If any brand got an award for making the most amount of carbon-plated shoes, it would be Hoka. It makes it better to find a carbon-plated shoe that matches your needs, but it also makes it more confusing to figure out which one is right for you. The excellent news is Hoka has no plans to stop making more types of carbon-plated shoes. The bad news is you might go through more trial and error to figure out what works for you.
What Carbon Hoka Models Are Designed for the Road?
--Hoka Bondi X
--Hoka Carbon Rocket X
--Hoka Carbon X2
Hoka also makes the Tecton X, but it's designed for trails. Don't run your road races in them and hope to run well.
The Basics
| Hoka Carbon X2 | Hoka Rocket X | Hoka Bondi X | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 8.4 oz | 7.4 oz | 9.0 oz |
| Was it made for? | Racing | Racing | Racing |
| Heel Drop: | 5mm | 5mm | 5 mm |
| Cushioning? | High | Low | High |
| Sizing: | Slightly large | True to size | Slightly large |
| Price: | $180 | $180 | $200 |
Which Shoe is the Best?
It depends on what you are looking for. The Hoka Rocket X is going to be the fastest for road racing. That speed comes at a price with less cushion than the other two models. The Hoka Carbon X2 is lightweight with plenty of cushion but lacks traction. At the end of an Ironman, that extra cushion is typically welcomed.
The Hoka Rocket X has the least amount of cushion. If you were a fan of racing flats before 2016, this would feel most like home. It handles the least like a Hoka shoe, and there isn't much rocking action propelling you forward. The Hoka Rocket X is the best if you prefer a low-to-the-ground, more natural feeling. If you want a Hoka shoe that doesn't feel like a Hoka shoe, the Rocket X is a good choice.
The Carbon X2 excels in the marathon and ultra-marathon distance but, without the rubber, lacks traction. It's not the best model for a rainy day, but it's lightweight with plenty of cushion to take you the distance. If you are running on a perfect race course with minimal weather and debris, the Carbon X2 might be your first choice. Without the blown rubber, it's a sensitive shoe. Depending on the terrain, you might not even get 100 miles in them. With more cushion than the Rocket X, it will feel more comfortable the longer you go. The World Best for 50 miles was set in the Carbon X2.
The newest carbon plated model, the Bondi X, has the most cushion and durability but is by far heavier than the rest. The Bondi X is the way to go if you are injury-prone or prefer more cushion. In fact, in 2022, we will see more racing shoes gain cushion similar to the Bondi X. But it's a lot of shoe and for many, it’s too much for a racing shoe; it feels clunky, heavy, and cumbersome.
Midsole Construction
The Rocket X is made from compression-molded EVA. It has a firm ride, making it versatile for workouts and races. It doesn't feel "as cushioned" as other Hoka models. It doesn't feel like a Hoka shoe at all.
The Carbon X2 has a ProflyX midsole. This dual-density midsole means the Carbon X 2 makes it stiffer, and you'll feel the "rocking sensation" that you often feel with other carbon-plated shoes.
The Bondi X uses the signature Hoka cushioning: compression-molded EVA midsole. This means that the three models feel the most like the Hoka trainers. If you are new to the carbon-plated world but love Hoka running shoes, the Bondi X is a great place to start.
Stability
While no carbon plated shoe has a traditional stability device in them, the Carbon X and Bondi X have a wider base, particularly under the mid foot, giving them inherent platform stability. Of them, the Bondi X is the broadest underfoot and would be considered the most stable-riding of the bunch. The Rocket X is the least stable underfoot of the three. It's lower to the ground and has a more "natural feeling."
Outsole and Traction
Blown rubber is the typical material used for outsoles, and it's what provides durability and traction for running shoes.
The Hoka Rocket X and the Bondi X have blown rubber on high-wear areas. This means there is less exposed midsole, and they will have more durability and last longer. The downside of blown rubber? It weighs more.
The Carbon X 2 does not have blown rubber, and you run on an exposed midsole. This makes the Carbon X 2 lighter but it has significantly less traction and wears out faster. If you are running Boston, or IRONMAN Lake Placid in the pouring rain, it's best to look for something other than the Carbon X2.
The Hoka Bondi X is the most durable, followed by the Rocket and finally the Carbon X2.
The Upper
Lately, Hokas have run slightly larger. In my opinion, it’s not large enough to call it running a half size long. For the most part, the uppers of the three Hoka Carbon Plated models fit similarly. The widest is the Bondi X, followed by the Carbon X2, and the Rocket X is a more narrow fit.
The Rocket X uses open engineered mesh. The upper is breathable, with plenty of space in the toe box. The tongue is also guested but padded, which makes the Rocket X feel more like a training shoe. The Carbon X2 is made from a single layer of engineered mesh. The tongue is also gusseted, so you don't feel it slide. It is thinner and has been a tongue that cuts into my ankle. The Bondi X uses a breathable mesh upper with a paper-thin tongue. The thin tongue can irritate your ankle. I hope Hoka goes to a more padded tongue like the Rocket X.
Conclusions
Rocket X: If you want to run fast for shorter distances, the Rocket X is a great racing shoe. You can use it for a marathon if you love the "ground feeling" and are less prone to injury. It's the shoe you see professional Hoka runners using for races. Keep in mind; that the Rocket X does feel the least like a Hoka shoe.
Carbon X2: If you are running ultramarathons or even further, the Carbon X is a great shoe. It is a lighter shoe and feels more nimble. If you are running in inclement weather or want a durable shoe, it's one of the least durable shoes. That is simply due to the lack of rubber on the bottom.
Bondi X: If you are looking for the most cushion or want an extremely stiff shoe, the Bondi X is a great option. If you're new to the carbon-plated world and love the feeling of Hoka, starting with the Bondi X is your best bet. Plus, you won't find more cushion in a racing shoe than the Bondi X.
