Long Run Review: Hoka Skyward X
Summary
TLDRIn this video, the reviewer tests the Hoka Skyward X running shoe over a long run, addressing concerns about its weight compared to lighter speed training shoes. They share initial impressions, noting the shoe's comfort, protective cushioning, and responsiveness despite its heft. The Skyward X, with a 50mm stack, offers a stable and easy running experience, making it suitable for various paces. The reviewer also compares the Skyward X with other shoes like the SC Trainer V2 and the On Cloud Monster Hyper, discussing their suitability for different types of runs and training needs. The video concludes with a focus on the value and price of the Skyward X, suggesting it might be a worthwhile investment for runners seeking a protective and bouncy long-distance shoe.
Takeaways
- 👟 The Hoka Skyward X is being tested for long-distance running to address concerns about its weight of approximately 330g.
- 🔍 A comparison was made with the Topo Cyclone 2, which is nearly a third lighter at 200g, to evaluate the Skyward X's performance despite its bulkier build.
- 🏃♂️ The Skyward X has been favored for speed training due to its higher stack and protective nature, similar to the Topo Cyclone 2.
- 🤔 The Skyward X features a stack of nearly 50mm in the midsole, utilizing peba foam for responsiveness and super critical EVA for stability.
- 📏 The shoe is noted for its width and stability, especially when compared to the SC Trainer V1, which has less girth.
- ⏱ After a 16-mile run, the Skyward X proved to be comfortable and protective, suitable for long runs and capable of handling faster paces.
- 💰 The high price point of $225 raises questions about the value and performance relative to other shoes in the market.
- 👀 The Skyward X is positioned as a protective, high-stacked shoe that could be a good option for those looking to increase mileage without adding strain to the legs.
- 🆚 When compared to other shoes like the SC Trainer V2 and the On Cloud Monster Hyper, the Skyward X offers more bounce and protection but at a higher weight.
- 👍 The shoe's durability is a point of interest, especially when considering its weight and the need for it to withstand long runs and fast paces.
Q & A
What is the main focus of the Hoka Skyward X shoe review?
-The main focus of the Hoka Skyward X shoe review is to test how the shoe performs over a longer run, addressing concerns about its weight and evaluating its comfort, cushioning, and suitability for faster paces.
How does the Hoka Skyward X compare in weight to the Topo Cyclone 2?
-The Hoka Skyward X is significantly heavier than the Topo Cyclone 2, weighing about 330g compared to the Cyclone 2's 200g.
What type of midsole material does the Hoka Skyward X use?
-The Hoka Skyward X uses a high stack of PEBA foam for the midsole, which is the same foam used in racing shoes for its responsiveness and cushioning.
How does the Hoka Skyward X's stack height compare to other shoes?
-The Hoka Skyward X has a nearly 50mm stack height in the midsole, which is considered quite high and provides a lot of cushioning.
What was the runner's initial impression of the Hoka Skyward X after the first run?
-The runner's initial impression was positive, finding the Hoka Skyward X comfortable for a recovery run and enjoying the bouncy fast feeling from the forefoot despite its weight.
How did the Hoka Skyward X perform during the 16-mile long run test?
-The Hoka Skyward X performed well during the 16-mile long run, providing comfort, protection, and a good balance for various paces without causing fatigue or discomfort.
What is the Hoka Skyward X's price point, and how does it compare to other shoes in terms of value?
-The Hoka Skyward X is priced at $225, which is on the higher end compared to other shoes like the SC Trainer V2 at $180. The value proposition is based on the protection, cushioning, and performance it offers.
How does the Hoka Skyward X's design and performance compare to the SC Trainer V1?
-The Hoka Skyward X is heavier and more protective than the SC Trainer V1, with a wider and taller design for additional stability. It also has a more comfort-oriented experience rather than a speed-oriented one.
What are some of the shoes that could be considered as alternatives or complements to the Hoka Skyward X?
-Some alternatives or complementary shoes to the Hoka Skyward X include the ASICS DynaFlyte, New Balance FuelCell, and On Cloud Monster Hyper, each offering different levels of cushioning, weight, and performance.
How does the Hoka Skyward X compare to the Hoka Clifton X1 in terms of weight and performance?
-The Hoka Clifton X1 is lighter and more aggressive in midsole geometry, making it more suitable for racing and faster training. The Skyward X, while heavier, offers more cushioning and protection, making it better for longer, more comfortable runs.
