Hoka Rocket X Trail Mulit Tester Review: Hugely Fast, Fun and Light! 4 Comparisons

Article by Jen Schmidt, Sam Winebaum, Jeff Valliere

Hoka Rocket X Path ($250)

Introduction

Sam: The Rocket X Path soars to new heights in traildom with the best stack peak path runner now we have ever examined and more than likely the best ever.  And no shock as Hoka originated the max cushion path runner manner 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 50mm heel / 44 mm forefoot Hoka is in search of to maximise the sunshine weight and extremely reactive nature of the cutting-edge A-TPU midsole foam (and many it!).. 

A carbon H-shaped plate and notably broad on the floor platform stabilizes and offers propulsion. With a gravel, gentle path and highway centered 3mm lug outsole but one with sharp lugs, and a lightweight but supportive higher, the burden of a US9 is a mere  9.2  oz / 261g.

“Idea automobile” or participant? The place does the Rocket X Path shine and the place does it battle? 

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 components” of the path and wore a modified model to win Hardrock in 2025. 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 assessment.

Execs:

Very gentle for the stack peak and cushion: Jen/Sam/Jeff V

Breathable higher is nice for decent 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

Ample low profile outsole with aggressive lug shapes can be clean on highway: Sam/Jen/Jeff V

Cons:

Matches half measurement small: Sam/Jeff V

Not essentially the most secure on technical terrain as a result of very excessive stack peak and broad platform: Jen/Sam/Jeff V

Stats

 Approx. Weight: males’s 9.2  oz / 261g US9, girls’s  oz / g US8

  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

Ladies’s 8.8 oz / 250 g US9

Midsole Stack Top:  42 mm heel / 36  mm forefoot 

Full Stack Top         50 mm heel / 44 mm forefoot (approx. measured)

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, contains 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 large after I first received 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 standard 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. 

Whereas the distinction in stack peak is just 2 mm in line with specs (42/36 mm forefoot/heel within the Rocket X Path and 40/35 mm within the Tecton X3), it looks like extra. Nonetheless, it’s gentle: 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 gentle 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 recommend. 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 large in all dimensions and on the similar time extremely gentle for its stature 

The approximate 50mm heel peak matches the Adizero Prime X 3 Strung with the upcoming Vomero Premium at 55mm the one different sneakers in its stratospheric class.. and they’re highway sneakers. Clearly I used to be fearful about such heights on path however the very broad platform gave me some consolation (stability and for certain 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 sort 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 bar stabilizing all that foam whereas maintaining the 50 mm heel broad sufficient to maintain issues beneath management on touchdown. All of it works very nicely on the best “terrain”. 

The  higher is a skinny non stretch engineered mesh with numerous  pliable midfoot yellow underlays with considerably extra substantial white ones forming a fairly pliable however intensive 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 nicely for the supposed clean 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 

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 standard for a race shoe for an important 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 certain they run a half measurement small for me. Given the amount (greater than size) in my oversize pair I’ve to cinch the laces fairly snuggly however have had no lace chunk points. And now we have crinkle minimize laces which maintain pressure nicely. 

Jeff V:  Out of the field, I’m struck by the mixture of stack, total measurement and total gentle 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 nicely held and efficient.

The skinny engineered mesh is pliable, versatile and fairly breathable, however I’m impressed that it’s so snug and offers a superb foothold for the much less technical intent of the shoe.  The heel is nicely structured, nicely padded, nicely 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 strengthened 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 might be 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, nevertheless it lays nicely over the foot with minimal adjusting and is kind of snug.

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 virtually a thumbs width of house ahead of my large toe.  I wouldn’t name the toe field spacious, however has ample room for foot swell, splay and total 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 favor a bit extra room, you might take into account 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 standard 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 ft didn’t slide or waver, although 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 grime roads at excessive pace (or any pace), then the higher actually shines, feeling fairly confidence inspiring, breathable and I had no scorching spots or constricting factors.

