Hoka Skyward X | Full Review

Thomas and Meaghan review the Hoka Skyward X, a max cushion super trainer featuring a supercritical and Peba midsole, carbon fiber plate, and ultimate comfort. Available 4/25 for $225.
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INDEX
00:00 Intro
01:03 Overview of the Shoe
01:48 The Upper
2:50 Weight
03:27 The Midsole
5:57 Price
9:00 Red Light or Green Light?
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We run legit miles in our shoes and provide honest, no BS reviews of running shoes, running gear, and running races.

[@TubeCrocs]

Got mine last week... You don't really feel the weight while running. Amazing carbon factor. Picked up a pair, did 6km do work out lacing. Ran a 56km Ultramarathon Not a single issue, fun, responsive, lock down is good without lace slippage Its fast enough but not like a Mach X. The outer is very durable

[@OTTOBOTTO10101]

The rocker is a lot later than the Mach x so understandable in terms of responsiveness, it’s basically a recovery shoe alternative to the mach x

[@metalsadman]

got mine yesterday ran on it today and I love it, definitely worth the money for me. considering another pair.

[@Manuel-901]

First Like to Meaghan and Thomas from Spain 🇪🇸. Excellent description. Have a great day.

[@morganvon5664]

How does it feel compared to the first Prime X strung? I loved that shoe.

[@cgec1999]

They have had the shoe available at my local DSG for like the last month, wanted to snag a pair! My local DSG always puts new products out way before they drop..

[@jean-pierosgriccia4520]

I have the prime strung 2. I feel this shoe is similar. I use them for doing tempo and long runs. Yes they are way more durable.

[@karlbratby4349]

Skyward X plus Cielo X1... sounds good to me as a great combo. Just picked up the Skyward X and its great, time to add yet another to my collection with the Cielo X1... wow I have far to many shoes, its gone from a rotation to a collection, or maybe an addiction, healthy one though LOL

[@SuboptimalRunner]

Great review, team! I picked mine up on Monday (I stopped into a local store to buy some gels and asked if they would be carrying it and they said it had just come in). I've done three runs in them so far and absolutely love them- to the point where I'm considering wearing them for a marathon next weekend. With an annoying knee issue and a recent illness that took me out for a solid week and a half, what was going to be a PR attempt is now just going to be an enjoyable 3:40-4:00 26.2 in a new city. Yes, they're heavier than some shoes, but it's not as noticeable as others because of the bounce and fun. I own just about every super trainer at this point and it's very hard to compare the Skyward to any of them. As you said, it's similar to the SC Trainer V1 (but like many I had issues with the heel collar making my ankles bleed), but I find the stability and bounce of the Skyward make it a superior max stack shoe. The SC Trainer V2, at least to me, is much softer than the Skyward, but not in a good way. I always feel like I'm sinking into the SC V2, whereas the Skyward compresses and immediately bounces you forward. I also have the Cielo X1 and adore that shoe, so it's between the two new Hokas for the marathon and I'll wait until the last minute to decide. The new prices can be quite shocking, but I'm over 100 miles into the Cielo and nearing 40 in the Skyward and they both look and feel like new. Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[@raybadudu787]

Thank you for this review! I loved my SCT v1, but have been disappointed with the SCT v2 for the same reasons you listed. Definitely gonna get the Skyward X for my next long run shoe! One question though, how’s the fit? I have a wider foot and have been lucky that NB offers wide. Is the fit of the Skyward X accommodating?

[@SuboptimalRunner]

@@raybadudu787thanks, glad I could maybe help a little! Like Thomas, my feet are closer to the narrow end of the spectrum. But the Skyward is very accommodating to the point that I considered going half size down, which I have never done with Hoka. I ended up going true to size and have to tighten down quite a bit, but not to the point of discomfort. They’re still incredibly comfortable and really do seem to disappear on your feet for such a beefy shoe. Let me know if you get them and how you get on with them!

[@deetee2730]

How does the Skyward X compare to the Superblast?

