HOKA TECTON X REVIEW | The Ginger Runner

[@TheGingerRunner]

The new Hoka Tecton X is a surprisingly comfortable carbon plated trail shoe that has a lot going for it but a few quirks as well. What are your thoughts on Hoka's new (expensive) offering?

[@wk633]

Happy to say I just picked up a pair for $90 at Ross. Last year's model FTW!

[@neilalexander8644]

As more and more trail shoes are including plates, I am wondering if there needs to be more discussion as to how the shoe feels at different paces/speeds. If you look at Salomon, it seems that the geometry, camber and angles are different even among the plated shoes coming this year such that the super shoes are designed to force consistent forefoot strike, which may not be so great for those of us who cannot stay so far forward on steep ascents or descents. As a consumer I am particularly confused as to whether plated shoes are for the masses and if so, what if I am not running at 5k or 10k pace that day. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@Droubek]

Thanks for the honest review. Over the years I've gravitated more and more to Hokas, occasionally trying something else (Innovate, Brooks) but all of them last much longer in the rotation because I never run in them as frequently. I probably have my tenths Cliftons and fifth Speedgoats and many other Hokas. But man, it is getting expensive these days for us mid-of-the-pack runners doing the 200 - 250 miles months and having to buy a new pair every other month or so. It used to be the case that running was a really cheap sport. You just grab a pair of shoes and shorts and run out of the door :).

[@caseylongruns6843]

It seems like an age old gripe- shoe company designs shoe that hit the nail on the head- discontinues shoe.... They really did it with the Evo-Speedgoat. I wish I had bought more pairs of it when I could but at the time I was still working through my original Evo Mofates. I think I have 600 miles on the EVOgoats they are busted and flat, and they still feel good to put on. They always had that first impression slip your foot in good feel.

[@naimharb5305]

Thanks for the review! Good to see the reviews back, love the new logo (: is that a SL:PDX on the lower shelf? That's interesting...

[@rrarogal7958]

Always come here when looking for running shoes! Look forward to the speed goat 5 review. Hoping to learn more about the Mids.

[@richardnottage4737]

Was looking forward to this review. Great point re price potentially preventing more feedback around the new plate. Helpful to hear comparison to Zinal which I own. Look forward to SG5 review... and finally, awesome Reno! Cheers Ethan

[@dazdarren9926]

I am thinking about getting this shoe although you’ve pointed out some things about this shoe that the other reviewers havent that is making me want to pause and reconsider before it comes out

[@chadtrone8497]

Very curious about this one but I'm waiting for the Speedgoat 5...looking forward to your review on that one!

[@jtkilo5949]

I have had the same issue with the lacing. I run distance trails in a 1/2 size larger for the toe protection. But in the tectonX (about 70m on mine), especially with the wider toe box, my foot sloshes around. Tightening up the laces creates bunching on the top of foot, leaving sore/numb pressure spots. Loved the carbon plate- agree it’s fun rather than a ‘stride-changer’. No view on the heel but here is the issue: the SG5 heel is a disaster for the debris it lets in (only have 50m on mine). Sadly, the EVO speedgoat was better than both. Great review, thank you.

[@justinroloson7413]

The plant made it!!!! Congrats on the new set, and all of the well earned success.

[@TheGingerRunner]

It’s dusty, but it survived to live on another set!

[@runswithdogs3069]

Love the new set! a long way from the garage in the early years keep up the awesome work!

[@gregprevite8548]

Love the new studio set up!! Looking forward to that speed goat review

[@kaicollingwood4582]

I’ve been anticipating this review for months! Really interested to see how this compares to other similar shoes out there like the Flight VECTIV. Also super curious to see how the Tecton X compares against other similar shoes coming down the pipeline from other brands that incorporate carbon plates into trail shoes. Saucony Endorphin Edge, maybe something from Nike and/or New Balance. It could be a landmark year for performance trail shoes!

[@clayleitch2639]

Love the new set!!! And so happy to see you back with the reviews. I'm excited to get my feet into these. The wallet is gonna take a hit though. I'm also looking forward to the SG 5 and the later release of the Mafate Speed 4 :-)

[@O1sson]

Really excited about that heel counter, as I'm a victim of pump bumps.

