Our verdict

The Skyline-Float X from Hoka is a maximalist hiking shoe with a prominent and robust midsole that pampers our feet with every step on our adventures. Its high stack stays true to the shoe's moniker and gives us the sensation of floating above the trails. In spite of this, it has an impressively supportive and stable ride that makes it suitable for longer hikes even when laden with a heavy pack. What's more, the shoe's grippy Vibram outsole kept us feeling surefooted even when tackling more technical trails. It may be a little pricey, but Hoka's focus on using sustainable and plant-based materials in the shoe's construction gives the shoe an environmentally conscious ethos that all us nature enthusiasts can get behind.

Pros

  • Extremely well-cushioned
  • Devilishly comfortable
  • Responsive, rockered midsole
  • Works for light trail running
  • Excellent multi-terrain traction
  • Highly breathable upper
  • Feels surprisingly stable
  • Performs consistently in the cold
  • Made of sustainable and plant-based materials

Cons

  • Questionable durability
  • Narrow toebox
  • Upper dries slowly

Audience verdict

78
Good!

Who should buy

We recommend the Hoka Skyline-Float X as a great choice for:

  • Hikers who prioritize comfort and want a high-stacked shoe that not only shields their feet from the trail below but pampers them past all their mile markers.
  • Speedy hikers looking for a responsive ride that's versatile enough to serve as a trail running shoe.
  • Backpackers in the market for a stable and supportive shoe for their next long-haul journey.
  • Nature lovers who will appreciate Hoka's focus on sustainable and plant-based materials in this model in order to reduce its carbon footprint.
  • Year-round adventurers in need of a breathable shoe that doesn't turn into an ice block when exposed to cold conditions.

Hoka Skyline-Float X eho should buy

Who should NOT buy

As is often the case with Hokas, the Skyline-Float X's toebox is on the narrower side, making it less than ideal for those with broad feet. For an alternative with more internal real estate, we recommend the Teva Grandview GTX Low instead. 

With almost nothing in the form of protective overlays, the Skyline-Float X's knit upper suffers from lackluster durability. This leaves the toebox quite vulnerable to getting snagged or ripped as we traverse rougher, more unkempt trails. For those who prioritize durability in their hiking shoes, the KEEN NXIS Speed boasts a much hardier upper mesh (and outsole) which admirably withstood our Dremel test.

Hoka Skyline-Float X cut

One nitpick we have with the shoe is its thin and unruly laces that we found ourselves having to retie more frequently than other shoes during testing. The Merrel Moab 3, on the other hand, has chunkier, well-textured laces that remain tied for as long as we had them on. 

Cushioning

Heel stack

Despite being described as having a "low-profile cushion bed" by Hoka themselves, we found that there's a substantial 39 mm of foam and rubber separating our heel from the ground according to our caliper measurements. This is much higher than our current average and gives us a lofty amount of cushioning to dampen our landings. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Heel stack caliperWhile being perched above so much material may sound precarious, especially when traversing more uneven trails, Hoka mitigates any shakiness by raising the sidewalls on the medial and lateral sides of the midsole. As such, our foot feels more cradled within the cushioning rather than sitting flat on top of it. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Heel stack sidewall

The midsole also flares out to the rear, forming what has been dubbed the "swallowtail heel".  It juts out enough to give us some added surface area to land on and promotes a smooth transition while still being subtle enough to be caught when descending stairs. Not to mention, it looks pretty cool too.

Test results
Skyline-Float X 39.0 mm
Average 32.3 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
9.9 mm
Heel stack
39.4 mm

Forefoot stack

Further debunking the "low-profile" statement is the gargantuan forefoot stack which we measured to be a whopping 31 mm thick. Apart from being significantly higher than our current lab average, this amount of material at the forefoot rivals what most hiking shoes have at the heel! 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Forefoot stack caliper

Having so much foam underfoot allows us to really sink into the midsole and savor its satisfying squish with every step. On the flip side though, it almost entirely erases any sense of the ground below which might be jarring for those accustomed to lower-stacked shoes. For those hikers, we recommend looking into the Salomon Outpulse as a well-cushioned but more grounded alternative. 

Test results
Skyline-Float X 31.0 mm
Average 21.2 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
10.7 mm
Forefoot stack
31.0 mm

Drop

While it's advertised as sporting a 5 mm drop, the difference in our stack measurements leaves the Skyline-Float with an actual drop height of 8 mm. This discrepancy aside, the Skyline-Float X still falls in the category of mid-drop shoes. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Drop

While this doesn't really matter too much when it comes to hiking, it's a nice and versatile offset for those interested in trail running as it caters to all strike patterns quite comfortably. 