[@SuboptimalRunner]

⁠I’m going to get yelled at for this, but I never really clicked with the Superblast. In my size at least, it felt like a big, slapping, clown shoe. It never felt great at easy paces because of the stiffness, and I could never really get it to work for faster stuff because of the sheer size of it. It might sound funny, but to me the Skyward X feels like a smaller shoe than it is. The combination of the plate and foam is comfortable at a wide range of paces. Would I wear it for a fast 5K? No, probably not, but thats not what it’s for. I’ve now run over 100 miles in them including a marathon and think they’re one of the best daily shoes I’ve owned. It is definitely comfortable for the marathon distance, with the weight not really being noticeable until maybe 22-23 miles. There’s just so much cushion and bounce that it just keeps you moving along. Hope that helps!

[@deetee2730]

@@SuboptimalRunner Super helpful, thank you! I had mixed feelings about the Superblast. It was very bouncy and fun, but my regular size 9 felt larger than usual, which made the shoe feel weird. Sizing down to 8.5 seemed a tad too short. How does the Skyward X fit?

[@byronpaisleysr4151]

I’m thinking about getting these for my wife who is starting to have knee issues due to arthritis!!! They should be perfect for soaking up the stress of running on cement

[@wonkydonkey7899]

I feel this shoe will be very popular for people working at a hospital setting, where a lot of walking takes place.

[@argocomics6207]

Ordered and I think these will work well for us heavier runners. Not sure why people are not liking the colorway. Looks good! Been Using NB Fresh Foam More V4 and those lasted quite a while (longer than my Invincible FK 2's). Expecting the same for these probably.

[@nosashuly]

I was excited seeing you 2 in Kofuzi's Boston marathon vlog. Where's Robbin pls?

[@briantrahan3900]

I look forward to the 200 mile review!

[@iBrA1MAN]

I feel like that 200 mile review might come in pretty soon.

[@hufemeve]

hmm.... I got me a brand new pair of NB FuelCell Propel v4 at a ridiculous bargain price, thinking the shoe was going to feel too heavy for a plated daily trainer, but OMG it turned out to be awesome!!! the point is because of today's eCONomy & inflation, we really need to be careful about picking shoes at premium prices when others can accomplish the same for half the pricetag.....

[@snowwalker9999]

You bought the most underrated cheapest least talked about super trainer out there. I am thinking about getting a pair for myself. I have the Puma DN2 and after testing the Propel V4 I felt the experience was very similar.

[@preidie]

Any help with Hyrox shoes 53 year old I do CrossFit and am NOT a runner however I’ve got 8km to cover at Hyrox and need some grip for the workouts. I’ve got arthritis in my knees and toes so looking for something comfy but supportive. Any help?

[@garethmorgan7474]

Great review, would u recommend these over the Nike invincible 3

[@Believeintherun]

We weren’t big fans of the invincible

[@alexeymalakhov5244]

damn, this shoe looks like saucony endorphin shift 2!!! Especially the shoe in Thomas' hands!

[@stragum5683]

The shoe looks better in person. I have it. Love it. And this is from Bondi 8 person.

[@snowwalker9999]

Looking forward to your 100/200 mile review.

[@reselvski]

I would guess that runners who buy this shoe are typically the "shoe geeks" who like to try all kinds of shoes and for whom "buying fewer shoes" is just not part of their vocabulary

[@andrewattwood709]

Hi guys with these high stack daily trainer super shoes can you still wear a orthotic in them. As a orthotic wearer and also someone who has been running for over 40 years and has been watching you tube content for years no one tests shoes for orthotic users

[@Cystus]

I want the update at 200 Miles please and thank you.

[@keetoruns7506]

Would you really call this a super trainer??? It's way too heavy to fall under that category. I have recently gone back to my Bondi X which is super comfy but sessions/tempos would be the last thing I'd do in it. Anyways love your work guys, you're the best!!!

[@edrios3668]

I have the Superblast, is there any point buying this, I like the sound of this shoe, just not sure where it would fit in.

[@Believeintherun]

Superblast is way lighter and not as soft.

[@OAKRAIDERSGaming]

Would these help a new runner avoid getting shin splints?

[@bonniewugsie5950]

I have fitted all sorts of Hoka footwear. Unfortunately, it wasnt for me. I find the fitting off and interior is not as soft and didnt get that much support I needed. I do have plantar fasciitis , semi flat footed, and semi wide feet , tall and with a bit of weight. I still find On running the best fit. I think those people with narrow feet and really fit will find Hoka comfortable.