Outlines
👟 Hoka Skyward X Long Run Test Overview
The video script introduces a long run test of the Hoka Skyward X shoe, addressing concerns about its weight (330g) compared to lighter speed training shoes like the Too Cyclone 2 (200g). The Skyward X, despite being heavier, has been enjoyable for the runner and is favored for its protective qualities and ability to handle faster-paced training. The shoe features a high stack of nearly 50mm with peba foam for responsiveness and added stability from super critical EVA. The runner aims to test the Skyward X's performance over 16 miles, focusing on comfort, pace changes, and overall leg protection.
🏃♂️ First Impressions and Comparison with SC Trainer V1
The runner shares initial thoughts on the Hoka Skyward X, having used it for recovery and steady runs. The shoe is compared to the SC Trainer V1 in terms of height and girth, with the Skyward X being more stable due to its wider design. The runner appreciates the Skyward X's comfort, bounce, and ease of running, even on a treadmill, and how it supports training by making legs feel fresher and allowing for higher effort with less strain. The script also mentions the durability test of the Skyward X, comparing it to the SC Trainer V2, which has mixed durability outcomes depending on the runner.
🥾 Durability and Comfort of Hoka Skyward X
The video discusses the durability of the Hoka Skyward X, noting the comfort provided by its padded tongue and the shoe's design focus on comfort rather than speed. The Skyward X is positioned as a 'comfort cruiser' with added speed capabilities. After a 16-mile run with a 7:13 pace, the runner finds the shoe to be very comfortable, protective, and suitable for various paces. The shoe's weight is acknowledged as a downside for those seeking lighter options, but the cushioning and protection are highlighted as significant benefits.
💨 Skyward X Performance at Faster Paces
The runner describes the Hoka Skyward X's performance during a 16-mile run, noting that the shoe's weight did not significantly hinder the running experience. The shoe's protective qualities and bounce were appreciated, even at a faster pace of 6:30, which is close to the runner's marathon pace. The Skyward X is likened to the racing shoe Hoka Cell X1 in terms of protection and roll, but with more stack height and foam for heel strikers. The shoe's stability and the runner's ability to maintain pace were also praised.
💰 Value and Price Comparison with Other Shoes
The script addresses the value and price of the Hoka Skyward X, which is priced at $225. It is compared to other shoes like the Asics MetaSpeed, Super Blast, and the On Cloud Monster Hyper. The Skyward X is positioned as a heavy but protective and bouncy shoe, with a unique value proposition. The runner suggests that the Skyward X could be a good option for those seeking a protective, high-mileage shoe, despite its weight. The comparison also includes the SC Trainer V2, which is lighter and has a carbon fiber plate, and the Endorphin Pro 4, which is considered a good value for racing and training.
🔧 Comparing Skyward X with Other Long Run Shoes
The runner compares the Hoka Skyward X with other shoes suitable for long runs, such as the Boston 12, Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, and the Cloud Monster Hyper. The Skyward X is noted for its firmer feel, more rubber coverage for durability, and a more aggressive midsole geometry that pushes the runner onto their toes. The script also mentions the need to test the Cloud Monster Hyper for a longer duration to provide a complete comparison. The Skyward X is recommended for those who want a versatile shoe that can handle both long and faster-paced runs.
🏃♂️ Hoka Skyward X vs. Hoka Cell X1: A Runner's Perspective
The video concludes with a comparison between the Hoka Skyward X and the Hoka Cell X1, focusing on their suitability for daily miles and racing. The Cell X1 is lighter and bouncier, with a more aggressive midsole geometry that pushes the runner onto their toes, making it ideal for racing and training. In contrast, the Skyward X offers more comfort, stability, and a natural running feel at various paces, making it better suited for daily miles. The durability of the Skyward X is also highlighted, with thicker rubber coverage compared to the Cell X1.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Hoka Skyward X
💡Weight
💡Cushioning
💡Pace
💡Recovery Run
💡Midsole
💡Stability
💡Durability
💡Long Run
💡Value
💡Carbon Fiber Plate
Highlights
Testing the Hoka Skyward X for long-distance running to address concerns about its weight.
Comparison with the Altra Cyclone 2, which is nearly a third lighter than the Hoka Skyward X.
Initial enjoyment of the Hoka Skyward X despite its heavier build, and its use in speed training.
The Hoka Skyward X's midsole stack height of nearly 50mm and its use of peba foam.
