HOKA Skyward X 2 Review
By Andrea Myers and Matt Klein
Hoka Skyward X 2Price: $224.95 at Running Warehouse
Weight: 10 oz, 283g (men's size 9), 8.6 oz, 244g (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 49 mm heel / 44 mm forefoot
Drop: 5 mm
Shoe Purpose: Maximum stack super trainer
Pros: Relatively light weight for a super trainer, responsive dual density midsole
Cons: Narrow, low volume toe box
RUNNING SHOE SUMMARY
The Skyward X 2 is Hoka's answer to the super trainer. It features a combination of PEBA and supercritical EVA to provide both cushion and a stable base. There is a SCF EVA frame helps create a very stable base to help balance the 49mm stack height along with carbon plate to help stabilize the midsole. The volume is on the lower side, especially in the toebox. The latest version drops a full ounce, amping up the usability of the shoe, especially for long distance runs.
SIMILAR SHOES: SC Trainer v3
PAST MODEL: Hoka Skyward X
FIT
(To learn how a shoe should fit, check out our full podcast on fit by Matt Klein.)
Matt: The Hoka Skyward X 2 fits me mostly true to size in my normal men's US size 10. The toe box is quite tapered and low, so this shoe feels slightly short at least initially. This does open up with time and making sure my heel is locked in. This opens slightly into a more normal width forefoot but the volume remains low. There is some stretch to the upper, although this takes time to break in. The midfoot fits normal in width with a strategically padded but unsecured tongue. The tongue's section of padding do a great job protecting the top of the foot as I had to really tie down the laces to lock my foot in to stop it from sliding into the narrow toe box. The tongue also did not slide and once I locked the laces down it the security was great. The heel fits slightly snug due to the large amount of heel collar padding. Despite the massive heel counter, there is plenty of padding and I did not get any irritations. The elf heel sits nicely around my Achilles tendon and I did not have excessive pressure into my Achilles. Once I locked down the laces the security was fine, but many may want to heel lock this shoe to keep your foot back from the narrowed toe box. Thanks to the large sidewalls combined with locked-down laces, the security was great but only with the prior adjustments. This makes for an overall snug/slightly narrow fit that will work best for those with normal-to-narrow width feet.
Typical Size: Men's US Size 10
Shoes that have fit Matt well: On Cloudboom Strike, Hoka Gaviota 6, Xero HFS, Topo Cyclone 3, Saucony Azura, Salomon Aero Glide 3
Shoes that have fit snug: Hoka Arahi 7, Brooks Launch 11, Diadora Mythos Vigore 3
Shoes that have fit large: Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2, Adidas Agravic Speed Ultra
Andrea: The Hoka Skyward X 2 fits true to length in my usual women's 9.5. Unfortunately for me, the low volume and narrow toe box limited my runs in the shoe to four miles max due to pressure at my 1st and 5th MTPs and on the dorsum of my big toe. This is a fit issue I have in many Hoka shoes (with the exception of the Cielo X1 and X1 2.0). The midfoot and rearfoot are also on the narrow and snug side. There is a large Hoka overlay on the lateral aspect of the midfoot and forefoot that prevents the upper from stretching and causing pressure on the lateral aspect of my feet. This shoe will not work for those with bunions or a wide forefoot. The rearfoot features a rigid heel counter with moderate internal padding. The heel fit snug and comfortably, without any skin irritation. The tongue is thin and has strategically placed padding to protect the dorsum of the foot from the laces. If the toe box was wider and higher volume, I would have had no fit issues with the shoe.