[@raulengle9833]

First, great set! I love the subtle lamp on the shoe and accent lights, in the background. A great mix of history of your self as well. 2nd, I appreciate the new review. I've been curious about these Tecton X's. I imagine the price has the potential to match it's value if it's durability lasts. I am excited about the new Speedgoats, but I think they will be as much as the Tecton X's, if not more. Last, cheers to more years of success Ethan! "Keep it pumping!"

[@adamtyson1257]

Probably the best review I have seen about the Tecton X, price tag scares me a bit but am leaning towards the SG5.. The reviews on the NorthFace Enduris are encouraging. Looking forward to your review on the Speedland. Love the new set.

[@CodyHatch24]

Came for the shoe review, leaving wondering where to get that shirt. 😆

[@tedrcollins]

What hoodie are you wearing? Looks comfortable and stylish.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Lululemon At Ease hoodie :)

[@gabrielarce6337]

Can you review Scott shoes? Maybe the SuperTrac RC?

[@AstrumG2V]

The lacing thing you see more often in approach shoes, they're used by climbers when they have to hike and scramble to where they plan to climb. It makes for a more precise fit; you're able to lace it exactly to the shape of your foot!

[@TheGingerRunner]

Sure, but I don’t think it does that here. Unlike approach shoes, the upper materials are way lighter/malleable and the tighter the laces, the more fold-over/issues arise.

[@aaronandlexitravels]

So happy to see the Ginger Runner Live podcast back. I’ve missed the motivation greatly. 👏🏻

[@enkidu2562]

I see the Speedgoat 5 back there!!

[@roustabout4fun]

I don't want to be surfing with that open area....with slippery roots. Stoked about the coming shoes That 0range will get golden by end of Oct......looking for the altra~nates.

[@meredithjones8593]

New set is lookin’ good!

[@bobmetcalfe9640]

I've had three pairs of Hokas. The first pair had a fault that gave me blisters after 45 minutes. The second pair - well let's just say that the uppers developed holes after a couple of months. The third - the pair I'm using at present -suffers from the sole separating from the vamp - if that's the right word. And the soles do tend to wear out pretty fast. They do however help me to run a bit faster downhill, and I find them very comfortable and reasonably grippy except in deepish mud. But I never ever buy them nowadays unless they're at a very steep discount.

[@jansmith8909]

Just grabbed a pair, not knowing a great deal before purchase. I agree that it’s a pricey shoe and the heel counter could certainly do with a bit more structure. It works for me as an ideal cross-over option in my rotation, rather than having an additional pair of shoes (ie: I can get what I need from the Tecton X for trails and road training). Great overall review, I feel with some minor adjustments, the next iteration would suit a broader range of runner

[@ChaseTheSummit]

New set looking 🔥🔥🔥

[@mikeandkimberlybarella7240]

Awesome set GingerRunner!!! Best one yet!

[@MichaelHilliard]

New set! Who dis? Another great review! Very interesting. 🤔 Going to have to see how that toe box feels.

[@1519Spring]

JFK 50 2022 winner wore this shoe.

[@madmjolnir4811]

Recently had to stop running in the Zinal’s as I was moving up from 50 to 100k’s and the comfort just wasn’t there after 4 or more hours (which is kinda what was predicted in the Zinal review), would be interested to know your thoughts on whether this shoe is comfortable for longer than the Zinal.

[@TheGingerRunner]

It is. Definitely.

[@slapfan1]

Looking forward to more reviews, thank you for making this videos.

[@ohaiitsarielle]

Thanks for the review and I LOVE the new set! I heard about the Tecton months ago in a random video that was recommended to me and it intrigued me, but that price tag isn’t worth it for me. I’ll be waiting patiently for the Speedgoat 5 review 😂

[@drewdamron1163]

I see a Speedland shoe on that shelf, curious to hear your thoughts on it!

[@theformerbuttler]

I think I see an out of focus SL:PDX on the shelf. Excited to see that review

[@renefeindt1174]

The new set is beautiful! Love it!

[@morganflockhart5825]

Paying for the carbon Enduris is not carbon flight vectiv is and similarly priced as well as the Saucony Endorphin Edge & Speedland shoe $$$ PS in Australia the Broncos play in Maroon 😁

[@davebul38]

Another great review thank you.

[@V.Foolish]

Love that set!

[@marthawright4727]

This looks like it could be my shoe for JFK50 (mixed terrain/roads). Thanks for the review!

[@danieldelosneuge6780]

I am running a SG4 and I love this shoe. My girlfriend also, but she bought a SG5 and she told me it’s not a couch anymore like the SG4. Can someone explain the feeling of the new Tectron X in comparison with the SG4? I love the softness and the good responsiveness and it is like running on rails with slight incline roads (i dont want miss this).

