Hoka Tecton X 4 fixes the Tecton X 3’s flaws without losing its magic

Introduction to the Hoka Tecton X 4

ALEX: It has been fun to watch the Hoka Tecton evolve over the past few years. I still remember my first run in the original Tecton X back in 2022. At the time, we were living on the North Shore in Minnesota, and I took it out for a workout on a long, gradual gravel climb. I can still remember how smooth and efficient it felt. It was one of the first carbon-plated trail shoes I’d ever run in, and I was immediately hooked.

Since then, the Tecton has continued to evolve. The Tecton X 2 and 2.5 shed weight, introduced a new PEBA midsole and integrated knit gaiter, and became the shoe Jim Walmsley wore on his way to his historic UTMB victory. The Tecton X 3 refined the platform even further, while the Tecton X 4 feels like the most polished and complete version yet, building on everything that has made the line successful and addressing many of the small refinements Tecton fans have been asking for.

MARIA: Rule number one: never try anything new on race day. But for the Hoka Tecton X 4, I decided to break that rule. I’m such a rebel, I know. After putting more than 100 miles into the Tecton X 3, I felt confident that the X 4 would be a safe addition to my race day toolbox, and it did not disappoint. Straight out of the box, the shoe felt smooth, fast, and light, and it was just as comfortable at mile 34 as mile one. It handled the dusty, rooty, and twisty Texas trails with ease.

It feels like Hoka gathered the feedback from previous versions, went back to the drawing board, and came out with a meaningfully better shoe. The Tecton X 4 keeps much of the identity of the X 3, and the two versions share the same general formula: parallel carbon fiber plates, dual-layer PEBA, a Matryx upper, and a sock-like knit collar. But the X 4 puts those pieces together in a lighter, more refined package that has been incredibly fun and impressive to test.

TAYLOR: Believe Basecamp was my ultimate testing grounds for the Hoka Tecton X 4 as I prepare for the MCC by UTMB coming up really soon. That sounds more serious than it was. This was really just a runner’s version of day camp where Thomas and I goofed off in the woods, over the hills, and through the streams.

Let’s not completely downplay it, though. Believe Basecamp was three days of 40-plus miles and 10,000 feet of gain/loss in the Northern Colorado Rockies. We traversed everything from short bouts of pavement to some of the most rocky trails the mountains can offer.

Based on my experience in the Hoka Tecton X 3, this was a bold move; however, I did have more than 20 solid miles in before our three days of adventuring. It was those miles that gave me the confidence to tackle bigger, longer days.

On paper, this new version is almost too similar to the previous. On foot, though, the Hoka Tecton X 4 proved it was different in all the best ways.

What we like about the Hoka Tecton X 4

ALEX: Since I seem to be starting most of my reviews by judging each shoe by its upper (aesthetic). I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Tecton X 4 colorway was a bit understated, especially by Hoka’s recent design standards. They lost me for a bit there, but I’m glad they’re back. I received the frost/neon tangerine colorway, and I love it. It’s cool. Literally and figuratively.

Speaking of cool, the Tecton X 4 uses a Matryx Micro textile upper that is probably one of the most breathable uppers I have ever run in. It is a super light, durable material that breathes and drains really well. Every day in Utah has been 90 to 100 degrees, and this ended up being the upper I didn’t know I needed.

The ghillie-style lacing system uses loops integrated into the upper, distributing lace pressure evenly across the top of the foot. I especially appreciate this as I tend to get lace bite and metatarsalgia when laces sit right over top of my foot. Also, I know a lot of the random issues I have with most shoes could be resolved with a strong commitment to PT, but PT is hard, and I am really tired most of the time. Sorry to all of my PT friends who have really tried to help me…

One new feature Hoka added was the marathon lacing eyelet intended to assist in a more secure heel lockdown. I noticed on the spec sheet after I ran in the shoe and wrote most of my review that this was apparently a notable feature. So if you’re into it, it’s there. This feature is a bit lost on me, as I have never been able to lace that far back over my always a little angry anterior tib. That PT could fix. This review may or may not be a subtle cry for help.

Before we leave the upper, I wanted to point out the vamp (the part of the shoe that covers your toes) and how it’s reminiscent of the Hoka Speedgoat Evo, which was my first experience with a well-designed vamp (RIP, my first true love). It is a dynamic piece of material that covers the toe box and allows for some give and foot splay. Combined with the lacing system and the tighter internal midfoot wrap, I had no issues getting a confident lockdown in this one.

The ProFly X dual-layer PEBA foam midsole feels both really comfortable and really energetic underfoot. Combined with the parallel carbon plates that are the hallmark of the Tecton series and the MetaRocker, the Tecton X 4 ride is smooth, stable, protective, and fast. I have loved the rocker geometry of the Tecton since day 1.

Finally, the Vibram Megragrip Litebase provides excellent traction and a durable outsole. It kept the same lug depth as previous models, along with the microtraction and overall design; there are just a few more of them, which adds to the already great outsole grip and confidence.

MARIA: At first glance, it’s hard to ignore the aesthetics of this shoe. The white colorway with orange details immediately stands out and looks much more modern than the Tecton X 3. Besides, white is the perfect canvas for collecting dirt from different adventures and challenges. It’s almost like the more you wear it, the better it looks.