Andrea's Typical Size: Women's US Size 9.5
Shoes that have fit Andrea well: Brooks Hyperion Max 1 and 2, Topo Cyclone 2, Nike Vaporfly 3, ASICS Novablast 4 and 5, PUMA MagMax Nitro
Shoes that have fit snug: Altra Escalante 4 (toe box width and volume), Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 and 3 (length), Saucony Endorphin Speed and Pro 1-4 (length)
Shoes that have fit large: Adidas Boston 12 (length), Adidas Adios 8 (length)
Doctors of Running Checklist
Is This a Good Shoe for Walking: Yes
Is This a Good Shoe for Standing: Yes
Is the Forefoot Flexible: No
How Flexible is the Shoe: Not Flexible
Is This a Good Heel Bevel: Yes
Recommended for Haglunds: Somewhat
Is This Shoe Orthotic Friendly: Yes
Recommended for Sockless: Yes
Durability Expectation: Average
PERFORMANCE
Matt: The Hoka Skyward X 2 is a super maximal stack height super trainer. Unlike the prior version, this one feels lighter on foot but still feels like a training shoe. The PEBA topsole provides a nice controlled bounce underfoot while the EVA frame bottom layer balances this out and creates a surprisingly stable ride. The ride is not mushy like the prior version, but is obviously not firm. It sits in the "just ride" sense while still providing a ton of protection underfoot This is one of the taller shoes (not the tallest) at 49mm / 44 mm and the 5mm drop was initially noticeable. The large rocker in the shoe makes the drop not feel as low once the shoe breaks in. The large centered heel bevel does provide a smooth transition once the EVA foam begins to break in. This continues to a smooth forefoot that rolls easily thanks to an early apex and longer rocker. With the carbon plate and thick sole, there is obviously no flexibility but the ride is still smooth. The transitions favor easy and uptempo running. but the ride is not snappy or light enough for me to want to use for faster workouts. Long steady paces at easy and uptempo efforts are where this shoe shine. I have done an uptempo long run in this shoe and while it felt great, it also felt like I didn't have any more gears to push. The Skyward X 2 likes to find a pace and stick with it. Fortunately, the bouncy underfoot PEBA and rocker help you roll along, making this a fantastic long run and ultramarathon road shoe.
Traction-wise, this shoe is decent on a variety of road surfaces. I did not slip on wet pavement but found that rocky trails were difficult with rocks getting stuck in the center groove. The durability has been great with only minimal abrasion on the outsole rubber at 80 miles. The midsole has retained its feel over these miles and has not broken down. My only concern is the placement of outsole rubber is usually in a spot I tear off, so I will get to 100 miles and see what happens. So far, this has been an incredibly durable long run and super stack height daily training shoe.
Andrea: The Hoka Skyward X 2 is a maximal stack super trainer that feels lighter on foot than many other shoes in the category. The shoe features a dual density midsole, with a PEBA top layer and a EVA frame bottom layer. The full-length carbon plate adds additional stiffness to the 49m/44mm midsole. I like the feel of the dual density midsole, which provides mild compliance and moderate resilience. At 8.6oz stated weight for a women's 8 (my women's 9.5 weight 9.4oz), the Skyward X 2 is significantly lighter than other shoes with a comparable stack height. The lighter weight and more responsive midsole makes the Skyward X 2 work well for not just recovery paces, but a range of easy to moderate paces. I have tested the shoe for many easy runs and some pickups down to marathon pace. I would not choose Skyward X 2 for a full workout due to the tight toe box and the fact it is heavier than the performance trainers that I prefer for faster runs.
The shoe feels like its stated 5mm drop and midfoot landings feel comfortable. The early forefoot rocker and stiff platform contribute to a snappy turnover, even when running easy. I was limited to 5 miles in the shoe because of the tight fitting toe box, but if the shoe fit better I would have no issue using it for longer easy runs due to its energetic and protective ride. Runners who have a narrower forefoot may find this shoe ideal for easy or uptempo long runs.
Traction has been very good in the shoe thanks to the high amount of rubber outsole coverage. I had no issues running on wet and sand covered roads. I have 25 miles on my pair and there is minimal wear on the rubber outsole. The large midsole cutout does pick up rocks easily, so I would not recommend the shoe for gravel roads.
