The HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X is a brand new competition running shoe from HOKA. Some highlights of this rocket: it is light in weight, has a carbon plate and comes at a remarkably good price. The model’s characteristics and name are influenced by two of HOKA’s very successful previous models: the Carbon X and the EVO Carbon Rocket. Thus, there’s a lot to find out about this new model. Let’s examine the HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X more closely. What type of running shoes are these? And where can we place them in the world of legendary carbon racers?
HOKA ONE ONE has already made a name for itself in the field of fast competition running shoes. The Carbon X, for example, has become an integral part of the competitive running scene. Before the Carbon X was released, the EVO Carbon Rocket had already won the hearts of many. While the Carbon X is designed for fast and very long distances, the EVO Carbon Rocket is suitable for fast, but shorter distances (say up to half a marathon). The new HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X now follows in the footsteps of the EVO Carbon Rocket and is therefore especially suitable for running shorter distances at high velocities.
HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X in Detail
Discover the unique characteristics of these running shoes
Exceptionaly breathable mesh upper
Structured heel and tongue area for good support
CMEVA midsole with a 1 mm thick carbon plate
Wide base for a stable running feel
Outsole of strategically placed rubber elements
THE OVERALL PICTURE
The HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X is a racing shoes that weighs only 210 grams (weight taken from US size 9). For comparison: the HOKA Carbon X weighs 240 grams and the HOKA EVO Carbon Rocket weighs 218 grams. If we compare the Rocket X with the weight of other carbon running shoes from other brands, we come to the following conclusion: the Rocket X has the same weight as the Saucony Endorphin Pro and the Nike Alphafly. The Nike Vaporfly, on the other hand, wins the weight race with its weight of just 200 grams. While most other carbon shoes were specially developed for record speeds on the marathon distance, the HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X has been designed for personal bests on shorter distances. If you want to master a marathon and prefer shoes with a little more ground contact, you can also opt for racers from other brands, such as the adidas Adizero Adios or the ASICS Metaracer.
TRADITIONAL BUT DIFFERENT
You could actually call the HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X a more traditional racing flat. But then again you can’t. Because HOKA is and always will be HOKA; an individually thinking brand that doesn’t foster traditionalism. Nevertheless, the smaller drop, the more intens ground contact and the minimalist look of the shoe definitely all hint at racing flat properties. The shoe also boasts HOKA’s well-known EVA cushioning material in its CMEVA midsole. Nothing revolutionary, but especially effective. The thin carbon plate in the midsole stimulates a fast transition and a reactive feel.
Add a particularly light and thin upper with a more traditional heel and tongue area to the mix, and the Rocket X is born. A competition shoe that radiates speed. A lot of grams have been saved by using strategically placed rubber elements instead of a full-length outsole. No question about it, as the midsole is more exposed to the underground this design is more sensitive to wear. However, the rubber elements are placed in particularly sensitive areas in order to offer sufficient robustness and sustainability.
Rocket X vs EVO Carbon Rocket vs Carbon X
The new Rocket X can be seen as the successor to the EVO Carbon Rocket. And yet there are some significant differences between the two as well. While the EVO Carbon Rocket has a drop of only 1 mm, the Rocket X, just like the Carbon X, has a drop of 5 mm. Next to that the EVO Carbon Rocket has a midsole made of PROFLY material, while the Rocket X is equipped with a CMEVA midsole. Thus there are some big differences between the two when it comes to technologies and materials used in their construction. As mentioned above, both shoes are suitable for running shorter distances at high speeds.
This is where the Rocket X differs from the Carbon X. The Carbon X is suitable for marathon distances and even ultra runs. The Rocket X is basically a Carbon X put on a diet: its more explosive, but best suitable for shorter distances. Another plus: the Rocket X offers you stability which is a common characteristic of HOKA shoes. Thanks to the wider base, you benefit from more stability and support than with many other carbon racing shoes.
Ready for take-off
Fast and powerful. Take off explosively and fly over the course as fast as a rocket with the HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X. A shoe with a little less cushioning and “plush” than you might be used to from HOKA. However, since HOKA offers an above-average amount of cushioning, don’t expect the shoes to be hard. The Rocket X is a no-nonsense competition shoe that’s ready to fly at an explosive pace.
The Finishing Lines
The new HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X can be seen as a slimmer version of the Carbon X that shares a lot of features with the EVO Carbon Rocket. The Rocket X is a lightweight competition shoe for shorter distances at high speeds. Are you a marathon runner with a penchant for ground contact? And do you have a preference for more traditional racing flats? Then these fast racers are sure to make your heart beat faster. The Rocket X is a new player in the carbon running world. And maybe one that lets you sleep more easily after your run. Because at a cost of around €160 this shoe is one of the cheaper carbon trainers out there.
Curious? The new HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X can now available for pre-order at 21RUN and can be shipped to your home from November 2nd. Do you still have some questions? Then please contact our customer service. Our team of passionate runners will be happy to help you.
