The HOKA Rocket X 2 delivers a zippy, energy-filled race-day shoe that’s worthy of a place in our pick of the best carbon-plated shoes. It’s light and springy, but there’s just one small issue that’s stops it getting full marks.
HOKA Rocket X 2 technical details
Weight: 189g
Drop: 5mm
Sizes: UK 4.5-12.5
Price: £220
Technology: Carbon fiber plate and an early stage Meta-Rocker
HOKA Rocket X 2 pros and cons
pros
- Seriously speedy race shoe
- Very lightweight
- great comfort underfoot
cons
- Potential for heel rub from the upper
Who is this shoe for?
This is a carbon fiber-plated running shoe that is all about chasing down fast race times and PBs. It’s a neutral shoe with – like most HOKA running shoes – a plush, cushioned feel underfoot designed for distance runners racing up to the marathon. If you’re not after a speedy race shoe, then this might not be for you: there are plenty of options in our pick of the best running shoes for women.
How does this shoe fit?
The Rocket X 2 is a snug fit and I’d suggest trying half a size bigger than your usual running shoes. But the upper fits nice and securely. You really need to loosen the laces right back to get your foot in – it’s not a shoe you’ll be slipping into or out of – but the upper wraps around your foot.
Is this shoe comfortable?
The comfort on this shoe is a tale of two halves. Underfoot that 36mm stack height featuring HOKA’s dual density PEBA midsole foam is plush, soft and bouncy. However, the stripped back, super-sheer upper has one glaring issue when it comes to comfort. The heel rubbed a little on my Achilles.
HOKA Rocket X 2 running review
I headed out to test the Rocket X 2 along a long flat path next to a running lake. It’s a favorite spot for local runners to do some speedwork and I’ll often see water bottles strategically left on a bench at one end. It’s a good place to run fast and it was ideal testing ground for this shoe.
But before I’d even got to my testing ground, I knew this shoe was going to be a lot of fun as I zipped along the road for a mile.
HOKA has packed in all the things that make a shoe fast into the Rocket X 2: there is dual density PEBA midsole foam and a carbon fiber plate with an early stage Meta-Rocker. This combination packs a punch and there’s a real sense of propulsion that pushes you along.
As well as the energy return, the foam delivers a soft landing that’s a joy to run on.
There was, however, some rubbing on the back of my Achilles from the heel, which is a real shame. It made me think seriously about my sock choice for my next outing in the shoe and so far I’ve been reluctant to take it past 10k. It’s not something that’s going to be an issue for every runner and possibly going up half a size would alleviate it.
Where can I buy this shoe?
The Rocket X 2 is available directly from HOKA.
