I tested the Hoka Skyward X and smashed my Parkrun PB

Name: Review: I tested the Hoka Skyward X and smashed my Parkrun PB
Brand: Hoka
Price: 185 GBP

With an immense level of cushioning and comfort, the Hoka Skyward X is ideal for recovery runs or putting in a lot of training miles

from Hoka

RRP £185.00

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Hoka Skyward X

Expert rating:

4.0

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Find the men's version here

Pros

Extremely cushioned
Make recovery runs easy
Great for tempo training

Cons

Stack height can cause muscle soreness
Cannot be worn in road races

Quality
4.0
Comfort
4.0
Value
3.0
Performance
5.0

Women’s sizes (UK):	3.5 to 10.5
Men’s sizes (UK):	6.5 to 14.5
Waterproof version:	No
Weight:	216g
Drop:	5mm
Stack height:	46/41mm

Designed to outlast your typical carbon-plate super shoe, the Skyward X offers impressive durability while keeping easy and recovery runs effortlessly smooth. It’s an attractive proposition meaning you can save those Nike Alphafly or Hoka Cielo X1 for race day.

So, how does this powerhouse compare to Hoka's previous super trainers, which left some runners wanting more? Let's dive into the details.

Upper

Easy to slip into the flat-knit upper provides a sock-like fit that molds to the foot, ensuring both comfort and support. The shoe’s heel collar combined with the Deep Active Foot Frame, cradles the back of the foot for a secure, stable ride—crucial for handling the high stack height. The thick, padded tongue adds a plush feel without feeling suffocating (unlike the INOV8 TrailFly tongue) and the breathable upper keeps feet carefully ventilated.

As with all Hoka shoes, I went up a full size, and the fit was perfect, with enough room for my wide feet to feel comfortable even on longer runs.