Hoka Carbon X 2

Review Score
80%
🏅 Highly Rated
See 21 reviews
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Pro athlete users

+8
Pete KostelnickHarry JonesJuan Maria Jimenez Llorens Sam Long
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Hoka Carbon X 2: Review

“A high-performance, versatile running shoe for competition, racing, and speed training.”

Overview


The Hoka Carbon X 2 is a high-performance running shoe that's part of the Hoka Carbon X family. This shoe is designed for running on road terrain and is ideal for racing, and speed training. It's a neutral support type shoe, perfect for runners with neutral pronation and a fore/midfoot strike. The shoe is lightweight and maximalist, with a wide toe box for comfort. It features a breathable mesh upper and a carbon fiber plate for enhanced performance.

With an average review score of 80%, it's rated just above the median rating of similar running shoes. Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 10% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Hoka Carbon X 2


The Hoka Carbon X 2 is a versatile shoe that offers a balance of cushioning and responsiveness, making it ideal for long-distance races and everyday training. Its wide midsole base and solid sidewalls contribute to its stability, making it one of the most stable running shoes with an internal plate. The shoe's carbon fiber plate and rocker work together for a smooth and efficient ride. However, the outsole grip is not ideal for wet or dusty surfaces, and the shoe's durability could be improved as the outsole tends to wear down quickly. The fit is narrow, and there are no wide options available. Overall, the Hoka Carbon X 2 offers a supportive and comfortable ride for various running needs.

Updates to Hoka Carbon X 2


The Hoka Carbon X 2 is an update to the Hoka Carbon X. The updated X2 features a softer and more cushioned midsole compared to its predecessor. The lower-to-the-ground plate improves transitions and the thicker foam provides better cushioning and stability. The new upper includes a soft Achilles collar and a longer tongue with reflectivity.

Comparable Shoes




Compared to the HokaCarbon X, the updated Carbon X 2 features a softer and more cushioned midsole. The lower-to-the-ground plate improves transitions and the thicker foam provides better cushioning and stability. The new upper includes a soft Achilles collar and a longer tongue with reflectivity.

6 Hoka Carbon X 2 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Versatile shoe suitable for long-distance races and everyday training.
Wide midsole base and solid sidewalls contribute to its stability.
Carbon fiber plate and rocker work together for a smooth and efficient ride.

3 Cons

Outsole grip is not ideal for wet or dusty surfaces.
Outsole tends to wear down quickly.
Fit is narrow, and there are no wide options available.

In Depth


Upper

The Hoka Carbon X 2 features a minimal and comfortable upper with plenty of room for foot splay. The new upper includes a soft Achilles collar and a longer tongue with reflectivity. However, the fit is narrow, and there are no wide options available.

Midsole

The updated Carbon X 2 has a softer and more cushioned midsole compared to its predecessor. The dual foam midsole provides a balance of cushioning and responsiveness. The lower-to-the-ground plate improves transitions and the thicker foam provides better cushioning and stability.

Outsole

The outsole of the Hoka Carbon X 2 provides acceptable traction. However, the outsole grip is not ideal for wet or dusty surfaces, and the shoe's durability could be improved as the outsole tends to wear down quickly.

Size/fit

The fit of the Hoka Carbon X 2 is slightly long and narrow. The shoe features a wide toe box for comfort, but there are no wide options available.

Comfort

The Hoka Carbon X 2 offers a supportive and comfortable ride. The updated X2 has a softer and more comfortable ride compared to the X1. The lower-to-the-ground plate improves transitions and the thicker foam provides better cushioning and stability.

Who should buy the Hoka Carbon X 2?


The Hoka Carbon X 2 is a good choice for runners looking for a carbon-plated racing shoe for marathon distances and beyond. It's ideal for those who prefer a lightweight and maximalist shoe with a wide toe box for comfort. The shoe is also suitable for runners with neutral pronation.

Who should not buy the Hoka Carbon X 2?


The Hoka Carbon X 2 may not be ideal for runners who prefer a shoe with a wide fit, as there are no wide options available. It's also not the best choice for those who run on wet or dusty surfaces due to its lack of outsole grip. The shoe may not be suitable for track use or short races.

Hoka Carbon X 2: What's it good for?


Long-distance races, everyday training, and speed workouts.

3 Hoka Carbon X 2 FAQs


Is the Hoka Carbon X 2 suitable for long-distance races?

Yes, the Hoka Carbon X 2 is a versatile shoe suitable for long-distance races and everyday training.

Does the Hoka Carbon X 2 have a wide fit?

No, the fit of the Hoka Carbon X 2 is slightly long and narrow. There are no wide options available.

What is the main update in the Hoka Carbon X 2 compared to its predecessor?

The updated Carbon X 2 features a softer and more cushioned midsole compared to its predecessor. The lower-to-the-ground plate improves transitions and the thicker foam provides better cushioning and stability.

Hoka Carbon X 2 alternatives



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Jan 2021
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users

+10
Juan Maria Jimenez Llorens Sam Long
Weight
Weight
M: 247 g
W: 221 g
M: 230 g
W: 204 g
210 g
213 g
M: 335 g
W: 266 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
M: 27 mm
W: 25 mm
28 mm
31 mm
28 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
8 mm
8 mm
9 mm
11 mm
Heel
Heel
M: 32 mm
W: 30 mm
36 mm
39 mm
37 mm
Usages
Usages
CompetitionRacingSpeed training
Daily runningSpeed trainingDaily runningRacingSpeed trainingRacingSpeed trainingCompetitionRacingDaily runningRacingSpeed training
Brand
Brand
Hoka
NewtonSauconyASICSOnOn
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
LightweightMaximalist
LightweightMaximalistBreathableComfortableLightweightMaximalistBreathableComfortableLightweightMaximalist
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Carbon plate
Carbon plate
Rocker
Rocker
Techs
Techs
Saucony RunShield
On CloudTec
Waterproofings
Waterproofings
Water repellentWaterproof
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
SustainableVegan Ⓥ
0

Hoka Carbon X 2: what the experts say (3 reviews)

Hoka Carbon X 2: 16 Expert video reviews

Hoka Carbon X 2: 10 Manufacturer videos

Hoka Carbon X 2 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+1920)
TerrainRoad (+1303)
UsagesCompetition (+75)Racing (+189)Speed training (+290)
BrandHoka (+97)
Support TypeNeutral (+1503)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1483)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1062)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1430)
Shoe TypeLightweight (+418)Maximalist (+504)
FitWide toe box (+324)
FeaturesBreathable (+964)Carbon fiber plate (+77)
MaterialsMesh (+859)Reflective (+111)
ColorwaysBlue Flower / Luminary Green, Dazzling Blue / Green Ash, Diva Blue / Citrus, Evening Primrose / Fiesta, Fiesta / White, Grey, Hot Coral / Black Iris, Impala / Paradise Pink, Luminary Green / Hot Coral, Moroccan Blue / Hot Coral
Specificationsvs Average
Model
2
Released
Jan 2021
Measurements
Weight
M: 247 g
W: 221 g
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
Heel
M: 32 mm
W: 30 mm
Forefoot
M: 27 mm
W: 25 mm

12 pro athletes who've used Hoka Carbon X 2

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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