[@lh3540]

I'm desperate for any bunion shoe. I want to try this ASAP.

[@antidepressants9232]

Thank you!

[@srenehan80]

Super review 👏 given the initial price I think I'll hold off until late 2022 to see what else Hoka brings to market.

[@SeeChadRun]

Your watch band matches the shoes so you have that going for you! Great review!

[@pblair12]

I was curious about the cushion and the distance u think this shoe is appropriate for. Is it a 50k, 50mile, 100mile race shoe?

[@TheGingerRunner]

It can go 50k for sure. I did an 18 miler in it and it felt good - I just know there are other shoes that might work better (still feeling the Enduris for example).

[@rantingrunner9752]

I just relaced them and skipped the bottom holes to fix that fabric issue

[@58lp2002]

Great review and exciting! I use the EVO speedgoat a lot as it is my fav and waiting for the SG 5. This one was not on my radar until recently and seems great also. The Altra Mont Blanc I “tried” and returned due to a bad fit for me - too much play in the near the back of the shoe. That shoe had a great cushion, too bad. Materials for these shoes are simply more expensive right now bit $200 is a lot. I have the Bondi X and love them for the road.

[@oscarkallenbach9131]

What terrain would this be good for?

[@gianriconai7102]

What about the distance and the kind of race they are designed for?

[@578Ricky]

Quick note: HOKA is one of the few brands where their wide widths are actually true wides. Many brands wide options due in fact just purely add more material to the upper. HOKA on the other hand widens the the platform/base/foam as well.

[@sun-sea-solar]

I would be interested in your opinion or RBX shoes

[@davitjughashvili5969]

What about protection? How do they compare to the Evo Mafates (2) in terms of protecting feet during ultra runs?

[@pedalandypedal]

I’m more interested in trying the lone peak 6. I have no experience with Altra.

[@darlingrunnerpt3342]

Liking the new set. Nice!👍

[@arinkim708]

When do these go on sale?

[@div.1391]

How is the toe box on the Tecton X vs the Bondi 7?

[@alexsuchey9556]

Put about 100 miles in the past couple weeks on these and a 26 miler Sunday. I had to adjust laces CONSTANTLY on the run when sizing up. Sizing just barely 10.5 versus 11, it'll lock the upper in better, but...BUT...that heel is a negative. I get sore Achilles immediately on the road when I choose a road shoe that doesn't give proper heel support. I've never gotten this symptom from a trail shoe across all Hoka models and some others - until the Tekton. That heel is way too soft. I was really hoping the Swallow-tail was going to be on these, and actually, super surprised when they showed up that they didn't have this. I ran the 10.5 and felt my toes were just a little nervous...so I sized to the 11 and it just can't work. Very disappointing. Awesome shoe "otherwise". Yep - springy, soft, responsive - but confidence is lost on technical with the heel and upper looseness. I even KZbin'd more alternate lacings while in the middle of the 26 miler in desperation to make it work! (Loved the shoe's properties otherwise THAT much to try to make it work.). - Hoping the next offerings are closer to the Eco Mafate - maybe this form, with the Eco Mafate Upper with the Vibram and Carbon - and.... SWALLOW TAIL!

[@littlerunner4505]

Hmmm at $200, probably not. But I do like hearing that the forefoot is more roomy. The Speedgoats have been destroying my toenails any distance over like 30-40 miles. I am going to lose 5 after black canyon 100K. It's not a sizing issue, it's the shape. I need Hoka to make a Challenger with better grip/outsole. Challenger with Speedgoats outsole. At this point, I'm on the hunt for a Speedgoat replacement 😕

[@AstrumG2V]

If it's all toenails (not just your big and little toe), it's probably a size issue. Try half size up instead. Width issues often manifest themselves in blisters on either side of the foot.

[@littlerunner4505]

@@AstrumG2V ok also had a blister on the bottom of my foot, that crack/seam of skin between the big toe bed and the rest. So it is definitely not just a size issue. And my friends who wear Speedgoats have the same issue.

[@phillipoyer3407]

Take a look at the Topo Athletic MTN Racer 2 or Ultraventure 2. I find the mid foot and heel on my MTN Racer 2 to fit similarly to my Speedgoat 3, but they have a foot shaped toe box. They have vibram outsoles like the SG. You lose a few mm of stack height, but heel to toe drop is about the same.

