Hoka Rocket X 3: For Your Best Space Race

Introduction to the Hoka Rocket X 3

THOMAS: Hoka has gone from having zero road race day options a couple of years ago to now having two. First came the Rocket X 2. Then, last year, the Cielo X1 arrived. Of the two, only the Rocket felt ready for serious race day efforts, finally sporting a PEBA midsole with an aggressive rocker that kept things moving quickly. That’s not to say we didn’t love the first Cielo– it was one of the most fun shoes we’ve ever tested. It just wasn’t race ready.

This year, Hoka looked to tighten things up and redraw the borders around the race day duo. The result? The Cielo X1 2.0 was lighter and tighter, making it fast and fun for any distance. It fixed many of the issues we had with the original, and though it’s still a tad heavier than most race day shoes, its aggressive rocker, exceptional bounce, and added stability turned it into a legitimate option for the marathon.

Two years ago, the Rocket X 2 was the obvious race-day pick for Hoka. But now, with a redesigned Cielo in the mix, is the new Rocket X 3 still the better choice?

The answer: It depends.

If you’re a heel striker—or a triathlete—the Rocket X 3 may work best. But for midfoot strikers, the Cielo X1 2.0 likely takes the edge.

Let’s look at what’s changed in the Rocket X 3.

The upper has been reworked. The minimal heel counter from the X 2 is now padded and more structured. The gusseted tongue is gone, a nod to triathletes who want a fast transition from bike to run. The upper itself has switched from a TPU mesh that buckled in heat to a softer nylon yarn jacquard. And for those who care (looking at you, Robbe), it now has sawtooth laces.

The midsole keeps the dual-density PEBA foam. The soft layer sits above the plate, under your forefoot. The firmer foam extends from the toe to the heel below the plate for added stability. The stack remains high— 40 mm in the heel and 33 mm in the toe, resulting in a 7 mm drop.

The outsole? Good rubber coverage.

Both Meg and I found it true to size. My US Men’s 10.5 weighed in at 7.7 oz. (220 grams)–  a half-ounce lighter than the previous version.

MEG: As Thomas pointed out, Hoka has gone from having virtually no true race-day contenders to offering two strong, competitive options. While the Cielo X1 2.0 feels like the more aggressive, speed-focused choice, the Rocket X 3 still delivers a fast ride– just with a slightly softer, more forgiving feel. Thomas already covered the key updates, so let’s dive into how the Rocket X 3 actually performed on the road.

What we like about the Hoka Rocket X 3

THOMAS: The fit on the Rocket X 3 is dialed. I had zero complaints. The nylon upper feels more comfortable than before, and the shoe now includes a removable sockliner, a rare feature in a race-day model. It’s a smart choice for runners who like to fine-tune their support.

Cushioning has improved, especially in the forefoot, where it feels softer and more responsive. The foam stays stable at slower paces and brings a bit of pop when you pick things up. The ride is smooth. On tempo runs, the shoe locked into rhythm easily. It’s the kind of racer that finds your pace and holds it.

As for the outsole, no complaints there either. It grips well and still looks solid after around 40 miles.

MEG: The step-in feel of the Rocket X 3 is instantly comfortable. The upper leans more toward the feel of a daily trainer than a traditional race-day shoe, which I actually prefer. There’s generous padding around the collar and tongue, offering a plush feel, yet the open nylon mesh keeps the shoe light and breathable. It’s a nice blend of comfort and performance; daily trainer cushioning paired with a sleek, race-like design.

The sawtooth laces help lock the foot in place effectively, and I found the fit to be true to size with a fairly roomy forefoot. Runners with wider feet will likely find this shoe accommodating and a solid race-day option.

Another update in version 3 is the change in PEBA foam placement. Hoka now uses a softer layer of PEBA directly underfoot, with more under the forefoot, while a slightly firmer layer sits below the carbon plate. This setup gives the Rocket X 3 a snappier, more energetic toe-off compared to the previous version. I took it out for a few shorter workouts, and it felt lively and responsive, but it was also just as enjoyable for some easy-paced miles. The outsole is a straightforward slab of rubber, but it grips well and feels durable. I’d say this is one of the more robust super shoes out there in terms of longevity and traction.

Lastly, my women’s size 7.5 weighed in at 6 oz, which technically lands on the heavier side for race-day shoes when compared to options like the Nike Alphafly or Asics Metaspeed Sky/Edge Tokyo. That said, it never felt heavy on foot, the Rocket X 3 still runs light and smooth on the road, and I wouldn’t consider the weight a downside at all.

What we don’t like about the Hoka Rocket X 3

THOMAS: We’re getting spoiled. Just a year ago, a sub-8 ounce shoe in a men’s 10.5 was top shelf. Now, most brands are dropping sub-7 ounce speed sleds built for race day. The old tradeoff was that less weight meant less cushioning. That no longer applies. Today’s lightweight trainers bring full cushioning without compromise.

There’s a feeling you get when you lace up a shoe that looks fast. On the days you need every ounce of motivation to go hard, your gear has to meet you there. You want a shoe that screams “let’s fly.”

Design-wise, the Rocket X 3 doesn’t shout. Instead, it gives a pat on the back with a “let’s give it a good effort, pal.” It’s fast, and it can race with the pack, but it doesn’t quite light the fuse in the same way that the very top-tier race shoes do it. It needs more passion. More energy. More footwork.

MEG: While I don’t completely agree with Thomas on the weight issue, I do share his take on the overall aesthetic. The Rocket X 3 doesn’t exactly scream “race day,” and the added padding in the upper gives it more of a trainer-like feel. For a lot of runners, that extra comfort will be a plus, but if you’re after a more aggressive, stripped-down race shoe, I’d steer you toward the Cielo X1 2.0 instead.

Final thoughts on the Hoka Rocket X 3

THOMAS: Hoka has built a solid race-day shoe not just for elites, but for anyone chasing a marathon goal.

The Rocket X 3 favors runners who land farther back on the foot, while the Cielo X1 2.0 suits midfoot strikers better. For me, the choice is clear: I’d pick the Cielo. Still, I’d have no hesitation racing in the Rocket X 3.

In fact, I plan to do just that. This fall, I’ll be lining up for the JFK 50 Miler, and my current plan is to rely on a one-two punch: the Rocket X Trail for the rocky and rooty AT portion and the Rocket X 3 for the flat C&O towpath.

Hoka’s race day lineup keeps improving. With a bit of weight loss and a sharper design, the Rocket X 3 could become a standout. For now, it’s strong, but not quite my choice for an all-out effort. That said, we’re in a golden age of shoes. There’s something for every runner.

If you’re the kind who values comfort over minimal weight or hyper-aggressive feel, the Rocket X 3 is worth a look.

MEG: The Hoka Rocket X 3 is a true workhorse among super shoes: durable and stable, yet still light and fast enough for race day. It’s an excellent option for runners who want the benefits of a carbon-plated racer without the overly aggressive feel that some super shoes bring. The ride transitions smoothly between uptempo efforts and easier paces, and the fit is accommodating enough to suit a wide range of foot shapes.

While the $250 price tag isn’t exactly a steal, it’s on the more affordable end of the carbon-plated spectrum these days, and with its build quality, you’re likely to get plenty of miles out of it.

You can pick up the Hoka Rocket X 3 for $250 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.