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Hoka Skyward X - Women's Review

This uniquely designed shoe, with a high stack and rigid PEBA foam, offers ample cushioning and comfort for runners who want a supportive yet non-super shoe feel
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Hoka Skyward X - Women's Review (The high stack and stability of the Skyward make it a useful recovery day shoe.)
The high stack and stability of the Skyward make it a useful recovery day shoe.
Credit: Prudence Amsden
Price:  $225 List
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Manufacturer:   Hoka
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 3, 2024
71
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#11 of 29
  • Landing Comfort - 30% 8.5
  • Responsiveness - 20% 7.5
  • Stability - 15% 8.0
  • Upper Comfort - 15% 7.0
  • Weight - 15% 2.8
  • Traction - 5% 7.5
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

The Hoka Skyward X is a shoe unlike any we've run in before — and likely, unlike any shoe you've ever seen. With a propulsive rocker, a 43 mm stack, a carbon plate, and perfectly rigid PEBA foam, this high-tech high-cushion shoe towers over the rest, providing plenty of protection between you and the punishing effects of gravity. Runners seeking a shoe that they can get moving in without the feeling of a super shoe will enjoy the plump underfoot stack and propulsive rocker of the Skyward. It is definitely on the heavier side, but if you are looking for a sky-high shoe that will provide serious cushion, this is a great contender for you.
REASONS TO BUY
Great stability for a high stack shoe
Recovery day ready
Comfortable
Surprisingly responsive
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
High stack won't appeal to all runners
Heavy

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Top Pick Award
Most Race Ready Road Running Shoe
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Running Shoe for Women
Best Buy Award
Best Value for a Women's Road Running Shoe
Top Pick Award
Best Balance of Comfort and Responsiveness
Price $224.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers
$250 List
$249.95 at Amazon
$140 List
$139.95 at Amazon
$119.95 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$180 List
$179.95 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line This shoe combines cushioning and propulsion and is ideal for runners seeking comfort and stability, though it leans on the heavier sideThis shoe provides the ultimate power and pep thanks to its natural-feeling rocker, trampoline-style midsole, and aerodynamic shapeThis running shoe offers the performance technology and comfort needed to be your go-to shoe, no matter your running goalsAffordable and minimally-minded, the updated Kinvara is a great everyday shoe that is suitable for a myriad of running situationsThough it lacks the lightweight tech of super shoes, the balance between its responsive midsole and lateral stability makes this a powerful everyday trainer
Rating Categories Hoka Skyward X - Wo... Asics Metaspeed Sky... Asics Novablast 4 -... Saucony Kinvara 15... Brooks Hyperion Max...
Landing Comfort (30%)
8.5
8.0
9.0
7.5
7.5
Responsiveness (20%)
7.5
9.0
7.5
7.5
8.0
Stability (15%)
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
Upper Comfort (15%)
7.0
6.5
8.0
6.5
8.0
Weight (15%)
2.8
9.8
5.4
9.1
5.8
Traction (5%)
7.5
4.0
6.0
7.0
5.0
Specs Hoka Skyward X - Wo... Asics Metaspeed Sky... Asics Novablast 4 -... Saucony Kinvara 15... Brooks Hyperion Max...
Measured Weight 8.70 oz 5.10 oz 7.36 oz 5.44 oz 7.17 oz
Measured Heel Stack Height 43 mm 38 mm 38 mm 27 mm 35 mm
Measured Heel-to-Toe Drop 6 mm 6 mm 8 mm 3 mm 8 mm
Plate Type Two-piece carbon Carbon None None Full length plastic
Rocker Angle 21.0 deg 26.5 deg 22.0 deg 25.0 deg 24.5 deg
Rocker Apex Location 67.6% 68.0% 69.5% 64.7% 65.0%
Style Max-Cushion Racing Daily Trainer Daily Trainer Daily Trainer
Upper Flat Knit Upper Motion Wrap 2.0 mesh Engineered knit mesh Mesh Mesh
Midsole PEBA Foam FF Turbo Plus FF Blast Plus Eco PWRRUN DNA Flash v2
Outsole High-abrasion rubber AsicsGrip rubber AHAR outsole Rubber Rubber
Heel Tab Type Extended heel pull None Finger loop None Extended heel pull
Sizes Available 6 - 11 US,
regular
5 - 14.5 US,
regular
5 - 12 US, regular 5 - 12 US,
regular
5 - 12 US,
regular

