HOKA ROCKET X 3
First look
Hoka has long been a contender in the carbon racing category and never quite cracked the top 3. This may have changed now with the addition of the rocket x 3 to their fleet. Comfort is one of the most overlooked features of today’s racing shoes, and I feel like it holds a lot more value than some brands give it credit. If you are comfortable in a shoe, you are going to be excited to put it on and most likely look forward to wearing it. All good feelings when it comes to race day. The third iteration of the Rocket series builds on its predecessors while refining key elements to enhance the running experience.
FIT
The rocket x 3 has been updated in almost all areas, and the fit is one. The X2 was quite narrow fitting and and the upper materials used didn’t have much wiggle room. The updated upper material is more breathable and moves more with your foot’s natural pathways. The upper's seamless construction ensures there are no irritating hotspots. Overall, it’s a shoe that feels comfortable right out of the box, without needing too much break-in time.
FEEL
The shoe has a new, improved midsole featuring Hoka's signature PROFLY+ foam—offering a plush feel underfoot without sacrificing that responsive propulsion for quick turnover. The foam is soft enough for long-distance comfort but springy enough for those high-paced efforts, making it a great choice for marathoners and fast 5Ks alike. The shoe feels fast yet stable, which is often a tough combination to get right, but I feel like Hoka may be the closest to nailing it. The rock isn't super aggressive, so there is a clear distinction between the ciele x1 2.0 and the rocket x 3, which is a great offering.
FUNCTION
The rocket X3 might be one of the most versatile options for race day. I believe its designed distance is the half/maratho, but the foam and plate combination still offers great response for the shorter 5/10km distances. It’s a race day sh, so not an everyday use option. It’s a great balance of performance and comfort, ideal for runners who want to maximize their speed without sacrificing that Hoka softness.
Conclusion
The Hoka Rocket X 3 is a top-tier racing shoe for those who want speed, responsiveness, and comfort. Whether you’re eyeing a personal best in a marathon or looking for that edge in a shorter race, the Rocket X 3 delivers on all fronts. If you're a competitive runner or someone looking to elevate their race-day experience, this is worth considering. It’s a great balance of performance and comfort, ideal for runners who want to maximize their speed without sacrificing that Hoka softness.
