I tested the Hoka Skyward X and smashed my Parkrun PB

Buying a pair of super trail running shoes that you can’t wear on race day might sound like an oxymoron but there are plenty of benefits to Hoka’s latest next-level super trainer.

Built for runners who want to maximise their training the Skyward X is a welcome addition to the ‘illegal’ super trainer range following the slightly disappointing Bondi X and Mach X. With a stack height that exceeds the 40mm limit set by World Athletics, this shoe is banned in road racing but is perfect for parkrun or long, comfortable miles in training.

Designed to outlast your typical carbon-plate super shoe, the Skyward X offers impressive durability while keeping easy and recovery runs effortlessly smooth. It’s an attractive proposition meaning you can save those Nike Alphafly or Hoka Cielo X1 for race day.

So, how does this powerhouse compare to Hoka's previous super trainers, which left some runners wanting more? Let's dive into the details.

Upper

Easy to slip into the flat-knit upper provides a sock-like fit that molds to the foot, ensuring both comfort and support. The shoe’s heel collar combined with the Deep Active Foot Frame, cradles the back of the foot for a secure, stable ride—crucial for handling the high stack height. The thick, padded tongue adds a plush feel without feeling suffocating (unlike the INOV8 TrailFly tongue) and the breathable upper keeps feet carefully ventilated.

As with all Hoka shoes, I went up a full size, and the fit was perfect, with enough room for my wide feet to feel comfortable even on longer runs.

Midsole

From out the box the midsole of the Hoka Skyward X delivers a noticeably bouncy, energetic ride that makes running feel effortless. I found this particularly useful on those tougher recovery days when my legs were fatigued.

Featuring Hoka's innovative suspension system, this shoe combines a convex carbon fiber plate with deep, responsive cushioning for a spring-loaded sensation, which makes running feel easy. A layer of soft, resilient PEBA foam sits closest to the foot, providing ultra plush cushioning and a lively rebound with each step. Beneath that, a super-critical EVA frame supports the MetaRocker design, offering a stable and smooth ride despite the 46mm stack (48mm in the men’s version). To my surprise the shoe felt far more stable than the Hoka Rocket X2 super shoes which have a lower stack of 36mm.

But the Skyward X stack did come at a cost. While it felt amazing during recovery runs and even performed well during interval training and parkruns, I noticed some calf soreness on tempo runs over 10k, which I’ve never experienced with other super shoes. This is probably due to the excessive stack height which takes a little time for the body to adapt to. Nevertheless, it's an excellent tool for easy runs.

Outsole

What sets the Skyward X apart from typical super shoes is the outsole and its high-abrasion rubber. This adds the required durability, extending the shoe’s lifespan beyond a handful of races. You’ll get far more miles before it shows any signs of wear, although the disadvantage is that this comes with more weight underfoot.

Increased forefoot grip on the right side enhances traction during cornering, addressing stability issues that are common in carbon-plated shoes. Overall, this durable, grippy outsole is ideal for runners pushing through long, tough training runs.

Features

This is definitely one of the squidgiest super shoes available and Hoka have gone all in with the higher bed of soft cushioning. The PEBA midsole pushes plushness to the max making this a luxurious ride albeit one with limited ground contact feel.

Sustainability

Hoka makes no sustainability claims about the Skyward X although it is listed as vegan. That doesn’t bode well for the shoe although the Hoka website claims 55% of all co-polyester fibres in its footwear will come from renewable sources by 2030. Their overall company goal is to reduce energy usage in footwear by 25% per shoe by 2030. In all honesty they are setting them themselves a pretty low bar compared to some of their competitors.

How we tested

These were a great pair to test during my 100k ultra marathon training when I was short for time. I could hit the roads and knock out a tempo run or interval session and then switch to a trail shoe for my longer slow runs. The furthest distance I ran in the Skyward X was 10 miles as I was concerned for my calves on anything longer. They have been ideal for recovery runs the day after a long run or post-race. They also came in handy when I was training for a road half marathon, again for speed sessions and then in the days following the race.

Verdict

I’m a big fan of these shoes for speed sessions and recovery runs. I’m less convinced of their performance during long runs because the stack height takes it toll on lower leg muscles after an hour or two - particularly when running at a faster pace. But if you want to accustom your body to carbon plate shoes without knackering your super shoes too soon, then these are a super comfortable and fast alternative. Save the best for race day, and stick on the Skyward X for training, or to smash out a parkrun PB.

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