Every so often, a shoe arrives that makes you rethink what a category can be. The HOKA Tecton X 4 might be that shoe for technical trail racing. If the X 3 set the benchmark, (for the Cascadia Elite, MetaFuji Trail 2, Cloudultra Pro etc) then the X 4 moves the benchmark again. The Tecton X 4 feels like it sits just above the pack once more. This will be the target for other brand’s shoes towards the middle of 2027.
Previous versions of this shoe were fast, capable, but not without some flaws. This feels like the most mature expression in the evolution of this shoe. First, stable without dullness. Then stacked, but planted. Propulsive but zero sketch. Finally, race-focused, but technically capable.
I expected the Tecton X 4 to be fast. Expected it to be premium. I expected HOKA to give us another carbon-plated trail racer with all the right materials and all the usual caveats. However, what I did not expect was for it to feel this planted, this stable and this natural on technical terrain.
Upper and Fit of the HOKA Tecton X 4
What works for me
Having recently raved about a few uppers on shoes coming into the trail market, it is clear that a lot more focus is being placed on this area of the shoe, by all major manufacturers. No different here. HOKA have gone with the Matryx Micro textile upper. It is not just a material change. It’s a meaningful upgrade. The upper is ridiculously light, extra durable, abrasion resistant and allows for a secure hold, low water retention and a light, protective upper to racing.
HOKA are continuing with the gaiter-like extended knitted collar as a key feature of this shoe and I have to admit, I am a convert. It feels like part of the integrated race feel of the shoe and it feels wrapped and works well when moving fast over loose terrain. It creates a system for the shoe where the top of the sock to the tip of the toe feels like one continuous network. One system.
The HOKA Tecton X 4 has a great width for normal to skinny feet and the height of the toebox is dialed. Let’s call this a democratic fit, which is a race fit. The ghillie lace construction (laymans speak for no tongue) has been absolutely flawless. For a guy who bangs on about laces a lot, the HOKA Tecton X 4 laces have yet to come loose or create pressure on my feet. Meanwhile, the tongue pod is perfectly protective and I have had no lace pressure at all.
Continuing a feature from the Zinal 3, the Dynamic Vamp for foot splay is also a feature on the X 4 and this gives just enough expansion without making the shoe sloppy. This is a small feature that gives a lot back at faster paces and in technical descending.
Sizing fits true to HOKA size – go a half up on your usual EU size and you will be fine in the shoe with no toe crunching. A last word but phew, this shoe is a stunner. Finally, aesthetics are important and this shoe is gorgeous.
What doesn’t work for me
Finding something to moan about regarding this upper is a tall order, especially for such a technical beast. The usual caveat applies: this is a race-tuned fit. While the Dynamic Vamp offers a welcome bit of splay room compared to those old-school restrictive uppers, don’t mistake this for a voluminous, lazy cruiser. Then there’s that knitted collar. It’s a “love it or hate it” feature; personally, I’m all in for the lockdown and debris defense, but if you aren’t a fan of integrated gaiters, give it one outing to see if it wins you over.
Midsole and Ride of the HOKA Tecton X 4
What works for me
The midsole is the reason any shoe feels special. The combination of dual-layer PEBA foam, parallel carbon plates and HOKA’s speed-focused MetaRocker™ gives the Tecton X 4 a level of propulsion that feels obvious on climbs without ever becoming unstable on descents. The shoe compresses, releases and asks you to keep pressing, but unlike many trail supershoes, it does not punish you when the terrain becomes technical.
I kept waiting for the ‘but’ moment with this shoe, but it has just not arrived. The X 4 never felt like a stacked racer. I kept looking down at them wondering how they felt so light, so effortless. So planted. Flatter, flowy trails were an absolute dream in the HOKA Tecton X 4 and my legs felt great towards the end of longer runs. Let’s get into the tech.
The PROFLY™ X-series 40mm / 35mm stack of dual-layer PEBA with parallel carbon plates is the platform. The plates are subtle. Gentle. It feels like a plateless shoe most of the time. It FLIES uphill. My usual training partner was literally cursing me when I arrived for some hill efforts in the X 4. The shoe feels as light as a Zinal going up but with more energy return. I crushed my efforts in this shoe.
The speed-focused MetaRocker™ gives the pace on the flatter running without feeling aggressive or unstable. The rocker is generous and suits the shoe perfectly. It also shines coming downhill as there is immediate traction from the heel coming down tricky, steep descents. The X 4 carries more than a few arrows in its quiver. Uphill slow, downhill tech, flatter fast – whoosh whoosh whoosh they fly. The shoe looks maximal, runs more connected and does not feel perched.
I have a total crush on these carbon plates in the X 4. The parallel plates help propulsion without them ever feeling like a rigid lever. This is rare for a plated shoe. Most plates offer pace on runnable terrain but feel less intuitive on rocks, roots and camber. The X 4 is the total package and the independent movement of the plates is a key part of that. The shoe feels less binary, more like a controlled, guided release of energy.
Chapeau, HOKA.
What doesn’t work for me
Any gripes I have regarding this midsole aren’t centered on its capabilities, but rather its intended mission. Don’t reach for these if you’re planning a casual, low-effort trot; this platform demands energy. It craves steep gradients, technical challenges, and a pilot ready to engage with its propulsion. If your typical trail outings are mellow, flat, or unhurried, the Tecton X 4 is likely overkill for your rotation.
