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Test: HOKA Rocket X 2 - HOKA accelerates

HOKA Rocket X2 is a comfy, quick super shoe with lots of Peba foam and a carbon plate in the midsole. With its classic secure HOKA fit and more space in the forefoot, Rocket X2 stands out from other race shoes. But can it truly compete with other super shoes?

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HOKA revolutionized the running shoe market with their first versions of Bondi and Clifton in the early 2010s. Since then, they've mainly been known for ultra-comfy training and trail shoes. They've struggled to crack the code for a fast race shoe .

Sure, they tried with their Rocket X and their Carbon X2 and Carbon X3 did have some fans. But none truly broke into the top among the fastest shoes on the market. 

Now the code is cracked, and HOKA  has with Rocket X2 a shoe that can truly compete among the fastest shoes. 

Nothing special. Just really fast

Unlike super shoes from other brands , there's no extreme feeling stepping into them. No crazy rocker making you feel like you're tipping forward, or midsole cutouts making it feel odd to walk. No, HOKA Rocket X2 just feels really comfy. The fit is great, and there's finally a super shoe with some toe room. 

You might already know the HOKA Rocket X2 recipe, as it resembles other super shoes. Lots of Peba foam and a carbon plate in the midsole. Boom, you're propelled forward. It's a recipe we've seen work many times, so it's sensible that HOKA made a shoe with these ingredients. 

There are differences, though, and many Hoka fans will like them. Rocket X2, like most Hoka shoes, has a 5mm drop, rare in a super shoe. Plus, there's an Internal mid-foot cage for classic Hoka fit. 

Speaking of fit, it's not 100% classic HOKA. I find more forefoot space than in other HOKAs, and definitely more than in nearly all super shoes I've tried, so here too Rocket X2 stands out. 

Is HOKA Rocket X2 the fastest super shoe?

Many sensible super shoes now exist, and differences between top ones are likely more about personal preference than performance. 

If I had to run a marathon this weekend, I think I'd choose HOKA Rocket X2.  

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