It’s hard to get a word in edgewise when I look at the specs of the new Hoka Skyward X running shoe – extreme dimensions and innovative solutions. This post is just a teaser.
Click here for a detailed review
Instead of an introduction, let the facts speak:
- Height of the midfoot at the heel is 49 mm
- Carbon plate
- PEBA, and supercritical EVA foam
- Comfort optimised upper
- New outsole similar to Hoka Mach 6
- 320 g
If you’re not familiar with the world of running shoes and the list doesn’t excite you, I’ll describe why it surprised me.
The heel height, well above the usual. It exceeds the race rules by nearly 1 cm. This is not to say that Hoka is using illegal methods, it’s just that elite runners will not be allowed to race in this shoe, but this shoe is not a race shoe given its weight and upper.
However, the carbon plate in the midsole, PEBA and supercritical EVA foam are technologies that are commonly used in race shoes or running shoes for fast training.
What are the Hoka Skyward X running shoes for then?
For running all races!(?) The question mark is not an accidental misspelling. We’ve seen a similar solution from Hoka before, the Hoka Bondi X, which attempted to combine a comfortable high-cushioning running shoe with a performance-oriented solution. The Bondi X didn’t become popular because instead of being good at both, it’s not good at either (not fast and not comfortable). The Skyward X, on the other hand, is good at both. It is a running shoe that is comfortable due to its very high cushioning and soft upper, but also dynamic thanks to the carbon plate and midsole foams used. A versatile running shoe designed by Hoka for all types of running.
A replacement for the Bondi and Clifton?
With a lot of silence surrounding the new versions of the two most popular Hoka running shoes, the Bondi and Clifton, many have questioned whether the Skyward will replace the Bondi. If a version of the Skyward without the carbon plate is made, there is no doubt that it will be a rather slower running shoe suitable for longer distances and will be able to take the place of the Bondi. The Clifton could be replaced by the Hoka Skyflow.
The Hoka Sky collection
In the fall of 2024, the Hoka Skyflow running shoe will hit stores, which will also have a supercritical EVA foam midsole, but will have a lower midsole than the Skyward midsole. In terms of dynamics and comfort, it will sit somewhere between the current Clifton and Bondi:
Hoka Skyflow running shoe
When will it be available and how much will it cost
The Hoka Skyward X running shoe will be available for purchase from April 2024, priced at €225. Let’s hope there will be a version without a carbon plate, which will be cheaper. Official Hoka Skyward X running shoe page
The Hoka Skyflow 2024 will be available to buy from autumn for €160.