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Hoka Skyward X is innovative. Within its 43 mm stack exists a two-piece carbon plate. This two-piece propulsion device provides strong energy return while also creating stability atop an unusually high stack.

Performance Comparison


hoka skyward x for women - the thick 45mm stack of the skyward x makes it a prime recovery day...
The thick 45mm stack of the Skyward X makes it a prime recovery day runner, though it's price tag is tough to swallow.
Credit: Prudence Amsden

Landing Comfort


A few consumer reviews across the internet mention that the latest and greatest by Hoka is too cushioned and, well… Yeah. It is immediately apparent that the Hoka Skyward X offers a ton of underfoot cushion based on how thick its sole is. What is not so obvious is that this shoe's foam isn't all marshmallows, pillows, and clouds. Sure, it gives you a decent amount of cushioning to protect your joints, but its slightly firm PEBA foam provides a serious launchpad for your running endeavors.

hoka skyward x for women - we measured all of the nooks and crannies of this shoe to ensure...
We measured all of the nooks and crannies of this shoe to ensure that it truly offers the comfort and stability that Hoka claims it does. We uncovered a shoe that isn't the most versatile, but packs a serious punch in terms of tech and running comfort.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

The foam closest to your foot is soft and a bit squishy, while the rest of the stack holds firm for much-needed energy return. The dual-piece embedded plate acts as a propulsive device but also provides much-needed stability. This stabilization is crucial for comfort because of the Skyward's huge stack. All of these underfoot elements come together to create a shoe with very little ground feel that is perfect for runners who want the underfoot stack of a recovery running shoe with the energy return of a shoe built for tempo runs.

hoka skyward x for women - the skyward x has less ground feel than other shoes, but runners...
The Skyward X has less ground feel than other shoes, but runners seeking the ultimate underfoot stack will appreciate the ample cushion and (relatively) responsive midsole.
Credit: Prudence Amsden

Responsiveness


We are impressed by the combination of cushion and responsiveness that the elements of the Skyward X, but that doesn't mean it is going to be everyone's race day pick. The solid rocker, whose apex sits at 67.6% forward from the heel, is similar to many other daily tempo shoes. At 8.70 ounces, this shoe's responsiveness is inhibited by its weight. Our testers enjoyed tempo runs and long training days in the Skyward because it is easy on the joints and because it provides enough energy return to get you moving. The high stack and rocker allow each footfall to blend into the next, creating a seamless running experience. The shape of the carbon plate combines with a built-in suspension system that plays into the overall responsiveness. Runners in need of an ultralight shoe for serious paces will find the robust undercarriage of the Skyward to be cumbersome. Runners looking for a shoe that blends energy return and underfoot comfort will be content with the responsiveness of this road runner.

hoka skyward x for women - the skyward x is heavy, but surprisingly responsive for how thick it...
The Skyward X is heavy, but surprisingly responsive for how thick it is. Even still, it isn't a speed-seeker's race-day preference.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Stability


Logic and experience might make you think that a sky-high shoe like the Skyward X is a recipe for ankle rolling. This is often true with ultra-thick stacks, but not in the case of Hoka's latest offering. Our testers never had any feelings of instability while running in the Skyward. It sits high, but its integrated structure allows for a comfortable and secure running experience. Hoka's Deep Active Foot Frame was created to provide stability in shoes that provide above-average cushion and stack. This design and fixed, plush tongue help hold the mid to rear foot in line as you run. The snug, secure heel cup and well-matched tongue are great for stability, though they give way to a slightly narrow toe box, which is worth noting if you want more forefoot real estate. The Skyward is a neutral running shoe that provides the support that many runners crave when running on fatigued legs. With enough stability to make its high stack safe to run in, the Skyward strikes a beautiful balance of stability and comfort.

