The new Carbon X 3 is an interesting shift in the fast, snappy carbon plated line from HOKA. The new knit upper is the biggest surprise and one that brings with it some problems. But are they deal breakers? What do you think?
Hey Ethan, did I miss it/dream you mentioned it and you've done an Atreyu The Artist review? They're my current 'race'* shoe so using those as a yardstick. *I'm a chunky 46 year old, it seems daft to call them races if we're honest.
Great review, as always. Finally jumping on the Hoka bandwagon as of last year. Have already gone through a pair of Rincon 2's and am in some Clifton 8's now. Looking at the carbon series shoes, but holy price point! I don't have any running friends who have loved their carbon plate Hokas so far (in fact, most hated them), so i'll continue waiting until they perfect them, especially for the price they're asking.
I'm a Hoka devotee, and although I was satisfied with the Carbon X, I was really enthused by the X 2s and wore a pair during an eight-hour loop race in which I topped out at 48 miles. They were great, and given this review, I'm just going to get another pair or two instead of checking out the X 3s. Thanks, as always!
@@tyalderdice4980 I have the Bondi X but they don’t roll like the X2’s. Not to say I don’t like them……but they are different I almost think more firm and not as responsive as the X2’s. The toe off is nice and steep though👍🏽
I can’t wait to my pair of the carbon x 3 I tried on a pair and was impressed with how they fit my feet but the color way was horrible so I ordered the yellow one
I PR’d in Indy last year with a 3:03 in the Carbon X 2. Love that shoe and can’t wait to try these. I also like speed training on the ASICS Magic Speed. Great review
Ethan making it rain reviews on us. I Stan. I have the Carbon X 2 and I bought for the Chicago marathon last year. I did fine with it until about mile 20 and I wanted to chop my feet off. I had gotten about 30 miles on them in the last training block leading up to the race, so I thought that I had broken in them enough. I guess not. Or maybe my feet just don’t vibe with carbon plated shoes 🤔 I don’t think I’ll get these for that reason, but as always, I love your reviews 👍
Have been running at the X2s perfect for marathons. Changed to the x3 now, the upper knit is to loose and doesn't transfer the power to the sole. Losing speed actually and they feel like flip flops. So sad...
Hello and thank you for all these details. I just bought this pair of Hoka x3 and my 1st test happened this afternoon on a sustained 15km jog, indeed it is a very good shoe "for running fast" and for competition. it makes you run fast, not to put in the hands or feet of a beginner! on the other hand I reproach the rigidity which!?! in my opinion is a little too pronounced! first remark, the 2nd false note for me is the rear sole which rises a little too early! in relation to the pose of the heel! I know that this is done to give speed! but on this hoka suddenly!?! it can cause back pain!?! what I had from the 7th kilometer! otherwise great shoe! beautiful well drawn comfortable nervous effective! but beware of this point of comfort towards the rear! maybe I shouldn't have done a 15km in 1h12 06...
Not the biggest fan of knit uppers but also not sure I have ever owned a shoe with one. It seems like they usually add weight and make the lockdown less customizable. So especially curious why a performance shoe like the Carbon X 3 or Flight VEVTIC would have a knit upper. I think they look cool though so there’s that lol.
I generally don’t like knitted upper or these booty sock like upper, however these just worked for me. I have high arches, thus although I wear regular D width shoes, I have a higher volume foot around the lacing area. Usually booty like uppers tend to push too hard the top of my foot and numbing them. These might felt sloppy fitting for most people, but just right for my higher arches. Heel lock down is not the best relative to other Hokas for me. It’s still better than the Endorphin line from Saucony for me, but not as locked down as say the Hoka Clifton.
I loved the Carbon X SPE, but found the fit of the carbon X 2 a big step backwards causing lots of hot spots and rubbing (at least for my foot type. I also found the 2 considerably harder under foot on landing. Does the new upper on the 3 make it more like the SPE in feel? If so, it could be a big improvement for people that liked that version. Great reviews by the way.
It seems quite difficult for a company to do the knit uppers well. This one looks like it'd be too baggy. I loved the knit upper on the Brooks Levitate 4, haven't tried the newest version yet though.
Late to the Hoka party but have switched to Mach 5s for daily training .. Now unsure what to use for race day 🤔 Hopefully 2023 new Carbon X4 will be out 🤞
The Carbon X, X2 both retailed at $180. Why would you expect Hoka to lower the price of the X3? Additionally, most brands are raising their prices to account for rising manufacturing and supply chain costs in the current global consumer environment.
What would be your recommendation for choosing a carbon shoe? I really want to get a pair of race shoes like the X3 or the Vaporfly although having trouble deciding which would work better. I currently run the Mach 4 as my daily trainers so leaning more towards the X3 although not sure how it compares with the heel lock? What would you suggest?
