The Hoka Skyward X 2 Proves Less Stack Can Be An Upgrade

Introduction to the Hoka Skyward X 2

MEAGHAN: The Hoka Skyward X was one of my favorite shoes from last year, so needless to say, I’ve been eagerly waiting to get my feet into version two. For a little context, the Skyward X always felt like the spiritual successor to the Bondi X, another shoe I loved that seemed to disappear almost as quickly as it arrived. Not only did the Skyward X fill that void, but it also did so with a meaningful upgrade, bringing better foams and a more refined ride. So the bar was already set high heading into version two.

At first glance, the two shoes look remarkably similar, but spend a little time with them side by side and the differences start to reveal themselves. The most noticeable update is the upper, which has been redesigned from a knit construction to a premium jacquard mesh. The tongue gets some added padding, while the overall fit remains consistent with what fans of the original have come to expect.

Thankfully, the midsole makeup stays the course, pairing a PEBA foam top layer with a Super Critical EVA (SCF EVA) frame below, while the carbon plate has been fully re-engineered, and the overall stack was reduced by 4 mm from 48 mm in the heel down to 44 mm. The drop holds steady at 5 mm, but the weight savings are substantial. My W7.5 went from 9.4 oz down to 8.4 oz.

So does version two hold up to the original? Let’s find out.

CHAD: Meg and I are 100% in agreement: the first Skyward X absolutely rocked. It felt like Hoka had taken a big swing, throwing into the market a shoe with a dual-density midsole measuring 48 mm / 43 mm, a hearty PEBA core, and a plate for added stability. Hoka didn’t just dip their toes in the Super Trainer pool; they cannon-balled in with reckless abandon, and I’ll be damned if it didn’t work out great for everyone.

But in an industry that is arguably oversaturated with quality offerings and where many shoe updates are released annually, the phrase “what have you done for me lately” is often at the forefront of a reviewer’s mind. Enter the Skyward X 2, which, on paper, keeps much of what made the OG great intact: PEBA foam immediately underfoot in a cradle of supercritical EVA, a dramatic rocker, and a plate between the two layers for pop and stability (albeit a redesigned one).

That said, the shoe did undergo several changes, including a reduction from 48 mm in the heel to 44 mm, and a switch over to a jacquard upper. How, if at all, did that change the performance of the Skyward X 2? Keep going to find out.

THOMAS: Full disclosure: the original Skyward X and I were never as close as Meg and Chad were. I was more of a respectful acquaintance. The shoe has a lane, and it knows exactly what that lane is: LSD. Long. Slow. Distance. That’s not a knock. That’s a job description. The Skyward X does that job well.

Just don’t ask it to be your everything shoe. If you’re running a one-shoe rotation, look elsewhere. But if your sneaker shelf looks like ours, chaotic, crowded, and completely justified, the Skyward X 2 earns real estate as your recovery day staple and high-mileage grind shoe.

For the believers: Hoka didn’t mess with the formula; they refined it. The updates are measured, intentional, and they land. If the original had you, the sequel keeps you.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

What we like about the Hoka Skyward X 2

MEAGHAN: I have to give Hoka credit for dropping a cherry blossom colorway right as spring was coming alive in Baltimore — the timing was perfect, although the aesthetic alone would have sold me.

The step-in feel will be immediately familiar to fans of the original, but with a noticeable bump in overall comfort. The upper is softer, the added tongue padding gives the shoe a premium feel from the moment you slip it on, and the fit runs true to size with plenty of room in the toe box.

Underfoot, the formula stays true — PEBA foam on top, EVA below, with a carbon plate delivering a firm yet stable ride. I typically gravitate towards very soft midsoles, but there’s something about this combination that just works. It’s not squishy or overly bouncy, but it’s a smooth, fun ride.

To really put the two versions to the test, I laced up the original on one foot and the new version on the other. The upper comfort difference was immediately apparent, but what surprised me was how the new version also felt a touch poppier underfoot — a little more responsive, a little more lively. Now, I do have over 200 miles on my original pair, so take that with a grain of salt. But I genuinely believe the same changes that shed weight from this shoe also made it a more enjoyable ride overall.

I found myself reaching for the Skyward X 2 day after day: easy miles, long runs, recovery days, you name it. It’s not the plushest shoe in the rotation, but it’s stable, comfortable, and a true workhorse.

