feels greatest as a exercise and race day shoe.
Outsole
The outsole of the Rocket X 3 will get an improve too, with a tackier rubber compound that grips effectively in each dry and humid situations. I’ve used it on gentle desert trails and in inclement situations, and I haven’t had any points with sliding.
Protection is concentrated in high-impact areas to maintain the burden down, and sturdiness appears first rate for a racing shoe. I wouldn’t use these for every day coaching, however they’ll simply final by a racing season and the exercises main into it. I predict it’ll final someplace round 100 miles.
HOKA Rocket X 3 Conclusion
If you need a plated shoe that blends energy and management, the HOKA Rocket X 3 delivers. It might not be the flashiest racer in the marketplace, nevertheless it will get the job executed and it does it effectively. Whether or not you’re chasing a PR or simply need a reliable race shoe that feels good at tempo tempo, this can be a good choice. I’ve to surprise, will HOKA market this yet another? The reply for the time being looks like no, they usually appear to place extra into the Cielo X1 2, however I’m truly extra of a fan of the HOKA Rocket X 3.
Who Ought to Purchase the HOKA Rocket X 3
Runners on the lookout for a extra steady carbon-plated choice
Followers of PEBA foam who need a propulsive, but managed journey
Anybody who desires a snug racing shoe
Who Ought to Not Purchase the HOKA Rocket X 3
My Present Shoe Rotation:
Simple/Each day Runs: Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, ASICS Superblast 2
Lengthy Runs: Topo Specter 2, 361 Levels Eleos Shoe Overview
Path Working/Mountaineering: 361 Futura, Speedland SL: PDX, Hoka Tecton X 3
Races/Speedwork: Adidas adizero adios professional 4, 361 Levels Livid Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris, Puma Quick-R Elite 3, Nike Streakfly 2, Nike Vaporfly 4
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Trying to be taught extra about trainers? In my e-book, I discuss why you want an excellent operating shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, impartial vs. steady, and even myths of trainers.
Questions for you:
What’s your favourite racing shoe?
Have you ever tried any of the carbon plated Hoka fashions?
