Reaching New Heights in the Hoka Skyward X

Back in the day, Hoka was the undisputed pioneer, the go-to name in the realm of super-plush, cushioned running shoes. Mention “cushion” or “plush” and Hoka was the reflexive association. It held that sentiment firmly, maybe even exclusively. Yet, even now, in the present, remnants of that perception linger.

Among my circle of non-running friends, Hoka still elicits remarks like, “Ah, those big boxy shoes,”. But as I glance down at my sleek Hoka Mach 6, I beg to differ. The landscape has shifted; the monopoly of maximal shoes has loosened its grip. Other brands have stepped into the thick, cushioned shoe space, diluting Hoka’s once-unrivaled dominance.

Read all our reviews on HOKA here!

Now, amidst this shifting terrain, we are greeted with the Skyward X—a potential return to Hoka’s once firmly held super-cushioned lane. This shoe embodies the essence of plush comfort, resurrecting the brand’s signature feature. But there’s a twist: the inclusion of a carbon plate (hence the ‘X’ in the name) propels this shoe into a new realm, elevating it to a skyward adventure. Join us as we delve into the details of this innovative footwear.

Looks:

I’ll be honest, when I first glimpsed the Skyward X in the media guide, I wasn’t exactly thrilled by their appearance. The men’s version, with its white base adorned with red, blue, and yellow accents, felt reminiscent of a Toy Story colorway. However, upon receiving the shoes, my initial reservations began to dissipate. Seeing them in person, they somehow managed to exude a more refined aesthetic. It’s still not my favorite, however.

Furthermore, when comparing the men’s and women’s colorways, I couldn’t help but notice the striking contrast. While the men’s version lacks, the women’s iteration excels in – incorporating marigold accents, along with a creamy red and light blue palette. I wish the men’s version came in this colorway.

Yet, as they say, beauty is subjective. What one person finds appealing, another may not. While I’m not 100% drawn the men’s hues, I’m mindful that others might have different tastes. But let’s not allow personal preferences to overshadow the shoe’s potential. After all, style is just one aspect of a shoe’s performance and functionality.

Construction:

With a name like “Skyward,” you’d better believe Hoka is ready to back it up. And they certainly aren’t playing games. Just take a look at that stack height—almost hitting the 50 mm mark, standing tall at 48 mm. That’s a seriously lofty shoe. At first glance, I braced myself for potential stability issues with such height, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Despite its towering stature, the Hoka Skyward X offers commendable support. I didn’t feel like I was teetering on the edge of the Earth with every step; instead, I felt grounded and secure, ready to conquer the skies ahead.

Upper:

The upper of the Hoka Skyward X boasts a knit construction, offering ample room (maybe a bit too much for some) for toes to wiggle and splay. Surprisingly enough, these shoes provided a snug, almost glove-like fit from the get-go – even with a relatively spacious toe box. However, don’t mistake this roominess for a lack of support.

Thanks to the ghillie system integrated into the eyelet row, you can achieve a secure lockdown around the midfoot. I thought I would struggle with the lockdown – and was happily mistaken! Moreover, the heel counter, combined with generous cushioning along the instep, had my feet anchored within the shoe. Despite the expansive upper, I never felt like I was swimming in it.

Midsole:

The meat and potatoes of the Skyward X lies within its midsole, where innovation meets comfort head-on. What sets this shoe apart is its dynamic cushioning system, designed to deliver a blend of responsiveness and plush comfort.

At the heart of this system is a carbon plate nestled between two layers of foam: PEBA foam on top for cushioning and a firmer EVA foam underneath for stability. This strategic construction not only provides a supportive platform but also ensures a smooth and responsive ride.

What truly sets the Skyward X apart is the slight modification of the carbon plate, featuring a unique convex shape that arches upward in the middle. This design enhances the shoe’s rocking motion and propulsion, creating an interesting sensation of floating between the two foam layers.

Despite the shoe’s weight, it feels anything but heavy on the foot – and this construction seems to be why. It’s as if the shoe defies its own gravity, feeling lighter on the foot than anticipated.

In essence, the Hoka Skyward X offers a ride that is as unique as it is welcoming—a testament to the brand’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of comfort and performance. Strap in and get ready for a one-of-a-kind running experience. I was expecting super firm and I didn’t get that. It’s probably not my favorite ride in the world, but its admirable and probably as comfy as I have found a carbon-plated shoe.

Outsole:

Nothing too groundbreaking to write about here. The outsole performs very well and can handle road terrain with ease. No news is good news here.

Final Thoughts:

While the Hoka Skyward X may not qualify as a featherweight contender, tipping the scales at over 11 ounces for a men’s size 9, but its heft shouldn’t deter you. This shoe isn’t aiming for the podium in a race; it’s built for comfort and durability, and its weight reflects that purpose. As someone on the larger side of the spectrum—clocking in at over 200 pounds—I prioritize comfort over a few extra ounces on the shoe scale. I’ve experimented with lighter shoes that felt decent initially, only to realize they weren’t built for someone of my stature, leading to a lack of long-term usage.

In summary, while the Skyward X may not win any awards for being the lightest shoe on the market, its thoughtful design and performance-oriented features make it a worthy companion for logging miles. And let’s not forget to give credit where it’s due—the color choices certainly leave a lasting impression.