Ran for about a half mile on a treadmill to demo them at a race expo and they are legitimately the most comfortable shoes I've ever run in. I currently use the NB More V4 and this felt more comfortable while also being way more lively. Just can't justify the $225.
Glad to hear we had the same experience with them being so amazingly comfortable, and I'm with you on $225 being a tough pill to swallow! Maybe they'll go on sale around Black Friday? 🤞🏽
got mine yesterday tested it early morning run earlier love it, exactly what I was looking for a recovery/zone 2 shoe. will consider another pair if wide size is out.
Great analysis, Matt! I'm watching out of casual interest. Like a lot of the other commenters, there's just no way that I'm spending $225 on sneakers for jogging, but I did want to see what your view on these would be and what your experience in them was like. And I'll observe (#hottake) that the dads in their old shoes with plain EVA midsoles include guys like Ryan Hall and Dathan Ritzenhein, the two fastest marathoners on the premises at the US Olympic Trials this year. IMHO the jury is still out on supertrainers. Running faster with less effort in training doesn't seem like a slam-dunk positive thing and we aren't seeing the results to back it up. And for something completely different... While I think it's best not to overreact to intro colorways because are always more to follow, Hoka usually does better than that Evel Knievel/Captain America color scheme. That seems like it might be a tough sell for those who are used to Hoka's classic tropical colors or who favor a sophisticated look like we get from Tracksmith or On Running.
I'm with you on the $225 being not much more than a test of the market (which has responded negatively). The Skyward X are certainly comfortable and I've go so far as to say they're very comfortable and have a slightly different (and pleasant) feeling due to the plate shape. Still, comfort is not exactly something that is in short supply, so the price is still a bot of a head scratcher. It seems I either love or am disappointed by release colorways. I do not love this one.
I was skeptical when i got them and watched some reviews and after taking out on a 10mile hilly run.. its not bad at all, you dont even feel the weight of the shoe.. its perfect for running downhill 😂
There are few shoes where the weight doesn't seem a negative due to the shoe being so well designed, and this is definitely one of them! Good call on them being a good downhill shoe!
i tested the bondi in the shop not long ago(it's on sale for half the price than this shoe right now) and didn't like it, this is far better than that shoe imho. very stable and comfortable ride, a bit narrow though.
Looking forward to trying these soon. They look great and I bet they’ll be smooth runners. Being a Bondi fan I’m betting I’ll be right at home with the weight and overall size of them. Time will tell.
I think the target is long training runs. I think it will compete favorably against NB SC Trainer, Prime X and maybe SuperBlast. The dual foam architecture reminded me also of Saucony Tempus. I would have preferred $200. I am not picking up anytime soon though. Remember I told you about having some restraint. Well, I l got a pair of Aurora-BL for $109+tax. I always wanted to try that Limited Edition shoe but was not willing to spend $200. So, this is an opportunity. It is on the way, but so much for restraint! 🤣
You did well to overcome your restraint and get the Aurora-BL. I ran in them a few years ago (one of my first reviews), and really liked them! Yes, I think Hoka probably should have stayed at the $200 price point; runners take a long time to adjust and accept shoe prices. I think by now most have accepted the $250 price point for a race shoe, but to get close to that with a trainer is tough to swallow.
If it wasn't for the price, and the weight, and that I already have the Superblast, and that it's a Hoka, I would most likely not consider this shoe. Nonetheless, I commend your comprehensive review, as always. Thx Matt.
So what i'm hearing is that you're so close to buying a pair, but the wind shifted slightly and changed your mind? 🤣 I always appreciate you taking the time to watch!
@@its_Matt_B_ for sure totally different use cases. I have lots of shoes so probably don't need either but they both felt great so may pick 1. I'm more leaning towards the Cielo as either a long run tempo shoe or possibly a race shoe.
@@michaeldominic2070 Yeah, I get the wanting but not needing. If I had to choose one I would also go with the Cielo X1. It’s a lot more fun to go fast in but still very protective.
Are they more comfortable than the Bondi 8, Clifton 9 or Ghost Max? Walking daily q to get in shape but I love comfort cushy but stable shoes. I love my Hoka BondI 8 shoes.
I’ve never run in Bondis, but I have the other two and I would say yes, the Skyward X are more comfortable. However, they have a feeling (due to the plate) that make them ride different (better imo) than a normal max cushion daily trainer.
It rides totally different to the Mach 6! For me, this is much more of a easy/recovery/long distance cruiser. The Mach 6 is much more of a daily trainer, and I mean that as the Mach 6 would feel better, imo, for speed work.
will you say you can run a half marathon on the Skyward X, if you just want to roll with it not looking for any PR but most to just enjoy the race and ended it feeling good?
Mine are in the mail. Little concerned about 5MM drop, as I don't use any Hoka's currently. Does it feel like it's working your calves/achilles more than, let's say, a Superblast? Hoping just the overall level of foam will help mitigate.
