HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X 2
Speed That Goes the Distance
Likes
- Smooth, responsive ride
- Protective, cushioned midsole
- Comfortable, supportive, and secure feel
Dislikes
- Not very adaptable to different terrains
- Could have bouncier energy return
What's New
The Carbon X 2 features impressive updates that certainly do not disappoint. A softer, lighter ProFly X midsole helps create a more plush running experience while a redesigned carbon plate is combined with HOKA's signature Meta-Rocker technology to deliver a smooth yet responsive ride. A refined heel collar, gusseted tongue, and an anatomical Achilles construction all work together to deliver an excellent locked-down feel that will keep runners comfortable throughout their runs.
The Bottom Line
HOKA ONE ONE has produced yet another excellent shoe with the newly updated Carbon X 2. The shoe is a true workhorse with a speed that is capable of tackling anything from a leisurely jog to a marathon race. This high-performance training or race day shoe offers comfortable protection that will help runners thrive during steady longer runs without slowing them down. Our testers found that the carbon fiber plate and ProFly midsole really shined during more uptempo paces. All in all, the HOKA Carbon X 2 promises to elevate any running experience and is undoubtedly worth a try, especially if there is a half or full marathon on your calendar.
Shoe Performance
Softness i
Ride/Energy Return i
Underfoot Protection i
Flexibility i
Upper Support i
Specifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Toe Box Width: Medium to wide | Toe Box Height: Medium | |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium | |
| Heel Width | Medium | |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 8.5 oz (size 9) | Women's: 7.2 oz (size 8) | |
| Stack Height | 39 mm (Heel), 34 mm (Forefoot) - removable sock-liner | |
| Terrain | Road | |
| Stability | Neutral | |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softness i
Our testers found the HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X 2 to be on the softer side, especially compared to the original Carbon X. The ProFly X midsole does well to soften the shoe and gives it a very comfortable step-in feel, but the firmness added by the carbon plate enables the Carbon X 2 to deliver the responsive running experience runners expect from this performance trainer. The Carbon X 2 is inherently more firm as a carbon plated shoe, so maximalist lovers may desire a different option.
C四ia: "The step-in feel was rather firm, but it softened up during the run, especially under the heel. I found this shoe ideal for longer runs."
Connor: "The Carbon X does have a hint of softness but a simple touch test shows it's not an extremely soft/low durometer foam. At initial step in, you feel a little bit of soft sink in that firms up slightly as you go through your stride."
Justin: "The Carbon X 2 is comfortable. However, it isn’t “soft” in the traditional sense. I enjoyed it during longer runs but definitely found myself wishing it was a bit softer."
Ride/Energy Return i
The Carbon X 2 has greatly improved the overall ride in its second version. The updated midsole design is now softer and more responsive, enabling the Carbon X 2 to excel when used on a variety of different runs. Although our testers did desire a little more spring from the shoes, the carbon plate and Meta-Rocker design deliver a delightfully smooth ride that comes alive during uptempo runs.
C四ia: "The shoe offers a great combo of a stiffer carbon plate and a softer midsole. I noticed a higher energy return at a greater speed. The propulsion always stays smooth and helps tired legs."
Nate: "The new ProFly midsole foam not only is lighter but feels more responsive, the rocker and carbon plate roll you through your stride with a nice pop off the toe at the end."
Connor: "The shoe offers a little bit of responsiveness that makes it suitable for some faster running but also being versatile enough for a variety of paces. I found myself using the shoe quite a bit for steady long runs. The material isn’t necessarily a magic foam like we've been seeing in other carbon plated shoes, so it's not going to be as light or responsive, but it performs well as more of a protective performance trainer."
Underfoot Protection i
All our testers unanimously agree that the Carbon X 2 was excellent in terms of underfoot protection. Updated with a higher stack, this shoe has an awesome balance of softness, stability, and responsiveness. Runners can be confident that the Carbon X 2 will keep them comfortable while they are speeding through their runs.
Nate: "The cushioning is great for a fast day/tempo day/race day option. It is softer without losing any of the responsiveness you want from a session day/race day shoe."
Connor: "The shoe is about 2 mm higher than the past version and it feels very protective underfoot. You can feel the added stack height and it has everything you need to handle pretty much any distance."
