The HOKA Skyward X 2 is an ultra-high-stack, max-cushioned running shoe that provides outstanding comfort and protection. It’s a smooth, mile-eating cruiser that thrives on long runs at relaxed paces and performs particularly well for heavier runners, with just enough versatility for most daily training as well. Though a bit shorter and lighter than the previous HOKA Skyward X, it’s a similar story: the supercritical EVA base still sits below a PEBA top layer, with a convex carbon plate sandwiched between them to help stabilize the stack and keep the ride rolling smoothly. Overall, it feels more like a refinement than an outright reinvention. There’s plenty of life in the ride, but this is a shoe that works with you rather than for you, so you need to put enough force through the platform to get the best from it. For runners looking for a supremely comfortable Zone 2 hero, there’s lots to love.
Our Verdict
The HOKA Skyward X 2 is a good option for marathon racing, thanks to its excellent long-run cushioning and very good responsiveness. That said, this is still a lot of shoe, and its heavier build may start to feel cumbersome as the miles pile up. Runners looking to pulverize PBs will be better served by something lighter.
Outstanding cushioning.
PEBA-EVA foam provides very good energy return.
Quite a heavy shoe.
To heavy to race efficiently.
The HOKA Skyward X 2 wasn't built for speed. Though lively for a cruiser, its weight makes it too cumbersome to feel truly agile, and the soft forefoot cushioning blunts the snap needed to compete across shorter distances.
Plate provides stability and some snap.
Too soft to be snappy.
Too heavy to be speedy.
The HOKA Skyward X 2 delivers very good responsiveness. The forefoot returns an impressive amount of energy thanks to the premium PEBA-based top layer. The rocker is designed to roll well on easy miles and keep you moving, and this helps it feel lively underfoot despite its heft. That said, it's hardly featherweight, so the capabilities of the construction are more subdued than the score suggests.
The mix of PEBA-EVA foam makes the ride lively.
Intuitive rocker.
Impressive forefoot energy return.
Weight means it falls short of more impressive responsiveness.
The HOKA Skyward X 2 is an exceptionally cushioned shoe. The PEBA-EVA midsole keeps the feet comfortable and protected over longer efforts or recovery runs, making it a great choice for soaking up miles as smoothly as possible. It also has better heel cushioning with increased force, making it an excellent choice for heavy runners and heavy heel strikers.
Remarkable forefoot cushioning.
The mix of PEBA-EVA foam makes the ride comfortable.
The HOKA Skyward X 2 is fairly stable. It's a tall, soft shoe, and though the convex carbon plate and wide base help keep the titanic stack somewhat in check, it's not the most suited to weaving through bodies on the sidewalk.
Wide outsole.
Plate helps tame the foam and stack.
Tall stack.
Foam lacks firmness.
The HOKA Skyward X 2 fits true to size in length, with roomy height and width across the forefoot. Most runners can confidently choose their usual size, though the narrow arch may feel tight for some.
True-to-size length.
Roomy forefoot height and width.
Tight arch.
Performance Usages
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the HOKA Skyward X 2 in men's US size 9 as shown on the label for our pair. The pair we purchased is Grout/Cobalt, but you can also get the shoe in other colors, depending on the region. This shoe isn't available in wide widths. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The HOKA Skyward X 2 is more of a max-stack, premium daily cruiser than an outright super trainer. It works well for relaxed long runs or recovery efforts, with enough range for regular daily mileage too. Among similar premium high-stack trainers, the ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 has the most energetic ride and feels the most capable when picking up the pace. The adidas Hyperboost Edge is firmer and lower, but it feels livelier while still having enough cushioning for long, easy mileage. The Nike Vomero Premium is the colossus of the bunch, with the deepest cushioning, though its weight is the main limiter for faster efforts.
Within the HOKA lineup, the HOKA Skyward X 2 sits in the X-series alongside the HOKA Cielo X1 3.0, the HOKA Mach X 3, and the HOKA Rocket X 3. Those are the more streamlined speed or race-oriented plated shoes, while the Skyward X 2 uses its plate to control the tall foam stack rather than chase speed. Think of it as the big sister of the HOKA Bondi 9: taller, livelier, and with more long-run protection. It also towers above the HOKA Clifton 10, with far better bounce and cushioning in a slightly heavier package, though the Clifton 10 is still the pick for regular daily mileage. For runners who want a lighter daily trainer, the HOKA Mach 7 is the better choice.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best HOKA running shoes, the best running shoes, as well as the best running shoes for men and the best running shoes for women.
The HOKA Skyward X 2 and HOKA Bondi 9 both sit in HOKA's cushioned cruiser lane, but the Skyward X 2 takes the concept further. The Bondi 9 uses a supercritical EVA midsole for a soft, stable, familiar max-cushion ride. The Skyward X 2 uses that same kind of foam as its base, then adds a PEBA top layer and carbon plate for a more responsive feel underfoot. The Bondi 9 has the wider, steadier platform and costs much less, making it the pick for walking or relaxed daily miles. The Skyward X 2 makes more sense if you want a lighter, taller, more energetic version of the Bondi idea for long runs.
The HOKA Skyward X 2 and HOKA Clifton 10 are both cushioned shoes that can handle daily training, but they're built for very different jobs. The Clifton 10 is the simpler daily trainer: lighter, more stable, and more traditional for regular mileage. The Skyward X 2 is the bigger premium option, using a PEBA top layer, EVA base, and convex carbon plate to deliver far better responsiveness and long-run protection. It's heavier and less stable than the Clifton 10, but much more cushioned under the forefoot. The Clifton 10 makes more sense for runners who want a dependable daily shoe, while the Skyward X 2 is the pick if you want a more energetic long-run cruiser.
The HOKA Skyward X 2 and ASICS SUPERBLAST 3 are both premium high-stack trainers built to make long runs feel easier on the legs. The HOKA uses a PEBA top layer over an EVA base for an intuitive, lively ride, with a convex carbon plate sandwiched between to help control the stack. The ASICS uses a soft FF LEAP top layer over a firmer FF BLAST PLUS base, and is the lighter, plusher of the two, making it more lively overall. Both shoes deliver superb cushioning, but the ASICS is quicker and easier to turn over, and can handle more uptempo efforts, while the HOKA is the plated cruiser for runners who want a bigger feel underfoot.
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.
We buy and test 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 so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across 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
