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It’s almost a decade since super trainers appeared on the running scene, and I’ve finally slipped my feet into a pair: Hoka’s Skyward X 2. The Skyward X 2 is a fitting choice, since I’ve always praised the brand’s flagship, everyday running shoe, the Clifton, as the pair that helped me enjoy running more.
Much like racing shoes, the Skyward X 2 offers higher energy return than your standard daily trainer because of its super foam midsole. That means you can run more efficiently and go faster in these kicks.
Considering the shoe’s comfort, cushioning, stability, and traction, our editors and team of testers gave the Skyward X 2 a solid high rating. Even though the shoe is on the bulkier side, testers appreciated the cushioning most.
How the Skyward X 2 Stacks Up to the Previous Version
The Skyward X 2 didn’t receive a full overhaul, but the shoe is lighter and has a shorter stack height than the original (a women’s size 8 weighs about an ounce less and it sits at 44 mm in the heel.) They also swapped the knit upper for a jacquard mesh. However, the core features remain the same: a convex carbon fiber plate sandwiched between PEBA and supercritically-foamed EVA.
Cat Bowen, senior editor, said she genuinely enjoyed everything about the original shoe. “It’s comfortable on long runs, it has a good combination of cushion and firm support, and it’s really built to work with your running mechanics in a natural way,” she said.
It’s a true-to-size fitting shoe, as well, not too wide or too snug, and there are wider sizes available. “On-foot fit is great, as it’s always been for the Skyward,” said Runner-In-Chief Jeff Dengate. “It wraps well, laces up snugly, and cradles the foot securely.”
The Ride and Feel of the Skyward X 2
Our test editors complimented the Skyward X 2’s cushioning the most. As mentioned earlier, it’s a bulkier shoe, but for good reason. The midsole has a wide platform that helps keep your foot locked in place with every step, and that contributes to more security and stability when rounding corners and running on uneven surfaces.
“That dual-layer of PEBA and supercritical EVA lets you know you’re in good hands, be it an easy run or a harder, longer effort. And they feel comfortable to walk in as well!” test editor Amanda Furrer said.
Initially I wasn’t prepared for such stability, but I’m grateful for that feature because one Sunday morning, I made the foolhardy decision to run in an uneven grass area so I could avoid an angry goose (literally!). In any other shoe, I likely would’ve rolled my ankle, but not with the Skyward X 2.
The cushioning keeps you moving forward, too. Bowen took these shoes for a 30-mile-long run and she said they performed well, especially when running over the cobblestone streets of Manhattan. She ended that run in the rain, but felt nothing less than surefooted.
Final Thoughts on the Skyward X 2
The Skyward X 2 is a good trainer for marathoners who are looking to experiment with super trainers, but maybe not for new runners or those who neglect to strengthen their lower half.
Evidence shows running in max-cushioned shoes can increase impact loading and leg stiffening, making lower body strength even more important when running in these types of shoes. It’s something I had to learn the hard way as an experienced runner, and this shoe helped me realize it’s time I focused more on strengthening my lower half since I had some calf pain while testing them.
If you’re a strong runner in search of a stable super trainer for easy and long runs, then you should consider the Skyward X 2. Also, run/walkers, middle-of-the-packers, and even back-of-the-packers can appreciate this shoe since it adds a little more bounce to your stride.