hoka skyward x for women - the wide base of support and integrated framing help stabilize the...
The wide base of support and integrated framing help stabilize the Skyward X. We don't tend to think of high-stack shoes as stable, but this one breaks that mold.
Credit: Natalie Kafader

Upper Comfort


The flat knit upper textile of the Skyward X is breathable and easy to wear. The plump tongue and heel collar provide comfort in addition to security. The midfoot and toe box of the Skyward run slightly narrow. Hoka does not currently manufacture a wide option, so this is worth considering if you know you like a wider shoe.

As with many other Hoka-made shoes, the upper of the Skyward loosens up a bit after a few runs, providing a fit that feels almost customized. As we've mentioned, the tongue is plush and comfortable. The tongue has bilateral gussets that offer a bit of tongue freedom. Our testers enjoyed this design because the tongue's placement didn't feel too rigid, but the stretchy bands helped keep it flat and protect the top of the feet. Hoka didn't quite knock the upper comfort out of the park on this one, but aside from the slightly narrow fit, there isn't much to complain about. We took this shoe out day after day and found that we grew to love its heel lock, thick tongue, and general comfort.

hoka skyward x for women - the skyward doesn't offer the widest midfoot or toe box, but it does...
The Skyward doesn't offer the widest midfoot or toe box, but it does loosen up a bit with wear.
Credit: Prudence Amsden

Weight


With 43 mm of stuff underfoot, it's no surprise that the Hoka Skyward weighs 8.70 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe. For comparison, the heaviest shoe in our lineup this season only weighs less than two-tenths of an ounce more. If you are happy to tote extra weight because of the comfort it provides, then the Skyward is worth considering. All of its weight comes with some serious joint protection and a propulsive plate. The weight of the Skyward rides predominately in the undercarriage of the shoe, but we didn't find it to feel awkward or clunky.

hoka skyward x for women - the skyward x is a heavy shoe, but runners seeking a thickly-padded...
The Skyward X is a heavy shoe, but runners seeking a thickly-padded, stable, and someone energetic shoe will enjoy what it has to offer.
Credit: Prudence Amsden

Traction


The high-abrasion rubber outsole of the SkywardX is pretty grippy for a road shoe. This shoe isn't one we recommend taking on trails for various reasons, but the combination of its stability and sticky outsole makes it super capable when it comes to taking tight turns on gravel-covered streets. The Skyward shines on smooth roads but can easily be worn around agility-defying turns with security.

Should You Buy the Hoka Skyward X?


Our testers predict that runners who want a thickly cushioned tempo running shoe will fall in love with the out-of-the-box Skyward X. Hoka created a shoe that bridges the gap between responsiveness and comfort in a way that other manufacturers have not. Runners who want to shed weight and find the ultimate propulsion shoe won't love the thickness of the Skyward. But runners who want a thickly stacked daily road shoe to play with pacing in will enjoy the energy return of the Skyward.

hoka skyward x for women - the skyward x is not profoundly versatile, but runners who like what...
The Skyward X is not profoundly versatile, but runners who like what it provides will find themselves outfitted with a reliable, comfortable shoe for recovery runs with moderate pick-ups.
Credit: Prudence Amsden

What Other Running Shoes Should You Consider?


If you are seeking a shoe that is similar to the Skyward, you might be out of luck as this shoe stands in a league of its own. However, the Asics Novablast 4 offers similar components but in a different package. The Novablast is much lighter and springier overall, but it lacks the firm durability of the Skyward. If you are looking for a high stack shoe, the Mizuno Neo Vista is another tall shoe that allows for minimal ground feel but decent responsiveness.

Ally Arcuri