Whenwe published HOKA ONE ONE’s guide to cushioned shoes, the first comment was “but where are the Carbon X 2?” In fact, all HOKA shoes are cushioned and comfortable but there are some models designed for long runs(Glide series), while others are dedicated to faster, quality and race sessions(Fly series). It is the latter that we are talking about today and – spoiler alert – there is also the Carbon X 2.
A system in equilibrium
The interesting side of HOKA ONE ONE production is that the basic feelings and technologies of the different models are the same but, from time to time, interpreted differently to give each model a different character.
In fact, we find a 5 mm drop on all the models we will see today as well, the same as the cushioned models. While the Meta-Rocker is projected more toward the front of the shoe, so as to increase its momentum and dynamics in the take-off phase.
This is a very important aspect to take into account as it makes the transition between different models very easy, especially since it resets adaptation time to zero and optimizes the use of different, training-specific shoes.
Simply put: you can use Bondi or Clifton for long and Carbon X 2 or Mach 4 for faster work without having to make any adjustments.
Carbon yes or no?
HOKA ONE ONE was the second brand to introduce carbon-foil shoes to the market. At first there were the early Carbon Xs-now up to version 2, with some optimizations-now joined by the Rocket Xs as well.
But don’t think that the presence of carbon somehow affects the comfort common to all models of the California band! It is simply an addition that further enhances the momentum effect of the Meta-Rocker (the special curvature of the sole), integrating into a context where the key words are: speed, fluidity, responsiveness and comfort.
However, it must be considered that the presence of the carbon lamina gives the shoe a very specific behavior: less flexibility (a consequence of explosive take-off ability) and higher perceived weight. All of this-as we all know-at the expense of lowering average times on the pass.
In the specific case of HOKA ONE ONE, the inclusion of the carbon blade is not only related to a greater “spring effect” in take-off but also to increasing the smoothness of the transition between stance and take-off.
However, it is fair to say that carbon is not for everyone. And I’m not talking about speed; I’m talking about feel. It is not uncommon to prefer shoes without the carbon midsole layer because people prefer to run in lighter, more flexible shoes, especially in technique work where feel is more important than chronometric results.
Therefore, in this guide I propose two alternatives with carbon foil and as many with a more traditional setting.
The models with carbon foil
Two models born to go hard, very hard, but without sacrificing anything in terms of comfort and cushioning. As I told you just above, while being extremely fast, all of these shoes maintain the typical HOKA ONE ONE feel with responsiveness, smoothness, comfort and cushioning.
HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X 2: speed for everyone
The “Carbon X” are probably HOKA’s most talked about road model. They came to the market very early, with a carbon sheet with a novel design and specially designed to be in perfect balance within this model.
The first product to be launched by HOKA in 2021, the Carbon X 2 is an evolution of the previous model, with several improvements in terms of the compound (it is now PROFLY, an extremely light and responsive material) and the shifting of the blade more toward the sole.
Sole, which, by the way, does not even exist as we traditionally understand it. In fact, in contact with the ground is a layer of high-strength EVA designed to last while contributing to the shoe’s dynamic qualities.
The result is a fast, lightweight, fluid product that a great many professional athletes use both in competition and in training.
Drop: 5 mm
Weight: 198 g(woman) | 239 g(man)
For info:
HOKA ONE ONE Carbon X 2
HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X: a missile in name and in fact
If the Carbon X 2s go fast, what do you expect from a model called the Rocket X? Yes, you read that right: an even faster shoe! In fact, HOKA designers have created a product dedicated to further amplifying the speed qualities of the Carbon X series. But with less weight, more speed, more responsiveness.
Comfort remains above most models on the market, but when you put them on your feet, you hardly feel them.
They really are a missile, as the name implies. And not surprisingly, these are the shoes Jan Frodeno uses in the race.
Drop: 5 mm
Weight: 210 g(unisex)
For info:
HOKA ONE ONE Rocket X
The ultralight and fast
As we said, not all runners seek the explosiveness derived from the carbon insert but prefer a more flexible (and therefore lighter; both as an absolute value and as a perception) shoe. So here are a couple of different models that-while fast, responsive and comfortable-don’t have the carbon lamina drowned in the midsole.
HOKA ONE ONE Mach 4: alternative to Carbon X but without carbon
If you’ve read HOKA ONE ONE’s guide to cushioned shoes, you’ve probably seen that some shoes like Arahi and Gaviota are nothing more than Cliftons or Bondis with the addition of J-Frame, the anti-pronation support. Similarly, the HOKA Mach 4s are Carbon X 2s without the addition of the carbon insert.
The logic is simple: you give up some explosiveness in favor of a lighter, more flexible shoe. In some ways it should not even be considered as an alternative but could even be placed side by side with the Carbon X 2. Use these in competition and devote Mach 4 to speed and quality work to be done in training.
The PROFLY midsole, without the addition of the carbon layer, maximizes its characteristics of responsiveness in take-off and softness and stability in landing.
With a perceived weight less than that of a feather.
Drop: 5 mm
Weight: 192 g(woman) | 232 g(man)
For info:
HOKA ONE ONE Mach 4
HOKA ONE ONE Rincon 2: lightness and cushioning
Probably the Rincon 2s are the most “traditional” fast alternative in the HOKA catalog. In fact, they have the dynamic capabilities of a cushioned and comfortable shoe combined with a very low weight. Not surprisingly, they are the only ones in this batch to be placed in the Glide category instead of the Fly.
We can consider the Rincon 2s as a very light version of the Clifton 7s; this makes them very fun and responsive when tackling quality workouts.
Perfect for runners who have just started but also want to use a “second shoe” that is faster and suitable for specific jobs.
Drop: 5 mm
Weight: 204 g(woman) | 218 g(man)
For info:
HOKA ONE ONE Rincon 2