[@littlerunner4505]

Yes, my plan was to check out the Mtn Racer 2 - unfortunately REI was out of my size (even in the terraventure). So I might have to buy online and see how it goes.

[@phillipoyer3407]

@@littlerunner4505 I got mine direct from Topo using Sandi Nypaver’s discount code. If you are GR Crew, you should be able to get them from Running Warehouse using his code.

[@keetoruns7506]

I think I'm just getting use to paying this kind of money for shoes these days. I am trying to steer away from carbon plated shoes as I'm sure the could not be good under foot. The light weight is definitely a big selling point for me going from road to trail a lot. Looking forward to the Speedgoat 5's!

[@jackboltax3199]

I can get this shoe from Nordstrom's Rack for 139. Is that a good price?

[@raymondchurgovich210]

I can't find them anywhere online to buy :( Can you point me to a place that is selling them?

[@cakej1]

Always rely on your opinion for trail shoes. Gonna be a heck of a 50k racer on light trails.

[@Toby1903]

thanks Ethan for your great reviews. I just bought the Tecton X and the first run was super. This weekend I have a 50 mile race and I think about running it in this show, but I did all my long runs in my old New Balance Fresh Foam Hierro. So the question is: take the risk and try the new super shoe or stick to the old slow but good New Balance? 🙂

[@zeloradbispal5372]

How didi you decide?

[@Toby1903]

@@zeloradbispal5372 took the tecton x as it was a Race on gravel roads and easy trails. On technical trails i would prefer a shoe that has more stability around the ankle

[@willmapus-smith906]

Which shoes would be best alternative to this performance wise?

[@PatrickFungsca]

I know this is a Hoka review...but if you're to recommend a carbon fiber, stiff in the forefoot, shoe, what would you recommend now for trail running/hiking? A friend of mine is recovering from an injury that needed a stiff forefoot shoe so that her metatarsal and toes won't "bend". Thanks!

[@AstrumG2V]

If she has a narrow forefoot, get her a pair of Hanwag Ferrata Lows, extremely stiff! Otherwise look up Approach Shoes, they're lowcut shoes that are far stiffer than normal shoes

[@caioaco1493]

Thanks

[@ant2464]

Anyone know how drainage is?

[@GordonA-Jr]

How similar or dissimilar from the Torrent?

[@TheGingerRunner]

This feels a bit cushier (surprisingly) and has more protection (the plates provide that).

[@runnerwatch2280]

Great review! New setup looks great 👍🏼. A comment: if you think there are more economic based options, give us a list!

[@TheGingerRunner]

Enduris or SG4 (as mentioned) would be the easy choices.

[@seanmac80]

This is due for release here in New Zealand in a couple of days. So… is it better / worse / equal-but-different to the Speedgoat 5? They’re about the same price here, around the $300 mark.

[@surunner455]

I was really looking forward to this shoe until I saw the price. Ouch. That's going to be a no from me, unless I can find it on clearance next year or lightly used second hand.

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

AFAIK It has a forked plate, not 2 separate parallel plates

[@TheGingerRunner]

The plates (or pieces of split plate) parallel each other from what I was told.

[@RowOfMushyTiT]

Heard this too, but then I saw the exploded diagram for the shoe on 'trail running spain'.

[@davidcallan7844]

Lacing looks like an approach shoe.🧐

[@mikehall6433]

100 miler ???

[@ianfraser747]

Not for me at that price, waiting for the SG5.

[@glasgood9907]

I'm done with Hoka! absolutely loath the drastic revisions ( Carbon x .... Carbon 3 ) made and soles seem to wear out very fast. I've owned Carbon X, Texton X, Maffate, Challenger, Clifton, Bondi.

[@pierrevenobre3584]

J’ai des Hokka : c.est de très mauvaises chaussures, elles se sont décollées quelques après les avoir gardé aux pieds pour traverser un torrent, les semelles sont très amortissantes c’est leur seul point fort par contre elles sont très fragiles et le piquants se plantent dans la semelle, le tissu est extrêmement fragile…

[@fitterfasterfifty]

Exciting shoe but probably a pass for me…

[@juanantoniomoreno9826]

It would be highly appreciated to give as much time to comment stability as the color of the shoe… Thanks.

[@hordboy]

$150 maybe, $200 nope.

[@jeffm234]

$200? Nope