HOKA Skyward X 2
HOKA · Road · Race & Marathon
Overall Score: 86/100 based on 3 verified expert reviews.
Technical Specifications
- Weight: 286 g
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7.6 mm
- Carbon Plate: Yes
- Midsole Foam: Standard EVA
- Official Retail MSRP: $290 (manufacturer reference price — better deals may be available at retailers)
Pros & Strengths
- Propulsive leverage from the carbon fiber plate
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition and secure midfoot lockdown
- Dynamic carbon-fiber plate propulsion
Cons & Trade-offs
- Demanding longitudinal stiffness at easy paces
- Requires an active stride to fully load the plate
Expert Review Sources
- Running Shoes Guru : 87.0 / 100 — « In HOKA's race & marathon lineup, the Skyward X 2 impresses in real-world road testing with its secure midfoot lockdown and consistent cushioning. A smart choice for runners looking for a 7.6 mm drop and consistent performance all season long. »
- RunRepeat : 87.6 / 100 — « The Skyward X 2 proves that HOKA listened to feedback from the first version. We found that HOKA managed to trim meaningful weight without sacrificing the ultra-cushioned comfort and stable feel that define this model. The shoe performs wonderfully on easy days and long runs, but its premium price and narrow speed range make it difficult to recommend to everyone, leaving it as more of a specialized weapon. »
- RunMag : 85.4 / 100 — « Calibrated with a 7.6 mm drop and weighing 286 g, the HOKA Skyward X 2 strikes a convincing balance between impact protection and lively turnover (286 g, a 7.6 mm drop). Its balance of shock absorption and responsive rebound meets every expectation for race & marathon training. »
Similar Alternatives (Race & Marathon)
- New Balance Fresh Foam X 860 v14 (New Balance · Race & Marathon · 295 g · $290 · Score 86/100)
- Mizuno Wave Sky 9 (Mizuno · Race & Marathon · 295 g · $290 · Score 85/100)
- Saucony Endorphin Trainer (Saucony · Race & Marathon · 285 g · $290 · Score 83/100)
- Mount To Coast M1 (Mount To Coast · Race & Marathon · 275 g · $290 · Score 89/100)
More from HOKA
- HOKA Skyward X (HOKA · Race & Marathon · 315 g · $290 · Score 86/100)
- HOKA Cielo X1 (HOKA · Race & Marathon · 249 g · $275 · Score 88/100)
- HOKA Rocket X 3 (HOKA · Race & Marathon · 220 g · $290 · Score 88/100)
- HOKA Rocket X 2 (HOKA · Race & Marathon · 218 g · $250 · Score 86/100)