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HOKA Skyward X
Road Long Run

HOKA Skyward X

A real step up for HOKA in materials and grip, far better than the latest Prime X Strung 2 and a more 'fun' use of stack height than the Saucony Kinvara Pro — but in a head-to-head with the Superblast, Ed would still pick the lighter, more versatile ASICS. — EDDBUD

from $154.95 at Marathon Sports See all prices →
Physical blueprint

Where this shoe sits

Weight 306 g
Heel stack 49.0 mm
Drop 5.0 mm
Cushioning Maximal

Best for

Long Runs
Pronation Neutral
Surface Road
Lifespan 300+ mi

Specifications

Weight (M9)
306g (10.8 oz)
Stack (Heel)
49.0 mm
Stack (Forefoot)
44.0 mm
Drop
5.0 mm
Midsole
PEBA foam top layer + supercritical EVA (SCF EVA) frame base
Plate
Carbon (curved carbon fiber plate)
Outsole
high-abrasion rubber
Upper
recycled polyester flat knit with molded heel counter and ghillie lacing
Lacing
Traditional

Fit Profile

Length
True To Size
Forefoot Width
Wide
Midfoot Width
Roomy
Heel Width
Average
Lockdown
Good
Toe Box
Average
Sizing
True To Size

Ride Characteristics

Cushioning
Maximal
Stability
Neutral

Durability

Expected Miles
300+
Outsole
Above Average

Expert reviews · 6 reviewers · grouped per channel

BP
Ben Parkes Youtube ↑

The biggest, most extreme stack on the list — bulky but really fun, with a plate that lets it pick up the pace better than the other max-stack shoes; a fan favorite of his channel.

Best for: Heavier runners or runners who want max-stack cushion that scales up to half/marathon racing thanks to the plate.

source
+1 earlier review from Ben Parkes

Despite a hefty ~13oz weight and a price he calls steep, Ben rates this as the best HOKA on the market right now and a top-tier long-run cruiser — bouncy, smooth, and comfortable, but pace-limited.

Best for: Heavier runners who want max-cushion long-run protection, marathon trainers logging easy/marathon-pace miles, and runners who prioritize comfort over speed.

source
DO
Doctors of Running Youtube ↗

A soft, max-cushioned, stable-neutral super trainer better suited to relaxed long-run miles than fast workouts; the cushier and more centered of the two compared shoes.

Best for: Marathoners or road-ultra runners who want maximum cushion for long-distance training and racing.

20 miles tested · source
E
EDDBUD Youtube ↗

An expensive luxury cushion shoe that Ed sold on — the foam is good but the heft makes it strictly a recovery-day option, and even there he prefers the lighter Superblast 2.

Best for: Heavier runners or runners who want a controlling, plush, max-stack shoe purely for recovery and easy days.

source
+2 earlier reviews from EDDBUD

A real step up for HOKA in materials and grip, far better than the latest Prime X Strung 2 and a more 'fun' use of stack height than the Saucony Kinvara Pro — but in a head-to-head with the Superblast, Ed would still pick the lighter, more versatile ASICS.

Best for: Half/full marathon training when leg protection is the priority — recovery runs and long runs.

source

An initial 10.7/12 — a niche but well-built marathon-pace protector with serious cushion, sticky outsole and high-quality construction; pace-limited and heavy, but cheaper and better-feeling than the Adidas Prime X Strung 2 and Saucony Kinvara Pro it sits closest to.

Best for: Marathon-pace training miles where impact protection and durability matter more than speed.

14 miles tested · source
K
Kofuzi Youtube →

An exciting spec sheet (PEBA + supercritical EVA + Double-H carbon plate at 48mm stack) that is executed as a muted, controlled cushioned cruiser; Kofuzi calls it a 'spruce goose' that feels like a Bondi-class shoe at a $225 price he considers too high.

Best for: Runners who want a tall, plush, controlled cushioned shoe for easy and long runs.

source
RM
Run Moore Youtube ↗

A genuine love-hate relationship after 266 miles and a marathon — Steve calls it one of his top 2-3 favorites of 2024 for effortless long miles, but the narrow stiff toe box hurts his feet and the outsole has worn faster than peers at the price point.

Best for: Marathon training, back-to-back long runs, and runners who work on their feet all day and need a shoe that does the work on the run.

266 miles tested · source
+1 earlier review from Run Moore

A niche but effective performance-recovery long-distance trainer that excels when you're going slow, supports better than the NB SC Trainer, but is too narrow up front and too pace-restrictive at $225 to be an everyday option.

Best for: Slow recovery and long-mileage time-on-feet days for runners getting ready for ultra-distance or marathon-distance races.

source
TR
The Run Testers Youtube →

Retrospective: a comfortable cushioned shoe that was too big, too heavy, and too expensive to earn a regular slot in his rotation.

Best for: Pure long runs and cushy easy runs only — not a versatile trainer.

source

Frequently asked questions

How does the HOKA Skyward X fit?

Reviewers note: Plush, comfortable upper that anchors the foot to the midsole base — Ed considers it a much better upper than the Adidas Prime X Strung 2.

Per EDDBUD.

How much does the HOKA Skyward X weigh and what is its drop?

The HOKA Skyward X weighs about 306g (men's 9), has a 49.0mm heel stack and a 5.0mm heel-toe drop.

What shoes is the HOKA Skyward X compared to?

Reviewers compare the HOKA Skyward X to Adidas Adizero Prime X Strung 2, ASICS Superblast, Saucony Kinvara Pro, HOKA Cielo X1.

Per EDDBUD, Doctors of Running, Run Moore, Kofuzi, The Run Testers, Ben Parkes.

How many experts have reviewed the HOKA Skyward X?

Next Pair aggregates 10 expert reviews of the HOKA Skyward X, including EDDBUD, Doctors of Running, Ben Parkes.

Per EDDBUD, Doctors of Running, Ben Parkes.

Where it sits among similar shoes

Compared to other road long run in the same lane.

Weight · lower = lighter Men's size 9
HOKA Skyward X
306g
Skechers Aero Burst
312g
Adidas Adizero Prime X 3 Strung 3
286g
On Cloudsurfer Max
292g
Heel stack · higher = more cushioning mm
HOKA Skyward X
49.0mm
Skechers Aero Burst
43.0mm
Adidas Adizero Prime X 3 Strung 3
48.0mm
On Cloudsurfer Max
37.0mm
Drop · higher = more heel-leaning mm
HOKA Skyward X
5.0mm
Skechers Aero Burst
6.0mm
Adidas Adizero Prime X 3 Strung 3
7.0mm
On Cloudsurfer Max
6.0mm

Continue reading

Compare with

HOKA Skyward X vs ASICS Superblast 3
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HOKA Skyward X vs ASICS Superblast 2
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HOKA Skyward X vs Brooks Hyperion Max 3
Side-by-side breakdown
HOKA Skyward X vs HOKA Skyward X 2
Side-by-side breakdown

Foam guide

How PEBA / Pebax foam works
Read the explainer

Similar shoes

Skechers Aero Burst
312g · 6.0mm drop
Adidas Adizero Prime X 3 Strung 3
286g · 7.0mm drop
On Cloudsurfer Max
292g · 6.0mm drop
Mizuno Neo Vista 3
272g · 8.0mm drop

HOKA Skyward X

Data-driven recommendation backed by expert reviews.

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Methodology. Specs come from manufacturer data and authoritative third-party catalogs. Reviewer verdicts are summarized from named, linked sources — never copied verbatim. We weight clinical and lab-tested sources more heavily than community commentary, but the specific weights stay internal. Never sponsored, never paid placement.
Last updated 2026-06-19