Moving into the more technical side, one of my favorite changes is how Hoka gave the upper more structure without sacrificing the dynamic vamp or overall flexibility of the shoe. The Matryx Micro textile adds the extra support I wanted from the X 3 while remaining durable, breathable, and non-constricting. The dynamic vamp lets my forefoot splay naturally and gives the shoe room to adapt as my foot swells throughout a run. As someone with a high instep and an overall high-volume foot, that adaptability scores major bonus points. Well done, Hoka.

If the Tecton X 3 is the friend you don’t talk to very often but trust to show up when needed, the Tecton X 4 is the friend with a hand on your shoulder the whole way. The ghillie lacing system, along with the newly added marathon loop, provides another layer of security. The tongue also has slightly more padding than previous versions, which helps keep the laces from digging into the top of the foot.

Personally, I’m also a fan of the integrated gaiter. One less thing to worry about? Great. It hugs the ankle comfortably, provides a little extra support, and, best of all, keeps rocks and debris from finding their way into the shoe. No separate gaiter to take on and off. Win-win.

Now, let’s talk about weight. On paper, the Tecton X 4 only drops about nine grams from the previous version, but the difference feels much more noticeable on foot. My guess, as someone who frequently runs in hot or wet conditions, is that the X 4’s ability to drain and dry quickly plays a role.

After racing for a little over five hours in 90-100°F heat, I never felt the shoe getting progressively heavier deeper into the run like I have with the Tecton X 3. The more open Matryx Micro upper and thinner material seem to help the shoe breathe, drain, and dry significantly faster.

As impressive as the upper is, the underfoot package adds even more to the appeal. The Profly X dual-layer PEBA midsole, parallel carbon fiber plates, MetaRocker geometry, and Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole work together to create a lively but controlled ride. The Vibram outsole provides terrific traction, while the foam and plate setup keeps the shoe energetic and efficient.

The Tecton X 4 has a ton of fun factor, but is also built to stay comfortable for hours. That balance between race day speed and long-distance comfort is what makes this shoe so good.

TAYLOR: The ladies nailed it, but the design is too good for me not to say anything. While they’re flaunting the gorgeous white/orange colorway, I received the black, green, and purple. Maybe it didn’t initially have the wow factor, but when it was put on the trail, it stood out. Best of all, I got a beautiful purple Vibram Megagrip outsole.

For the most part, besides some midsole sculpting and overlays, the Hoka Tecton X 4 could nearly fool you into thinking this was the same shoe as the previous model. A quick runover with my hand told me nearly everything I needed to know about the subtle changes that made this version worth the two-year wait.

Both the heel collar padding/structure and the lacing chain received appropriate attention for comfort and fit purposes. I had zero issues with the heel collar. In fact, by my second run, I had completely forgotten about how the previous version of this shoe tore my Achilles to shreds. The strategic rim of padding felt like a gift.

As both Maria and Alex mentioned, the new lacing chain, in conjunction with the trusty high sock-like ankle collar, offered much more of a dialed-in fit. Yes, the ghillie system supported by structured overlays provided a good initial fit, but it was the additional eyelet at the top (aka marathon lacing option) that made the biggest difference for me. I almost always end up throwing my laces through that eyelet for a little more of a secure fit.

All this would be for naught if the rest of the upper wasn’t in check. The updated Matryx Micro upper provided the structure needed to support a fit that was going to be conducive for the moderate to technical terrain that the Hoka Tecton X 4 is designed to be on. While the previous version also had a Matryx upper, this one was much more dialed in. So much so that I was able to run most any terrain with 100% confidence.

If you’ve been in the previous version a bunch, you may feel a little bit of a difference underfoot, but the changes aren’t much to speak of. The midsole foam is barely tweaked, and the same goes for the dual carbon-plated system from which this shoe gets its name.

That doesn’t mean what’s going on down there isn’t important. I was actually glad (mostly) that Hoka chose to retain a PEBA-based foam and plates that blurred the lines of feeling both super and standard. That’s one of the features that has provided confidence to so many runners in the past. It’s noticeably zippy and cushioned, but not so much so that it takes away from functional stability and efficiency.

It’s simply an easy combination to roll with whether that means picking up the pace, or going long, or over a mix of terrain, or doing it all at the same time. The Hoka Tecton X 4 provides a ride that’s fun and functional.

More confidence points are gained via the Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole. We’ve noted that it picked up a few more lugs than the previous version but, like the upper and midsole, there were slight tweaks to design and placement that made a functional difference. Grip ranks up there with some of the best outsole designs ever!

A few more points come from the fact that Hoka made an already light race day package even lighter. Even though the Hoka Tecton X 4 has the integrated gaiter, lots of rubber on the outsole, plates, and a 40/35mm stack, my US M10.5 weighed in at a mere 9.56oz (271g).

What we don’t like about the Hoka Tecton X 4

ALEX: First, go up a half size. I wouldn’t run in my regular size in the shoe for more than a 20-mile run. If it involves steep descents, maybe less. My toes were painfully aware of the front of the toe box from the first run.