CHAD: One of my few complaints about the original Skyward X was the aesthetic and colorway that we were sent. It looked juvenile, and I’m pretty sure I likened it to a Playskool toy or “My First Super Trainer.” And while the form of the shoe looks very similar to the first version, the Skyward X 2 colorway we were sent is leaps and bounds better. Hoka has always seemed to embrace the glittery/mermaid aesthetic, and I think they really did well with the updated version, featuring a white upper and purpleish/greenish/bluish accents. Off to a good start right out of the box!

Finally, A second version of a shoe that doesn’t take a step back from the initial offering. We at Believe in the Run were a bit harsh to Brooks about the Glycerin Max 2, another max-stack cruiser that lost a bit of magic in the second version. Hoka fully avoided the sophomore slump because the Skyward X 2 took the magic from the OG and brought it back and then some. Even though the shoe lost some stack height, it didn’t alter the bouncy, fun experience from the first version, and by shedding some weight in the process, the ride became even more pleasurable.

When I got this shoe in for testing, it was the only shoe I had to put miles on for review, so I put a good chunk in over the span of two weeks, doing maybe six straight runs in it (including some back-to-back days). After nearly 30 miles, I think this shoe would make an amazing long run cruiser for anyone. I think the fit is a smidge more accommodating than the original, and the new jacquard upper gives the shoe a premium feel.

THOMAS: Hoka improved the looks, the ride, and the fit, while making the shoe an ounce lighter. How often do we get to report that? Nearly never. The changes don’t look like a lot, but the lowered stack, redesigned carbon plate, and a softer overall feel all add up to a big improvement.

The lighter weight makes the shoe more enjoyable later in the run. The cushioning feels soft and supportive, and I think the Skyward X 2 will protect your legs as you ramp up mileage.

What we don’t like about the Hoka Skyward X 2

MEAGHAN: My criticisms of the Hoka Skyward X 2 are few and far between, and most of them have nothing to do with how the shoe is built. The one thing worth noting is that while the upper is genuinely comfortable and well-constructed, it’s not the most breathable. On warmer days, you’ll feel it.

Beyond that, $225 is a premium price tag for a super trainer that lacks some versatility. Despite packing race-day foam and a carbon fiber plate, the Skyward X 2 doesn’t feel fast. It’s not a shoe you’ll want to reach for on workout days or when you’re chasing pace on a long run.

CHAD: I’m with Meg, I’m having a hard time finding ways to criticize this shoe. I agree that the increase in thickness of the upper with the jacquard does impact the breathability somewhat, so in the summer, that could be a concern. Also, the price tag reads $225, which is undeniably a lot, even for a shoe that could handle almost everything you throw at it. I don’t think it’s as versatile as some other options in the $200+ range, like the Superblast 3, which I could see doing some faster miles in.

However, if you’re just looking for a mileage workhorse that is going to last you a long time for your easy runs and long runs, then $225 ain’t so bad.

THOMAS: The look is better than the original, cleaner. But, to be honest, this is still a big, blocky boy. Sizing? It runs short. On my US M10.5, my toes were making friends with the toe box wall. Karl, also a true 10.5, was actively curling his. Size up.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Meg said it, and I said it in the opening. This isn’t the most versatile option for all your running needs.

Final thoughts on the Hoka Skyward X 2

MEAGHAN: I’m happy to report that the Hoka Skyward X 2 has firmly held its place in my rotation, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon. The aesthetics are dialed in, the fit and comfort are as good as ever, and the ride continues to make everyday miles feel like something to look forward to. Is $225 a lot to spend on a shoe reserved mostly for easy days? Sure. But when you’re planning to put hundreds and hundreds of miles on a pair, the math starts math-ing.

CHAD: Is the Skyward X 2 a do-it-all shoe? Eh, probably not. Is it a shoe that you could put several hundred miles on and be comfortable for every single one of them? Absolutely. My legs felt incredibly refreshed after each of my runs in the Skyward X 2, which, for us big boys, is incredibly important during race training blocks. Because of this, say hello to one of the shoes I’ll likely have in my rotation for the NYC Marathon this fall…

THOMAS: At $225, the Skyward X 2 is a very good trainer playing in a very crowded category. Before you commit, the competition is worth a look: the On LightSpray Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, the Saucony Paramount Max, the Adidas Hyperboost Edge, and the Asics Superblast 3 are all in the conversation. Different rides, different personalities, varying degrees of versatility, but all bringing serious cushion to the table.

Here’s the thing, though: if all you want is a long run cruiser, something to eat miles and ask nothing of you in return, the Skyward X 2 might be the move. It knows what it is. In a category full of shoes trying to do everything, that kind of clarity counts for something.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

You can pick up the Hoka Skyward X 2 for $225 on May 15 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.