Hoka Rocket X 2

Review Score
87%
🏅 Highly Rated
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Hoka Rocket X 2: Review

“A top-tier marathon racer with a soft, energetic ride.”

Overview


The Hoka Rocket X 2 is a top-tier marathon racing shoe designed for running on road terrain. This shoe is known for its soft, energetic ride and smooth, stable transitions, thanks to its stiff carbon plate. It's part of the Hoka Rocket X family and is a significant improvement over the original version, despite its higher weight and price. Key Features:

  • PEBA Midsole Foam: Provides increased energy return and cushioning.
  • Aggressive Carbon Plate Placement: Assists with speed and propulsion.
  • Durable Outsole: Offers excellent grip and durability.
  • Narrow Fit: Ideal for runners with narrow feet.

The Hoka Rocket X 2 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a soft, propulsive ride for long-distance comfort. Its durable outsole offers excellent grip, making it suitable for road running.

With an average review score of 87%, it's in the highest rated 20% 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 Rocket X 2


The Hoka Rocket X 2 is a highly anticipated racing shoe that delivers on its promises. It features a bouncy PEBA midsole and a stable rocker design. The outsole is durable and offers excellent grip. However, the narrow upper and heavier weight may not suit everyone's preferences. The Rocket X 2 offers a soft and propulsive ride, although it is heavier and more expensive. The upper could be improved, but overall, it is a competitive racing shoe. In our experience, we've found that the Rocket X 2 is a significant improvement over the previous version and offers a competitive edge for marathon runners.

Updates to Hoka Rocket X 2


The Hoka Rocket X 2 is a significant improvement over the previous version in the Hoka Rocket X line. It offers a soft and propulsive ride, although it is heavier and more expensive. The upper could be improved, but overall, it is a competitive racing shoe.

Comparable Shoes


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Compared to the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2, the Hoka Rocket X 2 offers a softer ride and more stability, although it is heavier and more expensive. The Vaporfly 2 is a lighter racing shoe, but the Rocket X 2's performance makes up for the added weight.

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The Hoka Rocket X 2 and the adidas Adios Pro 3 are both top-tier marathon racing shoes. The Rocket X 2 offers a softer ride and more stability, while the Adios Pro 3 is known for its lightweight build and firm ride.

10 Hoka Rocket X 2 Pros & Cons


8 Pros

Ultra-responsive PEBA foam
Long-lasting outsole
Maximum cushioning
Superb energy return
Remarkably stable
Suitable for all foot strike types
Excellent traction
Fantastic rocker geometry

2 Cons

Narrow upper
Heavier than the competition

In Depth


Upper

The Rocket X 2 has a plastic-like upper material that is smooth and non-stretch. The toe box is narrow and the tongue is thin. The heel lacks padding but can be secured with a runner's knot. The narrow upper may not suit everyone's preferences, especially runners with wide feet.

Midsole

The Rocket X 2 features a PEBA midsole foam that provides a soft and bouncy ride. The carbon plate is stiff and has an aggressive placement, assisting with speed and propulsion. Despite the shoe's higher weight, its performance makes up for the added weight.

Outsole

The outsole of the Rocket X 2 is durable, especially in the heel area. It offers excellent grip, making it suitable for road running. However, the toe box durability is not as impressive.

Size/fit

The Rocket X 2 runs slightly short and has a narrow toe box. The tongue is thin but offers comfortable padding. Runners with narrow feet would find this shoe a good fit.

Comfort

The Rocket X 2 provides ample cushioning in the heel and forefoot, making it suitable for various foot strike types. The shoe's soft ride is built for long-distance comfort.

Cushioning

The Rocket X 2 provides ample cushioning in the heel and forefoot, making it suitable for various foot strike types. The PEBA midsole foam provides a soft and bouncy ride.

Breathability

The Rocket X 2 offers solid breathability, although it falls short of perfection. The mesh material used in the upper allows for adequate ventilation.

Stability

The Rocket X 2 offers good lateral stability and torsional rigidity. The lack of structure in the heel does not result in heel slippage.

Durability

The outsole of the Rocket X 2 is durable, especially in the heel area. However, the toe box durability is not as impressive.

Grip

The outsole of the Rocket X 2 offers excellent grip, making it suitable for road running.

Flex

The Rocket X 2 is a stiff shoe, which may not suit those looking for a more flexible option.

Who should buy the Hoka Rocket X 2?


The Hoka Rocket X 2 is recommended for runners looking for a very soft super shoe which can handle long-distances. It's a great choice for runners with a fore/midfoot strike or heel strike. This shoe is also suitable for runners participating in 10k, half marathon, or marathon events.

Who should not buy the Hoka Rocket X 2?


The Rocket X 2 may not be the best choice for runners with wide feet due to its narrow fit. It's also not the lightest racing shoe on the market, so runners looking for a lighter option might want to consider other models. Runners who prefer a firm racer with a lightweight build might not find this shoe suitable.

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


The Hoka Rocket X 2 is good for long-distance running and marathon racing. Its soft and bouncy ride makes it suitable for various foot strike types. The shoe's durable outsole offers excellent grip, making it ideal for road running.

4 Hoka Rocket X 2 FAQs


Is the Hoka Rocket X 2 suitable for long-distance running?

Yes, the Hoka Rocket X 2 is designed for long-distance running. It provides ample cushioning in the heel and forefoot, making it suitable for various foot strike types.

How does the Hoka Rocket X 2 fit?

The Rocket X 2 runs slightly short and has a narrow toe box. The tongue is thin but offers comfortable padding. Runners with narrow feet would find this shoe a good fit.

What is the weight of the Hoka Rocket X 2?

The Hoka Rocket X 2 weighs 224 grams. It's not the lightest racing shoe on the market, but its performance makes up for the added weight.

What type of terrain is the Hoka Rocket X 2 suitable for?

The Hoka Rocket X 2 is suitable for road running. Its durable outsole offers excellent grip, making it ideal for this type of terrain.

Hoka Rocket X 2 alternatives

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Released
Mar 2023
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Weight
Weight
M: 224 g
W: 190 g
210 g
M: 230 g
W: 164 g
M: 266 g
W: 227 g
M: 184 g
W: 159 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
31 mm
30 mm
36 mm
M: 37 mm
W: 32 mm
32 mm
32 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
6 mm
5 mm
8 mm
8 mm
Heel
Heel
36 mm
36 mm
36 mm
M: 29 mm
W: 34 mm
40 mm
40 mm
Usages
Usages
Racing
RacingRacingSpeed trainingRacingSpeed trainingRacingSpeed trainingRacing
Brand
Brand
Hoka
PUMAAltraHokaNikeNike
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
LightweightMaximalist
ComfortableLightweightMaximalistComfortableLightweightLow drop
MaximalistLightweightMaximalist
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Rocker
Rocker
Techs
Techs
PUMA NITROPUMA NITRO Elite
Nike ZoomXNike ZoomX
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Hoka Rocket X 2: what the experts say (4 reviews)

Hoka Rocket X 2: 24 Expert video reviews

Hoka Rocket X 2: 6 Manufacturer videos

Hoka Rocket X 2 characteristics and specifications

Specificationsvs Average
Model
2
Released
Mar 2023
Measurements
Weight
M: 224 g
W: 190 g
Heel to toe drop
5 mm
Heel
36 mm
Forefoot
31 mm

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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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