Midsole & Platform

Jen: The superfoam A-TPU midsole right here is gentle, agency, and bouncy. In an A/B check 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 experience 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 current high-stack path supershoes. The carbon-fiber factor 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, which means that I had a average chance of an ankle roll on any given day when issues received 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’ll be able to actually open up your stride and never fear about footing, this shoe is loads 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 swap into it till after the extra technical excessive nation and canyons sections, suggesting that she might 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 US9.5 which clearly may help stability in addition to probably a H form carbon plate. I say probably as a inflexible carbon plate in such an enormous stack peak shoe probably can be a no go on something aside from highway. Happily, 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 by no means mushy and is extremely protecting of the legs. The A-TPU foam is for my part the very best of the present foams for its extremely reactive and springy, decently gentle and pulled collectively 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 as a result of peak and breadth of the 125mm platform up entrance with a definite sense of rebounding on extra mellow surfaces for a lot of hours. There may be sufficient stability as a result of parallel plates linked with an H bar upfront (and a lot greater than say the highway Adizero Prime X and even for me the Terrex Pace Extremely or MetaFuji Path) to navigate simpler trails. 

The broad 100mm heel landings are commendably secure. When mixed with the very gentle weight for a lot shoe the turnover is surprisingly fast and thrilling if not precisely agile, helped by the entrance and rear rockers, the sunshine weight and the dynamic A-TPU foam.

Sure, it’s a path shoe however the paved highway and gravel experience is incredible as all that foam may be absolutely leveraged and the shoe tracks straight and clean at a really big selection of paces and with out having to have “particular” focus as for instance the Adizero Prime X highway shoe 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 kind of energetic and propulsive, nicely cushioned with none mushy really feel and fairly secure when going quick on much less technical trails and even performs surprisingly nicely 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 entering into, however nonetheless needed to push the boundaries to see what they might do.  With nice care, I might negotiate steep, rocky technical trails at average speeds for a short time with none actual points, however as a result of they’re so stiff and with such a stack, they only are usually not conforming or agile sufficient to push on this form of terrain.

Operating quick on much less technical trails, significantly on clean singletrack or grime roads, rolling on average inclines, declines, that is the place the Rocket X actually shines.  They’ve a lightweight really feel and are very responsive, secure, nicely cushioned however on the agency aspect and are nicely outfitted for runs of any size at sooner speeds.

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 offers traction that’s fully enough for gravel roads, however a bit missing on steep or free trails. I haven’t tried it in moist circumstances but.   

Sam: The outsole is for certain low profile at 3mm and with fairly minimal protection consistent with the objective of lowering weight. That stated due to the large platform on the floor and the sharp angular lugs the grip on gentle gravel, onerous grime and pavement in dry circumstances up to now has been wonderful and is quiet on pavement. Additional the outsole performs nicely 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 here are in line and applicable for the aim of this shoe.  They’re very a lot enough on packed trails, grime roads, roads, onerous surfaces and in most circumstances the place circumstances are usually not significantly steep or free.  I’ve examined on steep, free terrain they usually truly gripped moderately nicely, the place the tread sample is flexible and the rubber is sticky.  The tread is laid out strategically to optimize weight, 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 likewise permits for some flex).

Experience, Conclusions and Suggestions

Jen: The Rocket X Path is a very fit-for-purpose shoe. Designed for gravel racing, it shines on non-technical onerous surfaces the place the superfoam/carbon plate can absolutely ship. It’s quick, however not significantly agile. Nonetheless, runners who’ve a flat, quick extremely on deck or who do loads of speedwork on gravel roads might discover it an ideal match.

Jen’s rating: as a path shoe *.15/10; as a highway/gravel shoe 9.5/10

Experience (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 snug, good lock down by way of the midfoot, however sizing appears a bit off)

Worth (10%): 8, greater if highway/gravel given higher efficiency there and comparability to different trainers with this a lot superfoam

Type (5%): 8.5

Traction (15%): 7.5, 10 if thought of 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 standard for a assessment shoe as a) I preferred its energetic protecting and propulsive experience a lot and b) most of my current operating has been on gravel roads and paths, clean forest and many highway, all areas the place it shines. In actual fact, of all of the current tremendous max highway sneakers corresponding to Skyward X, Prime X Strung, Hyperion Max, and even Sonicblast, it’s my favourite. Why? Gentle weight, large dynamic cushioning, forgiving carbon plate, clean on highway, large grip outsole which makes terrain versatile and simple to roll gradual or quick. 

This actual 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 is named Rocket X Path. Proper? 

Sure, additionally it is a tremendous path shoe for very average terrain for me. It’s loads secure however its sheer peak and relative softness make them not less than, in sensation, tippy as quickly as surfaces get extra irregular. I’ve but to push them onerous on technical terrain and doubtless gained’t as I’ve many different decisions for that and their power is elsewhere. My New Hampshire trails are rocky, rooty and irregular so it’s not my first decide for there however I can’t wait to get them to Park Metropolis clean groomed single tracks the place they may for certain come into their factor. 

