Hoka Tecton X 3 - Women's Review

Runners seeking a plated speed shoe for their trail endeavors will enjoy this reconfigured 8.36 ounce (womens size 6.5) Vibram-outsoled shoe.

Performance Comparision

Foot Protection

The most notable protective addition to this season's Tecton X3 is the attached ankle gaiter. I was skeptical at first as this is a highly unique design feature that initially seemed superfluous. I am delighted to report that the stretchy and comfortable gaiter did, in fact, prevent trail debris from sneaking into the shoe through the ankle collar during our runs. Concerns about washing aside, this element amps up the Tecton's protection score and allows it to be an even stronger contender in the race for the best-plated trail shoe on the market. The gaiter and lack of tongue change the previously traditional feeling of the upper into something more streamlined. Since the comfort of this shoe is high, I found that I quite enjoyed the seamless upper, though runners who prefer a plush tongue will find this sensation to be lacking.

Hoka redesigned its dual-purpose carbon plate, resulting in protection with a bit more sensitivity than previous versions. The winged plate provides adequate underfoot protection from sharp rocks while maintaining its propulsion. With a heel stack of 34 mm and a forefoot stack of 31 mm, the Tecton offers solid protection underfoot without feeling overbuilt. Its laminated toecap provides some protection from accidental rock kicking, though it isn't the most rugged we've seen. The ample protection of the Tecton makes it a versatile shoe that is ready to tackle most terrain types, though more ruggedly capable options are available.

Traction

Hoka shoes with Vibram Litebase outsoles tend to be some of the best when it comes to trail versatility. The Tecton X3 fits nicely into this category with its 4.2 mm lugs which are as at home on steep granite faces as they are on dusty single tracks. Each arrow-shaped lug is adorned with texture (baby spikes) to seriously bite into the trail. The width of the outsole and placement of the lugs ensure a relatively slip-free ride. The outsole of the Tecton kept me stable and upright throughout the duration of our testing. I did feel one minor slip when traversing a rain-soaked boardwalk laden with soggy eucalyptus leaves. Coastal non-trails aside, the combination of reconfigured stability and Vibram Litebase outsole make the Tecton a well-tractioned powerhouse.

Sensitivity

Plated, race-focused trail shoes are not typically high scorers in the sensitivity metric, and the Hoka Tecton X3 follows suit. That said, the updated version allows for a significantly more trail feel than its predecessors. While the dual-layered PEBA midsole is not exactly beefy, the total stack height of 34 mm dampens the impact of the trail features you may encounter while running in this shoe. Runners seeking a carbon-plated shoe can expect less sensitivity than could be found elsewhere, so the sensitivity of the Tecton rides is as expected. If a high-sensitivity shoe is what you're after, the dampened and speed-focused sensation that this shoe offers will underwhelm you. If you want a classic Hoka Speed Rocker, a double dose of resilient foam, and a thin carbon plate underfoot, you'll find that the Tecton delivers exactly what you seek.

Stability

Stability has not always been the strongest attribute when it comes to the Tecton. I love that the plate has been redesigned to provide more stability in the X3 version. This shoe's stability has come a long way and we are here for it. While still a neutral trail shoe at its core, the addition of winglets to the plate adds a hearty dose of stability. While not an overpronator's perfect shoe, runners who want to strike a balance between responsiveness and stability will feel right at home in the Tecton X3. Outfitted with Hoka's signature heel cup and wide base, 4.3 inches, we recommend this trail shoe to runners wary of tackling trails in infamously tippy carbon-plated kicks.

Comfort and Fit

A stiff trail shoe the Tecton is not, offering ample underfoot cushion for long run-ready comfort. The Tecton fits true to size but offers a slightly wider toebox than most trail shoes, adding an extra shot of comfort to your training efforts. Though the fit is largely standard, the comfort elements are apparent immediately. The non-traditional tongue takes some time, but the stretchy upper and gaiter create a functional midfoot lock. Even the gaiter, which I was initially suspicious of, offers comfort during long runs. I never had to readjust the gaiter, as it securely sat atop my ankle socks throughout all of our testing runs.

Weight

The Tecton X3 weighs 8.36 ounces per women's size 6.5 shoe. This is on the slightly heavier side of average when it comes to contemporary trail shoes, but the tech packed into this shoe makes the extra ounce or so worth it. The meaty Vibram lug, dual-layered foam, gaiter, and coveted carbon fiber plate all add weight to the otherwise light body of this shoe. The Tecton may not appeal to runners looking for a seriously light shoe. Less weight-conscious runners won't notice the extra weight because of how capable it makes the upgraded Tecton.

Should You Buy the Hoka Torrent X3?

The Tecton X3 is on the higher side when it comes to price tags, which can feel prohibitive. Is this shoe going to transform your running and have you breaking the tape at your local races because of its carbon plate? Likely not. Could this be a reliable, durable, steady trail companion that encourages quick leg turnover with solid traction? Yes — provided you can stomach the price tag. While our testers enjoyed running in this shoe and think most runners will find the same enjoyment, runners seeking a more budget-friendly buy can find an equally high-scoring shoe for less.

What Other Trail Running Shoes Should You Consider?