Hoka Carbon X 2 review
The Corescore is a score from 0-100 that summarizes opinions from users and experts. Below shows the distribution of scores for all running shoes.
Verdict from 31 experts & 100+ users
Pros
- Excellent ride
- Comfortable footbed
- Well-fitting
- Great heel hold
- Stable
- Ventilated
- Handy slip-on design
Cons
- Weighty
- Insufficient wet pavement grip
- Not for wide-footed
- Lacks ground feel








81% say it's true to size.
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Rankings
- Our 1st pick in best speed training running shoes
- Top 21% in road running shoes
- Top 29% in Hoka running shoes
- Top 7% most popular running shoes
Comparison to similar running shoes
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Who should buy the Hoka Carbon X 2
The Hoka Carbon X 2 might suit you well if:
- A shoe that offers ample airflow to keep your feet fresh and cool.
- Daily errands require you to change footgear every so often that an easy-to-put-on pair would be convenient.
- You are looking for a shoe that could handle marathon and above-marathon distances.
- You like running on pavements.
Hoka Carbon X 2: A protective speedster
Sporting a combination of flexible carbon-fiber plate, Meta Rocker, and lightness, there is no doubt that the Carbon X 2 from Hoka is designed to go fast. But what's even better is that it doesn't forgo Hoka's signature impact protection. Thanks to the shoe's ample cushion, the foot is enveloped in comfort in each step.
A fantastic ride
The Hoka Carbon X 2 creates a feeling of constant forward motion. It "runs for you," thanks to its carbon-fiber plate and rockered shape.
A cozy cradle
Less stiff than the original, many runners agree that the step-in feel is outstanding and the shoe requires little to no break-in period. They even go as far as saying that all miles are pain-free.
The Hoka Carbon X 2's upper unit
The Hoka Carbon X 2 offers consistent lockdown, thanks to its non-stretch upper. It also has a "nice, breathable feel."
The shoe's heel cup, experts claimed "resists pull-out fairly well." There's no slippage at all.
A stable base
Runners find the shoe's stability first-rate and exemplary especially on uneven asphalt and gravel, attributing it to the shoe's wide base.
Easy to wear action
Because of the elf-like heel collar, which can double as the shoe's pull tab, this iteration permits easy on and off.
Carbon X 2 vs. 1: A familiar but upgraded ride
The feel and ride of the Hoka Carbon X 2 and the 1's are pretty much alike. But here are some tweaks Hoka made to the Carbon X 2 to make it more fit for both slow and uptempo paces:
- Less stiff upper for better comfort
- Just like the Nike Zoom Fly 3, the shoe's carbon-fiber plate is less rigid for a more flexible toe-off.
- The extended tail (Swallow Tail design) adds stability and dampens impact during heel strike.
- Because the shoe's foam is much softer, it's also bouncier.
Nice to know about the Hoka Carbon X 2
The Hoka Carbon X 2 has reflective accents on the upper, which is perfect for nighttime running or low-light hours.