The Hoka Skyward X is one of those shoes that makes you laugh the first time you hold it, because it’s so unapologetically huge. The Skyward X is like the Bondi’s cooler, more energetic cousin who drank five espressos. That’s the energy: still plush, still protective, but with a very clear “we’re going somewhere” vibe.
And yes, first thing you’ll notice: It is enormous. Seriously, the stack of foam under your heel is almost 50mm high. If you’re thinking, “Isn’t that… too much?” then welcome to the Skyward X mindset: It’s technically illegal for pro racing, but who cares? You aren’t running the Olympics; you’re trying to not feel like garbage on a Wednesday morning run.
The ride
Here’s the core of why the Skyward X feels different from “normal max cushion”: The magic trick here is the plate. They stuck a carbon plate in the middle of all that foam. Most carbon plates are designed to make you feel fast, but here It’s basically a suspension system. That’s exactly how it behaves: You land, the foam squishes, the plate bends, and then it gently pushes you forward. Not “snap,” not “kick,” not “launch.” It’s a controlled, smooth assist.
It’s not a violent snap like a race shoe; it’s more like running on a trampoline. And that’s the point: the Skyward X isn’t trying to turn your easy day into a time trial. It’s trying to make your easy day feel like you’ve got less gravity to deal with.
Cushioning
This is max cushion in the “why are my legs still okay?” sense. The stack is absurd, but it’s not just plush for the sake of plush. That height matters when you’re logging volume and you’re not interested in paying for it the next day.
If you’ve ever finished a long run and immediately started bargaining with your calves, the Skyward X is basically the opposite experience. You finish a long run and your legs feel like they could keep going. That’s the “luxury cruiser” thing: the shoe is doing so much impact management that your body gets to stay in cruise control longer.
And it’s not a soft, collapsing marshmallow either, there’s structure in the ride, which is why it doesn’t feel like you’re running on a mattress that wants to tip over.
Stability
A shoe this tall has no right to be stable… but then you take a few corners and realize HOKA played this smarter than expected. It’s surprisingly stable for being so tall and the reason is simple: The base is super wide, like snowshoes. You get this planted, wide platform that stops the whole “ankle roulette” feeling. You’re not constantly bracing. You’re not thinking about your foot collapsing inward. You’re just rolling forward.
And if you’re the kind of runner who lands heavy (whether that’s body weight, fatigue, stride, or just being human) this part hits hard: If you’re a heavier runner or you just land hard, this shoe is a tank. It just eats up the impact.
Weight
Let’s be real: it’s heavy. You are strapping a lot of shoe to your foot. There’s no way around it. The Skyward X isn’t trying to feel light. It’s trying to feel protective and premium, and that costs grams. And the moment you stop “cruising” and try to sprint in these, you’re gonna feel it. The shoe can move, but you’re not going to forget you’re wearing it.
It’s not for setting speed records; it’s for those long runs where you just want to cruise and zone out. This is a “put on a podcast, disappear for 90 minutes, come back intact” kind of trainer.
Final Verdict
The Hoka Skyward X is a max-cushion flex piece that somehow manages to feel useful, not ridiculous. Yes, it’s enormous but instead of feeling wobbly, it stays weirdly controlled thanks to that wide, snowshoe-like base and the way HOKA cradles the foot.
What really sells it, though, is the plate. This isn’t the “violent snap” of a race shoe. It’s the kind of shoe that helps you finish a big run and feel that your legs can keep going on.
Now, we can’t ignore the downsides: it’s heavy, it’s expensive and the fit can feel a bit snug in the toe box, so wide-foot runners should absolutely try before committing. But if you want to get maximum cushioning, minimal beat-up legs, and a ride that makes easy miles feel almost unfair, the Skyward X nails its mission.
| ✅ Pros | ✖️ Cons |
|---|---|
| Near-50mm stack = huge shock absorption | Feels heavy the moment you accelerate |
| Carbon plate works like suspension (smooth rebound, not a harsh snap) | Not a tempo/interval shoe |
| Wide platform keeps it stable despite the height | Bulky in tight turns and quick direction changes |
| Great for long runs: legs feel fresher at the end | Price is premium (over $200/€200) |
| Handles hard landings well (good for heavier runners) | Toe box can run snug (try on if you have wide feet) |