The shoe's wide profile providing additional stability compared to the SC Trainer V1.
Experience of running on the treadmill with the Hoka Skyward X, noting its ease and protection.
The Hoka Skyward X's role in supporting training by making legs feel fresher post-run.
Aiming for a 2-hour run to test the Skyward X's performance in a long run.
Comfort and protective qualities of the Hoka Skyward X, even when running at a faster pace.
Durability concerns with the Hoka Skyward X compared to the SC Trainer V2.
Completed a 16-mile run in 1 hour 55 minutes with the Hoka Skyward X.
The Hoka Skyward X's suitability for daily mileage and its protective cushioning.
Value and price considerations of the Hoka Skyward X at $225.
Comparing the Hoka Skyward X with other shoes like the Altra Super Blast and SC Trainer V2.
Preference for the Hoka Skyward X over the SC Trainer V2 for faster running.
The On Cloud Monster Hyper as a potential complementary shoe to the Skyward X.
Recommendation of the Hoka Skyward X for long runs and high mileage training.
Comparison between the Hoka Skyward X and Hoka Clifton X1 for fun and bouncy runs.
Transcripts
good morning guys today we're going to
get some miles in the Hoka Skyward X to
test how this thing does over a longer
run so this was one of the main concerns
that I know a lot of you had when I
posted that first run review given the
weight of this guy it came in at about
330 G and last night out here I did the
speed training shoe video comparing a
bunch of the best or my favorite speed
trainers and one of them that we pulled
out that was a favorite for you was the
too Cyclone 2 and a shoe like that that
is nearly a third lighter than this that
one was 200 g so this is a little bit of
a heavier bulkier shoe but on foot so
far I've really enjoyed the miles I've
gotten and the reason I pulled it out
for that favorite speed training shoe
video is because it's one of my
favorites of this new higher stack
protective Bunch for surprisingly doing
a little bit of faster work so in this
video I'm going to do a little bit of an
overview of the Skyward X and we're
going to take it out for a long run test
let's get into it
[Music]
okay so we recently did the first run
review of this shoe so I will link to
that or just go search it and you can
see all my initial thoughts on it so the
runs I've done so far in the shoe I did
a 30 minute nice recovery run it was my
first run after the marathon and by the
way this weekend is my first weekend
back running after the marathon it was
only exactly one week ago so it was the
perfect shoe for a nice recovery run but
I was also getting a nice bouncy fast
feeling from the forefoot despite the
weight and so I know a lot of people are
thinking of this like an SC Trainer V1
or a heavier clunkier shoe that you
wouldn't want to do faster miles in
maybe a pure recovery shoe but for me
it's so far been more of like primex
strung well I haven't run in that shoe
but one of these higher stacked shoes
that people do enjoy for some faster
miles cuz in the mids here you're
getting nearly 50 mm of Stack back here
and it's this really awesome peba foam
so race day foam then you do have some
super critical Eva to add a little bit
more stability so key thing here is it's
not just tall it is very wide let me go
grab a shoe real quick to compare it to
so I can show you all right so I just
grabbed the SC Trainer V1 here and if we
take a look at the backs of these shoes
you can see on the Skyward well it is a
lot taller here but you also get get a
lot more girth or width here so that's
going to be the additional stability in
the Skyward X and so after that first
run yesterday I took this for a 10m
steadier run on the treadmill and
sometimes I don't love the feeling of
more cushion shoes on the treadmill it
feels a little bit like too much
protection but it was actually perfect
and it was like running on the
elliptical or using the elliptical
instead of running because it was so
easy to run and so that's the spirit of
the shoe that I've gotten so far very
easy to run very easy to change paces
and makes it feel super easy on the leg
so it completely takes off any of the
burdens so one of the questions I've
been trying to resolve on the channel
recently or it's not resolved but one of
the the centering questions of the whole
point of this Channel right now is how
can this technology support our training
and a shoe like this the tech that we
have in here makes my legs feel fresher
after the run also makes me able to hold
a higher heart rate or a higher effort
get a greater training stimulus with a
lower burden on the body and so that's
what I'm all about right now how can I
increase my mileage and intensity while
not increasing the effect on the legs so
14 miles on this guy so far today we're
going to take it out for I'm not sure 16
maybe my goal is to get 2 hours to test
how this does that is my minimum for a
long run so with that let's lace these
guys up so as I'm lacing it up here the
reason I brought the SC Trainer V2 was
because that has been to this point one
of my favorites if not my favorite shoe
for days where I want to have it be easy