How many millimeters is the stack height of the heel cushion and forefront?? Please respond asap. Thank you.. I'm looking for what you described at 10:19. What shoe would you recommend. Lot of cushion, more stack height the better and lot of spring / speedboard/carbon plate etc
Hello 👋🏼 So I’m new to your channel and this sort of content, im looking for some running/walking shoes with some comfort. I am on the taller heavier side, any Hoka shoe you’d specifically recommend ?
I really liked the Carbon X SPE version more than the Carbon X 2. For some reason the foot shape just didn’t work so well for me in the second version. How does the Carbon X3 compare with the old SPE edition? As this might be an idea update for those that enjoyed that shoe. Many thanks, and great review as always.
Like your content and points. I think companies are going in the wrong direction opting for MORE stack height when what they should be doing is making "flats". Luckily there are some shoes resembling "flats". It makes no actual sens to make midsoles near 40mm (or 50mm with the Adidas Prime X....banned for elite athletes in competition)...so what's the point? WHY). Carbon plates? Are they actually necessary? REally??? Elite runers never needed them beofre....when they ran in flats. NO I haven't tried...heh.... Have you r eviewed the Nike Vaporfly NEXT& 2? Wonder what your thoughts are on that sue with it's 40mm heel... Mesh (see through)---makes the shoe look and feel cheap IMHO. Prefer knit...can still make it breathable...Asics has done it. Did it decades ago. Never forget the feeling. Was as if my Asics had a/c....and I was wearing cotton socks then. Flats for me! :)
I liked the X2 however I like the artist better just seemed lighter and more responsive. Vapor fly is still the 600 pound gorilla of carbon plated racers in my opinion albeit at a higher cost.
It's funny...... the upper on the Mach 5 is so good. But, the Mach 5 has no hard rubber on the outsole....obvious wear issue. Hoka has good features, but not all in one shoe.
Anyone here had a chance to try the 361degree -Flame Carbon fiber racing shoe? I’m thinking of buying a pair since they are only $160 but I’m not finding much info on it.
I tried the Flame about two weeks ago. 9.7oz in my size 11.5. Nice fit with a Nike Vaporweave-like upper but the ride is very, very firm. I returned them immediately.
@@duanesidney9761 Thanks for letting me know. I actually don’t like firm rides at all, so I will know not to waste my money on those.👍🏼I’ll stick to my NB RC Elite V2
Hoka dog sh*t only rated by pay off youtubers, on there site 170 but everywhere else 130 or less they put high prices so people think there getting a deal. Nike Asics hard to beat.
Right or wrong, I've assumed that carbon plate shoes are for strong, younger even elite runners. It's only in the past year that I have put in enough miles to actually appreciate the variations and 2021 was a very good year of progress for me, I've gotten stronger and now getting faster. So, I am now rethinking carbon plate shoes. At $200, I want to get it right. Do I actually have to run in them to feel where the "snap" kicks in? I am so close to sustained BQ speed (working on the distance), in my Mach 4 shoes which are basically Carbon X without the carbon plate, I wonder if that is still true of the Carbon X 3 and whether that would make a difference? I am on old runner (68 and hopefully not delusional) and suspect I am just not strong enough to benefit from the carbon plate. It would be worth the $200 to me for the BQ.
The new Carbon X 3 is an interesting shift in the fast, snappy carbon plated line from HOKA. The new knit upper is the biggest surprise and one that brings with it some problems. But are they deal breakers? What do you think?
Hey Ethan, did I miss it/dream you mentioned it and you've done an Atreyu The Artist review? They're my current 'race'* shoe so using those as a yardstick.
*I'm a chunky 46 year old, it seems daft to call them races if we're honest.
This is a why for me like most hokas. Looking forward to the speedgoat 5 review though.
Thanks a lot for this rewiev! it's always a pleasure to look at you, the image quality is very high
Background is looking nice
Slowly dialing it in!
Great review, as always. Finally jumping on the Hoka bandwagon as of last year. Have already gone through a pair of Rincon 2's and am in some Clifton 8's now. Looking at the carbon series shoes, but holy price point! I don't have any running friends who have loved their carbon plate Hokas so far (in fact, most hated them), so i'll continue waiting until they perfect them, especially for the price they're asking.
Thank u for review, thinking of getting those but probably wait fir Fly1 Rocket X3
I love these shoes. Hard going, but light and fast.
I'm a Hoka devotee, and although I was satisfied with the Carbon X, I was really enthused by the X 2s and wore a pair during an eight-hour loop race in which I topped out at 48 miles. They were great, and given this review, I'm just going to get another pair or two instead of checking out the X 3s. Thanks, as always!
Good review, I'll believe I'll buy myself a pair
Great review….. the upper is a no go for me as well… I’ll get another X2.
