Hoka Carbon X 3 Review
We take a close look at the Hoka Carbon X 3 and examine how these running shoes can put a spring in your step
Are you looking for an even more propulsive ride?
If you take your running seriously, you’ll be familiar with the Hoka One One brand.
They’re an athletic shoe company that originated in France and they’ve helped to revolutionise the running shoe market with their innovative designs.
Some of Hoka One One’s best-known running shoes include the Hoka Clifton 8, Hoka Rincon 3, Hoka Bondi 7 and Hoka Kawana.
In this article, we’re going to take a close look at Hoka Carbon X 3.
The Hoka Carbon X 3 (Photo: The Sport Review)
They’re the new and improved offering in the Carbon range following the success of Hoka Carbon X 2.
In this review, we’ll examine what makes the Hoka Carbon X 3 a good running shoe, what customers are saying about them, as well as giving our verdict.
So, with the introductions over, let’s take a closer look at the Hoka Carbon X 3.
The Hoka Carbon X 3 (Photo: The Sport Review)
Website: hoka.com
Fit: The Hoka Carbon X 3 has a comfortable fit thanks to the premium performance knit used in the shoe. The knit gives you room to wiggle your toes but still feel like your feet are supported. Hoka explain on their website that they’ve looked to create a “glove-like lockdown” with zonal knit areas to provide better breathability.
Feel: The Hoka Carbon X 3 are lightweight with a streamlined construction designed to give a race-like feel. It’s extremely responsive thanks to the carbon fibre plate and Meta-Rocker technology.
Ride: If you’re looking for a shoe capable of supporting you in your running goals, the Hoka Carbon X 3 is an excellent choice. It allows for a smooth ride on any surface over any distance. As we highlighted at the start of this review, Hoka’s website explains that the Carbon X 3 has been designed to give runners an “even more propulsive ride”.
Weight: 222g
Price: £170
The Hoka Carbon X 3 (Photo: The Sport Review)
Our Verdict
Prior to testing these shoes out, I had heard a lot of great things about Hoka One One, so I was delighted to put their Carbon X 3s to the test.
These running shoes were both comfortable and supportive, whether I ran on tarmac or on gravel.
The propulsive ride was evident – I felt as though I could find an extra gear with these shoes thanks to their innovative design.
The Hoka Carbon X 3 fitted my feet snuggly without suffocating my toes, with the performance knit allowing for added breathability.
What Customers Are Saying
The Hoka Carbon X 3 received positive feedback in the review section of Hoka’s official website. Of course, official website tend to feature more positive reviews than other sites, but overall the feedback was favourable.
Aidan described the Carbon X 3 as being perfect for long runs:
Once I changed the insoles for more comfortable ones, the X3 just came to life and every run I have done in them has been such a delight. Excellent responsiveness and the upper is wonderful. It does feel a bit narrow, so if you have a wide foot, be careful or go a half size up.
Meanwhile, Kirit was impressed with the improvements made to the latest model compared to the previous offering:
Absolutely love the updates to the Carbon X. Knitted upper fits like a glove, and the softer cushioning under foot is very welcomed. All in a lighter weight package too – brilliant!
Wrapping Things Up – Review Conclusion
The Hoka Carbon X 3 (Photo: The Sport Review)
We’ve reached the end of our review of the Hoka Carbon X 3 running shoes.
If you’re looking for a high-performance running shoe, you won’t go wrong with the Carbon X 3, which features some impressive updates from the previous models.
Features such as breathable engineered knit, extended heel pull and carbon fibre plate have been engineered to help runners take their performance to next level.
Hoka suggest using these running shoes for race and road but personally I found them to be excellent on every surface.