It’s for me the very best gravel sort shoe of the 12 months and one the very best if not the very best highway tremendous max sneakers of 2025 given its tempo and terrain versatility, supreme cushion, and enjoyable daring energetic experience. 

Sam’s Rating:  9.6 /10 ( regardless of its “Path” naming  I’m scoring it as a gravel, straightforward trails and highway shoe for now)

😊😊😊😊😊

Jeff V:  The Rocket X is definitely one of the vital enjoyable and thrilling sneakers I’ve run on this 12 months.  Whereas not ideally fitted to my day after day runs on steep, technical trails, they’re an actual blast for much less steep and fewer technical trails, after I need to push quick, or, simply put on a maximal shoe that runs significantly gentle and strikes alongside very simply and effectively, irrespective of the tempo.  I might 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 every day uptempo average to gentle 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 only eat up and steamroll the smaller rocks, bumps and undulations.  The higher may be very minimal, breathability is superb, but snug and efficient at maintaining the foot nicely planted and safe.  General the Rocket X Path is a powerful max stack, very versatile supershoe that may stability a variety of paces and terrain.

Jeff V’s Rating: 9.6/10

Experience: 9.5 – Quick, clean, environment friendly, cushioned

Match: 9.75 – sizing confusion apart, when you get your measurement, match is wonderful

Worth: 9 – $250 is simply the going fee for carbon plated tremendous sneakers.  These are so versatile.

Type: 9

Traction: 9.5 – for the supposed goal of the shoe, excellent

Rock Safety: 10

😊😊😊😊😊

4 Comparisons

Hoka Tecton X 3 (RTR Assessment)

Jeff V: I personally discover the Rocket X to be sooner, extra propulsive and a extra enjoyable, dynamic experience, however extra door to path, gravel, average trails.  In the event you favor extra technical trails nonetheless, the Tecton is extra trim and agile, with higher traction and a really useful in-built gaiter (top-of-the-line on the market).

Hoka Mafate 5 (RTR Assessment)  

Sam: A lot heavier at 10.85 oz / 308g US 9  and extra aggressively 5mm MegaGrip  lugged the newest Mafate has plush largely supercritical foam underfoot, a plastic ¾ plate and an analogous becoming (though TTS in contrast to Rocket X Path) considerably extra rugged higher. Whereas the Rocket X Path is the long term on clean and even pavement choice, the Mafate is the lengthy on essentially the most technical terrain Hoka choice.

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 a lot better for going quick on much less technical terrain.

TNF Vectiv Professional (RTR Assessment)

Jeff V:  I discover the Vectiv Professional to be extra inflexible and doesn’t do as nicely on diversified terrain (which is saying rather a lot).  The Rocket X is extra propulsive, higher cushioned and extra pleasant for longer runs and sooner paces.

VJ Extremely 3 (RTR Assessment)

Jeff V:  The Extremely 3 is rather more appropriately designed for extra technical terrain, as it’s a lot slimmrt, agile and secure in technical terrain, with far superior traction.  The Rocket X is best for much less technical terrain at sooner paces.

Index to all RTR evaluations: HERE

The Rocket X Path will likely be accessible September 2025

Tester Profiles

Jennifer Schmidt  discovered path operating in her mid-20’s and commenced dabbling on the roads just a few years later. Path 50k’s are nearest and dearest to her coronary heart, and he or she just lately took the win on the 2025 Means Too Cool 50k and positioned sixth on the 2025 Black Canyon Ultras 50k. As of late, yow will discover her totally on the candy California singletrack round Auburn, chasing aggressive and private targets 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 group, 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 instances prior to now 20+ years.   He may be discovered on mountain trails every 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 kinds) bike and hike, typically along 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 house for practically 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 outdated 2:28 marathon PR. As of late he runs halves within the simply sub 1:43 vary if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week largely at average 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 tremendous New England IPA’s.

Thanks for studying our assessment!

Buying at our companions under is way appreciated and helps assist RoadTrailRun

Samples have been offered at no cost for assessment functions. No compensation was offered by manufacturers for writing this text. RoadTrail Run does have affiliate partnerships and will earn fee on merchandise bought by way of buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are totally the authors’.

Feedback and Questions Welcome Under! Please tell us mileage, paces, race distances, and present most popular sneakers