I think I’d like to try the Bondi x. I’ve had two pair of carbon x2 and the Bondi x intrigues me
@@tyalderdice4980 I have the Bondi X but they don’t roll like the X2’s. Not to say I don’t like them……but they are different I almost think more firm and not as responsive as the X2’s. The toe off is nice and steep though👍🏽
Had to return the X2 don’t know if I should give these a try..
Hoka and a nice range of Ginger colour ways. Kinda like to 👌
I can’t wait to my pair of the carbon x 3 I tried on a pair and was impressed with how they fit my feet but the color way was horrible so I ordered the yellow one
After a couple of track runs and hill workouts on a 15-20 degree incline I’m loving these shoes and the fit for my foot is spot on
I PR’d in Indy last year with a 3:03 in the Carbon X 2. Love that shoe and can’t wait to try these. I also like speed training on the ASICS Magic Speed. Great review
Hey and thank you for the review. May I ask, what is that Hoodie you wear?
Ethan making it rain reviews on us. I Stan.
I have the Carbon X 2 and I bought for the Chicago marathon last year. I did fine with it until about mile 20 and I wanted to chop my feet off. I had gotten about 30 miles on them in the last training block leading up to the race, so I thought that I had broken in them enough. I guess not. Or maybe my feet just don’t vibe with carbon plated shoes 🤔
I don’t think I’ll get these for that reason, but as always, I love your reviews 👍
Great feedback, Arielle!
I think the knit upper would make the foot breath more and stay cool for those with a foot the sweats a lot.
Have followed you for years and love your videos! Will be reviewing the Fenix 7? - curious on your views particularly when comparing it to Coros
I still have my pair of the Altra The One. 🤣
Have been running at the X2s perfect for marathons. Changed to the x3 now, the upper knit is to loose and doesn't transfer the power to the sole. Losing speed actually and they feel like flip flops. So sad...
Hello and thank you for all these details. I just bought this pair of Hoka x3 and my 1st test happened this afternoon on a sustained 15km jog, indeed it is a very good shoe "for running fast" and for competition. it makes you run fast, not to put in the hands or feet of a beginner! on the other hand I reproach the rigidity which!?! in my opinion is a little too pronounced! first remark, the 2nd false note for me is the rear sole which rises a little too early! in relation to the pose of the heel! I know that this is done to give speed! but on this hoka suddenly!?! it can cause back pain!?! what I had from the 7th kilometer! otherwise great shoe! beautiful well drawn comfortable nervous effective! but beware of this point of comfort towards the rear! maybe I shouldn't have done a 15km in 1h12 06...
Not the biggest fan of knit uppers but also not sure I have ever owned a shoe with one. It seems like they usually add weight and make the lockdown less customizable. So especially curious why a performance shoe like the Carbon X 3 or Flight VEVTIC would have a knit upper. I think they look cool though so there’s that lol.
Nice. Good review
Keep em coming!!
I generally don’t like knitted upper or these booty sock like upper, however these just worked for me. I have high arches, thus although I wear regular D width shoes, I have a higher volume foot around the lacing area. Usually booty like uppers tend to push too hard the top of my foot and numbing them. These might felt sloppy fitting for most people, but just right for my higher arches. Heel lock down is not the best relative to other Hokas for me. It’s still better than the Endorphin line from Saucony for me, but not as locked down as say the Hoka Clifton.
I loved the Carbon X SPE, but found the fit of the carbon X 2 a big step backwards causing lots of hot spots and rubbing (at least for my foot type. I also found the 2 considerably harder under foot on landing. Does the new upper on the 3 make it more like the SPE in feel? If so, it could be a big improvement for people that liked that version.
Great reviews by the way.
The foam after using it for some time is just dead and isn’t that good after you have used it
It seems quite difficult for a company to do the knit uppers well. This one looks like it'd be too baggy. I loved the knit upper on the Brooks Levitate 4, haven't tried the newest version yet though.
I wish I could find the Areyu shoes in stock. For now, we'll stick with the X2's.
Late to the Hoka party but have switched to Mach 5s for daily training .. Now unsure what to use for race day 🤔 Hopefully 2023 new Carbon X4 will be out 🤞
love the hoodie what is that brand?
Same, following :)
The Carbon X, X2 both retailed at $180. Why would you expect Hoka to lower the price of the X3? Additionally, most brands are raising their prices to account for rising manufacturing and supply chain costs in the current global consumer environment.
What would be your recommendation for choosing a carbon shoe? I really want to get a pair of race shoes like the X3 or the Vaporfly although having trouble deciding which would work better. I currently run the Mach 4 as my daily trainers so leaning more towards the X3 although not sure how it compares with the heel lock? What would you suggest?
Circling back to this. Hoka just price dropped these to $120.00. Get them now!