Test results
Skyline-Float X 8.0 mm
Average 11.1 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
-0.8 mm
Drop
16.0 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The Skyline-Float X's sugarcane-based midsole is made from two separate slabs of foam. Pressing our durometer against the lower part that first makes contact with the ground yields a reading of 27.9 HA. This is on par with our current lab average for hiking shoes and toes the line between balanced and firm cushioning. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Midsole softness durometer

While numbers never lie, we have to say that the shoe feels considerably softer underfoot than our durometer would lead us to believe. The midsole compresses so delicately under our weight as we land, a feeling akin to settling into a memory foam pillow, with a nice and lively rebound as we transition to toe-off. 

As such, our feet felt pampered along throughout even our most grueling test hikes with the Skyline-Float X. What's more, we had no issues picking up the pace and doing some impromptu trail runs on days that we felt more energetic.

Test results
Skyline-Float X 27.9 HA
Average 27.7 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
13.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Secondary foam softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Next, we pressed our durometer against the upper portion of the midsole and got a reading of 22 HA. This is much more consistent with how pillowy the shoe feels underfloor, with this part of the midsole clearly doing the heavy lifting when it comes to our sense of perceived cushioning. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Secondary foam softness
Test results
Skyline-Float X 22.0 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

Midsole softness in cold (%)

We don't come across many plant-based midsoles in the lab so we were extra curious to see how much firmer the Skyline-Float X would get when exposed to cold conditions. After chilling it in our freezer for twenty minutes, we took another durometer reading of the midsole and were quite impressed to find that it only became 11.7% more firm.

Hoka Skyline-Float X Difference in midsole softness in cold

This makes the Skyline-Float X a little more consistent than the average hiking shoe and should still feel rather comfy as winter sets in. 

Test results
Skyline-Float X 12%
Average 19%
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Midsole softness in cold
100%

Insole thickness

At 5 mm thick according to our caliper measurements, the Skyline-Float X's insole is within range of our current lab average. This gives us an adequately padded footbed that softens our landings before the midsole cushioning even kicks in. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Insole thickness
Test results
Skyline-Float X 5.0 mm
Average 5.5 mm
Compared to 25 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
2.6 mm
Insole thickness
8.6 mm

Size and fit

Size

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Toebox width - widest part

As is often the case with Hokas, the Skyline-Float X boasts a rather close-fitting toebox, measuring only 97.8 mm wide at its widest point according to our caliper. This is quite a bit narrower than our current lab average and means that those with narrow to medium width fit will enjoy a snug, locked-in fit. As an added bonus, the combination of a tight toebox with a broad midsole serves to really lock our foot in place within the shoe which further contributes to its stable ride. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Skyline-Float X 97.8 mm
Average 100.5 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
94.6 mm
Toebox width - widest part
107.7 mm

Toebox width - big toe

Moving up to the area around the big toe, the Skyline-Float X's toebox is only 78.3 mm wide based on our caliper measurements. This is also narrower than our current lab average, thus limiting our toes' ability to splay out naturally during our stride. While this also contributes to the shoe's secure fit on our foot, it's also a recipe for blisters for hikers with broad feet. For those in need of a roomier alternative, we recommend the similarly pillowy Teva Grandview GTX Low

Hoka Skyline-Float X Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
Skyline-Float X 78.3 mm
Average 81.0 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
68.8 mm
Toebox width - big toe
108.6 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

For a shoe that sits on such a robust stack, the Skyline-Float X feels disturbingly well-planted underfoot. Apart from the raised sidewalls we alluded to earlier, Hoka included several clever features in the shoe's design that contribute to its surprisingly stable ride.

Torsional rigidity

Unsurprisingly for a shoe with so much foam and rubber in its sole unit, the Skyline-Float X is extremely rigid, earning a torsional rigidity score of 5 out of 5 on our subjective scale.

Apart from the sheer size of the midsole, the 90% bio-based Pebax plate embedded between the layers of the dual-density midsole also factors into how stiff the shoe is. Its placement at the arch of our foot feels supportive and helps distribute our weight more evenly as we transition from heel to toe. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Torsional rigidity plate
The yellow Pebax plate visible through a cutout in the outsole

What's more, the plate also acts as a lightweight rock plate; protecting our feet from getting bruised on sharp rocks or gnarled tree roots that we happen to step on. 