It’s difficult for whatever I say to translate meaningfully to anyone else, but these do not ride like a low drop shoe to me. It does motivate me to feel like it’s working my calves/Achilles more that anything else, but perhaps I’m more used to this drop than you. Either way, I think a 5mm drop is something anyone can get used to. It’s light years away from a 0-drop feeling.
@@its_Matt_B_ Plate could also play a role. While I really like the Rebel v4, the 6mm drop can even cause me some problems if my legs aren't feeling great. But a lot less foam and what I imagine is quite a bit more squish. Anyway, as a bigger dude, really hoping these can be a nice and stable cruiser. I have, and like, the PX2S, as example, but it can be a touch on the wild side at times :)
It seems too niche and more expensive than a good max cushion daily trainer. I’d rather get the SC Trainer, SuperBlast, a new pair of NovaBlast or the new Triumph.
Hoka sure is pushing the limits with this shoe! It definitely feels great to run in, but I understand it’s difficult to justify with so many other options out there.
@@its_Matt_B_ I have the Cielo X1. Amazing shoe. No pains after long long runs plus easy to pick up the pace. First runs stressed my hips but saved my Achilles and low calf muscle.. Now after 50 miles done in the a few days ..hips got used to it. Really feeling like Alphafly V1 bus so much more stable and easy to live with. By the way.. Got the Alphafly V2 on sale at last. Much lighter than the V1.. Much more stable and you feel the 8mm drop.. And air pods about 8mm more to the heel so perfect position under the metatarsal. Amazing how the review ones Alphafly V2 were so negative.
The price is too much compared to the Boston 12 or even the Super Blast, plus the crazy weight AND then the colorway, which is just an o go for me. I never buy white trainers, they just get trashed immediately with so many of my courses by the Tidal Potomac river. Puddles are inevitable.
This was what I was waiting on. I’ll give them a try.
👊🏽 They’re gonna be a solid option for most of your kms!
Ran for about a half mile on a treadmill to demo them at a race expo and they are legitimately the most comfortable shoes I've ever run in. I currently use the NB More V4 and this felt more comfortable while also being way more lively. Just can't justify the $225.
Glad to hear we had the same experience with them being so amazingly comfortable, and I'm with you on $225 being a tough pill to swallow! Maybe they'll go on sale around Black Friday? 🤞🏽
got mine yesterday tested it early morning run earlier love it, exactly what I was looking for a recovery/zone 2 shoe. will consider another pair if wide size is out.
Nice! Glad to hear you're liking it! The ride is different from anything else I've run in!
Great analysis, Matt! I'm watching out of casual interest. Like a lot of the other commenters, there's just no way that I'm spending $225 on sneakers for jogging, but I did want to see what your view on these would be and what your experience in them was like. And I'll observe (#hottake) that the dads in their old shoes with plain EVA midsoles include guys like Ryan Hall and Dathan Ritzenhein, the two fastest marathoners on the premises at the US Olympic Trials this year. IMHO the jury is still out on supertrainers. Running faster with less effort in training doesn't seem like a slam-dunk positive thing and we aren't seeing the results to back it up. And for something completely different... While I think it's best not to overreact to intro colorways because are always more to follow, Hoka usually does better than that Evel Knievel/Captain America color scheme. That seems like it might be a tough sell for those who are used to Hoka's classic tropical colors or who favor a sophisticated look like we get from Tracksmith or On Running.
I'm with you on the $225 being not much more than a test of the market (which has responded negatively). The Skyward X are certainly comfortable and I've go so far as to say they're very comfortable and have a slightly different (and pleasant) feeling due to the plate shape. Still, comfort is not exactly something that is in short supply, so the price is still a bot of a head scratcher.
It seems I either love or am disappointed by release colorways. I do not love this one.
I was skeptical when i got them and watched some reviews and after taking out on a 10mile hilly run.. its not bad at all, you dont even feel the weight of the shoe.. its perfect for running downhill 😂
There are few shoes where the weight doesn't seem a negative due to the shoe being so well designed, and this is definitely one of them! Good call on them being a good downhill shoe!
I really liked the Hoka Bondi's when I had them so I think it would be a better max cushion choice for me. Especially with the price difference.
The price is definitely a factor that we can’t ignore, but the Skyward X is not just an expensive Bondi.
i tested the bondi in the shop not long ago(it's on sale for half the price than this shoe right now) and didn't like it, this is far better than that shoe imho. very stable and comfortable ride, a bit narrow though.
Looking forward to trying these soon. They look great and I bet they’ll be smooth runners. Being a Bondi fan I’m betting I’ll be right at home with the weight and overall size of them. Time will tell.
They sure have a smooth ride. I can't wait to hear your thoughts on the similarities between these and your Bondis!
I think the target is long training runs. I think it will compete favorably against NB SC Trainer, Prime X and maybe SuperBlast. The dual foam architecture reminded me also of Saucony Tempus.
