HOKA Rocket X 3 Review
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Unisex: 7.4 oz (Men's size 9) |
| Stack Height | 40 mm (Heel), 33 mm (Forefoot) | 7 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | Runs half a size small |
Our In-Depth Look
The HOKA Rocket X 3 is for you if...
You want a racing shoe that feels fast but still stable and supportive
You’re looking for a carbon-plated option that works across a variety of distances
You’re newer to plated shoes and want something more approachable than aggressive
What is the HOKA Rocket X 3 made for?
The HOKA Rocket X 3 is designed as a carbon-plated road racing shoe built for runners who want speed, without sacrificing stability or control. Where HOKA’s Cielo X1 goes all-in on peak performance and raw propulsion, the Rocket X3 takes a more balanced approach. It pairs a high-rebound PEBA midsole with a newly redesigned carbon plate that aims to offer energy return and smooth, supported transitions. The winged plate geometry provides added stability during toe-off, helping runners stay centered and confident through each stride.
This update brings meaningful improvements over the Rocket X 2, especially in terms of comfort and fit. The upper now features a thinner, single-layer mesh for improved breathability and a lighter, more comfortable feel. A revised collar design and non-gusseted tongue make the shoe easier to slip on and off, while still delivering a secure lockdown through the midfoot.
The Rocket X 3 is meant for race day and high-effort workouts, but with a more approachable ride that makes it just as suitable for runners new to super shoes as it is for seasoned competitors chasing a new PR. From 5Ks to the marathon, it’s a smooth, quick, and stable option that feels fast, without being punishing.
Comfort
We were pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the Rocket X 3 felt for a carbon-plated racer. Right away, we noticed how light and breathable the upper was. The single-layer mesh allowed air to move freely, which made a big difference on hotter test days. Even though the tongue isn’t gusseted, it stayed in place without bunching, and the updated collar felt soft and secure around the ankle. Slipping the shoe on and off was noticeably easier than in past Rocket models, which made pre-run prep a bit more seamless.
Underfoot, the PEBA foam delivered the right balance of bounce and cushion. It felt forgiving enough to carry us through longer runs, but never mushy or slow. One standout update for us was the winged carbon plate—an addition that gave the shoe a more grounded, stable feel than many other racers we’ve tested. That stability allowed us to stay focused on our effort, not on controlling the shoe.
Overall, while it’s still very much a performance shoe, the Rocket X 3 offers a level of comfort that made us want to reach for it more often than just race day.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Rocket X 3 hits its mark: it’s built for speed, but it doesn’t force it. Across the board, the shoe felt fast. The PEBA foam provided an energetic, snappy ride, and the updated carbon plate gave us a sense of propulsion without feeling overly rigid. The winged design of the plate added noticeable stability at push-off, especially when we picked up the pace. Whether we were running intervals, tackling a tempo, or dialling into a race-day effort, the Rocket X 3 felt smooth, fluid, and responsive.
One thing we appreciated was how well the shoe handled changes in pace. Unlike some other plated racers that feel great at high speed but awkward when slowing down, the Rocket X 3 transitioned well across different gears. On uphills, we felt supported; on flats, we felt propelled. Even when our legs were tired, the shoe gave us just enough bounce to keep things moving forward.
That said, it’s worth noting that this isn’t the most aggressive super shoe on the market. Runners looking for pure explosiveness might still lean toward more extreme options like the HOKA Cielo X1. But for us, the Rocket X 3’s more approachable feel made it easy to trust, especially on longer efforts where control matters just as much as speed.
Fit
Fit was one of the more consistent positives we experienced during testing. For most of us, the Rocket X 3 fit true to size with a snug fit. If you prefer a dialled-in race fit, we suggest going with your typical size. However, if you're in between sizes or prefer a little extra room, we recommend going up half a size.
The lockdown through the midfoot felt dialled in. Even with the non-gusseted tongue, the shoe wrapped securely around our feet and stayed in place throughout every run. We didn’t have to stop and readjust the laces mid-run, which is always a win, and the overall shape of the upper provided a snug but not restrictive fit.
In the end, the Rocket X 3 offered a race-day fit that felt minimal, locked-in, and almost invisible once we got moving, exactly what we hope for in a plated shoe.
Individual Thoughts
The Rocket X 3 from HOKA is everything a racing shoe should be and more! I truly appreciated the stability and control this shoe provides. The PEBA foam midsole is comfortable underfoot yet still remains supportive mile after mile. This, with the combination of the winged carbon plate, makes the Rocket X 3 a beginner-friendly choice for the runner who wants to get into super shoes, but may find them intimidating. The single-layer mesh upper with non-gusseted tongue provided a secure fit so you can pick up the pace without your foot sliding around. I did find the Rocket X 3 runs a little small on the overall length, potentially due to the fact that is has unisex sizing. For comfort, I would suggest ordering up half a size to avoid any blistering or bruising. My only grievance with this shoe is the colour combination, which feels very geared to a man’s closet. I would love to see HOKA come out with some fun colours that girls could work into their race attire!
I was really pleased with the HOKA Rocket X 3. I preferred them over other plated shoes I’ve run in for multiple reasons. They were comfortable to run in and made me excited to move. As a hobby runner, I appreciate a shoe that makes me want to work hard but also supports me when I’m in a more mellow frame of mind. Sometimes these two feelings are separate runs, and sometimes in the same run. These shoes were ready for whatever I was feeling and I will definitely be reaching for them for my future runs! I was especially pleased on hot days since they are incredibly lightweight and have a thin upper. My foot was nowhere near getting too hot and I didn’t feel any hint of blisters or hotspots. Overall great shoe that makes running fast fun.
