HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X Review
Affordable Speed for Race Day and More
Likes
- Efficient and snappy ride
- Excellent value for a high-performance shoe
- Surprisingly versatile
- Stylish and streamlined look
Dislikes
- Cushioning could use more bounce
- Energy return isn't quite as impressive as other super shoes
What's New
The new HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X overtakes the HOKA Carbon Rocket but features a brand new CMEVA (compression-molded EVA) foam midsole that provides a soft yet responsive ride to this speedy, carbon fiber-plated shoe. HOKA has also increased the Rocket X's heel-toe drop and stack height to offer an improved ride and better protection for longer runs. A zonal rubber design on the outsole adds durability in high-wear areas, making the Rocket X a versatile racing shoe that is not limited to race day. Finally, the updated honeycomb-like upper mesh is not only lightweight and breathable but offers a sleek aesthetic that will keep runners looking stylish whenever they lace up.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X is an excellent option for race day or race training. The upper provides lightweight breathability and a comfortably roomy feel while also sporting a snazzy streamlined look that's rare for HOKA shoes. The CMEVA midsole and carbon-plated design combine to deliver a pleasantly snappy ride that makes running at faster paces feel like a breeze. HOKA skillfully combines performance and comfort features in the Rocket X, making it notably versatile compared to other racing shoes. To put the icing on the cake, the Rocket X is set at a price point that makes this shoe almost impossible not to want to try.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Toe Box Width: Medium | Toe Box Height: Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium to narrow |
| Arch Height | Medium to High |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Unisex: 7.5 oz (size 9) |
| Stack Height | 35 mm (Heel), 30 mm (Forefoot) - includes removable sock-liner |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Our testers felt that the Rocket X delivered just the right amount of softness. Although it does not quite provide the same level of plush cushioning found in other carbon fiber-plated super shoes, the Rocket X has a nice balance of shock absorption and responsiveness when working through your stride. The Rocket X will undoubtedly keep runners comfortable while training for or competing on race day.
Connor: "The midsole of the Rocket X does have a slightly soft feel, but it's definitely not super squishy. Comparing it to some of the other plated racers, it doesn't have quite the soft, ultra-low durometer feel. I do enjoy it more than the feel of the old Carbon Rocket, which I found too firm for the marathon distance."
Justin: "The Rocket X isn't the softest shoe; however, it does offer a little softness through your stride. I found myself enjoying the balance, but I did wish there was a bit more give under my foot at times."
Ride/Energy Returni
The Rocket X provides an undeniably speedy and responsive ride. Our testers noted that the new CMEVA foam was a nice update from previous HOKA options, and it helped the Rocket X perform at faster paces. This shoe does leave some room for improvement compared to other super shoe foams on offer, but runners can still rely on the Rocket X when pushing for a race-day PB.
Connor: "This shoe's foam is a nice upgrade over some of the cushioning HOKA has used in past racing options. It feels responsive and springy, and it makes it easy to pick up the pace. While the foam is lively, it's not quite as springy or fun as some of the other super foams on the market."
Justin: "The Rocket X keeps a pretty responsive ride (I attribute that to the carbon plate), but it doesn't have a lot of bounce to it. Instead, it feels like more of a firm responsiveness, but the ride is forgiving enough that I could use this shoe for easier miles too."
Underfoot Protectioni
Our testers were more than satisfied with the amount of protection provided by the Rocket X. Although designed with speed at the forefront, the Rocket X has more than enough cushioning to keep runners comfortable at a variety of distances and paces. Maximalist fans may desire a shoe with a little more underfoot protection, but the Rocket X exceeds the expectations of a racing shoe.
Connor: "The Rocket X offered plenty of protection for long-distance racing, and many people will find it to be a great option for the marathon. It isn't as maximally cushioned as some of the other plated racers, but the lower stack (comparatively) does feel fast enough to perform at a range of distances. While the shoe feels protective, I'd personally prefer a few extra millimeters when competing in the marathon."
Justin: "I feel confident in the Rocket X for all runs up to the marathon distance. It has plenty of underfoot protection and a good balance of comfort and responsiveness."
Flexibilityi
It comes with no surprise that the Rocket X's carbon-fibre plate makes it a pretty rigid shoe. This is by no means a criticism, as the rigidity helps deliver a very responsive ride that is highly efficient when pushing the pace. The Rocket X delivers a smooth and springy feel that runners will enjoy over the entirety of their runs.
Connor: "The carbon plate gives this shoe a rigid feel. There's not much flexibility, and the plate helps create a more efficient ride, especially at faster paces."
Justin: "There isn't much flex in this shoe, but that isn't surprising, as it is designed with a carbon plate. Overall, it still feels smooth through my stride."
Upper Supporti
HOKA did not revolutionise the Rocket X upper with new technologies, instead keeping things simple and very effective. Our testers thought the upper delivered an adaptable, locked-down feel that was comfortable, lightweight, and breathable. Additionally, the Rocket X is being praised for its sleek and stylish design, which has been a criticism of HOKA shoes in the past. Runners will certainly look good and feel good when stepping to the line on race day in these speedsters.
Connor: "The upper on this shoe is fairly simple and offered all the lockdown I needed without being overly restrictive. Tight turns were not an issue, and there was plenty of support to race up to the marathon distance. The added heel counter also creates a more stable heel fit, but it does come at the cost of a little extra weight."
Justin: "The Rocket X has my favourite upper of any carbon-plated racer I've tried recently. It is adaptable but still provides a pretty solid lockdown in the midfoot and heel. Overall, it is a relatively simple upper with plenty of breathability."
Men's HOKA Rocket X Running Shoes
Individual Thoughts
The Rocket X is HOKA's latest carbon-plated racer, and in my opinion, it's their best racing shoe to date. It's light, cushioned, smooth, and responsive. Could the foam compound be a little lighter and more responsive? Yes, but this shoe's performance is still very impressive, and for the price point ($245), it may be best in class. I found myself using this shoe mostly for my speed workout days. Anything from tempo runs to fartleks, I found that it ran phenomenally and really came alive as I started picking up the pace. I've enjoyed running in this shoe and will continue to use it for a variety of workout and racing needs.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The Rocket X is an excellent addition to the carbon fibre-plated racer market. Personally, I found the most enjoyment from the overall versatility of this shoe, which came from the forgiving ride and adaptable upper. In my opinion, the price tag takes this shoe from a consideration to a must-have for runners looking into getting their first carbon racer. I'd like to see a new "super foam" in the next iteration; however, there is still a great underfoot experience that warrants giving the Rocket X a try.