I would have preferred $200. I am not picking up anytime soon though. Remember I told you about having some restraint. Well, I l got a pair of Aurora-BL for $109+tax. I always wanted to try that Limited Edition shoe but was not willing to spend $200. So, this is an opportunity. It is on the way, but so much for restraint! 🤣
You did well to overcome your restraint and get the Aurora-BL. I ran in them a few years ago (one of my first reviews), and really liked them! Yes, I think Hoka probably should have stayed at the $200 price point; runners take a long time to adjust and accept shoe prices. I think by now most have accepted the $250 price point for a race shoe, but to get close to that with a trainer is tough to swallow.
If it wasn't for the price, and the weight, and that I already have the Superblast, and that it's a Hoka, I would most likely not consider this shoe. Nonetheless, I commend your comprehensive review, as always. Thx Matt.
So what i'm hearing is that you're so close to buying a pair, but the wind shifted slightly and changed your mind? 🤣 I always appreciate you taking the time to watch!
@@its_Matt_B_ I'm on the fence 😆
I tried them on at the London marathon expo and they felt nice. I may pick them up but debating if I should get the Cielo x1 instead
The Cielo X1 is a solid shoe too, but they’re made for totally different uses. What type of runs are you looking to do in your next shoe?
@@its_Matt_B_ for sure totally different use cases. I have lots of shoes so probably don't need either but they both felt great so may pick 1. I'm more leaning towards the Cielo as either a long run tempo shoe or possibly a race shoe.
@@michaeldominic2070 Yeah, I get the wanting but not needing. If I had to choose one I would also go with the Cielo X1. It’s a lot more fun to go fast in but still very protective.
Are they more comfortable than the Bondi 8, Clifton 9 or Ghost Max? Walking daily q to get in shape but I love comfort cushy but stable shoes. I love my Hoka BondI 8 shoes.
I’ve never run in Bondis, but I have the other two and I would say yes, the Skyward X are more comfortable. However, they have a feeling (due to the plate) that make them ride different (better imo) than a normal max cushion daily trainer.
@@its_Matt_B_ - thx
It looks a lot like the Mach 6. Does it run similarly? I bought Mach 6s not too long ago and love them so far.
It rides totally different to the Mach 6! For me, this is much more of a easy/recovery/long distance cruiser. The Mach 6 is much more of a daily trainer, and I mean that as the Mach 6 would feel better, imo, for speed work.
@its_Matt_B_ thanks, Matt
will you say you can run a half marathon on the Skyward X, if you just want to roll with it not looking for any PR but most to just enjoy the race and ended it feeling good?
Yes, definitely! I'd say that would be an ideal use for them! They're a comfy cruiser!
Which HM are you thinking of running?
Mine are in the mail. Little concerned about 5MM drop, as I don't use any Hoka's currently. Does it feel like it's working your calves/achilles more than, let's say, a Superblast? Hoping just the overall level of foam will help mitigate.
It’s difficult for whatever I say to translate meaningfully to anyone else, but these do not ride like a low drop shoe to me. It does motivate me to feel like it’s working my calves/Achilles more that anything else, but perhaps I’m more used to this drop than you. Either way, I think a 5mm drop is something anyone can get used to. It’s light years away from a 0-drop feeling.
@@its_Matt_B_ Plate could also play a role. While I really like the Rebel v4, the 6mm drop can even cause me some problems if my legs aren't feeling great. But a lot less foam and what I imagine is quite a bit more squish. Anyway, as a bigger dude, really hoping these can be a nice and stable cruiser. I have, and like, the PX2S, as example, but it can be a touch on the wild side at times :)
@@elliotendures the plate on this shoe will definitely help.
It seems too niche and more expensive than a good max cushion daily trainer. I’d rather get the SC Trainer, SuperBlast, a new pair of NovaBlast or the new Triumph.
Hoka sure is pushing the limits with this shoe! It definitely feels great to run in, but I understand it’s difficult to justify with so many other options out there.
it's a bit steep, but i think it's worth the money when i ran on it. considering another pair.
Take 100 gr off and it makes sense to me.
You're not alone in that conclusion. The same goes for the Cielo X1; I think it would make sense for a lot more people if it were lighter.
@@its_Matt_B_ I have the Cielo X1. Amazing shoe. No pains after long long runs plus easy to pick up the pace. First runs stressed my hips but saved my Achilles and low calf muscle.. Now after 50 miles done in the a few days ..hips got used to it. Really feeling like Alphafly V1 bus so much more stable and easy to live with. By the way.. Got the Alphafly V2 on sale at last. Much lighter than the V1.. Much more stable and you feel the 8mm drop.. And air pods about 8mm more to the heel so perfect position under the metatarsal. Amazing how the review ones Alphafly V2 were so negative.
The price is too much compared to the Boston 12 or even the Super Blast, plus the crazy weight AND then the colorway, which is just an o go for me. I never buy white trainers, they just get trashed immediately with so many of my courses by the Tidal Potomac river. Puddles are inevitable.
Wearing white shoes are definitely a roll of the dice! They look the best right out of the box but never stay that way for more than one or two runs!