HOKA ONE ONE har launched a new running shoe which is as good as some of the best shoes for speed in the world. Its name is HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X. Its designed with a built-in carbon plate and it is light, responsive and fast. Check out my review below.
FIRST IMPRESSION
I must admit that I wasn´t a huge fan of HOKA One One Carbon X, when I tested it. It wasn´t a great fit for me and my feet, so when I was about to test Rocket X, I was excited to find out if they had come up with a great fit for me. I really had my hopes up because when HOKA find the perfect fit for me, then they are REALLY perfect. In this context HOKA ONE ONE Clifton Edge is my benchmark - A shoe that I have been extremely pleased with!
My first impression when I put on the shoe was ”YES”, it feels right, it has a great fit and it is fast. A really good start. It feels softer than Carbon X and that usually works really well with a Carbon plate in the midsole, so my hopes turned sky-high.
The colour is always debatable, but it is designed in HOKA blue and I guess that seems quite fitting when you introduce a brand-new shoe to the world. Soon a red edition will be launched which also has a great look.
FIRST WORKOUT IN HOKA ONE ONE ROCKET X
In my first test I only had 40 minutes to spare which fortunately made it a very pacy workout. And by "fortunately" I mean that this shoe is built for pace. I located the GPS on my Garmin watch and got going. When you put on a pair of shoes that you really like, then you usually don´t have any doubts on the first couple of yards. It felt light and fast. Really cool! I ran the first km at warm-up pace (slightly faster than normal - that always happens when I am testing cool new shoes) and I then began to up the pace. I meant to run the 5km at a decent pace but from the first step, I felt my energy-levels and the shoe were capable of more. So I ended up doing a progressive 5km from a pace of 3.57 min/km to 3.32 min/km with 2km subsequent jogging. And the shoe had no trouble keeping up during both speeds. Its really a cool shoe when you let loose and I had somewhat the same feeling as the first time I tested ADIDAS Adios Pro and Nike Vaporfly. I am a huge fan.
HOKA ONE ONE ROCKET X SPECIFICATIONS
Name: HOKA ONE ONE ROCKET X
Running style: Neutral
Surface: Asphalt and Tartan Running track
Weight: 210g in size 42 2/3. (US 9)
Drop: 5mm
UPPER
Rocket X has an extremely light mesh-upper, just like you want it to be in a racing shoe. It is very breathable and comfortable to wear. It has a great fit compared to how light the material is and you feel completely closed in once you tie the laces which means that there is no heel - and forefoot slip. The tongue is attached with two wide elastics on the inside and outside. This provides it with a great fit across the wrist without creating any discomfort. The heel cap is hard and solid which helps to keep you further locked in. A very nice upper and clearly one of the best I have seen from Hoka.
MIDSOLE
Every time Carbon is brought up in relation to running shoes, it always raises the attention amongst running nerds like me. Its always extra exciting when several brands use Carbon in the production of very fast shoes. However, for me its very important which foam-material you combine with a Carbon-plate. The Carbon-plate is already very stiff, so when you put it together with something soft, it works exactly according to plan. That effect has been achiieved to perfection in this shoe. The new HOKA midsole-foam called CMEVA-foam (the same light material used in Clifton Edge) has also been applied to this midsole. What is special about this midsole material is that you can add more foam and still maintain a very low weight and comfortable landing/take-off. It works really well with the Carbon plate as it provides the sensation of bouncing across the asphalt. An amazing sensation! No doubt the Metarocker also helps to make your landing and take-off cooler and faster. Indeed the Metarocker takes part in improving your landing/take-off as well as your bounce. And it designed to make your runnng more efficient.
OUTSOLE
HOKA have also managed to make the outsole light as well as very durable. HOKA have occasionally faced the problem that the outsole gets quickly worn in light shoes. Especially those without extra durable rubber. In Rocket X zoned rubber has been placed underneath. This means that rubber has been added to the most exposed areas. A great solution!
WHO IS THIS RUNNING SHOE FOR?
This running shoe is made for someone who wants speed. Its designed for the runner who wants to go all-out and who is used to running fast. Its not for everyone but if you are used to running a lot and you land on your midfoot or forefoot, then this shoe is perfect for you. Its designed for short runs (5-10km and intervals) but it is clearly also a shoe which can be used by the experienced runner for half marathon and marathon. It certainly works for me up to 20-25km.
CONCLUSION
Again I had this WAUW feeling after having tested a pair of HOKA running shoes. It has gone from being a brand I wasn´t really interested in to becoming one of my favorite brands. Its certainly great to get an eye-opener for new brands which has been the case here. Already looking forward to my next run in HOKA ONE ONE ROCKET X
Buy Hoka One One Rocket X here
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