Long Run Review: Hoka Skyward X

Summary

In 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

00:00

👟 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.

05:02

🏃‍♂️ 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.

10:02

🥾 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.

15:04

💨 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.

20:05

💰 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.

25:07

🔧 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.

Keywords

💡Hoka Skyward X

The Hoka Skyward X is a running shoe model that is central to the video's theme. It is described as a heavier, bulkier shoe with a focus on cushioning and protection, ideal for long-distance running. The video discusses its performance, comfort, and suitability for various types of runs, including recovery and speed training.

💡Weight

Weight is a critical concept in running shoe reviews, as it affects performance and comfort. The Hoka Skyward X is mentioned to weigh about 330 grams, which is heavier compared to other speed training shoes like the Too Cyclone 2. The video explores how the shoe's weight impacts its suitability for different running paces and long runs.

💡Cushioning

Cushioning refers to the shoe's ability to absorb impact and provide comfort. The Hoka Skyward X features a high stack of cushioning, nearly 50 mm, made from peba foam, which is known for its responsiveness. The video discusses how this cushioning contributes to a protective and easy running experience.

💡Pace

Pace is a fundamental aspect of running, referring to the speed at which a runner moves. The video mentions how the Hoka Skyward X performs at various paces, from recovery runs to marathon pace, highlighting its versatility and the impact of its design on running speed.

💡Recovery Run

A recovery run is a light, easy run typically done to aid in muscle recovery after more intense workouts or races. The Hoka Skyward X is praised for its suitability as a recovery shoe due to its cushioning and comfort, as illustrated by the reviewer's first run after a marathon.

💡Midsole

The midsole is the central part of a running shoe, providing cushioning and support. The Hoka Skyward X has a thick midsole made of peba foam, contributing to its cushioning and bounce. The video discusses the shoe's midsole in the context of its overall performance and feel.

💡Stability

Stability in running shoes refers to how well they provide support and prevent excessive foot movement. The Hoka Skyward X is noted for its stability, especially with its wide and tall design, which adds to the shoe's protective qualities and makes it suitable for various running styles.

💡Durability

Durability is an important factor for running shoes, as it indicates how long they can withstand wear and tear. The video raises the question of the Hoka Skyward X's durability compared to other models like the SC Trainer V2, and it is something the reviewer intends to test over time.

💡Long Run

A long run is a prolonged running session, typically part of a training regimen for marathons or half-marathons. The video focuses on the Hoka Skyward X's performance during a long run, with the reviewer aiming for a 2-hour run to test the shoe's endurance and comfort over time.

💡Value

Value in the context of running shoes refers to the cost-to-benefit ratio, considering factors like price, performance, and durability. The video discusses the Hoka Skyward X's value proposition, especially at its $225 price point, and compares it to other shoes to determine if it offers a good return on investment.

💡Carbon Fiber Plate

A carbon fiber plate is a stiff, lightweight material often used in running shoes for added support and energy return. The Hoka Skyward X features a carbon fiber plate, which contributes to its responsiveness and is compared to other shoes with similar technology in the video.

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