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Hoka Rocket X2 Review – Is It Worth Your Money?
The Hoka Rocket X2 release date was March 16, 2023. However, I came to know about it in September. At the same time, Sam Liadlow won the Ironman. It was obvious to research which shoes helped him achieve this tremendous feat. Since I had already run in the Hoka Rocket X before, this newcomer in the series sparked my interest. Here’s what I found.
The two most remarkable improvements of the Hoka Rocket X2 are its spoon-shaped carbon fiber plate and PEBA foam in the midsole. These features make the shoe snappy and comfortable for long-distance running. Also, this is the first shoe I don’t have any complaints about spaciousness and blisters, which is common for wide-foot runners like me. Thanks to the shoe’s minimalist upper and wide foot base.
The Hoka Rocket X2 cost me almost 70$ more than its predecessor. Was the shoe worth those extra bucks? Let me tell you in detail in this Hoka Rocket X2 review.
Hoka Rocket X2 Full review
Like many runners, I have experienced sprains, joint pains, and other discomfort after a marathon or half-marathon. Fatigue is a natural consequence of any extreme physical exertion. But the shoes play a major role too. For instance, their lack of stability and responsiveness.
The Hoka Rocket X2 addresses these issues with several smart design improvements.
Feels Like Flying Off
I found the Hoka Rocket X2 more propulsive than the average running shoe. My toes were bending less and I was taking much longer strides. The reason is the shoe’s spoon-shaped carbon fiber plate instead of a full-length one. This improved carbon plate helps you maintain more stiffness in the forefoot.
Broke My Running Plateau
I usually run 50-55 miles a week. This is almost nothing compared to the weekly 100-plus miles the elite runners cover. One of the main reasons I plateaued at 55 miles is fatigue. My day job requires me to show up fresh and crisp, which wouldn’t be possible if I pushed myself every week.
However, my weekly mileage improved once I started running in the Hoka Rocket X2. Well, I didn’t reach the elite level but 60-65 miles/week felt the same as 50-55. And the credit goes to the new running shoes bouncy midsole.
The PEBA in the Hoka Rocket X2’s midsole is far superior to the EVA foam in my older shoes. It’s incredibly resilient and cuts down the impact of each stride I take while I run. As a result, I experienced less fatigue at the same mileage and broke my plateau.
Lesser Incidences of Ankle Twisting
I have rolled and twisted my ankle too many times during my runs. On 3-4 occasions the ligaments were so severely torn that the doctors even considered surgery.
Therefore, ankle sprains became one of my worst fears when running. I stopped taking sharp turns altogether which greatly affected my performance.
However, things are looking brighter with the Hoka Rocket X2. It has two features that greatly reduce the chance of ankle twists during a sharp turn.
Firstly, the shoe has an internal midfoot cage that tightly wraps around your foot and locks it when you pull the laces. Secondly, its stack height is higher at 36mm. This increased height prevents the wobbly side-to-side movement of the foot inside the shoe.
Perfect For Heel Strike Running
I’ve been a heel strike runner since childhood. Therefore, my heel and Achilles tendon had always suffered after long distances.
However, the Hoka Rocket X2 has changed this situation to some extent. For instance, it follows a heel-to-rocker shape. This design permits a smoother force transition between the heel and the forefoot.
Besides, the X2 has a lower heel drop of 5 mm compared to the 10 mm in most shoes. This helps to engage the calf muscles properly and prevents stress and imbalance in the lower leg.
Minimalist Upper Prevents Blisters
Even on a good day, with no ankle twist or Achilles injury, blisters are inevitable. They result from the friction between the shoe’s thick fabric and the runner’s foot.
However, I have experienced fewer blisters since running in the Hoka Rocket X2. The credit goes to the shoe’s minimalist upper design. There is less material around your foot, and it’s all a thin but extremely strong mesh. Thus, lesser friction and blisters.
How Is The Hoka Rocket X2 Better Than Hoka Rocket X (2020)?
The Hoka Rocket X (2020) is the predecessor of the X2. Hoka’s designers have made several improvements in the new shoe.
The X2’s midsole is made from the more responsive PEBA foam. In comparison, the X’s midsole was the stiffer EVA.
Another important improvement in the X2 is its spoon-shaped carbon fibre plate, which is close to the outsole. Meanwhile, The Hoka Rocket X’s plate ran the full length of the sole. Therefore, the propulsion was not as great.
Lastly, the mesh upper of the X was much thicker than the newer version. This made the shoe overall less comfortable than the X2.
Who Should Buy The Hoka Rocker X2?
I would say, anyone who runs long distances can bet on the Hoka Rocker X2. It’s the perfect marathon shoe that provides stability and reduces stress to help you conquer those last miles. Being a heel-to-toe rocker, the shoe is best for heel-strike running style.
However, the shoe has a wide foot base. So, it might not suit runners with narrow feet. Also, note that the shoe has a grippy rubber outsole for tracks and roads. So, running on muddy terrains with this shoe isn’t a great idea.