on the legs but maybe pop a little bit
more pace and so the Skyward X is a
little bit heavier than the SC Trainer
V2 a little bit more stacked but it's
also going to be more protective and I
felt some additional bounce and so while
you are getting more weight you're also
getting that additional bounce SC
Trainer V2 was a very bouncy shoe for me
though the other thing I want to test
with the Skyward X which is why I've
been running in it a fair bit and
choosing it for my long run this week is
how the durability is on this guy and SC
Trainer V2 this has been a little bit
mixed it really depends on how hard
wearing you are so if you look at mine
here this has about 100 miles and you
can see I'm eaten into the Rubber and
foam pretty good but some other people
Vinnie Vinnie B I always shout him out
because he got 4 50 mil out of his SC
Trainer V2 and so we'll have to see how
durable this hooka is I will say though
I mentioned this in the first run review
video very comfortable shoe so the
tongue is super padded and they went for
a comfort oriented experience versus a
speed experience the mock X would be
more of their speed plated training shoe
while this is designed to be that
Comfort cruiser with a little bit more
speed capability so with that guys no
long talking before the Run we just got
to get into it and then after the video
we can do all the breakdown and
comparison so let's do it
[Music]
[Music]
all right guys first long run postm
marathon we got 16 miles 1 hour 55
minutes 713 pace
and Coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh
Steelers says the standard is the
standard this is not what usually
constitutes my standard for a long run
and especially long run test so I
apologize I usually like to go at least
20 and get 2 and 1/2 hours but today we
went 16 mil 1 hour 55 minutes I'm
prioritizing rebuilding my mileage right
now and I want to be a little bit faster
than I was last block on these long runs
so 713 Pac is pretty solid now I think
even though we didn't go 2 and 1 half
hours I think I have some pretty good
insights on how these shoes perform for
a long run because most of you guys out
there are probably going to be going 90
minutes minut it's to 2 hours on your
long run so let me pop these off and I
might go inside and chug some Tangerine
juice or something because I mean you
can't tell from just looking on camera
but it is hot it is getting to that time
of the calendar in North Carolina well
look how blue the sky is but it's
getting to that time of the calendar
where we're going to have to start these
long runs before 7:00 a.m. because it's
already let's check my watch is not
telling me but it's it's a high of 82
today so it feels like it's already 75
and very humid so let me go replenish
some fluids quickly I can't have the
shoes on in the house so I got to take
these off but first things first before
we go get some Tangerine juice or see
what we can find is it a heavy shoe yes
if you don't want a heavy
shoe don't buy the shoe there's nothing
that I can say throughout the rest of
the view that's going to change this
from being a heavy shoe right the scale
does not lie there is a lot of weight
and a lot of bulk on this shoe but you
also get a lot lot of cushion and a lot
of protection similar to the Hoka ux
slides it's funny if they if they put a
slide version of a running
shoe it'll probably be this guy these
are really similar feeling but all
right nutrition first then long run
review all right guys I'm back it is
12:23 12:24 that was a long intermission
on my end
did lunch shower and everything but let
us talk through long run performance of
Skyward X all right guys so 16 mile long
run or medium long run in the Hocus
Skyward X we still got about 2 hours and
2 hours is that magical sweet spot for a
long run length where a lot of the
developments happen in our body we start
flipping the switch on some of those big
aerobic developments ones we cross that
2-hour threshold so we hit it nearly
exactly today 1 hour 55 minutes next
week I'll probably aim to to do a little
bit longer depending on how I feel but
recovery is feeling great so far of
course today was probably the most tired
my legs will ever feel on a long run cuz
I just got a marathon PR last weekend
which is one of the great reasons why I
wanted to choose the Hoka Skyward X
today and so performance on the run this
is a very comfortable shoe that is the
number one quality of it when you lace
it up when you put it on and it is
thrusting hoga back into the spotlight
of Max Cush shoes and as I said on the
first run review this is the most Hoka
shoe of all time it's expensive it's got
a big stack and it looks kind of funky I
actually like the way it looks it
reminds me of something Tinker Hatfield
might design if he were a running shoe
designer and not Jordan but regardless
of the looks it performs well too you
got nice bounce in the forefoot and it
felt like the sweet spot for landing was
closer to the front of the shoe that's
not to say it felt bad for heel striking
but as I was picking up the pace and
Landing right in the front of the shoe
reminded me a lot of the Hoka cello X1
