Review of Hoka Rocket x2 Running Shoes
What can I say about the Hoka Rocket x2 running shoe? It completely took me by surprise. In the years that I’ve been running and racing I always considered Hoka’s a clunky shoe. Granted, I’ve never owned a pair, so this was simply my own perception. I don’t think I ever saw a fast runner racing in a pair of Hoka’s. On the contrary, I always saw mid-pack to slower runners sporting a pair. My understanding, albeit wrong, was that Hoka produced an ultra-cushioned shoe for runners to plod along hoping to avoid injuries. The Hoka Rocket x2 opened my eyes and put me on a new path of enlightenment.
I was given an opportunity to try the Rocket x2’s out for myself. A friend of mine, who happens to work for Hoka mentioned that he could get me a pair to try out. I jumped at the opportunity to receive a free pair of trainers; who wouldn’t. As soon as I was told I was getting a pair I began my research into them. The reviews out there got my hopes up and I couldn’t wait to get mine and take them out for a test run. When I opened the box I was struck by just how good looking these Hoka’s are. I was also pleasantly surprised by how lightweight they are. Visually, they passed all the tests.
Overview
OK, but how do they perform? Let’s start with the moment I put the Hoka Rocket x2’s on my feet. They are remarkably light and well cushioned, but they are far from clunky. I have a rather narrow foot and these hugged my feet quite comfortably. Immediately, I could feel the amazing cushioning that I kind of expected. However, how would they perform on the road? It didn’t take me long to find out. I had a steady 5 miles to do that afternoon, so with my Rocket x2’s ready to go I hit the pavement.
I very quickly realised that these Hoka Rocket x2’s are not your father’s Oldsmobile. Wow, they had pop. The difference between my perception and reality when it comes to Hoka blew me away. These are in fact a super shoe, without question. They are different from the Alphafly’s and Vaporfly’s, but no less super. For one thing, they don’t produce the clatter that the Alphafly’s have when running on pavement. The Rocket x2’s do, however, have a very similar return with each stride.
The Hoka Rocket x2 is a proper racing shoe and have made a perfect addition to my shoe rotation. I feel comfortable wearing these on my speedy runs and have done so in my buildup to the Manchester Marathon. Whether it’s a tempo run, intervals or progression, I have worn these and found them to be worthy of the term super-shoe. I would have no reservations wearing the Hoka Rocket x2’s in a 5k, 10k or even a half-marathon race.
Hoka Rocket x2 Negatives
As with any running shoe, there will always be something. With the Hoka Rocket x2’s the only negative I can see is their durability. The upper is fine, with little or no wear after almost 100 miles on them. However, the sole of the shoe has worn quite noticeably. This is a trend with most high performing racing shoes. The trade off in making a light-weight racer has to come somewhere and most of the time it is durability. I imagine they will only give about 200 miles before they are beyond racing condition. That said, they will be 200 amazing miles. That is the only downfall I could find.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I’ll just say I’m grateful to my friend who hooked me up with these amazing shoes. I recommend these as a proper racing shoe for any endurance athlete looking to take advantage of the carbon-plated revolution. The Hoka Rocket x2 will not disappoint.
