Hoka Skyward X First Run Review

The Hoka Skyward X is a highly-cushioned training shoe designed to make it easier to run more by reducing the burden on your legs, making recovery easier. It has a full length carbon-fiber plate to stabilize one of the highest stack heights we've in any shoe, coming in at 48mm in the heel and 43mm in the forefoot. In this video, I give an overview of the Skyward X, take it out for a first run and let you know my thoughts on what it's best for.
0:00 - Intro
1:32 - Overview
7:44 - Weigh In
15:15 - Summary
16:16 - Initial Fit & Feel
22:01 - First Run
23:16 - Immediate Post-Run Thoughts
26:05 - Jog Test vs Mach 6
28:38 - Wet Weather Grip Test
30:47 - For the Superblast Fanboys
32:01 - Full Post-Run Analysis
43:13 - One More Thing
It's available April 25 for $225. If you're planning to buy this shoe, using my Running Warehouse link below will help support the channel! www.runningwarehouse.com/HOKA...
My recovery slides: www.runningwarehouse.com/HOKA...
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[@undeadly1103]

i was a heel striker and was told i don't run right. never had any injuries. but i took the "advice" and changed to a mid-forefoot strike. developed knee problems, calf strains, and left hip issues. moral of the story-run your way, run in the shoes you love because other people are full of shit

[@mtimbroims]

💯

[@Strongforthem365]

Idk about anyone else, but I love the rap references. Jadakiss bars always welcome

[@Germ22]

Agreed.

[@squaaron9601]

The Superblast absolutely does not need a carbon plate and I think a lot of people confuse "bounce" with softness, aka compliance. The FF Turbo in the Superblast isn't the softest (compliant), but it definitely is bouncy (resilient) in that it gives back more of what you put into it compared to other foams. But, I wouldn't describe the Superblast as bouncy, I would describe it as smooth. It just disappears on your foot, offers tons of protection and feels good at so many different paces. If it's true that they are putting FF Turbo+ in the Superblast 2...game over.

[@jackiebigelow3274]

Excellent review. Your reviews really give a lot of detail which helps so much.

[@brokenfreddy1262]

Great video..great format as always..so nice to have good reviews and training/running tips and comments from a real running perspective from a guy that really likes running...

[@runtothetopelise]

Your grandma is a beast 🎉

[@dextersuarez9948]

Looking forward to this one. Can’t afford to drop this kind of money on shoes but maybe once or twice a year, so I rely heavily on these reviews to plan my buys.

[@ipti8]

Appreciate your thorough review!

[@JaySizz]

I don't. Shoulda shown us how to stick to the plan.

[@CriticalThinker02]

That shoe looks like something my son wore in preschool.

[@peterkirktenor]

congrats on the speedy recovery process, a good sign!

[@supwell]

🙌🏽 yes thank you!

[@senatorst.c7066]

You should release your videos in an audio version on like Spotify or Apple Podcasts. I’d honestly be way more likely to listen than watch a full video and I feel your content translates really well to just audio even without any editing current videos

[@fecardona]

Yowana Wamala. Yes! I thought Yowana was a nickname, but now we confirm it’s your real name. It’s nicer to call our preferred shoetubers by their name. BTW, the Skyward’s colorway looks like the Joker’s makeup 😂😂 Finally, you;re about to hit 10K, congrats!

[@schlossstadtlauferin8431]

Very interested in the skyward, how does it compare to the NB SC Trainer?

[@arvinsandiego2686]

Hope you can do shoe list for heavy runners 😁

[@Runsteady]

Nice review! It looks clunky and funky, but it might actually work for someone like me who enjoys gobbling up slow miles. That price point has me rethinking it though.

[@shunta1984]

I see youve tested this AND the Cielo X1. If im someone who sits around 4:40 per km and wants the nicest feeling underfoot but also FUN, which way would you lean?

[@turcottedavid]

Haha. The boot comparison has me cracking up.

[@zachflores1505]

Love the Mach 6

[@RobertBruno]

Would love to see your take on Kinvara Pro or Prime X Strung 2. I have Kinvara Pro and they are OK. Much firmer than SC Trainer. Kinvara Pro took like 50-75 miles to break in. The Hoka look pretty interesting. I’m holding out for SC Trainer 3.