Test results
Skyline-Float X 5
Average 3.5
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The well-padded heel collar isn't quite as rigid but is still structured enough to earn a rather high stiffness score of 4 out of 5 in our manual assessment. As such, the shoe really locks our heel in place while still allowing for some natural lateral movements. In this way, the heel counter presents us with a healthy balance of comfort and stability. 

Test results
Skyline-Float X 4
Average 3.7
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

One of the most basic ways to ensure stability is to have a broad base, and boy does this shoe have it in spades! At 117.6 mm wide at the forefoot according to our caliper, the Skyline-Float X's midsole is about as staggeringly broad as it is high. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Skyline-Float X 117.6 mm
Average 111.0 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
103.0 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
117.6 mm

Midsole width - heel

The midsole is just as robust at the heel, measuring 101.6 mm wide according to our caliper. Having such an ample landing platform means that we felt surefooted even when traversing trickier, more technical trails. The biggest tradeoff when it comes to having such a wide midsole, not to mention the swallowtail heel, is the weight that all that extra material adds to the shoe's bulky frame. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Skyline-Float X 101.6 mm
Average 86.9 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
64.2 mm
Midsole width - heel
101.6 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Apart from a high level of torsional stiffness, the shoe's stack and embedded plate also impart a high level of longitudinal stiffness as our flex test demonstrates. With 47.3N of force required to bend the shoe to 90 degrees, the Skyline-Float X is significantly stiffer than the average hiking shoe.

This further contributes to the shoe's supportive feel as it prevents unnecessary foot flexion which helps in delaying the onset of foot fatigue. We found this to be especially useful during our longer excursions and whenever we were toting along a heavy pack. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Stiffness bend
Test results
Skyline-Float X 47.3N
Average 29.7N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1.8N
Stiffness
54.0N

Stiffness in cold (%)

While the Skyline-Float X starts off quite stiff at room temperature, we were pleased to find that it only became 3.6% stiffer upon repeating the flex test after leaving it in our freezer for twenty minutes. As such, the shoe is much more consistent than the average hiking shoe in this regard and shouldn't feel very different underfoot as surrounding temperatures drop. With this in mind along with the midsole's post-freezer result, we recommend the Skyline-Float X as a great companion for treks in the cooler parts of the year, given it's paired with a warm pair of socks. 

Test results
Skyline-Float X 4%
Average 28%
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
0%
Stiffness in cold
100%

Weight

The Skyline-Float X isn't quite as light as its name might suggest; tipping our scales at a heavier-than-average 14.5 oz (410g). 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Weight

In spite of this, however, the Skyline-Float X still manages to feel rather svelte and nimble underfoot, even enabling us to do some light jogging as we tested it on the trails. This is thanks to the lively and rockered sugarcane midsole, not to mention the rigid and responsive Pebax plate embedded between its two distinct layers; features we'll delve into further below. 

Test results
Skyline-Float X 14.46 oz (410g)
Average 13.23 oz (375g)
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
6.49 oz (184g)
Weight
17.14 oz (486g)

Breathability

We pumped the Skyline-Float X full of smoke in order to assess how breathable it is. As the footage of the test demonstrates, the smoke immediately filters through the knit upper and churns out steadily throughout the shoe. This earns the Skyline-Float X a perfect 5 out of 5 for breathability, making it an excellent choice for hikes on warm summer days. 

This is further confirmed when inspecting a cross-section of the shoe over a backlight as we can clearly see the light peeking through the many pores of the knit upper. That said, while better-ventilated shoes tend to dry relatively quickly compared to those that aren't, the Skyline-Float X proves to be an exception to the rule.

The plush nature of the upper material means that it absorbs quite a lot of water which, as we discovered upon dunking the shoe, takes a rather long time to drain and dry out unassisted. For an airy shoe that won't stay soaked after getting submerged in water, we recommend the Nike ACG Watercat+ instead. 

While it does have many gaps that promote airflow, it's clear to see how dense the upper material is when inspecting it up close under our microscope. As such, the shoe should still feel somewhat cozy even in cooler weather despite how airy it is. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Breathability microscope
Hoka Skyline-Float X Breathability mesh closeup
Test results
Skyline-Float X 5
Average 2.7
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

To simulate extreme wear and tear, we subjected the Skyline-Float X to several thrashings from our Dremel, starting with the toebox. 

