The HOKA Skyward X is a max-cushioned running shoe that promises comfort, stability, and a smooth ride for long-distance training. Featuring a combination of PEBA and EVA foam, along with a convex H-shaped carbon plate, this staggeringly tall shoe aims to deliver a plush yet controlled experience. It's built for those who prefer an ultra-high stack height without sacrificing too much stability, and it provides a smooth heel-to-toe transition. However, the shoe is quite heavy compared to most super trainers.
Our Verdict
The HOKA Skyward X offers decent performance for marathon racing, with great cushioning and satisfactory energy return. This could make for quite a comfortable marathon, though it may not be the best choice for competitive runners looking for a lighter, more responsive shoe.
Superb forefoot cushioning.
EVA-PEBA mix balances energy return and cushioning well.
Really heavy.
Not as responsive as other marathon racers.
The HOKA Skyward X isn't really suitable for shorter races as it will feel heavy and less agile compared to lighter racing shoes. It could do the job for casual runners, but its bulkiness would make it far from ideal. The soft foam in the forefoot will also make it feel less snappy than true racing shoes.
EVA-PEBA mix balances energy return and cushioning well.
Really heavy.
Foam is not firm underfoot.
The HOKA Skyward X features very good energy return thanks to its premium PEBA-based foam in the top layer. This foam absorbs and returns a good amount of energy, creating a bouncy and lively underfoot feel, though it's slightly firmer than some other PEBA formulations. However, this energetic ride is somewhat muted by the shoe's overall weight and construction, which dampens the full potential of the foam's responsiveness.
EVA-PEBA mix balances energy return and cushioning well.
The bulky build dulls the ride's potential.
The HOKA Skyward X provides remarkable cushioning, offering a plush and comfortable ride. This makes it suitable for long-distance training and recovery runs, offering a soft and protective underfoot feel when fatigue sets in.
Superb forefoot cushioning.
EVA-PEBA mix balances energy return and cushioning well.
The HOKA Skyward X offers a fair amount of lateral stability. It has a wide base and an H-shaped carbon plate to hold the two layers of foam together. However, its towering stack height and soft foam underfoot prevent it from being truly stable, making it only moderately secure, especially when the form begins to break down or during sharp turns.
Very wide outsole.
EVA-PEBA mix balances energy return and cushioning well.
Foam is not firm underfoot.
Exaggerated stack height.
Performance Usages
Changelog
- Updated Nov 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
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Updated Oct 20, 2025:
We updated the Pros & Cons, Cushioning, Energy Return, 5K/10K Racing, Heel Energy Return, Heel Cushioning, Forefoot Cushioning, Heel Firmness, Forefoot Firmness, and Forefoot Energy Return boxes to align with the latest test bench, refreshed the Popular Running Shoe Comparisons section, and revised the side-by-side comparisons to keep the review accurate.
- Updated Oct 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
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Updated Aug 22, 2025:
We added a mention of the HOKA Rocket X 3 in the Popular Running Shoes Comparison box.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the HOKA Skyward X in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label. The colors shown here are Cosmic Grey and Silver. This model currently comes in two additional colorways for men (Luna Moth/Black and Blanc de Blanc/Virtual Blue) and three additional colorways for women, including Cosmic Grey/Rose Gold, Lemonade/Sunlight, and Blanc de Blanc/Swim Day. Wide versions are not available for this model.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The HOKA Skyward X defies traditional running shoe categories, blending elements rarely found in a daily trainer, such as a PEBA-EVA mix foam and a convex carbon plate. However, these high-tech features don't make it a super trainer, and even less so a super shoe. Instead, this shoe is best suited for runners who appreciate extreme stack heights and want a premium, max-cushioned option for daily training, particularly for recovery runs where underfoot protection is key. Within HOKA's lineup, the HOKA Mach X and HOKA Mach X 2 fit more into the classic super trainer mold, offering a lighter, more energetic ride with greater stability. The Mach X 2 offers similar cushioning to the Skyward X, proving that you don't necessarily need the highest stack height to get great cushioning. For runners seeking a carbon-plated shoe for speed work or racing, the HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 or the HOKA Rocket X 3 would be far better choices.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes to find the perfect pair.
The HOKA Skyward X and the Brooks Glycerin Max are both ultra-high-stack, max-cushioned trainers, but they take different approaches to achieving comfort and performance. The HOKA is the more cushioned of the two, offering an even softer and more protective ride while providing significantly more energy return, which is something the Brooks shoe lacks entirely. The Brooks, while slightly lighter, is a straightforward, no-fuss max-cushioned trainer that excels at one thing: providing soft, consistent comfort for easy runs. Also, while both shoes have substantial stack heights, the Brooks' stack is less exaggerated, making it feel a bit more traditional.
The HOKA Skyward X and HOKA Mach X are both premium trainers, but they cater to different types of runners. The Skyward X is all about maximum cushioning and underfoot protection, making it a great option for recovery runs or those who prefer an ultra-soft, high-stack experience. However, its towering design doesn't translate into a particularly energetic ride. The Mach X, on the other hand, fits more into the super trainer category. It's significantly lighter, more stable, and delivers a snappier feel underfoot. While both shoes incorporate advanced foam blends, the Mach X offers a more versatile ride that works well for both daily miles and uptempo efforts.
The HOKA Skyward X and HOKA Clifton 9 are both high-stack, cushioned running shoes, yet they cater to different preferences and training needs. The Clifton 9 is lighter and offers superior lateral stability, partly due to its substantial yet lower stack height compared to the Skyward X. This design provides a more grounded feel and makes it suitable for runners seeking a stable daily trainer. In contrast, the Skyward X delivers more cushioning and significantly higher energy return, making for a more dynamic running experience.
The Mizuno Neo Vista 2 and HOKA Skyward X both occupy the niche of ultra-cushioned, plated trainers designed for long miles and recovery runs, but they take very different approaches. The Mizuno uses a towering stack of foam paired with a plastic plate, delivering a deeply cushioned experience (especially in the heel) that's almost as plush as the HOKA. Despite all that foam, it still comes in lighter, making it easier to turn over during long efforts. The HOKA, on the other hand, leans on a more structured, H-shaped carbon plate embedded in the soft and responsive midsole. It delivers a slightly softer feel overall, and its upper is more traditional, offering a more standard fit compared to the Mizuno shoe's high-volume, roomy construction.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
This shoe is on the heavier side, which is one of its main drawbacks. The added weight makes it feel less agile than super trainers like the HOKA Mach X 2.
The heel of this shoe offers very good energy return, primarily due to the PEBA-based foam in the top layer. Heel strikers will experience this bounciness, but the energy return isn't as pronounced as in lighter, more aggressive racing models like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3.
The forefoot also delivers very good energy return. The foam decompresses well under force, offering a noticeable bounce that benefits forefoot strikers looking for a responsive ride.
This shoe is amazingly cushioned at the heel, offering a plush experience. It absorbs impact really well, compressing smoothly to deliver a forgiving ride. Combined with the shoe's towering stack height, it delivers a very comfortable ride, perfect for easy miles and long runs.
The forefoot cushioning is fantastic, providing a well-cushioned and squishy feel. The high level of energy absorption ensures a soft underfoot experience, making each stride feel smooth and protective.
The HOKA Skyward X is generally not very firm in the heel. However, due to the shoe's structure, forefoot strikers might perceive some firmness. Midfoot and heel strikers, on the other hand, are less likely to find it rigid, as the cushioning allows for a softer, more forgiving landing.
While the forefoot is quite soft overall, making for a plush but quite unstable experience.