Today, we’re diving into the buzz around the new Hoka Skyward X 2 release date and much more.
The original Skyward X is a fresh line that took over from the Bondi X, which didn’t quite hit the mark. So, Hoka rebranded it as the Skyward X.
Hoka really went wild with the Skyward X, tossing the rule book out the window and throwing in everything they could to make it the ultimate comfort experience.
But here’s the big question: With its carbon plate, is the Skyward X truly a super shoe, or did Hoka just make a spruce goose?
Could I see myself lacing these up again and again? And what new features will the upcoming Skyward X 2 bring to the mix?
Let’s find out…
Hoka Skyward X 2 Release Date
Hoka dropped the original Hoka Skyward X back in April 2024 to replace the Hoka Bondi X line which was a big flop.
Now, hold onto your hats because the new and improved Hoka Skyward X 2 is set to launch in December 2025! Keep your eyes peeled and your calendars marked!
Before I dive into my experience with the original Hoka Skyward X, let’s talk about what I think Hoka should keep and what needs an upgrade in the Skyward X 2 based on my time with the first version.
Related:
How Should the Skyward X 2 Be?
Maintain Comfort and Stability
First off, Hoka nailed the comfort and stability in the Skyward X. I think they should definitely keep that plush, stable ride that makes those long runs feel like a dream.
The flat knit upper is another win – it’s snug and comfy and gives you that perfect step-in feel every time. And let’s not forget the Double H plate. It does a fantastic job of stabilizing the shoe and ensuring a smooth roll, which is something I’d love to see continue in the Skyward X 2. The wide footprint is also a big plus, adding to the overall stability that many runners, including myself, appreciate.
Now, onto what needs a bit of tweaking…
Improve Foam Responsiveness
The foam responsiveness is one area where I feel there’s room for improvement. The current supercritical EVA and Peba layers are comfortable but feel a bit muted. Hoka should look into making the foam more dynamic and lively to give the shoe that extra pop.
And, honestly, at 11.1 oz., the Skyward X is on the heavier side. If Hoka can shave off some weight while keeping the stack height and comfort, it would make the shoe more appealing for those faster runs.
Adjust Tongue Padding
The tongue padding is another thing I think could be better. With summer temperatures, the moderately padded tongue can get a bit warm. Maybe reducing the padding or using more breathable materials could help.
And speaking of improvements…
Reduce The Price
The price point at $225 is pretty steep. If they can either bring down the cost or add more value at this price, it would make the Skyward X 2 a more attractive option.
Enhance Squishiness and Clarify Purpose
Lastly, while some runners appreciate the controlled cushioning, I feel like there’s a bit of a miss in the squishiness and dynamic feel. Tweaking the foam composition to offer more squish without losing stability could cater to a wider audience.
And Hoka needs to clarify the shoe’s purpose. If it’s meant to be a tall, comfortable daily trainer, ensure all features align with that. But if it’s aiming to compete with super shoes, the performance aspects need to match those expectations.
In summary, Hoka has a solid foundation with the Skyward X, but with a few updates, the Skyward X 2 could be a real game-changer. What do you think? What updates would make the next version perfect for you?
Now, let me share my experience running in the Hoka Skyward…
Related:
My Experience in the Hoka Skyward X 1
Hoka’s taken some bold steps with the original Skyward X. This shoe packs in supercritical EVA, a carbon fiber Double H plate, and a Peba top layer. But, it comes in with a towering 48mm stack height and weighs 11.1 oz.
Specs
The Skyward X features a 48mm stack height at the heel and 43mm at the forefoot, making it a tall ride with just a 5mm drop. So, you’re starting high and staying high. Here are the three main components of this impressive stack:
First, there’s the top Peba layer, usually reserved for racing shoes. Then, there’s a supercritical EVA layer at the bottom, a significant upgrade from the regular EVA we’ve known for ages.
