Hoka Skyward X 2 First Run Review: A Lighter, Nimbler Max-Stack Cruiser

Introduction

The Hoka Skyward X 2 is the successor to the original Skyward X, and Hoka has gone for a familiar but refined formula: a max-stack, semi-super trainer built much more for plush comfort over long distances than for all-out versatility. At $225, it is an expensive shoe, and UK pricing is expected to land around £185 if it follows the original, though that is not confirmed yet.

The headline change is weight. In a UK size 9 (US 9.5), the Skyward X 2 comes in at 295g or 10.4 oz, roughly 25g lighter than the previous model. Combined with a trimmed-down geometry, slightly refined stack height and a new upper, the shoe aims to be a bit nimbler while keeping the big bouncy feel of the first version.

What the Hoka Skyward X 2 Is

This is not a versatile do-everything super trainer in the mould of the Asics Superblast. Think instead of shoes like the Nike Vomero Premium: big, cushioned and built primarily for long, easy runs. You still get the usual super trainer ingredients, including a plate and a thick layer of bouncy PEBA foam, plus a high price to match.

The original Skyward X was comfortable but fairly heavy, and that made it hard to justify in a rotation. The weight drop and the slimming-down here are what make the Skyward X 2 more interesting, because a slightly lighter, smaller shoe is simply easier to turn over day to day.

Upper and Fit

The new jacquard mesh upper loses the toe overlays of the first model, and the tongue has been slimmed down too. It is less beefy and padded than before, but there is still enough cushioning, and the change makes the top of the foot feel a little less oppressive without any loss of comfort or lace bite issues.

Around the heel there is still plenty of padding and a fairly stiff internal heel counter for structure and support, plus a shiny Hoka logo on the side that catches the light nicely.

On fit, the tester’s usual Hoka size, a UK 9 / US 9.5, worked well. Hoka shoes tend to run fairly narrow, especially at the forefoot where this one tapers in quite sharply, so wider-footed runners should take note. A wide model is expected to be available, which should help address that.

Midsole, Plate and Outsole

The dual-density midsole setup carries over from the original. A big thick top layer of Hoka’s PEBA foam provides the bounce, the same foam used in shoes like the Mach X 3, while a super critical EVA bottom layer adds support and stability beneath that very bouncy top layer.

The carbon plate has been redesigned. It is not a full plate: it has slots and zigzag-style cutouts that reduce weight and stiffness, so it is less aggressive than a racing plate while still providing stability for a high-stack shoe and a bit of extra oomph.

The outsole uses two different rubbers: sticky rubber on the forefoot and dual abrasion rubber at the heel, aiming for a balance of grip and durability.

How It Rode on the Run

The first run was an easy-to-steady 45 minutes on mixed terrain, starting in the woods and finishing with a steady section on the road. The shoe felt good throughout: bouncy, with a real sense of sinking into that generous top layer of foam before hitting the plate and the firmer layer beneath, then a strong rebound off the forefoot.

The ride is not as wild as the Nike Vomero Premium, where you really sink into very soft foam, but there is plenty of give. The smooth rocker was noticeable, especially at faster paces. Early in the run at easier paces the shoe felt softer underfoot, and as the pace picked up the ride firmed slightly while the rocker came through, making steady running feel surprisingly comfortable for such a big cushioned shoe.

Compared with a run in the original Skyward X on the same kind of route, the Skyward X 2 felt smoother, nimbler, lighter and more comfortable at faster paces. The daily-run test it needed to pass, it passed well, and it should be even better for flat-out easy long runs.

Should You Upgrade from the Original Skyward X?

A short run wearing one shoe of each version confirmed the ride feel is very similar: the same comfort and cushioning at the heel and the same bounce off the forefoot. What you gain is a slightly nimbler, lighter feel, which makes this a strict upgrade rather than a radically different shoe.

If you loved the original, this should float your boat too. If you found the first version too big and cumbersome, the trims here likely fix that. It is still not exceptionally versatile, and it does the same kind of runs best: long, easy and cushy efforts. In a market now crowded with mega-stack comfort shoes like the Nike Vomero Plus, which is cheaper, and the Superblast 3, which is lighter and a touch more versatile at a similarly high price, the Skyward X 2 sits comfortably in the plush comfort category but faces real competition. A fuller comparison will follow in the complete review.

Buying Advice

The Skyward X 2 makes sense if you want a plush, bouncy, high-stack shoe primarily for easy and long runs, and you are willing to pay a premium for it. Buy your usual Hoka size if you have a narrow to medium foot, and consider waiting for the wide model if you typically find Hoka’s forefoot too tapered. If maximum versatility or value is your priority, alternatives like the Superblast 3 or Vomero Plus may suit you better.

Conclusion

The Hoka Skyward X 2 is a refined take on a shoe that was already comfortable: lighter, slimmer and nimbler, with an improved upper, while keeping the big bouncy ride that defined the original. It is expensive and still best suited to easy mileage rather than everything, but for runners who want a max-cushion cruiser that no longer feels cumbersome, it is an appealing, strictly better version of a shoe the first run suggests is easy to enjoy.