STABILITY
(Learn more about stability in our full guide)
Matt: The Hoka Skyward X 2 is a stable neutral shoe. While not a traditional stability shoe, there are massive sidewalls, a wide base, internal geometry (PEBA foam sits in the EVA frame), a central groove and a plate that all provide a highly stable wide. Classic to Hoka, the large sidewalls allow the foot to sit into the shoe and provide to medial or lateral movement. These sit in the heel and midfoot but taper in the forefoot. The wide base has extensive sole flare, slightly more medial than lateral. The internal geometry emphasizes the sidewalls, with the EVA frame coming up around the PEBA foam in the heel/midfoot, providing extra resistance to lateral motions. Finally, the wide plate and central groove provide a centered ride that adds stiffness to help the foot stick to sagittal plane motion. This creates a highly stable ride that has worked extremely well for me, regardless of where I land. It keeps me moving forward without much room for deviation, particularly in the heel and midfoot. Those with mild to moderate guidance needs will do extremely well here.
Andrea: The Hoka Skyward X 2 is a stable neutral shoe, thanks to its wide base, significant heel and forefoot sole flaring, stiff platform, and rocker geometry. The base of the Skyward X 2 is extremely wide from heel to forefoot, with the midfoot being the narrowest portion of the shoe, but still significantly wider than normal. The sole flaring is laterally biased in the rearfoot but transitions to a more balanced forefoot sole flaring. The large central cutout runs from the rearfoot to the forefoot and also provides a centering effect on the foot. Stiffening elements are essential for a shoe with such a tall midsole. The full length carbon plate and high coverage rubber outsole make for a very stiff platform, with high longitudinal and torsional stiffness. The early forefoot rocker provides noticeable guidance into push off without being aggressive. The end result of these features is a shoe that centers the foot regardless of initial contact location and provides forward guidance into push off.
Thoughts as a DPT: Hoka Skyward X 1 vs 2
By Andrea Myers
The original Skyward X was Hoka's first super trainer. Like the Skyward X 2, it had a 49mm/44mm stack height and a dual density midsole with a PEBA top layer and EVA frame. Version 1 was significantly heavier than v2, weighing 10.8oz/306g for a men's 10 and 9.6oz/272g for a women's 8 (according to Running Warehouse's measurements). Version 2 has lost 0.8oz in the men's and 1.0oz in the women's version. Hoka states that version 2 has a lower stack height, but Running Warehouse has measured both versions at 49mm/44mm. In comparing my pairs, it is clear that the upper of version 2 is thinner, the plastic heel counter of version 2 is smaller, and the rubber outsole of version 2 is thinner. It is possible the thinner rubber outsole may be what Hoka is referring to when it says stack height has been reduced, and reducing the amount of outsole rubber is a good way to save weight. The outsole of version 2 also has larger cutouts, further reducing the weight.
Interestingly, even though the upper of v1 is thicker, I found the fit of version 1 to be more accommodating in the forefoot than version 2. This appears to be due to the difference in placement of the Hoka overlay at the lateral aspect of the shoe, with the overlay in version 1 being position behind the 5th MTP and the overlay in v2 being positioned over the 5th MTP and extending into the forefoot. This prevents the upper from stretching in this area, making the shoe feel narrower.
The midsole of v1 feels more compliant than v2, despite both shoes having a PEBA top layer and EVA frame. This may be due to variations in the foam between the versions, or due to the redesign of the carbon plate, which Hoka says has been redesigned to "put runners in a more engaged stance." This probably refers to the specific convex shape of the plate.
The reduced weight and more responsive midsole of version 2 makes it a better shoe from a performance standpoint than version 1. The more restrictive forefoot design in version 2 is what limited its use for me. For runners who got a long with the original Skyward X, you will find a lighter, more responsive shoe in v2, but one with a narrower toe box.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Matt: The Skyward X 2 has been a great update. The weight is lower, the midsole feels more balanced and the resulting ride is far more stable. My major suggestion with this shoe is the upper. Over long distances, feet naturally swell and the toes are particularly at risk for developing friction injuries. I highly suggest widening the toe box, similar to the Gaviota (which has an excellent fit) to provide more room to accommodate the natural foot volume changes. Particularly if this shoe is designed to be an ultramarathon road racing shoe, allowing room for these changes is extremely important.
