- Weight: 261g (W), 320g (M)
- Stack height: W: 46mm (heel), 41mm (forefoot); M: 48mm (heel), 43mm (forefoot)
- Heel-to-toe drop: 5mm
- Who’s it for? High-mileage runners who want to maximise their efficiency, without sacrificing comfort
The shoe
The Skyward X is Hoka's third super trainer, following the release of the Bondi X (2021) and Mach X (2023). We're not sure we'd declare either of those shoes a roaring success; the Mach X came closest, but while it was good for cruising along at a steady pace, it lacked any snap and felt quite cumbersome and disconnected for the faster stuff.
Fast forward a year then, and Hoka is having another stab at things. With a hefty 48mm stack height at the heel and 43mm at the forefoot, the Skyward X is the brand's most cushioned shoe to date and – with the exception of the Adidas Prime 2.0 Strung – potentially the most cushioned running shoe on the market right now.
For those that need a little super trainer refresher, these shoes typically feature a lot of the same technology found in the best super shoes, except they're not made to toe a starting line. This is why brands can pile on the stack above the 40mm racing limit imposed by World Athletics. Their main purpose is really for running long and making easy runs feel even easier.
The Hoka Skyward X has certainly been designed to push soft and smooth to the extreme. It features a PEBA midsole encased in a critical EVA frame to provide a more stable base, with a bowed carbon fibre plate sat above it. Up top, there’s a flat knit upper while on the bottom there’s a high abrasion rubber outsole for maximum durability.
Hoka has been releasing some pretty impressive kicks in recent months, from the Cielo X1 to the Mach 6, so I had high hopes for the brand’s latest super trainer. Here's how it stacked up...
How does the Hoka Skyward X fit?
Full transparency, I've had some fit issues with Hoka in the past. I often find their shoes too narrow for my wide-ish feet, which causes hotspots after about 8-10km. That said, I’ve been running in the Skyward X for the past few weeks – including during my long runs – and I've had a lot less issues this time around.
I opted for my regular running shoe size (UK 8.5) rather than sizing up. The Skyward definitely has a more accommodating fit than other Hoka running shoes, and I was able to get a really good midfoot lockdown, with a deep foot frame cradling the heel for a secure ride. However, on longer runs, I did find the front of the toebox slightly narrow. I've been grappling with a bruised toenail since running an ultramarathon a couple of months ago, and I think a 22km long run in the Skyward might have pushed it over the edge (later that day, it came off!). The long and short of it? I'd consider going an extra half a size up in the shoe.
The thick, padded tongue is super comfortable, though, and there’s a moderate amount of padding around the heel collar – nothing too plush, but enough to keep you comfy.
What's the Hoka Skyward X like to run in?
I’ve been using the Hoka Skyward X for the bulk of my half marathon training over the past three weeks, taking it on easy runs, long runs and even the odd tempo run. The PEBA midsole provides a beautifully cushioned underfoot sensation, and despite the humungous stack height, I’ve been surprised by how stable the shoe feels on the move. This is probably a result of the EVA frame encasing the PEBA foam, as well the stable heel frame.
I also didn't find the carbon fibre plate – which bows in the middle, to deliver what Hoka describes as 'an amazingly suspended feeling' – particularly noticeable. Carbon plates tend to act as stabilising mechanisms, rather than creating an aggressive toe off, but the Hoka Skyward delivers a gentle snap which works with the late-stage meta rocker to create a smooth and easy but energetic ride. Along with the soft midsole, this has created a shoe that I've genuinely enjoyed running in: easy runs feel even easier, long runs cruise by, and the shoes offer plenty of versatility for everyday training.
That said, for faster efforts, I have found the shoe a little clunky. My women’s size 8.5 weighs in at a hefty 316g, so for interval sessions and threshold work, I'd definitely opt for something lower and lighter. However, I have found it capable of handling blocks of tempo pace during long runs.
RW verdict
Offering a bouncy, cushioned ride injected with a little bit of snap, the Hoka Skyward X is definitely one of the best super trainers on the market right now. While its huge stack and lack of ground feel won't be for everyone, it's a good option for those who are marathon training or regularly hitting higher mileage and want a durable, versatile shoe that can handle the longer stuff.
At £185, it's actually not a bad price for a super trainer either. The On Cloudmonster Hyper and New Balance SC Trainer V2 both retail at £210; I found the Hyper pretty underwhelming while the SC Trainer V2 is a nice shoe but lacks a bit of snap for speed.
The Skyward X is probably most comparable to the Adidas Prime X 2.0 Strung or the Asics Superblast in terms of stack, although the former is slightly faster and the latter still takes the crown for me when it comes to the ultimate super shoe. If you're a Hoka fan, though, and you like your shoes stacked, I think you're going to like these. And even if you're not a Hoka veteran (holding my hands up here), there's plenty to like about the Skyward's bouncy, versatile ride.
