Race Day Kit Test: Hoka Rocket X2, Beats Studio Buds Plus, Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus

Introduction

Racing a half marathon after a long injury layoff is a good way to find out what your kit can really do. This test came together at a warm, twisty city half marathon, with the Hoka Rocket X2 on the feet and the Beats Studio Buds Plus in the ears, alongside a lightweight racing singlet. The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus were also part of the picture as recent half marathon racing shoes for comparison.

Hoka Rocket X2: A Better Long-Distance Propulsion

The Rocket X2 is built for racing, and after roughly 50km of training plus a full half marathon in the shoe, the headline change from the original Rocket X is clear: it is far better suited to going the distance. The pebbled midsole foam is softer and more forgiving, and the wider base absorbs impact better while still keeping the propulsive, up-on-your-toes feel that made the original such a fun quick-run shoe. The original felt firm and responsive but difficult to settle into on longer efforts; the Rocket X2 fixes that.

The upper deserves credit too. It connects very well with the midsole, so the shoe feels like one integrated unit rather than separate components. Running at around 1:42 to 1:43 half marathon pace, pushing into quicker 7:15 to 7:20 per mile stretches felt almost effortless, and the outsole handled the course’s many corners confidently.

Two caveats stand out. First, durability: visible wear appeared on the outsole, particularly at the heel and sides, after just over 50km. Like most top-tier racing shoes, this is one to save for race day and fast sessions rather than daily training. Second, the thin upper is tight to get into, so plan on your thinnest racing socks.

Beats Studio Buds Plus: Strong Sound Without Ear Hooks

The Beats Studio Buds Plus sit below the Beats Fit Pro in price and skip the ear-hook design, relying on an extra set of ear tips for fit instead. The IPX4-rated design on the earbuds matches the protection level of the Beats Fit Pro, so sweat and moisture are covered, even if the case is not rated.

The main question was whether they would stay put without the more reassuring wing tips or ear hooks. They did, with only a couple of moments where they shifted slightly, though they never felt like falling out. Be prepared to experiment with the included ear tips to dial in the fit.

Sound quality was a highlight. The profile is bright and detailed, powerful without being bass-heavy, and in transparency mode the audio never felt drowned out by the race-day atmosphere. Battery life held up well: a 40 percent drop over a half marathon at fairly high volume, with active noise cancellation use likely to reduce that further. Connectivity stayed solid for the whole race, with only a brief glitch shortly after a water splash. As a cheaper alternative to the Beats Fit Pro, these have plenty going for them.

How They Compare at Half Marathon Distance

Against the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus, the Rocket X2 is closer than the original Rocket X ever was, but the Saucony and Asics midsoles still feel a touch bouncier and more propulsive. Part of that comparison is complicated by fitness: the Rocket X2 was raced while still returning from injury, while the Endorphin Pro 3 and Metaspeed Sky were used fully fit at harder paces. The fair verdict is that the Rocket X2 is a massive step in the right direction and a genuinely appealing half marathon option, but whether it beats the Saucony and Asics outright remains to be seen when fully fit.

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus remain strong references at this distance, with midsoles that feel bouncier and more propulsive for hard efforts.

Final Thoughts on the Race and the Kit

The event itself was well supported from start to finish, with a lively event village and a diverse, enthusiastic crowd, even if the route was not the most scenic. Getting there takes planning, and the twisty course is typical of London races.

Overall verdict from the test: the Rocket X2 is a major improvement for racing longer distances and a shoe worth considering for a half marathon, the Beats Studio Buds Plus survived a tough race-day test with very good sound and acceptable battery life, and a lightweight racing singlet proved comfortable and chafe-free in warm conditions. For runners choosing between these options, the Saucony and Asics still edge ahead for pure speed feel, but the Rocket X2 is firmly back in the conversation.

Conclusion

The Hoka Rocket X2 fixes the original’s biggest weakness and delivers a more forgiving, integrated ride for racing up to the half marathon. The Beats Studio Buds Plus offer strong sound, IPX4 protection and solid battery life at a price below the Beats Fit Pro, with the trade-off being a fit that requires some fiddling without ear hooks. Between the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, Asics Metaspeed Sky Plus and the Rocket X2, the choice at half marathon distance is closer than it used to be, and that is good news for anyone shopping for a race-day shoe.