Verdict from 42 experts and +100 user reviews
6 reasons to buy
- Carbon plate: Many runners love how gently propulsive the plate is in the Carbon X. It feels less harsh and stiff compared to most carbon-plated shoes.
- Rocker geometry: More than a few users note that the midsole design functions like a rocking chair and ensures a smooth transition together with the plate.
- Cushioning: “Optimally firm,” “bouncy,” “fluid,” “plentiful” - these are some of the most common descriptions of the ProFly X midsole.
- Fit: A lot of wearers agree that the upper molds the foot well, provides great lockdown, firm heel hold, and ample toe room.
- Breathability: The light and airy fabric is recommended for summer heat and humidity by most users. Some also note that it has excellent moisture drainage.
- Stability: For a super shoe, the Carbon X has a wide and stable platform, multiple expert reviewers note.
4 reasons not to buy
- Requires getting used to: More than a few runners warn that the unique construction of this running shoe can feel awkward at first, especially if it’s your first maximalist carbon shoe.
- Weight: It can feel bottom-heavy on shorter sprints and marathon distances, according to some athletes.
- Not for heel strikers: Some reviewers complain that the midsole lacks fluidity in transitions when heel striking.
- Durability: Because of the exposed midsole at the bottom, most runners expect it to last for about 300-400 miles at best.
Bottom line
The Hoka One One Carbon X is a max-cushioned yet fast shoe for training and racing on long distances. It is an elite carbon-plated option from Hoka whose job is to encourage the runner to speed up.
While the intent is similar to that of Nike’s premium AlphaFly Next% racer, the Carbon X takes a back seat because of heavier weight and firmer ride. Instead, it is a cheaper, more stable, and durable option to consider for tempo runs and races.
Carbon X’s lighter and faster race sibling: Hoka One One Rocket X
Comparable shoe from Nike: Nike Zoom Fly 3
Tip: see the best running shoes.
Expert reviews:
- 98/100 by archangel119runs
- 95/100 by St. Pete Running Company
- 92/100 by Fleet Feet
- 88/100 by The Runner Beans
- 92/100 by Business Insider
- 92/100 by Slowtwitch
- 93/100 by The Runner Beans
- 93/100 by Clever Training Blog
- 96/100 by Gear Patrol
- 96/100 by Nice Kicks
- 86/100 by PodiumRunner
- 88/100 by Get Sweat Go
- 90/100 by Evening Standard
- 98/100 by Road Trail Run
- 92/100 by RoadTrailRun
- 88/100 by WearTesters
- 100/100 by T3
- 92/100 by Coach
- 92/100 by JackRabbit
- 90/100 by Northern Runner
- 88/100 by Believe in the Run
- 88/100 by Fueled by LOLz
- 85/100 by Fleet Feet
- 92/100 by Runner's World
- 90/100 by Running Warehouse
- 86/100 by Canadian Running Magazine
- 86/100 by Doctors of Running
- 70/100 by Running Shoes Guru
- 98/100 by Philadelphia Runner
- 96/100 by BLISTER
- 95/100 by MultiSport Mojo
- 93/100 by Active Gear Review
- 87/100 by Men's Journal
User reviews:
- 4.6/5 by Zappos (+200)
- 4.7/5 by REI (+200)
- 4.7/5 by Hoka One One (+200)
- 4.3/5 by Jack Rabbit (+10)
- 4.9/5 by SportsShoes (10)
- 3.4/5 by Amazon UK (8)
- 3.5/5 by Amazon (5)
- 5/5 by Holabird Sports
Video reviews
Hoka One One Carbon X: run longer, run faster
The Hoka One One Carbon X is considered by many to be one of the powerful running shoes available in the market today. It features the carbon fiber plate that allows runners to achieve a smoother heel-to-toe transition.
Here are some of the other technologies that make the shoe stand out from the Hoka road running selection:
PROFLY X foam: This material comes on the firmer, more responsive, and more resilient side, which works best during long-distance speed runs. It is also one of the lightest midsole materials that don't weigh the foot down.
The early-stage Meta-Rocker: This component of the footwear, along with the wider forefoot platform, aims to provide a propulsive and quick ride, allowing runners to experience a more stable and satisfying run.
Gusseted tongue: It keeps debris and other elements from entering the shoe while running. It also enhances comfort and overall fit.
Record-setting shoe
The Hoka Carbon X was on the feet of Jim Walmsley, an American long-distance runner and Hoka athlete, when we broke the world’s 50-mile record in spring 2019. His result was 4:50:07, 14 seconds faster than the previous 1983 record set by Bruce Fordyce.