which is the racing counterpart to the
shoe so this has a little bit more stack
heite than the cell X1 it also has a
little bit more foam in the back to make
it friendlier for heel Strikers but
really similar feeling shoe and that you
get a ton of protection you get some
nice roll and you get some balance when
you pick up the pace and the other
reason why it's similar to that shoe is
because it is a heavy shoe and
fortunately that weight didn't come at a
huge penalty for me I felt that because
I was putting some Force down into the
shoe and I was running most of this at
about a 710 to 730 Pace today which is
at my faster end of my everyday mile
pace and it felt really natural to be
running there so great fourth everyday
mile zone for me and then when I was
running faster it felt nice because of
that peba up in the forefoot and so the
fastest I went on this run today was
about 6:30 which was nearly my probably
exactly my Marathon from last week which
was 628 and at that marathon pace it
felt fun it felt super protective it's
again not a lightweight shoe but I
didn't feel the penalty at marathon pace
even at the end of a two-hour run
because of how much foam and bounce you
get and so there's some shoes where
they're heavier but you're not going to
be getting the most benefit from it for
example s ride 17 that is one that I
came down pretty hard on salony a few
days ago and it I didn't hate the shoe
by the end of my double day but I came
down on them hard when we did the
weighin and and I did the jog test
against the Triumph because it's heavier
than the Triumph with less Staite and a
firmer feel so didn't feel as protective
as the Triumph so in that case the
weight additional weight you're getting
it's not a good thing and here the
additional weight gives you a lot of
protection a lot of Bounce and it's
weird to say my legs feel fresh the week
after a marathon and they don't feel
necessarily fresh but maybe it's like
the fresh crab legs you might get from
from the grocery store that I've been
sitting there for 12 hours that kind of
fresh so that's the kind of fresh that
my legs feel after running in the
Skyward X I do feel like I could have
gone to 20 if I really wanted to and
just jog out the last 30 minutes but
that's not really the phase of training
I'm in right now I don't need to chase
mileage this week I'll get back up to
100 next week or probably the week after
so decided not to be a hero which is
still the number one rule of marathon
training do not be a hero and I'm not
training for anything in particular
right now I got to find my next goal but
we're in the marathon trading mindset my
guy Rob Barnett commented on my straa I
just checked when I posted the Skyward X
he said the grind never stops and I got
to reply back to him and tell him that's
because the job ain't finished so we're
still grinding out here still getting
some miles and this was a great shoe if
you are going to be pushing yourself up
to higher mileage levels and want that
protection and so that's really the
thesis of this shoe it is arguing weight
does not matter if you are getting
protection and I'm buying what they're
selling with this shoe now one thing we
have not talked about today so and
before I actually we get into this to
close it out performance is great for
what you're getting but it does feel
like a heavy shoe feels great when you
land at the 4 foot is a little bit
firmer when Landing in the back because
of the carbon fiber plate but the one
thing that I want to talk about is value
and price this is the elephant in the
room no pun in intended cuz this is the
size of an elephant but that's really
going to be the main question for a lot
of people out there is it worth it at
$225 and so if I think about other shoes
200 up we have as6 super blast of course
and on cloud Monster hyper and now I'm
going to get this up to 100 at some
point soon so we can do the full
comparison and I'll probably do some
dedicated comparison videos but just
think about what those two shoes offer
right and actually let's go up there and
do a little bit of a comparison now
because I think it might useful so hold
on all right so comparison time thinking
about what these shoes offer we got the
Skyward X SC Trainer V2 let me go grab
those other two shoes all right so we
have our lineup here Skyward is what we
ran into today so if we think about the
main competitor that a lot of people are
going to be comparing the Skyward X to
because of price A6 super blast they are
both very protective and we already have
an ant on this uh they're both very
protective but with this there was no
magic feel that's the best way I could
describe it it's not a super bouncy ride
we're getting a ton of speed assistance
right out of the box it's more of a slow
burning shoe and I think that's why you
guys like it because it's not a super
crazy feeling it's just works well if it
works for you it works well for a
variety of paces and runs and keeps your
leg feeling super protected now benefit
of this shoe is FF turbo is super light
so this is much lighter than any other
shoe with this much stack and a lot
