HOKA Skyward X 2 Review: More Comfort, Less Stack, Carbon Speed
What to Look For
The HOKA Skyward X 2 is the 2026 update to HOKA’s flagship max-cushion carbon plated trainer, launching in May 2026 at £195. The second generation refines the original with a lower stack height, a reworked carbon fibre plate geometry, and a premium jacquard mesh upper — all while shedding over 10g per shoe. For triathletes, it’s an outstanding high-mileage training shoe that comfortably doubles as a long-course race option when you need comfort as well as carbon speed.
Key Features to Consider
- Reworked carbon fibre plate — Updated plate geometry places you in a slightly more engaged stance, delivering a snappier toe-off compared to the first generation Skyward X
- Reduced stack height — A small but meaningful reduction improves ground feel and stability without sacrificing the plush, protective cushion that made the original popular with Ironman athletes
- Premium jacquard mesh upper — Softer, more breathable upper with added tongue padding; notable improvement in out-of-the-box comfort
- 10g+ lighter per shoe — Meaningful weight reduction over long run legs, especially when fatigue is accumulating late in a 70.3 or Ironman
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: HOKA Skyward X 2
The Skyward X 2 earns its place as HOKA’s best long-distance running shoe for 2026. It’s the top pick for Ironman and 70.3 athletes who need maximum cushion on a depleted run leg without sacrificing carbon-plate propulsion. Reviewers at Road Trail Run consistently highlighted the comfortable long-run ride and the refined plate feel across multiple testers and distances. Not a pure race shoe for sub-4-hour Ironman athletes, but outstanding for anyone who values protection over 26 miles after a long bike leg.
Check availability on HOKA UK (arriving May 2026)
Best Value: HOKA Skyward X (Original)
As the Skyward X 2 launches, expect the original Skyward X to be discounted at most UK running retailers. The differences between generations are incremental — the revised carbon plate and new upper are improvements, but the core ride is very similar. If you find the original at a meaningfully lower price, it remains a genuinely excellent long-course training and racing shoe. The HOKA UK site and major UK running retailers will have remaining stock.
Best Alternative: HOKA Mach 7
If you want a lighter, more versatile HOKA for triathlon training without a carbon plate, the Mach 7 is the natural companion shoe. It’s better suited to faster workouts — tempo runs, track intervals, and brick run legs at threshold pace — while the Skyward X 2 excels on long, slower training days and endurance race runs. Many triathlon training programmes work best with both in your shoe rotation.
Buying Tips
- The Skyward X 2 runs true to size — order your standard HOKA size with confidence
- This is a daily trainer and long-course race shoe — if you’re racing sub-4-hour Ironman, the Cielo X1 or Mach 7 are better suited for race day speed
- Expect 600–800km before the midsole begins to compress noticeably — HOKA’s foam is durable for the stack height
Care and Maintenance
Hand wash in cool water with a small amount of mild detergent if needed — machine washing is possible on a cool gentle cycle but will wear the upper faster. Never tumble dry. Allow to air dry naturally away from direct heat sources. Carbon-plated shoes should be stored uncompressed; avoid stacking heavy items on top of them in your kit bag as sustained compression deforms the midsole foam over time.
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