Review: Hoka Skyward X | Protection and carbon plate daily

Manu Sánchez

April 22th 2024
4 min read

But wasn't the carbon plate for racing? This is the most general idea when we talk about carbon shoes. Fast, reactive and unstable models to use on competition day or on quality days. Well the Hoka Skyward X They are the complete opposite. A shoe for your daily training, where you need softness and cushioning to accumulate kilometers on shoots and recovery days.

Foam bionomial

The height of its midsole stands out at first glance, with 48mm / 43mm of total profiles (here we count sole, insole and foams), therefore, the drop of these Skyward X is 5mm. This midsole is made up of two pieces of different foams. The top piece is a foam PEBA, with a soft and pleasant touch and at the same time reactive and dynamic. This same foam rises slightly in the heel area to wrap and support it, providing stability. Hoka calls this technology Active Foot Frame. In the bottom layer we have a foam supercritical EVA, with a firmer feel and less travel than the previous one. This is responsible for giving greater stability in each step.”

Both foams have a rocker that starts near the midfoot and gives it a rocking and fluid feel that is appreciated. We know these geometries curved at the tip as MetaRocker.

Curved carbon plate

These two foams form a sandwich with the carbon plate placed between them. We can see it if we turn the shoe over and look at its sole, where the lower layer of the midsole presents a kind of window that lightens the model and allows us to see what is inside.

This plate has a very curious shape; First, it features a kind of 'H', which makes the front and rear parts beveled. Another interesting detail is that it arches in the central area, leaving the heel and part of the midfoot lower. To visualize it more easily, imagine it as a kind of rounded bridge. This makes sense because when landing against the ground, the plate will sink easily, even if we do not have such a refined midfoot strike. The plate will flatten with our weight and when it returns to its normal shape, it will give us a more energetic step.

Until now, you might be wondering about the weight. Are 320 grams, which at first glance seem somewhat high. It is true, but the foam and the plate provide dynamism and rebound that compensate for this feeling of weight. Although it is something to improve, I think it should not worry us too much.

Knit upper

The mesh is sock-type, with a good fit and elastic feel. It is not the typical upper knit that seeks minimalism and a sock effect even on the tongue and collar. The tongue is more traditional and fluffy, as is the collar. In the heel area we have a plastic piece that provides greater support, along with the Active Foot Frame aforementioned.

Generous sole

The sole tells us that this model is designed to accumulate kilometers and more kilometers. It has a wide base in both the heel and midfoot area, which provides a stable step. Hoka covers these areas well with rubber, trying to lighten the model through strategic placement, but without sacrificing durability and protection.

A “Supertrainer” that rolls more than the rest

We have already been asked a lot if it is a competitor to the NB FuelCell Trainer v3 or ASICS Superblast. And my answer is no. It is true that on a technical level it meets the requirements; carbon plate, high profiles and being able to use it in training. The difference, its dynamism. It is true that that plate, MetaRocker and the PEBA at the top give it a certain liveliness and cheerful bounce, but we don't see it as focused at paces close to and even below 4min/km. Its softness and stability make it ideal for daily training and even recovery days.

As for the typical runner, a lighter runner will use it more for riding and those softer days, and a medium or high weight runner may find a more versatile model that protects him on a daily basis with some dynamism.