[@xtalenx]

On my break from work, only a few min in but was hoping this would be like a plated Superblast, like a super training long run shoe, can't wait to see your thoughts on a Long run of 20 miles or more once you are recovered!

[@supwell]

It's giving me those vibes for sure - stay tuned for the long run update 🙌🏽

[@xtalenx]

@@supwell Awesome thanks for the reply. It occurred to me recently ramping up to 32k Long runs in prep for my first Full Marathon, that a really good Super Long Run Shoe (like Prime X Strung/Superblast and some people on Reddit say Hoka Cielo X1) will get so much more use and give more benefit than a fast race shoe. I got the new Endorphin Pro 4 and realized I have 2 races planned this year and what, it sits in the box the rest of the time? Meanwhile I have a long run of 22k-32k every single week, but it's so hard to make that jump and use Pro 4 for Long Runs as people constantly saying to "save" them for race day. Just my thoughts, maybe an idea for a future video, especially for newer runners or those who race less, to kno what super shoes are best/best value for use in training/Long runs

[@supwell]

@@xtalenxsuch a good point. I'm hoping the pro 4 has good durability because it's been one of my favorites to run in this year. Pro 3 was super durable for me and still had life left at 300 miles so I probably wouldn't worry too much about "saving it" - I've been thinking a lot about that saving concept recently too so thanks for bringing it up 🤔

[@Charles-kc2vt]

Hey I just noticed those are the Hoka Ora Luxe slides right? If I'm a size 10.5, would you think 10 or 11 would work better for me? The straps give me hope they might accommodate a wider foot lol. Thinking about giving them a try.

[@supwell]

I'm also a 10.5 - I bought them at the Charlotte marathon after I finished and all they had was 11. These fit perfectly - also straps have a ton of room to adjust. If you buy just make sure to use my running warehouse link 😉😂 I started putting it in the description

[@Charles-kc2vt]

Will do 👍@@supwell

[@Charles-kc2vt]

Will you be reviewing the Triumph 22? I think it should be dropping soon-ish. And yes to the Kinvara Pro 👍

[@supwell]

Yes definitely getting the new triumph! It's available May 1st so will buy as soon as it's out

[@acpmedicine]

hey, would you consider testing out the saucony endophom elite ? i wanted to get the aplhalfky 3 for my marathon in early may but wasn’t able to get it in my size. i went with this shoe for my marathon and haven’t ran in them.

[@supwell]

100p - endorphin elite coming soon 💪🏽 I ran in Alphafly 3 and wasn't impressed. From what I've heard about the endorphin elite it tends to work better for more people. I'll keep you posted though once I get some miles in the elite

[@karlbratby4349]

I love mine ❤ they are made so well, feel so good, superblast arrived today and they are ok but wear one on either foot and the skyward x feels like a rolls Royce ❤

[@supwell]

Rolls Royce is a great comparison! This thing is the Cullinan of running shoes

[@tono1665]

I’ll stick with my triumph 21’s. Nice Review👌

[@Charles-kc2vt]

Triumph 21 is built like a tank!

[@tono1665]

@@Charles-kc2vt yeah and I like it😂.

[@bassgroup6841]

45 min for a first run video??

[@mississippimotoman3841]

So, I loved the New Balance Super Comp Trainer V1. How would compare the ride to that shoe?

[@supwell]

Similar type of shoe. I didn't love the sc trainer v2 though - it felt hard to run in at times like it was bottom heavy and I was fighting against the foam. I didn't get that feeling in this first run - felt super easy to run in and the weight didn't bother me. Stay tuned for the long run update though!

[@theghostofpcs2391]

The v1 is such a special shoe! I recently got the v2, to see if it would be good enough to eventually replace it, and while I really love that one too, I ended up getting another pair of the v1.

[@tuckertech]

That shoe looks like a Carnival Cruiseliner lmao.

[@supwell]

oh my gosh I wish I had thought of that. Colors are on point and everything 😂

[@tuckertech]

@@supwell sent you an email BTW

[@dyingpentas]

😂 I had to Google what a Carnival Cruise line looks like

[@ianbrown9614]

I really want to hear your Mach x thoughts compared to the rest of the Hoka line Also want to see a “training companion” comparison so which pair is best (Mach X, Rocket X2 vs Boston/Pro, Speed 4/Pro 4 etc)

[@supwell]

Love that

[@jean-pierosgriccia4520]

To me it is after the Adidas prime strung X2. High stack and a cruiser .

