HOKA have been running the trail scene for years. Their Tecton line saw them work with carbon plates for trails. The Tecton X3 is the latest iteration and it has given Theo quite the time!
HOKA Tecton X3 Introduction:
Is The Latest Also The Greatest?
Theo: Since the inception of the company, I have only ever used two of HOKA’s models. The first was the Speedgoat 5 and then the Tecton X2. Despite the raptures of runners around me about these models, I was not their biggest fan. I loved the comfort of the Speedgoat but found this lacking on the Tecton X2. Furthermore, I was disappointed by the grip on both shoes. Finally, I found the Tecton X2 lacking in dynamism. Despite the carbon plate, I missed HOKA’s traditional rocker.
Recently, I received the Tecton X3. This is a shoe which has been tuned to European trails in collaboration with Jim Walmsley and UTMB’s 2024 winner Vincent Bouillard. Let’s see if they are the shoe I have been looking for from HOKA and who they will be best for. Before we delve into the details, I want to talk about the aesthetics of the shoe. Last year, I was not the greatest fan of HOKA’s style. However, on opening the box, I was blown away by the look of these. I’m tempted to use them as daily wear shoes!
Specs:
Drop: 5mm
Weight: 286g | 10.1oz
Price: €250 | £220
HOKA Tecton X3 Upper:
The Perfect Fit
Theo: A perfect fit. Comfort above the pack. Durable and lightweight. What else do I need to add?
Well, firstly, you will notice that HOKA has added a gaiter to the Tecton X3. Despite the narrowing of the entry, it is easy to slip the X3 on foot. On the first try-on, I was almost afraid that I would break the mesh due to its thinness and elasticity. Thankfully, they proved to be very robust over a few wears. Despite the look of the gaiter, it doesn’t add any ankle stability to the shoe, it just repels rocks, sand and other trail debris. For me, this is a real benefit of the shoe. Nothing is more annoying than picking up a pointy passenger in your shoe during a run or race!
Looking more closely at the upper, we find two types of mesh. On the top of the upper, we find probably the most pleasant mesh on the market today. Soft, comfortable and breathable it is a delight against the foot. Around the sides of the upper, we find Matryx mesh which is used in the Tecton X3 to add durability and reduce weight. The combination of both along with the perfect fit make the upper a total success for my feet! As the icing on the cake, HOKA have even added some padding around the ankle bone to add to the comfort of the ride.
To conclude, I can’t think of a runner who wouldn’t enjoy this upper. From narrow footed people to our wide foot brethren, the mesh’s elasticity will adapt to every type of foot. 10/10. Well done HOKA!
Midsole:
Responsive and Precise
Theo: This is the area I was most interested in. I was disappointed with the ride of the X2 which caused me to twist my ankle a few times along with lacking comfort for the longest races. They also lacked the rocker I was looking for when I picked up the pace. Thankfully, HOKA have addressed all my concerns in the X3.
Firstly, the cushioning and comfort have been boosted. A dual-foam midsole set up creates comfort and greater nimbleness in technical terrain. The lower tranche of foam is softer than the X2 formulation and gives the feeling of running on clouds for kilometre after kilometre. The upper level of foam is firmer. In combination with the lower foam, it creates a very bouncy ride.
As I started to push on the trails, they responded instantly and allowed me to increase my pace at will. They genuinely felt like a road super shoe for the trails. I truly believe that this ride will work for the vast majority of runners. From technical trails to runs around your neighbourhood, the midsole set up and reintroduction of the rocker will get your stride flowing. The width of the mid and outsole will also help with the protection of heel strikers.
In brief, this midsole made me fall back in love with carbon plated trail shoes. They are more precise on every surface than any of their competitors except maybe the Altra Mont Blanc Carbon. The massive positives of the bounce and softness of the midsole will convery joy to all types of runners of all shapes and sizes regardless of foot strike.
HOKA Tecton X3 Outsole:
Much Improved!
Theo: This is another area of massive change from the other HOKA models I have tried. The lug design is brand new and totally redesigned from the X2. Here the lugs are reshaped and deeper for much improved grip. Shaped like a V, I found them to give great grip on both up and downhill sections. Furthermore, they also provided me with great grip on wet surfaces and rocks. Despite this improved grip, they are not intrusive when running on roads.
Finally, the outsole is Vibram Megagrip which is renowned for durability. After my testing in the shoe so far, I have not noticed any signs of wear.
HOKA Tecton X3 Conclusion:
The Tecton X3 Is A Bringer Of Joy
Theo: I had big expectations of this shoe and HOKA has exceeded them! The fit is perfect, comfort and durability abound. Moreover, the midsole is reactive, soft and precise on technical trails. Finally, the much improved outsole gives superb grip on all surfaces.
This is a shoe which will be an ideal trail companion for all types of runners. Whilst I wouldn’t use it for shorter distances (50 – 60km), it would be my pick for anything above that. My biggest fear is the durability of the midsole foam. However, after my initial testing period, I have noticed no change from my first steps in the Tecton X3. Thank you, HOKA. You have increased my pleasure on the trails with the Tecton X3!