lighter than the Skyward X and so sky
Skyward X is a heavy shoe but I got a
lot more bounce especially out of the
box I got a lot more bounce from the
Skyward x on a long run and it didn't
feel like I had to work as hard to
maintain the same Pace as I do in the
super L sometimes the super loss feels
like it's pushing me a little bit to
work more out there on the run and it
doesn't leave my legs feeling sore or
beat up at all but Skyward has a little
even though it's heavier has a little
bit more of a rocker a little bit more
rolling and I do think you get some
benefit from the plate reinforcing The
Rocker here and pushing you along so for
me I enjoyed on a long run the Skyward x
a little bit more than the super blast
and also when I ran fast in here
sometimes with the super blast I felt
like I could fight against foam a little
bit I didn't get that in the Skyward X
when I was running fast that was one of
the most enjoyable parts of the shoe
surprisingly and I said this yesterday I
said I felt like Babe Ruth calling my
shot and I think I'm going to really
like to shoe for speedwork and I do I
love it for running marathon pace at the
end for that fast finish when my legs
are feeling beat up it's great to have
this this much cushion here and I
remember last summer running in the
socket endorphin Speed 3 for long runs
and trying to fast finish that is one of
the worst feelings in the world when
your legs are tired and you feel like
you're just compressing the foam all the
way to the ground and you're not getting
any additional bounce pop or roll that's
not going to happen in the Hoka Skyward
X here so great stability out here and
both of these shoes are really stable
but great stability in the back and then
I did get that bounce in the forefoot so
a little bit bouncier a little bit
softer in the forefoot than the super
blast but very supportive so I think
people who liked the feeling of
protection in the super blast but want
something a little bit more fun that's
what I'm getting on the Skyward X and of
course I'll do an update once we get
this to 100 now SC Trainer V2 this guy
is currently it still has to be at
number one until I get the Skyward X to
100 miles but this is currently my
favorite for this just mileage time on
feet long run shoe where I'm not ripping
off marathon pace and funny enough even
though the SC Trainer V2 is a little bit
lighter and also has a carbon fiber
plate I preferred the Skyward X for fast
running I still think this might be a
nice option for Recovery runs a nicer
option in the Skyward X maybe because
it's lighter not as hard to turn over
the legs but for the faster running fast
finish long runs I liked the Skyward X
over the SC trer V2 one thing I will say
though in favor of this the SC Trainer
V2 much softer feel for landing in the
heel they both have really nice curved
rockers here but SC Trainer V2 has a
much softer Landing feel in the heel and
it also though that means it's not going
to be as protective feeling it is a very
protective shoe but not as much as the H
here just because of how much ridiculous
stack you're getting I called it what
did I say the other day they went full
ear responsible mode with this stack on
the Skyward X here which is what New
Balance had in the SG trainer V1 but
they slimmed it and trimmed it down a
little bit in the V2 here and so if you
like the V1 if you liked SC Trainer V1
and you felt V2 was a little bit of a
half measure maybe not as much cushion
it lost some of that fun balance it
became too stayed and serious and slim I
think you're going to like the hookus
Skyward X and it's funny because I tried
the SE trainer V2 this was before I was
well I was still addicted to running
shoes back then I was this was my
Gateway I was buying a lot of shoes back
then but not reviewing them yet on
YouTube and I ended up sending the SC
Trainer V1 back cuz I didn't like the
feeling of fighting against the foam I
also was running probably 40 to 50 miles
a week this when I was training for
Charlotte 2022 so I didn't quite get the
benefit of what the SC Trainer V1 was
designed to do but this is reminding me
of the parts of that shoe which I did
like which were the bounce the feeling
of that softer foam the fuel cell from
the New Balance the balance paired with
the carbon fiber plate I'm getting a lot
of that in the Hoka and then also just
the feeling of having 50 mm of stack and
running like that it's almost like
running on a treadmill where you just
get a super soft feel compared to smash
it on the pavement out here so SE
trainer V1 fans will like this shoe
heavier than the V2 little bit more
protection than the V2 I still think the
V2 is a better option for Recovery runs
because it's a little bit lighter but I
prefer this for faster running because
for me I'm not compressing the foam as
much in the for foot which is nice it
can stand up a little bit more to my
foot strike and we'll see as we get this
to 100 miles we will see how that
progresses now I should mention SC
Trainer V2 here is $180 but it still is
in this category that we're comparing
right now so last one here is the
oncloud Monster hyper and and I brought
