HOKA Skyward X   Review

The HOKA Skyward X and HOKA Bondi 9 are both highly cushioned trainers, though they fill very different roles within HOKA's lineup. The Bondi 9 stays closer to a traditional premium daily trainer, while the Skyward X pushes much further into max-cushion territory thanks to its towering stack height and PEBA-EVA midsole. Its convex carbon plate and more energetic foam give the ride a noticeably more assisted feel over long distances. The result is significantly better heel and forefoot energy return, alongside more long-run cushioning overall. By comparison, the Bondi 9 feels firmer and easier to settle into at slower paces. Both shoes work well for recovery runs and longer efforts, but runners prioritizing maximum cushioning and energy return will likely prefer the Skyward X, while those looking for a little more ground feel will prefer the Bondi 9.

The HOKA Skyward X 2 and HOKA Skyward X share the same basic identity: huge stack, carbon plate, and a cruiser-first ride. The Skyward X 2 keeps that formula but trims weight, lowers the stack slightly, and adds a new jacquard mesh upper with a non-gusseted tongue for more comfort. The older Skyward X has a little more cushioning on paper, but is also heavier underfoot. The Skyward X 2 is the better pick if you want the same max-stack HOKA concept in a lighter package, while the original still makes sense if you find it on sale.

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 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 the HOKA Mach X 2 both sit in the high-cushion performance trainer category, but their execution differs. The Skyward X prioritizes plush comfort with an extreme stack height and carbon plate, making it feel more like a max-cushioned cruiser than a performance shoe. The Mach X 2, on the other hand, refines the formula of its predecessor, offering a similarly cushioned ride but with better energy return and a more natural transition. Also, the Mach X 2 remains lighter than the Skyward X, making it a stronger choice for those who want a dynamic yet comfortable daily trainer. The Skyward X works best for easy runs where protection is key, while the Mach X 2 offers more versatility across different paces and workouts.

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 much more responsiveness, making for a more dynamic running experience.

The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 and the HOKA Skyward X are two plated trainers that offer distinctly different experiences underfoot. The SuperComp Trainer v3 strikes a number of compromises to create a smooth, consistent ride. Its midsole is not too soft or too firm, and the very reasonable width-to-stack ratio makes the New Balance shoe very stable. The Skyward X, on the other hand, throws caution to the wind and embraces the wild bounciness that characterised previous versions of the SuperComp Trainer v3. The HOKA shoe has much better energy return and cushioning than the SC Trainer v3, but it's considerably less stable: although the Skyward X sits 12 mm higher, it has a similarly sized platform, which can feel like running on stilts compared to the more grounded New Balance.

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.

The HOKA Skyward X and the adidas Adizero Prime X 2.0 STRUNG are both max-stack, carbon-plated trainers that push the boundaries of comfort and technology, but they diverge in purpose and feel. The adidas is a bit lighter and slightly firmer, with a geometry and dual carbon plates that deliver a distinct pop, especially noticeable at marathon pace or faster efforts. It's built to energize long, steady workouts. In contrast, the Skyward X prioritizes plushness and smooth transitions, offering a pillowy ride that's best left for recovery days or easy miles when you want maximum cushioning without much propulsion. 

The Brooks Glycerin Max 2 and HOKA Skyward X are both towering max-cushion trainers built for comfort on easy miles, but they feel very different on the run. The Skyward X is slightly lighter, despite packing a higher stack and a carbon plate, and its midsole returns significantly more energy, making it feel livelier and more responsive overall. The Max 2, by contrast, uses DNA Tuned foam without a plate and still comes across noticeably firmer overall, but in a crisp way that pairs nicely with its pronounced rocker and makes the transition feel more rolling than you would expect from such a bulky max-cushion shoe. It's clearly heavier and much less bouncy, yet also more straightforward for runners who just want a protective, predictable cruiser for relaxed daily runs.