[@TolunayOrkun]

I think the competitor for this is Adidas Prime X but with a more comfortable upper and possibly more stability. Strung upper is not very comfortable and caused me blisters on the left shoe. I have to do special taping to prevent that but bounce and energy return is fun. For that extra comfort, Skyward X is heavier. I guess if the outsole rubber proves durable this could be a good slow long run shoe.

[@kuriosites]

I like the Hoka geometry but I think I'm sensitive to weight because I'm not that strong. Also, the price. Like you, I don't feel a lot of bounce off the Superblast. For me, I think it's more of an easy run shoe as it doesn't pick up the pace like the Mach 6 or the Hyperion Max, or even the Deviate Nitro 2. If you're right about the plate though, I wonder if that has implications for the Topo Specter 2, with full PEBA and no plate.

[@supwell]

i'm excited about that specter 2 - from what i remember feeling that shoe in hand at TRE, the foam is tuned like a slightly firmer PWRRUN PB or even pwrrun+ (the TPU), so i'm thinking it will perform well still non plated. also excited for the triumph 22 with the non plated PEBA coming next month!

[@JoeFleegel]

Like you, for me the Superblast was kind of meh. Anxious to see how these do for you on a long run - if the weight becomes an issue in the later miles.

[@jesustsa1]

I can’t with the playschool color way! I’ll keep my prime x strung 2

[@kcire5006]

Compare it vs the on cloudeclipse!

[@dextersuarez9948]

If you had to pick an all around trainer/speed sesh shoe and a race shoe only for a 200 lb runner prepping for a 5k timed trial exam (military pt) what two shoes would you recommend?

[@supwell]

Hoka Mach 6 and Saucony endorphin pro 4. Mach 6 for everyday miles and those speed sessions and then the pro 4 for racing. Mach 6 is light and fun enough for speed work but also enough cushion for more relaxed runs. One alternative would be novablast 4 if you want something a little firmer and more cushioned, but it's not as good for speedwork. And then pro 4 is my top pick overall race pick right now - bouncy, nice rocker and decent stability. Also feels great at any pace I've run in it. Good luck bro and lmk if I can help with your prep in any way

[@davidg9120]

Im a 200lb runner 10 mand my race day shoe is the endorphin pro 3. For speed days I use the topo cyclone 2 but I’m thinking of looking for different speed shoe.

[@peterledrew2556]

I'm 215 on a good day lol Tried many top shoes and find it hard to top the Superblast for just about everything! Amazing shoe for big guys and all paces. I think softer midsoles loved by many aren't so great for heavy runners.

[@dextersuarez9948]

@@peterledrew2556 agreed, I have a Superblast thats about dead now and just wished they’d release the V2 already

[@peterledrew2556]

@@dextersuarez9948 yes I bought 2 more because it's like about at perfect for me as I've tried and I've tried everything! I also don't know if a change will be a good thing for me. A softer midsole perhaps better for some but maybe not bigger runners. I realized after a couple years that many great shoes reviewed by smaller typical runners probably don't apply to me. Although most all runners seem to like it or love the superblast. We'll see what an update brings! Seemingly positive updates don't always plan out well for everyone.

[@xtalenx]

Hey I bet I you count hours since you finished your marathon it has to be close to 72hrs and 72hs = 3 days off so that math works right?

[@supwell]

Hahaha so true

[@Vbev84]

🔥🔥🔥

[@JonathanSanders458]

Ive brought it up in another comment but would love to see a review of the kinvara pro! Super interested in it right now

[@supwell]

Adding to list! Stay tuned for this one

[@irohsprodigy]

i want this shoe so bad its all i've thought about since i saw it a few days ago. i dont wanna wait until the 25th LOL

[@JadeTaylorButAtWork]

DANG they make a Carbon Plated-Early Morning Mall Walking-Super Shoe?!

[@crzyscorp]

So which would you recommend for longer tempo runs the Air Jordan 1, the Common Projects, or the Nike Killshots? Personally I think the stability of the AJ1 might be better for recovery running. The killshots have the light weight advantage, but much like the Diodoras you can't underestimate the importance of high quality craftsmanship in the Common Projects

[@supwell]

killshots are a good rebel v3 replacement for building lower leg strength. Jordan 1s for recovery runs only - I love the extra stability and support I get from the structured upper

[@elliotendures]

It's not out yet, but comparing this to the Superblast 2, which should be using a softer foam a-la the Edge/Sky Paris, will be a big deal. On shoes tend not to be my favorite. Or maybe with the weight, we're talking more like PX2S competitor.