Outsole of the HOKA Tecton X 4
Grip and Traction
Vibram. Megagrip. Litebase. 4mm of the right pattern on the right compound of the best premium outsole package on the planet. Furthermore, Traction Lug increases the rubber surface area for more terrain contact and is a perfect expression for mixed, technical terrain.
4mm feels appropriate for rocky and technical trail racing. This is not a mud-specific outsole but on the terrain where the Tecton X 4 is designed to shine, the grip give the midsole the permission to lock in and get to work.
Durability
Durability is the one area where time will need to do the talking. The ingredients are premium: Matryx Micro, Vibram Megagrip, Litebase and a properly protective trail construction. I do not expect the outsole or upper to fall apart early. The bigger question is how long the PEBA midsole keeps its best racing feel, because that is where most modern trail supershoes eventually lose their edge.
I will check in again after 200km in this shoe to let you know.
Conclusion
Value for Money
$275 is a lot of money for a trail shoe, but this is not pretending to be anything other than a premium race-day tool. Dual PEBA, parallel carbon plates, Matryx Micro and Vibram Megagrip with Litebase are not budget ingredients. That said, the value question comes down to whether the ride is special enough to justify the price. For me, the answer is yes.
Fitting it into a shoe rotation
In my rotation, the Tecton X 4 becomes the shoe for serious trail days. Not easy gravel, not door-to-trail, not recovery runs. This is the shoe I would reach for when the route has climbing, technical footing and enough intensity to justify the platform. The Zinal 3 remains the stripped-back fast option. The Ghost Trail remains the sexy pace cruiser. The Cascadia 20 remains the day-to-day cruiser. The Tecton X 4 is the weapon.
Final Verdict
The HOKA Tecton X 4 is one of the rare trail supershoes where the technology does not get in the way of the running. It is light, fast, planted and incredibly stable for the amount of stack and propulsion underfoot. Moreover, high-intensity uphill efforts feel brilliant, technical descents feel controlled, and the shoe never gave me the perched, disconnected sensation I often expect from this category.
These may be the best trail shoes I have ever run in. Not because they are the softest, the wildest or the most aggressive, but because they bring everything together: propulsion, grip, stability, weight, lockdown and confidence. HOKA has made a trail supershoe that finally feels as good on real technical terrain as it looks on the spec sheet.
Comparisons Against Similar Shoes
HOKA Tecton X 4 vs. Brooks Cascadia Elite
Both of these shoes are incredible to run in. The Cascadia Elite feels great in less technical trails and you feel like you sit higher above the ground in the Brooks. It has a more traditional trail feel and in very technical trails it feels a little more clunky than the HOKA Tecton X 4. The Tecton X 4 is more versatile and feels more planted.
HOKA Tecton X 4 vs. Asics MetaFuji Trail 2
I found these shoes quite different from one another. The Asics is more aggressive in its rocker but far less stable in the upper and midsole. Both are trail racers but I feel the HOKA Tecton X 4 is the more complete trail racer. Less aggressive but more dependable. If I was going to do a gravel race I would reach for the Asics but everywhere else the HOKA would be my go to.
HOKA Tecton X 4 vs. On Cloudultra Pro
The On Cloudultra Pro was one of my favourite shoes of 2025. I absolutely loved the versatility of the shoe and the no-nonsense approach to technology from On. The HOKA Tecton X 4 feels like a leap into 2027 from this 2025 shoe already, with everything being just a little better. Both are all-round superb shoes but the HOKA Tecton X 4 shines just a little brighter in every arena.
HOKA Tecton X 4 Quick Questions
How should I use the Tecton X 4?
The HOKA Tecton X 4 is an unabashedly purposed racing shoe. If you are lining up for any trail race, this is one of the best options on the market.
Is the Tecton X 4 a good shoe for long runs?
Yes, the HOKA Tecton X 4 was amazing on long runs. My legs felt more fresh and I experienced more durability than I am good for. I would reach for this shoe for longer runs every time.
Is the Tecton X 4 a good shoe for fast sessions?
That depends. While the HOKA Tecton X 4 is a racer, it loves trail terrain and we are not often spoiled with long, sustained fast areas in trail races. Would this shoe work for more flat, gravel type races? Yes.
Is the Tecton X 4 a shoe for daily training?
The HOKA Tecton X 4 is not a true day-to-day trainer. Most of our day-to-day training is at lower paces and the HOKA Tecton X 4 loves racing and rewards pressure.
Can I wear the Tecton X 4 as a lifestyle shoe?
I am absolutely sure there is a Hypebeast in full Gorpcore rolling a set of HOKA Tecton X 4 to the cafe for an oat flattie right now. Overall, the aesthetic of this shoe is amazing.
Is the Tecton X 4 suitable for all terrains?
The HOKA Tecton X 4 is great on all terrains. My usual runs include a little tar, a little dirt roads, singletrack and some hiking trails. It is superb at all of these. On the other hand, I would not run too much tarmac in this shoe as the Vibram outsole is super soft and would wear pretty quickly.
Is the the Tecton X 4 a good shoe for racing?
Oh hell yes. The HOKA Tecton X 4 begs for race day.
Is the the Tecton X 4 a good shoe for stability?
The HOKA Tecton X 4 is the most stable trail racer I have had the pleasure of running in. I would say it is for efficient runners but that runners with real stability needs should look at shoes with a more stable midsole.