Im just getting into running and got these for $90 at Ross'
How many millimeters is the stack height of the heel cushion and forefront?? Please respond asap. Thank you..
I'm looking for what you described at 10:19. What shoe would you recommend. Lot of cushion, more stack height the better and lot of spring / speedboard/carbon plate etc
I use the Bondi 7 for everything but thinking of trying the Bondi X or Carbon X3 🤷🏻♂️
Have you done a review on carbon x 2 or the rocket x? Thanks In advance
Hello 👋🏼
So I’m new to your channel and this sort of content, im looking for some running/walking shoes with some comfort. I am on the taller heavier side, any Hoka shoe you’d specifically recommend ?
Put the upper of the supersonic on the Carbon X 3, that's a shoes worth my money
I really liked the Carbon X SPE version more than the Carbon X 2. For some reason the foot shape just didn’t work so well for me in the second version. How does the Carbon X3 compare with the old SPE edition? As this might be an idea update for those that enjoyed that shoe.
Many thanks, and great review as always.
Good for sprint training?
I dislike knit upper. I've just never tried one that seems to hold my foot in place.
Would you recommend the x3 for 5 and 10 run? (Triathlon)
I like knit uppers, but not if they are as thick, rough and saggy as in this one.
Are you testing the Norvan LD3 by any chance?
Not at the moment. The first version was super problematic for me
@@TheGingerRunner Yeah I remember you didn't like it :D
The new one is a total redesign though and is more like the Salomon Ultra Glide.
@@RowOfMushyTiT that’s reassuring, got me curious now!
@@TheGingerRunner 👍
Like your content and points.
I think companies are going in the wrong direction opting for MORE stack height when what they should be doing is making "flats". Luckily there are some shoes resembling "flats". It makes no actual sens to make midsoles near 40mm (or 50mm with the Adidas Prime X....banned for elite athletes in competition)...so what's the point? WHY).
Carbon plates? Are they actually necessary? REally??? Elite runers never needed them beofre....when they ran in flats. NO I haven't tried...heh....
Have you r eviewed the Nike Vaporfly NEXT& 2? Wonder what your thoughts are on that sue with it's 40mm heel...
Mesh (see through)---makes the shoe look and feel cheap IMHO. Prefer knit...can still make it breathable...Asics has done it. Did it decades ago. Never forget the feeling. Was as if my Asics had a/c....and I was wearing cotton socks then.
Flats for me! :)
Crazy how Nike turned Knit uppers into premium...knit is cheaper to make than a structured mesh. Like significantly. Which is dumb.
Why not get the Artist? Because they don’t have any :p
I liked the X2 however I like the artist better just seemed lighter and more responsive. Vapor fly is still the 600 pound gorilla of carbon plated racers in my opinion albeit at a higher cost.
Love the X2. Upper on the X3 ruined the shoe. But hey now you can get the X2 on sale.
they immediately lost me with "knit upper"
Yeah, that’s the issue here unfortunately.
It's funny...... the upper on the Mach 5 is so good. But, the Mach 5 has no hard rubber on the outsole....obvious wear issue.
Hoka has good features, but not all in one shoe.
these are $90 at Ross' right now
Anyone here had a chance to try the 361degree -Flame Carbon fiber racing shoe? I’m thinking of buying a pair since they are only $160 but I’m not finding much info on it.
I tried the Flame about two weeks ago. 9.7oz in my size 11.5. Nice fit with a Nike Vaporweave-like upper but the ride is very, very firm. I returned them immediately.
@@duanesidney9761 Thanks for letting me know. I actually don’t like firm rides at all, so I will know not to waste my money on those.👍🏼I’ll stick to my NB RC Elite V2
Hoka dog sh*t only rated by pay off youtubers, on there site 170 but everywhere else 130 or less they put high prices so people think there getting a deal. Nike Asics hard to beat.
Right or wrong, I've assumed that carbon plate shoes are for strong, younger even elite runners. It's only in the past year that I have put in enough miles to actually appreciate the variations and 2021 was a very good year of progress for me, I've gotten stronger and now getting faster. So, I am now rethinking carbon plate shoes. At $200, I want to get it right. Do I actually have to run in them to feel where the "snap" kicks in? I am so close to sustained BQ speed (working on the distance), in my Mach 4 shoes which are basically Carbon X without the carbon plate, I wonder if that is still true of the Carbon X 3 and whether that would make a difference? I am on old runner (68 and hopefully not delusional) and suspect I am just not strong enough to benefit from the carbon plate. It would be worth the $200 to me for the BQ.
The colors are grotesque
The artist atreyu durability is ridiculous.
Try/Why? seemed undecided. Either like or not.
I provided two scenarios that would lead to two results.
Overpriced.
This is a trash review