[@elliotendures]

I do HATE the color/look tho.

[@NoOne_00000]

🦅 🦅🦅

[@Ekim2411]

Dude brought out tims !! 😂

[@pamelawamala6751]

🤣

[@matthiassventoest6800]

Hallux.., that’s the big toe.

[@MedicineRunner]

17:50 it’s called the great toe homie

[@rockcoddington5322]

"Ja.Da.Mwuah I'l kiss you you B.A.N. and bet the hood wont miss you you B.A.N." - clasic bars bro👊

[@garethmorgan7474]

Would u say these are better than the Nike invincible 3

[@supwell]

These are a lot more protective and cushioned than the invincible. But if you are into running up to an hour max then the invincible 3 will be more than enough stack for most people. This has more of a fun and bouncy ride out of the box but at $225 is going to be overkill for most people unless doing 1 hour+ runs and running most days of the week - unless you just want something super fun! Invincible will be better value for most people though especially since it can usually be found on sale for $130 or lower

[@garethmorgan7474]

@@supwell thanks for reply back, would these be any good for being on your feet all day

[@supwell]

@@garethmorgan7474they felt great for walking and standing but probably overkill if that's the main thing you're looking for - from hoka I would check out the Clifton or bondi for a walking/standing shoe. My top recommendation for that is the brooks ghost max - super comfortable and supportive shoe with a cushioned foam for standing and a slight roll in the front for walking. It's $150 but even regardless of price id take that over any of the hoka shoes for walking and standing

[@garethmorgan7474]

@@supwell I want them for walking and running really

[@tuckertech]

WAIT. this isn’t late night! lol

[@jimrhodes6820]

Holiday 100 shout-out!

[@supwell]

Man the recovery from that was brutal 😂

[@rodneymcqueen1706]

what's with your thumb?

[@supwell]

idk i thought it was normal until i saw your comment 😂

[@justinbordwell4654]

Kinvara pro please!!!!

[@BrianSmith-ps7lh]

Not for comparison here but how about a Hoka Rocket X2 review? Glad to send you my 10.5 with 50 miles on them if you want to try them

[@supwell]

Let's do a trade for something! Email me [e-mail]

[@BrianSmith-ps7lh]

Just emailed you. Glad to send them along

[@klipk7296]

lol it's surprisingly hard to take days off running when you've been running 5 or more days a week for a while

[@supwell]

Facts! One day off and I'm losing it 😂

[@videos-gl2qq]

triangular holes. good memory. have u played memory game w your kids? I think its called old maid. where you turn cards over then look for a matching pair. so gotta remember where they were. I think that's the first game kids beat their parents on... they got a clean slate for memories. 2nd game they'll beat marathoning parents on is dead sprint after car ride :)

[@jesustsa1]

Actually I don’t see this as a prime x2 strung competitor. This is a more stable shoe and the strung isn’t wide. Just high stack and the upper isn’t plush like this. Plus 2 plates vs 1

[@supwell]

If they put a second plate in this we could've gotten 70mm 😂

[@pete801]

Good god that's a big shoe. An absolute boat.

[@jason.rams4]

I wonder how heavy Lil Nas X's shoes were when he ran the New York half marathon in high tops? Lol

[@supwell]

I saw somebody looked it up and I'm pretty sure they were 500+ grams... man should've gone to the running shoe matcher 😂

[@darylawaita]

I'd buy them but not in that colourway. I know it's an election year in the U.S but Hoka should have had several launch colours to choose from.

[@MedicineRunner]

Yowana’s G-ma puts in more weekly miles than me…backwards. I quit

[@sts265]

Her strava shows negative 60mpw

[@Bijits2510]

Prime x strung 2 - for comparison please ….

[@calvindorsey8380]

Yes, please test the prime X and kinvara Pro

[@CHUBBYAMERICAN]

M6 is more slippery

[@jjchang9874]

hoka endorphin shift

[@stephanvonwolf5666]

I would seriously love love love love love love love to watch this but unfortunately I don't have the better part of an hour to do so.

