Hoka Skyward X - Women's Review

The Hoka Skyward X is innovative. Within its 43 mm stack exists a two-piece carbon plate. This two-piece propulsion device provides strong energy return while also creating stability atop an unusually high stack.

Performance Comparison

Landing Comfort

A few consumer reviews across the internet mention that the latest and greatest by Hoka is too cushioned and, well… Yeah. It is immediately apparent that the Hoka Skyward X offers a ton of underfoot cushion based on how thick its sole is. What is not so obvious is that this shoe's foam isn't all marshmallows, pillows, and clouds. Sure, it gives you a decent amount of cushioning to protect your joints, but its slightly firm PEBA foam provides a serious launchpad for your running endeavors.

The foam closest to your foot is soft and a bit squishy, while the rest of the stack holds firm for much-needed energy return. The dual-piece embedded plate acts as a propulsive device but also provides much-needed stability. This stabilization is crucial for comfort because of the Skyward's huge stack. All of these underfoot elements come together to create a shoe with very little ground feel that is perfect for runners who want the underfoot stack of a recovery running shoe with the energy return of a shoe built for tempo runs.

Responsiveness

We are impressed by the combination of cushion and responsiveness that the elements of the Skyward X, but that doesn't mean it is going to be everyone's race day pick. The solid rocker, whose apex sits at 67.6% forward from the heel, is similar to many other daily tempo shoes. At 8.70 ounces, this shoe's responsiveness is inhibited by its weight. Our testers enjoyed tempo runs and long training days in the Skyward because it is easy on the joints and because it provides enough energy return to get you moving. The high stack and rocker allow each footfall to blend into the next, creating a seamless running experience. The shape of the carbon plate combines with a built-in suspension system that plays into the overall responsiveness. Runners in need of an ultralight shoe for serious paces will find the robust undercarriage of the Skyward to be cumbersome. Runners looking for a shoe that blends energy return and underfoot comfort will be content with the responsiveness of this road runner.

Stability

Logic and experience might make you think that a sky-high shoe like the Skyward X is a recipe for ankle rolling. This is often true with ultra-thick stacks, but not in the case of Hoka's latest offering. Our testers never had any feelings of instability while running in the Skyward. It sits high, but its integrated structure allows for a comfortable and secure running experience. Hoka's Deep Active Foot Frame was created to provide stability in shoes that provide above-average cushion and stack. This design and fixed, plush tongue help hold the mid to rear foot in line as you run. The snug, secure heel cup and well-matched tongue are great for stability, though they give way to a slightly narrow toe box, which is worth noting if you want more forefoot real estate. The Skyward is a neutral running shoe that provides the support that many runners crave when running on fatigued legs. With enough stability to make its high stack safe to run in, the Skyward strikes a beautiful balance of stability and comfort.

Upper Comfort

The flat knit upper textile of the Skyward X is breathable and easy to wear. The plump tongue and heel collar provide comfort in addition to security. The midfoot and toe box of the Skyward run slightly narrow. Hoka does not currently manufacture a wide option, so this is worth considering if you know you like a wider shoe.

As with many other Hoka-made shoes, the upper of the Skyward loosens up a bit after a few runs, providing a fit that feels almost customized. As we've mentioned, the tongue is plush and comfortable. The tongue has bilateral gussets that offer a bit of tongue freedom. Our testers enjoyed this design because the tongue's placement didn't feel too rigid, but the stretchy bands helped keep it flat and protect the top of the feet. Hoka didn't quite knock the upper comfort out of the park on this one, but aside from the slightly narrow fit, there isn't much to complain about. We took this shoe out day after day and found that we grew to love its heel lock, thick tongue, and general comfort.

Weight

With 43 mm of stuff underfoot, it's no surprise that the Hoka Skyward weighs 8.70 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe. For comparison, the heaviest shoe in our lineup this season only weighs less than two-tenths of an ounce more. If you are happy to tote extra weight because of the comfort it provides, then the Skyward is worth considering. All of its weight comes with some serious joint protection and a propulsive plate. The weight of the Skyward rides predominately in the undercarriage of the shoe, but we didn't find it to feel awkward or clunky.

Traction

The high-abrasion rubber outsole of the SkywardX is pretty grippy for a road shoe. This shoe isn't one we recommend taking on trails for various reasons, but the combination of its stability and sticky outsole makes it super capable when it comes to taking tight turns on gravel-covered streets. The Skyward shines on smooth roads but can easily be worn around agility-defying turns with security.

Should You Buy the Hoka Skyward X?

Our testers predict that runners who want a thickly cushioned tempo running shoe will fall in love with the out-of-the-box Skyward X. Hoka created a shoe that bridges the gap between responsiveness and comfort in a way that other manufacturers have not. Runners who want to shed weight and find the ultimate propulsion shoe won't love the thickness of the Skyward. But runners who want a thickly stacked daily road shoe to play with pacing in will enjoy the energy return of the Skyward.

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