[@dimawidad3533]

Hello😊 is hoka skyward x for outdoor Walking? is it shoes to wear all day?

[@antonioromulodelcarmen283]

Great review! Man, the pricepoint on these is just crazy… Im’ma pass for now. Hopefull there’s some good deal by Black Friday.

[@rembo183]

Do you like it better than the Bonda 8?

[@JackSchlee]

Hi, I just found your videos while looking for some running shoes. Maybe you can help me out a little? I haven't done any running since I got out of the military in 1996. I just turned 52 and recently retired from the I.T. industry, so I've been sitting on my butt for work over the past 25 years. I've decided to change my career to law enforcement, and have managed to get sponsored for entry into the Police Academy this summer. I hear there is a lot of running at the Academy, and I'm competing against 20 year-olds so I need as much of an edge as I can manage. What type of shoes would you recommend for a beginner runner that is in his early 50s? I'm guessing you can't recommend a specific brand, or model, but what should I look for in a running shoe? I saw in some of your other videos that you mentioned bounce-back, and p-foam. Do all the performance shoes offer something similar using their own proprietary version? Thanks!

[@Believeintherun]

The tech is different in various brands. There are some similarities. If your are just starting out, stick with the basics until you figure out what you want out of your trainers. A Hoka Mach 6 would be a fun one to start with.

[@JackSchlee]

@@Believeintherun Thanks for the tips. Great videos, too. I appreciate your time.

[@kellyobryan5542]

Between Skyward X and Mizuno Neo Vista what's your pick ? I'm torn between the two.

[@Believeintherun]

Skyward X wins by a nose. The Neo Vista is lighter tho.

[@PLANETWATERMELON]

Although I do not agree that this shoe is like buying 2 shoes and will last 2 pairs of shoe life. Possibly the cushioning might last two shoes lifes compared to regular shoes like the Ghost, but not something like a Clifton. I'll also say compared to the Bondi X which was the same or very close price is pretty good for $225 as it looks like a lot more shoe and better shoe as well.

[@montesquieu5180]

My arthritic knees are begging for these 😢

[@sixsanchezNatchyawn]

im old school and im really into them alright ❤

[@cali_scruff1697]

Between 2 shoes Superblast 💥

[@TubeCrocs]

Agreed... Needed a replacement Superblast but the version 2 comes out in June / July So not worth getting another Version 1

[@jimoconnor8597]

This shoe can't even be considered in the conversation with the Superblast. C'mon.....

[@cali_scruff1697]

@@jimoconnor8597 👀

[@B1gC4st]

I wish I had bought the Bondi X instead of the MetaSpeed Sky, MetaSpeed Sky is a great shoe...but it wasn't meant for 10 minute miles on tired legs after 112 miles...

[@MikaV.-cp5qg]

And now you say the price is justified and fine after two years of bashing the price of Superblast and Prime X?! I’d pick both over this Hoka any day.

[@Mercury-Loves-Tuna]

They talk about durability in the video, when justifying the price.

[@xporcelain34]

What in the Fisher Price are those?

[@michaelsenft6205]

For those of us aging ex- football linemen who want to run, and who want a roomy toe box (no geisha treatment for me please), this looks great. Eager for the release.

[@jorgecastillo8289]

For me Clifton’s is only one I would replace I’ve had Clifton 8, Mach 5 and Rincon 3 and Rincon gave me bad blisters on my big toes and only lasted 20 miles before I sent back and Mach 5 only lasted for 350 miles and I usually get 500+ miles on my sneakers

[@matthiassventoest6800]

skyward vs superblast ??

[@Murphy2043]

We should demand higher and higher stack heights to see how long it takes shoe companies to realize we're messing with them.

[@sfsadfsfwfwfsfsa]

Returning mine as heel is too wide and I lift out of them, even with runner's loop. A half size down too short. Have wide foot, too. Women's 9.

[@luiz2179]

They compared this shoe with the Bondi X, but this might also be a Carbon X killer, as Carbon X was not super fast but a decent shoe for long runs

[@itsahardmuttlife9263]

It looks like a shoe for old people. My grandpa would love these. 😂

[@jorgecastillo8289]

😅😂😂😂

[@wonkydonkey7899]

Haha and short people too.

