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Super shoes have rapidly transformed the running landscape, shifting from a niche innovation to an essential piece in every brand’s lineup. As each brand strives to merge the cutting-edge world of carbon-plated road racers with the rugged demands of the trail the results have been mixed – some models achieve greatness, while others fall short. HOKA’s Tecton X series is a standout example of iterative improvement, refining its design with each version.
Fast forward to 2023 – Jim Walmsley conquers UTMB, becoming the first American male to clinch victory at this legendary event. On his feet? A mystery shoe that sent shockwaves through the trail running community. Like Michael Jordan dominating the court in his signature shoe, Walmsley’s secret weapon turned out to be the prototype for the Tecton X 3 – or maybe we should call it “the Walmsley”.
But does wearing the same shoe as a UTMB champion guarantee glory for the everyday runner? While the answer is probably not in today’s review I put the Tecton X 3 through its paces. Can this shoe deliver podium-worthy performance for the rest of us? Let’s find out.
Total Miles: 35
The Good:
- Foam – One of the standout features of the HOKA Tecton X 3 is its revamped foam, which strikes an impressive balance between responsiveness and cushioning. The dual-layer Peba midsole offers a soft yet energetic ride, providing ample protection on technical trails without sacrificing speed. To me the foam is a significant upgrade from previous versions.
- Fast – While carbon-plated trail shoes may not provide the same snappy propulsion as their road counterparts, the HOKA Tecton X 3 still brings a surprising sense of speed to the trails. I found myself effortlessly cruising at a low six minute mile pace, which for me on the trails is not easy.
- Stable – Despite its high stack height, the HOKA Tecton X 3 delivers stability across a variety of trail conditions. From smooth, buffed-out paths to moderately technical terrain, the shoe manages to keep you grounded without feeling cumbersome. As someone with less-than-perfect ankles, I was pleasantly surprised by how well it handled uneven surfaces, providing the support I needed to navigate tricky sections without rolling or discomfort.
- Vibram Outsole – You’ve heard it from me before, and I’ll say it again, Vibram outsoles are absolute money! Widely regarded as the gold standard in trail traction, Vibram consistently delivers exceptional grip and durability.
The Bad:
- Technical Terrain – While the HOKA Tecton X 3 excels on buffed-out and moderately technical trails, it struggles when the terrain gets gnarly. On more rugged, rocky paths, the shoe’s ankle collar falls short in providing the necessary support, especially for those with weaker ankles like mine. When I ventured onto highly technical trails, I found my ankles starting to give, and the shoe didn’t offer much help in stabilizing them. If you’re planning to tackle super technical terrain at speed, consider this a cautionary tale.
- Ankle Collar – I had high hopes for the updated ankle collar, expecting it to offer more support, but in practice, it feels more like a sock. While some runners might appreciate this design for its lightweight and minimal feel, others could find it frustrating – especially when trying to put the shoe on. Additionally, the sock-like construction means there’s no secondary top eyelet, so you can’t do a runner’s knot for added security. For those who rely on that extra lockdown, this could be a significant negative.
- Price – While the HOKA Tecton X 3 will have you feeling fast and channeling your inner Jim Walmsley, it comes with a hefty price tag of $275. That’s a steep investment for any shoe, even one boasting top-tier performance and cutting-edge technology.
The Pro:
“I love the PEBA foam, so comfortable for long days out on the trails. I also like the 4mm directional lugs that provide excellent traction on technical uphill and downhill. They can handle a wide variety of terrain from dirt roads to rocky single track!” – HOKA Trail Pro Ryan Raff
“The responsiveness of the foam combined with the stiffness from the carbon plates make this my go-to for racing, faster workouts on the trails, and race-specific long runs. The cushion feels like a road-super shoe, but the split plate gives you plenty of stability over technical terrain. All of these factors have definitely made the Tecton X 3 become one of my favorite shoes over the past few months.” – HOKA Trail Pro Adam Peterman
“On first stride you realize how fast the Tecton X 3 is – so much so it takes a few trail runs to really be able to drive it instead of it drive you. it’s the most stable carbon shoe I’ve run in for how much propulsion and energy return you get back from it. The Vibram outsole and lug shape also make the traction reliable enough for any terrain, something I’ve found a lot of trail supershoes choose to sacrifice.” – HOKA Trail Pro Adam Rob Farvard
The Verdict:
If you’ve got podiums in your sights, have ankles that don’t quake at the sight of rocks, and are willing to invest in your performance, the HOKA Tecton X 3 is a buy. I thoroughly enjoyed every run in this shoe, feeling fast, stable, and confident across a variety of trail conditions. For anyone gearing up for a fast ultra, the Tecton X 3 would be at the top of my race-day list. However, if you need to pinch pennies, its premium price tag makes it a tough sell for those on a tighter budget.
*** Disclaimer – The HOKA Tecton X 3 was provided by HOKA for review. HOKA did not pay for this review, all opinions are our own.***