The result? The Skyward X is lighter, spongier, and a whole lot more fun to run in.
Plate
Sandwiched between those foam layers is the Double H plate. This carbon fiber plate is different from the usual carbon fiber plates we see in racing shoes.
The Tekon X features two separate carbon fiber rails along the sides, allowing the shoe to flex differently based on trail impact. The Skyward X takes a similar approach with its carbon design but adds two cross members for enhanced stability.
This carbon fiber plate has a convex design, meaning it has a hump in the middle, unlike the soup ladle shape of typical racing shoes. This unique design, along with features like the lateral flare on the back of the heel, is meant to provide a smooth roll and stabilize the squishy foams in the shoe.
So, not only does the Skyward X promise a stable ride, but it also makes every step feel like a dream.
Outsole
The outsole of the Skyward X offers a good amount of rubber coverage, featuring a long channel through the middle and a big window that showcases the foams and that Double H plate.
Upper
On top, you’ve got Hoka’s flat knit upper, which is super comfy. The tongue is moderately padded, which might be a bit concerning with summer’s heat. There’s plenty of padding in the heel, leading into the Achilles flare, giving you a snug and supportive fit.
The heel cup is rigid, with a plastic flare running up the back, and combined with the flares on each side, it creates a secure seat for your heel.
All in all, the Skyward X is a bit on the hefty side. Hoka lists it at 11.3 oz. for a US men’s size 10 and 11.1 oz. (or 316 grams) for men’s size 9.
What’s it like to run in the Skyward X?
Running in the Skyward X feels like a tall, comfy, and controlled experience. Hoka has packed this shoe with some exciting materials, but the way they’ve combined them seems to tone down the shoe’s potential, making the overall experience feel a bit muted.
On the flip side, Hoka has stabilized these squishy, dynamic materials in a way that makes the shoe more approachable for many runners. For me, though, it feels like they’ve taken something that could have been thrilling and made it a bit too safe and, frankly, a bit boring.
There’s Peba in the shoe, but it’s firmer than you’d expect. Just because a shoe uses Peba material doesn’t mean it’ll always feel the same. There are various ways to tweak the Peba formula, shoe geometry, and surrounding materials.
Overall, the Skyward X doesn’t give off that classic Peba vibe you’d expect from a race shoe. It’s a different experience – one that might not hit the mark for everyone looking for that familiar Peba excitement.
For example, the carbon fiber in this plate isn’t about making the shoe more exciting or giving it that pop. Instead, it’s designed to ensure a smooth, controlled roll. When your foot hits the ground, and you’re compressing the foams, it won’t squish unpredictably or feel unstable.
The convex design of this plate reminds me of what we’ve seen in the New Balance SC Trainer V2 and many shoes from the Mizuno Wave Rebellion series, like the Wave Rebellion Pro and Wave Rebellion Flash.
I think in the Skyward X, the plate’s main job is to stabilize the shoe and help it roll smoothly, rather than giving it that energetic pop.
Then, there’s the supercritical EVA layer at the bottom, which I usually love. It’s typically nice, spongy, and dynamic, offering a satisfying bounce-back that feels light and fun.
However, I think because of the way all the materials work together in this shoe, we’re getting a good amount of squish and comfort, but it’s very muted and controlled. It’s not quite what you’d expect from a shoe with this much stack height.
Don’t get me wrong; it’s a comfortable ride. I’ve really enjoyed it for my easy runs and longer runs. Whether at an easy pace or slightly faster, the Skyward X rolls smoothly.
But I can’t quite see why the shoe needs to be this big. I’m not a fan of tall shoes just for the sake of being tall. If a shoe is going to be tall, there needs to be a reason, and I’m not finding it here.
Many of you have asked, “Is this going to be a Prime X or a Superblast competitor?” For me, it’s neither. It’s a different kind of shoe. It’s not a big, heavy shoe you can use for longer, faster runs. It’s a big shoe that’s comfortable and plush. Unfortunately, the way the shoe is executed, it feels like a muted experience – basically a Bondi X2.
