If you’re wondering whether the Carbon X 3 is better than it’s previous or looking to buy the shoe, new to Hoka or the Carbon X’s, this review should run you through what’s good about the shoe and maybe what’s not.
Intro
Hoka have now become quite a big name in running with, more notably, their shoe range and also other running aspects too, like their clothing range. Hoka first launched the Carbon X for their ‘Project Carbon X’ where they attempted to beat the 100k world record with Hoka athletes, in which Jim Walmsley came agonisingly close to the world record – just 11 seconds off. Since then there has been a Carbon X 2 and now 3, the X 2, of which was my first carbon plated road shoe.
I started out with the Carbon X 2, which was a great shoe in itself, lasting me the course of a couple years – I did quite a few kilometres in the shoes so needed a new pair quite desperately. My local run shop do Hoka’s primarily and the Carbon X 2 worked well for me so I went with their lastest version on the shoe, hoping it would be just as fast if not faster.
Carbon X 2 -> Carbon X 3
For those who’ve had the Carbon X 2 previously, the main difference between the two is a change in main build of the shoe. When I say ‘build’ I mean they’ve taken the X 3 to more of a sock shape in what they call a ‘knit’ upper. Also they write: The Carbon X 3 has ‘been energized with a new foam midsole’ along with the ‘premium, performance knit upper’.
My thoughts
Despite Hoka running the 100k project, I use them for 5k and anything around or below (on the road 5k is the main distance I do), so they do work for shorter distance in my opinion and I guess as shown they will work for long distance too. I do triathlon and typically use the same shoe for both running and triathlon, so requires being able to slip on quickly for T2. I wasn’t so sure they’d be ok, unfamiliar with the new knit upper, however they work fine and maybe even quicker than before.
Carbon X 3 Stats/Figures
- Hoka’s recommended ‘best for’ use: Road Running, Race
- Weight: 222g
- Heel to Toe Drop: 5.00mm
- Stability: Neutral
- Cushion: Responsive
- Price: £160 on hoka.com
Pros
The shoe has an extended heel tab which aids for an easy pull on and the shoes hold well, in terms of the carbon-plate, when running fast, giving a good, responsive bounce back.
The breathability is a well-made factor and you don’t really end up getting really hot feet on hot summer days.
I typically have narrower feet and the fit doesn’t feel loose when running or like it’s going to fall off. Inside, towards the heel end, the shoe has a bit of extra padding, I guess to help with comfort. Also if doing faster runs or sessions or racing the comfort isn’t majorly lost, despite having the carbon plate.
The shoe’s lightness is something I like as they feel faster on your feet, just like when wearing spikes in cross country – they feel close to your feet and hence faster. For exact stats the shoe is just over 15g lighter than the previous Carbon X 2.
Cons:
I’d say maybe not for easier runs or long easy runs as there isn’t as much plush or cushioning here for that support when running slower.
Also just a small thing for those who do triathlon, when in T2 the shoe’s tongue can fall in quite a bit, but if you kind of fold it up and over, it holds up fine and is ready to slip on quickly.
My Final Verdict/Thoughts
Light, breathable, quick. Good for fast runs and racing but maybe better to opt for more cushioning on slower runs.
⁕If you have any other questions feel free to comment on this page (towards the bottom)
Thanks for reading.
My Triathlon Journey 
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