The HOKA Rocket X 3 has been engineered for runners chasing their personal best. The new Rocket X 3 (8.2 oz in all-gender size 10 men’s/11 women’s; 6.5 oz in size 6.5 men’s/8 women’s) builds upon the lightweight, propulsive ride of previous versions with updates that allow runners to harness all the speed gained through committed training.
This latest-generation Rocket has a full-length carbon-fiber plate shaped with Metarocker™ and sandwiched between two layers of premium PEBA foam (38mm heel / 31mm forefoot stack height for Men’s 8.5/Women’s 9.5). A softer top layer works in conjunction with a slightly denser bottom layer to maximize comfort and control. The carbon plate of the Rocket X 3 has been reimagined. The plate harnesses and releases energy with every footstrike, while its winged shape improves lateral stability. The design ensures predictable performance for a wider range of runners while giving those who loved the Rocket X 2 even more control for speedwork, tempo runs, or on the racecourse.
A new, stickier rubber compound strategically placed on the outsole improves traction. The breathable upper of the Rocket X 3 has a structured and comfortable heel collar, and a stretchy panel cradles the top of the foot. The new Rocket X 3 gives runners a primed and prepped feel every time they lace up.
In short, the Rocket X 3 is the race day shoe (and race-ready trainer) engineered for speed—because on race day, every second counts.
First Impressions
After a pair of initial shakedown runs in the Rocket X 3 on an undulating paved path—one at a full race-day effort and the other at recovery pace—a few takeaways were immediate. This Rocket has a traditionally structured foam-infused heel collar that makes it easy to get on the foot. This may seem like a small detail, but when you’re excited to pull on a shoe that you know will allow you to run as fast as possible, you want to get that shoe on your foot fast.
The Rocket X 3 is also very comfortable. I chalk that up to the stretchy material that makes up the tongue and extends in a slightly asymmetrical pattern between the right and left foot toward the metatarsals. The upper secures nicely around my narrow foot without buckling across the top. I imagine the stretchy material will be forgiving on wider feet.
During my initial testing, the upper of the Rocket X 3 seemed more breathable than the Rocket X 2, which is welcome in midsummer. As a heel striker who somehow remains a heel striker, even when I’m pushing to my redline pace, I appreciated the added lateral stability of the reshaped winged carbon-fiber plate. The Rocket X 3 doesn’t throw off my stride when I land on my heel. Rather, the shoe provides stability upon heel strike, allowing me to feel in control and harness its speed to my advantage.
When I ran at tempo, my watch told me I was moving faster than my mental clock (and definitely my body) thought I was. The Rocket X 3 felt as if I’d gained an edge in running fast. At a slower recovery pace, the shoe’s dual-density PEBA foam and plate were downright forgiving. The foam absorbed the impact of my steps, which eased my achy joints, while the plate supported my tired feet. And the secure-fitting upper felt like a comfortable, breathable hug.
Who Is It For?
The Rocket X 3 is for runners in search of their PR. It is now more forgiving for a range of runners: heel strikers and midfoot strikers, the narrow-footed and the wide. It’s a shoe that helps ensure runners who train and race hard will get the most out of their efforts.
HOKA is one of the fastest-growing performance footwear and apparel brands in history. Conceived in the mountains, HOKA footwear delivers an unprecedented combination of enhanced cushioning and support for a uniquely smooth ride. Every day, HOKA pushes the innovation and design of its footwear and apparel by teaming up with a deep roster of world champions, tastemakers, and everyday athletes. From finish lines to everyday life, HOKA fans love the brand for its bold and unexpected approach and its belief in the power of humanity to create change for a better world. HOKA empowers a world of athletes to fly over the earth. For more information, visit HOKA.com or follow @HOKA. #FlyHumanFly