[@laoluomisade2438]

lol😅

[@dfc3usaf]

I'm a grandpa and love the colors. Sold!😂

[@Mercury-Loves-Tuna]

HATER. Just don’t buy it poor man.

[@loljk_vid]

9:50 is the best moment of the video; hands down!

[@lylamalzahn4717]

WILL THEY COME IN W'S??

[@barry_144]

great review (but have to say that you guys don't seem your usual happy camper selves in this video???)

[@jollyroger1009]

Looks like the Hoka version of Saucony Kinvara Pro.

[@davidrosenthal5795]

Except Kinvara Pro is garbage and this isn’t.

[@zachmcpherson2901]

As someone that spends too much money on running shoes, $225 ain’t it. If I’m paying those prices, it has to be a racer.

[@edster8416]

Maybe that’s why it’s a 2 in one price basically a Bondi and Clifton merging and revamp itself better than a Mach X

[@ralph29203]

Can you guys recommend any shoe for half marathon

[@Believeintherun]

Depends on pace, but we will go with race day shoes.

[@HibeesPaul]

Would this be okay for a half marathon?

[@edster8416]

Should be fine if ur not chasing any PR or Kenyans 😂

[@Gabierama]

Is this better than new balance supercomp elite v4 ?

[@markoljustina]

Yes

[@benforeman9370]

$225 for an easy day/daily trainer is nuts.

[@LuisRamos-qw1gj]

I stay with the superblast bought at half price!

[@TheMainCal]

Had my bondi 8 for a month and it’s already got scrap or tear marks on the foam on the side of the show….so would this be the same for this one, also would a casual use this for standing all day ?

[@Openwheeladdict]

I really want to try this shoe, but that men's colorway is HIDEOUS. I'll either wait for more colors to drop, or wait for Superblast 2/ SC trainer V3.

[@morganvon5664]

You don't like the clown shoe look?

[@fecardona]

The men’s colorway is like The Joker’s makeup

[@wonkydonkey7899]

Not really a good choice of color palette…

[@Laolu90]

The problem with this being your workhorse shoe is that there’s too much shoe and it’ll be doing all the work for you. Bulletproof your feet by alternating with a lower stacked less cushioned daily trainer that will let your feet actually train.

[@Sky29walker]

I thought the X meant Carbon Plate as well but the Mach X plate is some kind of plastic

[@pavolhorvath7850]

Its a plastic carbon. Everything is better from plastic.

[@dubp6623]

My only issue is that the available colorways are 🗑️. Come on Hoka!!!!

[@Scottysevins]

I tried these on yesterday and they are VERY similar to the NB supercomp trainer V1 but so much more stable. I actually really love this shoe. Finally hoka comes back with some actual soft Cush. I just really hate the color offerings. I’m most likely going to pull the trigger and pick these up.

[@rileyxbell]

Needs more colorways. I need all black for work

[@guillaumechauvet]

"The queen of kush" 😂

[@bikerdude6119]

Hey you know what would be a cool video ,? If you get a bunch of shoes that have high reviews and rate them all depending on fit and feel. But you cannot know which shoes you are wearing, like have someone lace them up for you and then cover them so you cant see what you are weaing or just block your sight looking down at them. Just a thought😂

[@ihussain1011]

This should have stayed at £185. Just a touch higher than Nimbus 26 but oh well.

[@stenna9274]

3:04 9.4 ounces is 266.5 grams, not 225! I don’t mean to pick on you for this, but a 1.5 ounce difference is significant in a shoe. Much love from Norway and the metric system.

[@dejanvuckovic7389]

mach X dose not have carbon plate

[@Allen-rf6vw]

Skyward or bondi 8

[@Believeintherun]

Skyward

[@sixsanchezNatchyawn]

i just wanna fly ❤

[@andrewh7599]

I'm giving carbon plated trainers one more year before they're a thing of the past. Superblast and NB Rebel are leading the way for top trainers.

[@LynneEnguidanos]

Cloudsurfer Rebel v4. Clifton 9 all good for a while. No thanks.