Inspecting the damage once the twelve-second test was up, we can see that our tool had made quick work of the unreinforced portion of the toebox, leaving a massive hole in its wake. This leads us to give the Skyline-Float X a rather disappointing toebox durability score of 1 out of 5.

So while the shoe is technically able to tackle more difficult terrains, one unlucky snag could subject our toes to the elements and bring an untimely end to an otherwise excellent shoe. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Toebox durability damage
Test results
Skyline-Float X 1
Average 3.7
Compared to 20 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Next, we turn our attention to the heel collar and set our Dremel against the shoe once more. 

After four seconds, we found that it had performed a little better than the toebox, if only marginally so, thus earning the Skyline-Float X a still disappointing 2 out of 5 for heel padding durability. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Heel padding durability damage

For comparison's sake, look at how well the Salomon Ultra Glide's heel collar held up against our Dremel in this same assessment. 

Test results
Skyline-Float X 2
Average 2.9
Compared to 19 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The Skyline-Float X's Vibram outsole is about as hard as our current lab average, giving us a durometer reading of 85.9 HC. This typically indicates a good balance of grip and durability. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Outsole hardness durometer
Test results
Skyline-Float X 85.9 HC
Average 85.0 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
65.0 HC
Outsole hardness
94.1 HC

Outsole durability

With its abrasive element now spinning at a faster 10K RPM, we set our Dremel against one of the Skyline-Float X's outsole lugs for twenty-two seconds of grinding. 

Once the timer had run out, we used a tire tread gauge and found that we had lopped off 1.1 mm of material from the outsole. This is an average performance in this test as far as hiking shoes go, leading us to predict that the shoe should comfortably last the expected lifespan of 800 miles before any major signs of wear and tear become apparent. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Outsole durability damage
Test results
Skyline-Float X 1.1 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 19 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

At 2 mm thick according to our caliper measurements, the Skyline-Float X's outsole is just shy of our current lab average. When taking the lugs into consideration as well, this gives us a good amount of material to wear through without adding too much weight to an already relatively bulky shoe. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Outsole thickness caliper
Test results
Skyline-Float X 2.0 mm
Average 2.5 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
1.6 mm
Outsole thickness
4.0 mm

Misc

Lug depth

We measured the Skyline-Float X's lugs to be 3.7 mm thick which is within spitting range of our current lab average. These are deep enough to bite into softer surfaces and provide excellent grip during our test hikes. That said, their shape and orientation aren't so aggressive that the shoe feels strange when walking on asphalt or paved urban areas. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Lug depth caliper

What's more, the flatness of the lugs and stickiness of the Vibram compound served us well on smoother surfaces and while scrambling up boulders. Even wet and muddy surfaces were no cause for concern during our test hikes, with the wide spaces between the lugs allowing us to shed mud and debris rather easily. The only little nitpick we had was with little rocks occasionally getting jammed between the treads at the heel when we were testing on more gravelly trails. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Lug depth outdoor
Test results
Skyline-Float X 3.7 mm
Average 3.9 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
2.1 mm
Lug depth
5.0 mm

Reflective elements

The branding and logo on the lateral and medial sides of the upper are both reflective elements that offer some level of nighttime visibility. That said, we do recommend using additional high-vis gear if walking along a sparsely-lit road after dark. 

Test results
Skyline-Float X Yes

Tongue padding

Using our caliper, we measured the Skyline-Float X's tongue to be 7.2 mm thick. While this may be slightly less padded than average, it still provides enough of a buffer between the laces and our instep to feel comfy and shield us from lace bite. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Tongue padding
Test results
Skyline-Float X 7.2 mm
Average 9.7 mm
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Number of shoes
5.0 mm
Tongue padding
17.0 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The tongue is fully gusseted on both sides, a feature common among hiking shoes and boots as it not only aids in a more secure lockdown but also prevents any bits of debris or grit from entering the shoe. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Skyline-Float X Both sides (full)

Heel tab

There's a handy little strap attached to the heel of the Skyline-Float X that makes sliding the shoe on just a little faster and smoother. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Heel tab
Test results
Skyline-Float X Finger loop

Removable insole

The insole isn't glued in so removing it and replacing it for an aftermarket alternative or a custom orthotic for added arch support is possible if necessary. 

Hoka Skyline-Float X Removable insole
Test results
Skyline-Float X Yes