Justin: "The Carbon X 2 has become my workhorse shoe. It is my go-to for a variety of efforts, which includes long-distance runs (both slow and uptempo). I’ve felt plenty protected even for longer efforts."
Underfoot Flexibility i
The carbon-plated midsole makes the Carbon X 2 a more rigid shoe. The carbon plate and ProFly midsole are combined to create a highly efficient ride that our testers really enjoyed. The rocker design further contributes to the creation of an awesomely smooth heel-to-toe transition that all runners cannot help but enjoy.
C四ia: "The carbon plate is nice and stiff, and the design encourages a midfoot/forefoot strike."
Nate: "With the rocker and the carbon plate, this is not a flexible shoe, but it provides a very smooth transition underfoot."
Connor: "The carbon fiber plate is the same as seen in the last version, and that mixed with the midsole creates a pretty rigid platform. There’s not much flex in this shoe and it really helps with the efficient ride."
Upper Feel i
Our testers had nothing but positive reviews for the Carbon X 2's brand new upper design. The engineered mesh material and anatomical Achilles construction securely lock down your foot, while delivering a roomy lightweight feel that runners will love for any run. The Carbon X 2 also features a surprisingly spacious toe box and new flared heel that delivers comfort to runners mile after mile.
C四ia: "I loved the fit of the midfoot but found the upper slightly too loose at the forefoot. The upper looks sturdy while staying lightweight."
Connor: "Rounding this shoe out, we have a new upper and it's actually a little roomier than some of the other plated shoes on the market. The midfoot isn’t super narrow and I found the toe box has a pretty good amount of room for toe splay. The new flared heel offers a really comfortable Achilles hug but I did have to adjust the laces a little to get a better heel lock."
Justin: "The Carbon X 2 delivers more space in the forefoot than I thought it would. Historically, carbon plated shoes (especially racers or racer/trainers) have been a bit too snug for me. The Carbon X 2 didn’t give me that issue. If anything, it may have had a bit too much space. I didn’t notice anything that negatively impacted performance, however, I saw some bunching in the upper in different areas."
Individual Thoughts
Overall, I really enjoyed running in this shoe. It felt light, well-cushioned, and propulsive, making the Carbon X 2 a solid speed-oriented shoe. I especially liked its energy return, which was even more noticeable at a faster pace. The carbon plate and rocker design make the propulsion smooth and enjoyable. Although this shoe isn’t great offroad, its stability and forgiveness surprised me. The wide base and ample cushioning allow a stable feeling and great protection underfoot. The lockdown of the upper felt great and I also appreciated the snug fit at the midfoot but found the forefoot a bit too wide. Thin mesh on the upper guarantees good ventilation, while still being sturdy. To top it all off, I find the design of this 2nd version visually more appealing than the previous Carbon X.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
I enjoyed the Original Carbon X, so getting to test out the Carbon X2 and seeing the updates really added to the feel and ride of the shoe. While, for me, it is a little heavy as a race day shoe, it is a very protective session or tempo day option. I think it can be a versatile option for a number of people. Some can use it as a race day option, while others will find it works better as a fast training option, and some will also be able to use it as a daily training option.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
Overall, Carbon X 2 has been fun to test and offers some nice upgrades over the last version. It’s highly cushioned, fairly lightweight, and has a smooth ride. I’ve found myself pulling this shoe out more than v1 and felt it was great for workouts when I was feeling a little beat up and during steady long runs. It’s by no means the fastest plated shoe but is a great training companion that can go any distance while still have the capability to pick up the pace.
Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptable
The Carbon X 2 was a pleasant surprise for me. I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did. I tried the Carbon X v1 and didn’t dislike it, but it wasn’t exactly a top pick for me. I’m honestly concerned the Carbon X 2 won’t get the attention it deserves. As a daily training shoe, it is one of my favorites and has taken up primary position in my rotation. The odd thing about the CX2 for me is that it doesn’t do any one thing exceptionally well. It just provides an excellent experience overall (smooth, propulsive, comfortable, with a solid fit). My only real complaint is that I wish the foam compound had a bit more softness and bounce to it. I may be a little spoiled with all the “super foams" available on the market now, but I would say that if the CX2 got a “super foam" in the future, it would easily be my favorite shoe of the year.