In 2011, HOKA pioneered the max cushion shoe trend with the beefy Bondi. 13 years later, they’ve changed the game again with the Skyward X. The Goleta, CA-based company describes the maximalist shoe as an experience that feels “entirely new and unmistakably HOKA.” They certainly made no mistakes here, except, maybe, on the looks. But when your biggest gripe with a shoe is the way it looks sitting on the shelf, rather than how it moves on the roads, it’s a great pair. How does the super-sized super trainer perform on said roads? I put it to the test through 50 miles and put my thoughts to paper in this HOKA Skyward X Review.
HOKA Skyward X Review
Stack height: Men: 48/43 mm | Women: 46/41 mm (both 5 mm drop)
Weight: 11.3 oz/320 g (US M10) and 9.2 oz/261 g (US W8)
Price: $225
HOKA says they “threw out the rulebook” in creating this shoe. Or, in the words of Outback Steakhouse, “No Rules, Just Right.” Did you know, the meat-loving chain’s “No Rules, Just Right” campaign showcases the company’s “ongoing emphasis on food quality and value, along with an effort to “put Outback back in the Outback” by focusing on the ‘no worries’ attitude of Australia.” Truly fascinating stuff!
Building off the popularity of super shoes for racing, super trainers—trainers with carbon fiber plates and premium foams—have become the new “(shoe) flavor of the month”, with most major brands introducing one within the past couple years. Some of the most popular include the New Balance SC Trainer, Sacuony Kinvara Pro, Adidas Prime X Strung, ASICS Superblast—the only one listed here without a plate—and now HOKA’s Skyward X. It’s worth mentioning, the Skyward X and the Kinvara Pro are the only two available in my size 15.
Technically, the Adidas Prime X Strung is the tallest “player” in the “shoe game” with a stack height of 50 mm in the heel and 43 mm in the forefoot, but the Skyward X isn’t far behind, or, rather, below. HOKA’s behemoth is just 2 mm lower in the heel at 48 mm with an identical forefoot height. At $225, it’s also considerably cheaper than the outlandishly priced $300 Adidas shoe. At least it’s not $500 like the Adios Pro Evo? Sorry, Adidas. It’s nothing personal: you just don’t make shoes in my size 15. Ok, I guess it is kind of personal, then. But there’s no hard feelings. But there might be biases. Sorry, where was I?
Ride
According to running rule #693, you should never judge a shoe after only the first run; the Skyward X is a perfect example why. After my maiden voyage in the pair, I was seriously starting to question the hype for the shoe. It got me thinking HOKA had severely misfired. The shoe felt stiff and unforgiving—two descriptors you don’t want associated with a super trainer—or with any shoe—if you’re a (shoe) softie like me.
Turns out, it just needed a small break-in period. As soon as my feet hit the ground for the second run, I knew this was a fun shoe. Only then did I start experiencing the great amount of bounce, soft landings, and smooth ride propelled by the MetaRocker™. And you can certainly feel that stack height.
Having never run in the Prime X Strung or Superblast (45.5 mm in the heel), I can safely say I’ve never run in another shoe like the Skyward X—a name that truly lives up to its experience. Despite my displeasure for companies using comparisons to clouds and the sky in marketing their shoes, with such a tall stack of cushioning underneath in the Skyward X, you are technically closer to the sky than nearly any other running shoe.
Uses
Although it provides quite the joy ride, this isn’t a shoe I’ll use for long runs or speed day. As a max cushion fanatic, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I feel like there’s just too much cushioning to use this pair for 12+ mile runs. I reached a point on my runs after a certain number of miles when I started to feel like my feet were fighting against the cushioning.
And while it’s got a great amount of springiness and a rocker for smooth transitions, it’s simply too much shoe to race in. But that didn’t stop me from wearing the Skyward X during the Richmond Monument Avenue 10k—a race I did for fun. And I sure had a blast in them. But I would’ve picked a super shoe like the identically priced Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 or the Nike Vaporfly if I was trying for a PR.
Midsole
When done right, PEBA (polyether block amide) is one of the top midsole compounds found in today’s running shoes. But soft PEBA isn’t the only foam that appears in these cushy kicks. In addition to a slab of PEBA closest to the feet, there’s a super critical EVA rocker frame that supports the MetaRocker™, providing a stable base for landing. According to HOKA, the convex carbon fiber plate bows in the middle, allowing the shoe’s suspension system to compress and spring back with each step. It’s just a meticulously well-crafted running shoe.
Upper/Fit
There’s a flat knit upper with zonal engineering that molds to your feet for a sock-like fit. It’s quite the plush upper that affords plenty of space for your feet to get cozy. On the back of the shoe is HOKA’s Deep Active Foot Frame™ that cradles the heel for a secure fit. It’s a much more well-fitting upper than the Clifton 9—the only other HOKA shoe I’ve run in. Of course, all that comfort comes at a cost: a less breathable upper. Not a big deal for me—I’ve never knocked a shoe for a suffocating upper as long as the upper actually fits my feet. It’s running: you’re going to be sweating buckets, regardless.
Outsole
There’s a decent amount of rubber coverage underfoot, providing good traction. With just a tiny amount of exposed foam, and no visible outsole wear after 50 miles, I expect this shoe to offer solid durability.
Looks
While the inside of the shoe is innovative, its outside looks severely outdated. Fortunately, as my 4th grade teacher Ms. Clark would tell me, it’s what’s on the inside that matters. But, based solely on appearance, if you told me this shoe released five years ago, I wouldn’t believe you—I would’ve said it was ten years ago. I’m not sure what it is about the aesthetics that make it look so ancient; I just know it does. Maybe it’s just me, but it’s reminiscent of Shaq’s line of shoes. However, he’s sold 400+ million pairs from his shoe line, so he’s clearly doing something right. Oh, and he wears a size 20; and I thought my tootsies were gigantic.
Weight
This shoe is….heavy….there’s no getting around it—or under it; you definitely wouldn’t want to be underneath the weight of this thing. Ok, now I’m just exaggerating. But it’s 11.3 oz for a men’s size 10 and 9.2 oz for a women’s size 8. Question: has HOKA always provided their weights in a men’s size 10 instead of the industry standard 9, or is it only for their heavier shoes to make it seem like they’re not as heavy? If so, it’s a smart strategy! All jokes aside, the high energy return helps offset the higher weight.
Price
At $225, this is one of the more expensive super trainers on the market. Look, I get it—there’s a lot of cushioning, a convex (not to be confused with concave) carbon fiber plate, a plush and dreamy upper, and the super critical EVA rocker supporting the MetaRocker. It’s certainly a lot of shoe for your buck. But it’s also a lot of buck(s) for your shoe!
The most I’ll spend for a non-super shoe is $180, so, it’d be tough for me to hand out another $45 for a shoe I won’t be racing a marathon in. It’s too heavy and bulky for race day. But it is an excellent shoe for marathon training. I’ll definitely be keeping this one in my rotation when fall marathon training starts. Fortunately, HOKA was gracious enough to provide a complimentary pair to me.
The Skyward X is available to purchase on HOKA’s website or Running Warehouse.
Conclusion
Despite carrying a heavy weight and price tag, you’ll feel light on your feet in the HOKA Skyward X, a tremendous running shoe innovation that can conquer daily miles with ease. Your feet may not be “skyward,” but your head will be in the clouds running in the Skyward X. It’s just that fun of a shoe.
HOKA graciously provided this shoe to me for wear testing. I was not compensated for this HOKA Skyward X review and they did not get an opportunity to see this HOKA Skyward X review before I published.