For strides, most shoes are fine, but you really get to know a shoe when you’re doing strides. When I push more force into the Skyward X, I start to sense what these materials could have been. The squishiness and response are nice when I’m up on my toes, but due to the shoe’s weight and wide footprint, it’s not something I’d choose for a lot of fast running.
Let’s talk about some shoes that would pair well with the Skyward X in your rotation, and then we’ll dive into some alternatives for comparison.
Pairing options
If you’re clocking your everyday miles in the Skyward X, you’ll likely need a slightly faster shoe for speed work and a race shoe.
For those faster sessions, I recommend the Hoka Mach X. Both the Mach X and the Skyward X, on paper and in execution, offer similar experiences. They feature updated materials like supercritical EVA, a Peba top layer, and stabilizing elements.
I was excited about the idea of an elevated Mach, but in reality, it felt a bit too safe, with materials that seemed muted together – much like the Skyward X. However, if you love the Mach X and what it offers, the Skyward X will be a great, tall, comfy shoe for you.
When it comes to racing, if you’re into the Mach X and Skyward X, the Cielo X1 is worth checking out. This shoe uses Peba in a way that feels like racing Peba and features a carbon fiber plate that feels like racing carbon.
It’s tall for a good reason and incredibly fun to run fast in. It’s a fantastic option for your marathons and half marathons if you’re using other Hoka shoes in your rotation.
Now, let’s move on to the buying guide and alternatives.
Price & Alternatives
New Balance SC Trainer V2
The Hoka Skyward X comes in at a hefty $225, and honestly, I feel that’s steep for what this shoe delivers.
For what the Skyward X is trying to achieve, the New Balance SC Trainer V2 does it better. Arguably, the SC Trainer V1 did an even better job, but let’s focus on the SC Trainer 2 since the first version might be hard to find.
The SC Trainer 2 has a stack height under 40mm and uses FuelCell, New Balance’s racing foam at the time of release. It features two layers of this foam with a carbon fiber plate sandwiched in between. The Energy Arc in the SC Trainer 2 provides a rolling and stabilizing benefit similar to the Double H plate in the Skyward X.
For those who find other racing and tall shoes too unstable, the SC Trainer 2 offers a squishy but stable experience, much like what the Skyward X aims to deliver.
At the time of writing this, the SC Trainer 2 retails for $180, but you can often find it at other retailers for less. Even at the full retail price, it’s a better deal than the $225 Skyward X.
If you’re looking for a more stable, comfortable, and reasonably priced alternative, I’d recommend the New Balance SC Trainer V2.
One shoe you definitely need to compare with the Skyward X is the Hoka Bondi 8. The Bondi 8 is a tall shoe that’s comfortable yet stable, providing a controlled experience. It features a plush upper for a comfortable step-in feel and a wide footprint similar to the Skyward X.
One shoe you definitely need to compare with the Skyward X is the Hoka Bondi 8…
Hoka Bondi 8
The Bondi 8 is a tall shoe that’s comfortable yet stable, providing a controlled experience. It features a plush upper for a comfortable step-in feel and a wide footprint similar to the Skyward X.
Both shoes are a bit less squishy than they appear or are advertised. Personally, I wish there was more squish and dynamic motion in the foam of both these shoes.
However, if you prefer a more controlled cushioned experience, both the Skyward X and Bondi 8 are compelling options. The Bondi 8, priced at $165, is a more economical choice compared to the $225 Skyward X. For an extra 0.3 oz., the Bondi 8 offers great value and is likely a better first option if you’re interested in the Skyward X.
To me, the Skyward X ended up being a bit of a spruce goose, but I know some of you have been running in the shoe and loving it.
Tell me why you like the Hoka Skyward X and what other shoes you enjoy. Sharing this information in the comments will help us learn more about our running preferences!