the cloud Eclipse into the lab recently
and I also brought the cloud Monster
hyper and so the eclipse is more of like
an SE trainer V2 actually it felt really
similar to that shoe but it doesn't have
peba it has the cloudtech phase whereas
this guy has the paa it's lighter than
the cloud eclipse and it's designed more
for Speed trading so I wouldn't
necessarily put it up as a competitor to
the Skyward X if you want to spend
$450 on a two shoe rotation this would
be an awesome two shoe rotation so these
are more shoes that could work together
or they're the types of shoes that could
work together versus direct competitors
so Cloud Monster hyper here is little
bit lighter weight less protective you
still get a lot of cushion here it's up
near 40 mm I will do a long run test
with this guy but it's not necessarily
the same sort of protective mileage
eating crazy stack shoe as the Skyward X
and so this is a little bit lighter this
is more of that light fast daily option
that's still protective Hoka you're
really going to see the benefit of this
once you're going up past that hour mark
which we saw today so these are two
shoes that I got to get to 100 because
I've really enjoyed all my miles in the
cloud Monster hyper here I will say
talking about firmness this is also on
the firmer end of the spectrum
especially with the cloudtech the
standard Eva and then similar to the
Skyward X actually in the front you see
this soft peba here and so thinking
about value these are some of the other
options I know it's going to be hard to
knock the super blast off of the
pedestal here and because of the lighter
weight I think a lot of you are going to
enjoy the super blast more and we don't
have durability yet on the Skyward X so
that is going to be a question mark But
in favor of the Skyward X is super
bouncy similar to the SC Trainer V2 and
offers more protection so you're not
going to be bottoming out like you might
get an aak endorphin Speed 3 or even a
speed 4 and it is very stable out there
and I'm like I said the most beat up
I'll ever be probably going into a long
run and it was the perfect shoe for
today now I'm going to keep bringing
this shoe out until you guys are sick of
hearing me talk about it so indorfin Pro
4 it is the same price as the Hocus
Skyward X and you're getting a much
lighter weight in a shoe designed for
racing but with some elements that make
it a really great training shoe so the
upper here is more of a training upper
it has a decent amount of padding while
still being lightweight you got the
stretchy tongue you get lots of rubber
and so I think this is probably the best
value shoe new shoe on the market right
now because it undercuts the whole
competition by
10% and it's the same price as these new
trading shoes that are coming out Cloud
Monster hyper and Skyward X that aren't
nearly as battle tested as the Endorphin
Pro Line and aren't going to be as great
for frankly fast workouts in long runs
you're still getting the protection from
the Pea foam you're getting the carbon
fiber plate and it's all coming in a
lighter package and so I know we have
some debate on whether or not it's great
to do workouts and race and long runs in
your racing shoe but I'm increasingly
thinking that it might be good to get
more time on feet in our racing shoe
Before the Race to get comfortable
running race Pace in it if it is a
durable shoe shoes like fly that's not
going to be those the zumax tends to
lose its bounce pretty quickly but
something like this my last pair of
these the pro three lasted forever so I
think if you're looking at buying one
shoe and you want something for long
runs and faster workouts would I be
looking at the Skyward X probably not
it's a great long run shoe but I think
the sakon Endorphin Pro 4 here this is
the best value long run shoe you can buy
and of course you might want to rotate
it with a simpler shoe without a plate
but the same thing would be said about
the Hoka Skyward X other thing you could
do is if you want to do your fast long
runs in the Skyward X and then put the
pro four on race day you will be
absolutely flying after you drop that
weight so that's another thing you could
do but there you have it guys that is a
little bit of an overview of some of the
other options I'd be looking at if I
were considering the Skyward X and how
they do on long runs Cloud Monster hyper
is the only one that I still need to
take out on a long run past 2 hours so
hopefully within the next few weeks
we'll get that and then I can do a
little overview of shoes that this is
similar too but so far this has been
more similar to Boston 12 sakon
endorphin speed 4 than really these
types of shoes right here but I thought
I'd bring it out because of the price
and the whole value equation so last
actual thing I will say about price and
value equation I have done regular daily
miles in the Hoka skyex so fairly
versatile shoe that felt great on a long
run and a shorter run
so we'll see if it the durability holds
up at 100 miles we'll we'll do that
check-in and the 100 mile review doesn't
always give us everything we need to
know about a shoe but it does give us I