Andrea: I think the Hoka Skyward X 2 is a nice update on the original version. The midsole feels firmer than version 1, which I like, and version 2 has lost nearly 1 oz of weight. The lighter weight and more responsive midsole gives the shoe greater pace versatility, which is important for a super trainer. My one complaint about the shoe is the narrow and low volume toe box, which is the same complaint I have about nearly every Hoka trainer. I find it interesting that Hoka gives their racing shoes more width and volume than their trainers. From a personal standpoint, I would like to see Hoka open up the toe box of their trainers, including the Skyward X 2.
WHO IS THIS SHOE FOR?
Matt: The Hoka Skyward X2 is a super max stack height, super trainer meant for long runs, easy runs and long uptempo runs on the road. It is best for those with normal to narrow feet who want a tapered toe box, a lower volume fit and a plush heel. The ride is best for those who want tons of protection, a rockered and stiff ride with some bounce. Those wanting a shoe that can do easy and uptempo paces that can be held over long distances will do best in the Skyward X 2. The weight drop from the prior version is great and makes it more competitive with other models that sit in similar stack heights. This space has many options, including the Mizuno Neo Vista 2 which is a softer but less stable alternative to this shoe. The rolling ride that keeps you going is unique along with the stable and balanced PEBA/EA ride. Those wanting the most stable option in this stack height will want to consider this shoe, especially at its now lighter weight.
Andrea: The Hoka Skyward X 2 is a lighter weight, max stack super trainer with a stiff platform and snappy ride. For a shoe with a 49mm/44mm midsole, it is remarkably stable thanks to its wide base, significant sole flaring, and early forefoot rocker. Like many Hoka trainers, it has a narrow, low volume toe box that will limit its use for many runners, including myself. For those with narrower, lower volume forefeet, the Skyward X 2 could be a versatile super trainer that can handle a variety of paces. At $225, I think it is a little overpriced compared to the ASICS Superblast 3, New Balance SC Trainer 3, or Mizuno Neo Vista 2. However, for the right person, it could be a good value shoe that can eat up many training miles.
GRADES
Matt
Fit: C+/B- (Tapered toe box causes blisters and heel/midfoot has to be locked down. Comfortable mesh outside of that, especially in the heel)
Performance: B+ (Rolling, slightly bouncy ride that excels at recovery paces to uptempo long runs. Great for long miles and efforts on road)
Stability: A [Stable Neutral] (Highly stable thanks to large sidewalls, PEBA/EVA contrast, wide sole, carbon plate and large rocker geometry. Excellent for those with moderate guidance needs in the heel/midfoot)
Value: B (Decent durability but a bit expensive compared to other options in this category. By far the most stable so may make it more worth it to some people)
Personal: B+ (I really love the stable ride of this shoe but the upper makes this shoe difficult to love over long distances. At 80 miles it is improving but has taken a while to do so. )
Overall Design: B+
Andrea
Fit: C+/B- (Low volume and narrow toe box limited run duration for me. Otherwise, comfortable and secure fit.)
Performance: B+ (Snappy, protective ride worked well for recovery pace down to just slower than marathon pace. Performance primarily limited by forefoot discomfort due to fit.)
Stability: A [Stable Neutral] (This shoe provides a good example of the geometry needed to stabilize such a tall shoe.)
Value: B (A little overpriced when compared to similar shoes.)
Personal: B (I enjoyed the ride but not the fit.)
Overall Design: B+
SHOP | SUPPORT DORHoka Skyward X 2Price: $224.95 at Running Warehouse
Shop Men | Shop Women
*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!
Check out Gear We Love
Naked Belt The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist.
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
FURTHER READING
361's racer.
Find all Shoe Reviews at Doctors of Running here.
Thanks for reading!
FOLLOW DOCTORS OF RUNNING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: Doctors of Running
Youtube Channel: Doctors of Running
Instagram: @doctorsofrunning
LinkedIn: Doctors of Running
Strava: Doctors of Running
Podcast: Virtual Roundtable
PODCAST
Check out the Doctors of Running Podcast to find more reviews, interviews, and running features from the team.
Visit our Podcast Page
Find us on Apple
Find us on Spotify
Contact us at doctorsofrunning@gmail.com
NEXT: Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