[@TheHutchRuns]

Just not the shoe for me, Hoka are doing great things though and are much more relatable to most runners nowadays. I'll stick to the Superblast though...

[@jimoconnor8597]

I'm a light daily shoe user. Plus, I can get hundreds and hundreds of miles out of far less expensive shoes. Sorry Hoka.. Pass... Who wants to buy less shoes?!?!?!?!? Not me!!!

[@alexr273]

Mach X has an X & doesn’t have carbon

[@pavolhorvath7850]

Yes, it does. Its a plastic carbon.

[@elliotendures]

The men's colorway is SO BAD. that may actually stop me from getting it.

[@frankiew1922]

Other news gives you the blues

[@jacob3771]

This shoe has Meg written all over it. Also, for $225, this shoe better be a 500 miler

[@wonkydonkey7899]

I’ll wait until this shoe goes on discounted sale and at major outlets. This is one heck of an expensive trainer to cough up $225 for.

[@chrisy0610]

$225 is way too easy for reviewers to justify, since they didn’t need to pay for them😂

[@dreseat123321]

I just don’t get these shoes… heavy carbon doesn’t add up to me. Superblast as a concept just makes more sense - super foam, lightweight, max cushion without the carbon boost you want on race day and cheaper!

[@Bunbunnyart]

Right but $200 and no carbon plate. I also imagine the super blast 2 will be beyond $200 unless they are going to discount the first version.

[@ivartheboneless1456]

Love channel but we crying about ounces 😂😂 put in more leg work. The only thing that is bad is the price.

[@nickturenne6790]

I don’t get the super trainer trend. Do you really need to pay a premium for a plated shoe for everyday easy paces? Feels a little gratuitous, but to each their own.

[@toogoodtobeshoe1748]

I personally have no problem paying extra for a shoe that makes running even more enjoyable. Just because you run in a shoe daily doesn’t mean it has to or should be cheap.

[@troybarker4660]

Super trainer… I don’t think so. The shoe is far too heavy. There are much better options available. X does not equal carbon plate. Misinformation in this video. Take a look at the mach X.

[@brewlovinrunner]

This has gotten ridiculous. No one needs all that in a shoe. Feet need to be allowed to absorb impact. Low 30’s under the heel is perfect

[@michaelyardis6871]

No, MACH X - PEBA PLATE

[@ivartheboneless1456]

“ Sky “

[@richardbertoso398]

Hospital shoes 😂

[@frankiew1922]

Uuuuuuggggglllyyy.

[@thomasbrodowicz944]

Shoe looks sooooo dumb

[@edster8416]

Once the superblast 2 is out no one will remember this. 😂

[@mouahmong]

🤔 why are they singing so many praises for these overpriced bricks? 😬

[@luisrauldefreitas76]

200 for a daily trainer lol - nope

[@user-sx8rv5pz7u]

Too heavy

[@cooperyearick795]

Man that shoe looks horrible.

[@oneschance]

So did the original Hokas

[@davidrosenthal5795]

It doesn’t at all in person

[@jpfourie4342]

The aqua fresh cw

[@HaiLeQuang]

What? That's bold design and looks good to me

[@zionpixel]

Looks good to me. The women’s color is for sure nicer.

[@genelegend]

Colorway is hot garbage

[@h.ptenebre7739]

Trash shoe. Trash company.

[@MrVanre]

i agree, way overpriced

[@davidrosenthal5795]

Show me where Hoka hurt you?

[@h.ptenebre7739]

@@davidrosenthal5795 Without going on a rant - they destroyed everything that I loved about the original Clifton. Now it is a completely different shoe from what it originally was. Their toe boxes and uppers are too narrow. And then they made all their shoes look like clown/elf shoes with those goofy pull tabs on the back of the heal. They are catering to the masses these days, which is fine. I have just moved on from this company.

[@bananadude9642]

Hoka should have gone for 51mm stack 😂😂😂😂

[@rodela2213]

335 grams? Naaaah, no thanks . Perhaps a yellow light for me

[@Bhosdiwaale-chacchha]

Awful shoe....why these guy promote these is a mystery 😂😂😂😂

[@davidrosenthal5795]

How many miles you have in your pair? Ohh that’s right …..zero. So shutty 😊