[@millamulisha]

👀

[@dextersuarez9948]

Cole’s new album was 🔥

[@MojoShock]

That shoe looks ridiculous. 48 stack, with a plate, lol and overpriced

[@davidg9120]

I thought it was The Netherlands 🇳🇱 color. 😂

[@theghostofpcs2391]

The Dutch are definitely claiming red, white and blue!

[@realDougSheppard]

ON CloudEcplise = NO CloudEcplise for me. I really need to retire/sell/give away the pair I have with 91.46 miles. The New Balance DC Trainer V2 works so much better for me.

[@supwell]

you got me at 91.46 😂

[@realDougSheppard]

@@supwell What? Ya' think I should give 'em another 8.54 miles then email in my 100 mile review? 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@supwell]

@@realDougSheppardI actually just ran in them this morning and really liked them - let me know why you hate them so I can include in the review 😂

[@coreyadcock]

I knew you wouldnt make it 3 days. 😂

[@supwell]

Just another hater 😂😤

[@genelegend]

colorway is soooo gross though

[@dodosaurus4875]

still better then Mach 6's orange version bleh

[@bassgroup6841]

Looks like the colour way of the Endorphin Speed 4

[@fecardona]

Looks like The Joker

[@brittonknaphus1425]

“Ugly” LOL

[@hkim9151]

No one will like that heavy skywarkX , regardless of the cushion is good or not 😂 over $200 because they added a carbon fiber plate, I don’t want one for my easy recovery run. 😊

[@sunnlands]

I really would like to hear your take on this shoe, but I cannot spend 45 minutes on a first run video. First run videos should be capped at 4 minutes.

[@dextersuarez9948]

Go to another youtube channel, you don’t have to watch his content, some of us enjoy long style format.

[@sunnlands]

@@dextersuarez9948good for you then. I like Yowana too, but his content could really benefit from some more critical editing. If he has all the time in the world to make videos, how about cutting some in a shorter time format?

[@supwell]

Stay tuned for an update on some new formats launching soon. Until then, you can use the timestamps in description to find what you want

[@dextersuarez9948]

@@sunnlands again, are you his editor? Are you part of his production team? You are a viewer, and you hold an opinion the vast majority of his viewers do not, we watch the guy for this uncut long style of content, so if you don’t like it, there’s a dozen other youtubers in the space that do shorter content. Go watch them, don’t really understand why that’s such a hard concept for you to grasp. Lol.

[@brokenfreddy1262]

Another great LONG video..I laughed when I saw the shoe cos I knew you have to run..I never can take more than 1 day off without feeling yuk..got to get moving to feel normal..great content as always..🎉

[@bsmoov7]

Why are these videos so long? 😂

[@supwell]

I missed you bro. It's been a while since you commented 💔😢

[@konrik6180]

why would you show your address?

[@Plant_Traced]

Because he doesn’t expect any weirdos to stalk him?? 🤷‍♂️

[@konrik6180]

@@Plant_Traced right… where’s the benefits? Besides you get to be lazy. You think everyone just thinks like you or something. You cant even comprehend the way some people think. Out of 10,000 people how could there not be some weird people. You can mess with someone from across the world just by having their address. Smh obviously thats what he thinks but always expect the unexpected. Guarantee, he would learn that the hard way if he was a larger channel.

[@dyingpentas]

So ugly and overpriced 😂 $250?! Nooooooo

[@supwell]

$225. Unfortunately that's market price for these high stacked training shoes with race foam (cloudmonster hyper, prime x strung) - I wouldn't be surprised if superblast 2 went up to $220 again 😕

[@justinpino8115]

That jawn is ugg

[@undeadly1103]

the what is what?!

[@zanepritchard3600]

It’s an ugly brick

[@user-sx8rv5pz7u]

Yeah have tried them and there are bricks

[@itsahardmuttlife9263]

Ridiculous looking. Serious runners can’t be seen in those. Hellz no!! 😂

[@supwell]

well i'm glad i don't take myself seriously because i'm going to be crushing 22 milers in these bad boys 😂

[@itsahardmuttlife9263]

@@supwell Then you can run to Walmart and roam the aisles to help people get stuff off the top shelf. 😂

[@bananadude9642]

I dig the shoes for walking or lifestyle but probably not for running.