But wasn't the carbon plate meant for racing? This is the most common misconception when we talk about carbon shoes. Fast, responsive, and somewhat unstable models for race day or quality training runs. Well, the Hoka Skyward X is the complete opposite. A shoe for your daily training, where you need softness and cushioning to rack up the miles on long runs and recovery days.
Foam bionomial
The height of its midsole is immediately noticeable, with a total profile of 48mm/43mm (including the outsole, insole, and foam), resulting in a 5mm drop for these Skyward X shoes . This midsole is composed of two layers of different foams. The upper layer is made of PEBA foam , offering a soft and comfortable feel while also being responsive 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 . The lower layer features a supercritical EVA foam , which has a firmer feel and less travel than the previous layer. This foam is responsible for providing greater stability with each step.
Both foams feature a rocker that begins near the midfoot, providing a welcome rocking and fluid feel. These curved geometries at the toe are known 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.
By now, you're probably wondering about the weight. It's 320 grams , which at first glance seems a bit heavy. That's true, but the foam and the plate provide dynamism and rebound that compensate for this feeling of weight. While it's something that could be improved, I don't think it should worry us too much.
Knit upper
The mesh upper is sock-like, with a good fit and a stretchy feel. It's not the typical knit upper that aims for minimalism and a sock-like effect, even on the tongue and collar. The tongue is more traditional and padded, as is the collar. In the heel area, there's a plastic piece that provides extra support, along with the aforementioned Active Foot Frame .
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've been asked a lot if it's a competitor to the NB FuelCell Trainer v3 or ASICS Superblast. And my answer is no. It's true that technically it meets the requirements: carbon plate, high profile, and suitability for training. The difference lies in its responsiveness. While the plate, MetaRocker midsole, and PEBA midsole provide a lively and responsive feel, we don't see it as being as geared towards paces close to or even below 4 min/km. Its smoothness 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.
HOKA SKYWARD X – Discover them on 365Rider
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