Hoka Skyward X 2

A premium, more performance-oriented version of the Bondi that both reviewers pick for recovery runs, versatile enough for long easy runs and the occasional faster effort.

Best for: Long runs and recovery runs, with enough versatility to pick up the pace occasionally; both hosts pick it as their recovery-day shoe.

The Skyward X 2 is a stable max-stack recovery shoe that has shed weight and gained firmness over v1, but its steep price and lack of responsiveness make it very hard to recommend when better-value alternatives exist.

Best for: Heavier runners seeking a very stable max-stack shoe for easy and recovery paces

A much-improved version 2 that drops weight and softness for a firmer, more stable and runnable rolling ride; excellent for long runs and ultras but not a fast shoe, and held back by a narrow tapered forefoot.

Best for: Long runs and ultramarathons on the road, plus easy/recovery/daily miles for runners who want a lot of foam; a potential marathon shoe for 3:30-4:00 runners

A shoe Fordy feels he 'shouldn't' like on paper but genuinely rates for long runs, especially once pace picks up; likely to be his main road-based option alongside the Hyper 3.

Skyward X 2 finally clarifies what the shoe is — a premium, bouncy, max-cushion daily/recovery shoe. Trimmed stack and new carbon framework let the PEBA layer breathe.

Best for: Runners who like the Bondi 9 character but want it more energetic, softer, and bouncier — premium max-cushion for easy days, long runs, and recovery.

The Skyward X 2 is an improved recovery and junk-mileage shoe that addresses v1's upper and forefoot comfort issues while feeling slightly snappier, but it remains a hyper-niche max-cushion option best suited for very specific low-intensity training days.

Best for: High-mileage runners looking for a Sunday morning cleanup shoe or ultra back-to-back long run recovery. Not for speed or racing.

The Skyward X2 is eliminated in the group stage without advancing, with reviewers declining to put it through.