used this word earlier this week we can
extrapolate from that to get a little
bit of a a sketch of how a shoe might
perform at 200 or 300 miles so stay
tuned for that as always guys I
appreciate you watching we might have to
pop in later with a one more thing I
don't know but if not I'll be back
tomorrow with another video all right
guys one more thing today we have the
Hoka cello X1 here and I actually got a
comment asking me to compare the Hoka
yell X1 with the Skyward X and which
youe to get if you want something fun
and bouncy so main difference is let me
grab the sky X so let's go over the main
differences here mids Soul foam hocus
yellow X1 100% peba so there's two
different types of piba but that means
it's going to be a little bit softer
feel Under Foot you don't have that
firmer stand a super critical Eva and
very bouncy even bouncier than the
Skyward X which is a pretty bouncy shoe
it also means the weight of the C X1 is
going to be lighter and somebody left
their Chopstick here I think this is
Masons but the weight of the C X1 is
going to be a lot lighter as in 50 to 60
G lighter than the Skyward X here and
that is noticeable out there on the run
and I know people are saying that the cl
X1 is a heavy shoe for racing which it
is but compared to the Skyward X feels a
lot lighter on foot now other thing is
midsole geometry here so the Skyward X
did have a nice rolling feel up at the
front but it was most noticeable when I
was landing at The Sweet Spot so
plotting along Landing more in the back
or the middle it was comfortable but I
wasn't getting aggressively pushed up
onto my toes which is what I prefer in a
training shoot like this where you want
to be able to do relaxed daily miles and
maybe maybe some faster marathon pace
work in the long run that's a good setup
because I didn't feel like I had to pick
up the pace to 30 seconds 45 seconds
faster than I normally would hokus Yow
X1 on the other hand really wants you to
land up in the midf foot to 4ot if you
look at the back here it's similar to
the Muno shoes where they do less foam
right up at the back here and you got a
little bit of a heel cutout so you can
see right here that's where that 40 mm
stack is and then up towards the midfoot
it's 46 mm they did that to get around
the world Athletics rule but that means
if you're a heel Striker it can feel a
little bit like trying to get over a
hump when you land on the back of the
shoe and then roll forward which isn't
always my favorite feeling for relaxed
miles so I would actually take the
Skyward X over this yellow X1 if I
wanted something more for daily miles or
that could be used more for daily miles
without feeling like I had to modify my
form or run a certain way and that is
something that I find with a lot of the
faster more aggressive race shoes they
do like the sky Paris like the alphafly
like this shoe they do make you modify
or form to run in a certain way if
you're not normally a midfoot to 4-foot
Striker they put you up on your toes a
little bit more so this definitely puts
you up on your toes more the midfoot
geometry and on mids geometry in general
is a lot more aggressive so it has a lot
more of that rolling rocker feeling and
a little bit more bounce and then if you
take a look at the bottom here
durability you can see on the cx1 I have
50 miles on this guy and it's already
chewing into the foam pretty good here
so if you are a heel Shaker again you're
going to be chewing up through this foam
pretty good I don't know if that's going
to affect the performance of the shoe it
might not cuz we had that exposed foam
on the Mach 5 and it didn't affect the
performance of the shoe but you are
going to get that wear and tear versus
Skyward X here you get a lot more rubber
coverage and there's a lot thicker
rubber on the shoe it looks in general
compared to the cello X1 now I'm not
sure if I'm going to do a full
comparison these shoes maybe I'll do a
workout in them but in terms of who
these are best for C X1 is lighter
faster bouncier if you want something to
race in as well as trainin definitely
cell X1 I would not be taking the
Skyward X Out To Train no matter how
fast I was saying it felt and how good
it felt at fast Paces today it's a
little bit too heavy for me personally
to take out for a half marathon or
Marathon even though I did take it up
for two hours today so C X1 if you want
to train and racing something definitely
this one this is the one I would get if
you want a little bit more Comfort
underfoot it's not going to force you to
modify your form feels a little bit more
natural to run in at a variety of pieces
and a little bit better stability in the
back so if you look at these here you
will see on that topic of stability
Skyward a is definitely a little bit
wider so there you have it Guys these
are both two fun shoes I've enjoyed my
miles and all of them so far just that
CL x1's probably not going to work for
everybody feels a little bit awkward for
me at some pieces whereas Skyward a has
felt pretty good at every Pace I've done
in it so far all right I'll see you guys
tomorrow
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