The integrated knit collar remains one of my biggest sticking points. While the heel collar on this one was well-designed overall and it effectively created a secure, sock-like fit, I still think every shoe with this type of construction should include a pull loop at the heel. Getting the shoe on isn’t difficult, but a simple heel tab would make the process noticeably easier, especially with cold hands, in wet conditions, or after a long day on the trails.

The upper is impressively lightweight, breathable, and drains water exceptionally well, making it a great choice for creek crossings and hot summer days. The tradeoff, however, is that the open mesh allows fine debris, particularly dust and sand, to work its way into the shoe more easily. It wasn’t a dealbreaker during testing, but on long, dry, dusty trails I found myself occasionally wishing for a bit more upper protection. Not a big deal on most training runs, but running through dry, dusty trails for hours or days on end with less protection can lead to foot problems relatively quickly for me.

One more note on the upper is that the edges of the shoe, when laced up, are a bit rigid and lack padding, so it dug into my ankle on the first couple of runs. Once it started to break in a bit, this was less problematic, though I could still feel it to a certain degree.

MARIA: The Tecton line is something of a unicorn for my foot, but there is always room for improvement. After putting significant mileage on my Tecton X 3, I noticed that its peak energetic underfoot feel faded sooner than I expected. The shoe remained perfectly runnable, but it lost some of the fun factor that made it feel so special initially.

Because the Tecton X 4 still relies on a dual-layer PEBA setup, long-term ride durability is one of my biggest questions. I haven’t put enough miles on the Tecton X 4 to call it a weakness yet, but at $275, I would love to see that energetic feeling stick around longer than it did in the last version.

Another thing worth mentioning is the sizing and overall volume. The Tecton X 4 runs a touch shorter than the X 3. I moved from a US W9.5 to a US W10 and ended up with the same great fit.

One potential issue for someone with a very narrow, low-volume foot is the tongue material. When I cinched the laces too tightly, the tongue folded slightly and could potentially become a pressure point over time. It hasn’t been an issue for me once the lacing is adjusted properly, but it’s something I noticed and think is worth pointing out.

TAYLOR: Echo, echo, echo… Size up a half size, especially if you’re taking this thing more than a couple hours. I’m someone who is right on the edge of sizes. I typically wear a US M10.5 but could be comfortable in an M11. I definitely wanted that half size up for the downhills and long runs as long as it doesn’t sacrifice the fit.

Speaking of fit, lace bite wasn’t nearly as much of a deal with this update; however, it wasn’t completely taken away. On one run, to try to avoid slamming my toes and some slight forefoot sliding, I tightened up a little too tight across the ankle and bridge of my foot. Repercussions weren’t terrible. They weren’t undeniable either. I’d personally take on some weight for even a trace of intentional padding through the tongue here.

Lastly, design philosophy is something to watch. While the Tecton X 4 is Hoka’s “rocky/technical terrain” racer, be wary of technical performance. While I was very happy with the improvements in fit and security and the plates/wide platform add noticeable stability, this isn’t the slim-and-trim fly down the mountain type of shoe. Yes, I could run decently quick over some iffy terrain, but it’s not the one that’s ultimately making me feel like I drank a Red Bull. Mild to moderate terrain and longer distances are the best fit for the Hoka Tecton X 4, if you ask me.

At $275, it’s not cheap, but it’s right in there for race day prices. So, meh…

Final thoughts on the Hoka Tecton X 4

ALEX: The Tecton X has been one of the more interesting shoes to follow because Hoka has resisted the temptation to completely reinvent it every time. Instead, each version has built thoughtfully on the previous one, and the Tecton X 4 is no exception. It doesn’t radically change what made the series successful; it just does everything it promises to do, but a little better.

This feels like the most polished version yet. While I’d still like to see a heel pull tab and a little more protection from dust and debris, those are minor tradeoffs for a shoe that delivers a fantastic balance of speed, comfort, protection, and confidence. If you’ve loved previous versions of the Tecton, this is the best one yet, and if you’ve been waiting for a carbon-plated trail shoe that feels fast without sacrificing stability or comfort, the Tecton X 4 is easy to recommend.

MARIA: Hoka outdid itself with the Tecton X 4. It addressed some of the biggest concerns from the previous version while keeping the character that made the X 3 such a good long-distance trail racer in the first place.

If you’re a fan of the Tecton X 3, the new version feels like a safe bet. You get much of the same fast, comfortable ride in a lighter, more structured, and more refined package. For going fast over long distances, this is easily my favorite Tecton yet.

TAYLOR: The Hoka Tecton X 4 is absolutely a level up for the franchise. While overall comfort and fit are the highlights of this update, it still does what it has done best the whole time. It ticks off the boxes for race readiness and daily wear with very high marks. The Hoka Tecton X 4 is one of the most dependable and versatile racers on the market.

While the previous version was pretty quickly beaten out by other available options, this one should stay in contention with the Brooks Cascadia Elite and On Cloudultra Pro.

You can pick up the Hoka Tecton X 4 for $275 on August 20 from Running Warehouse (featuring free shipping and 90-day returns) by using the buttons below.