Hoka Rocket X3 Review: Impressive Updates, But Is It Worth the Price?

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In July 2025, Hoka finally released the long-anticipated Rocket X3 – a shoe many fans of the Rocket X2 had been eagerly waiting for. As someone who loved the previous version, I was excited to see what improvements had been made. I put the Rocket X3 through its paces during a recent 10-mile race to find out how it stacks up – not only against its predecessor, but also against key competitors like the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 and Nike Vaporfly 4.

What’s New?

Let’s start with the updates. The Rocket X3 has undergone a significant overhaul, both in terms of performance and design:

• Weight: Now lighter at 225g.

• Foam: Dual-layer Peba (Pebax) foam with a softer top layer for responsiveness and a slightly firmer bottom layer for stability.

• Carbon Plate: Redesigned winged carbon plate for improved propulsion.

• Upper: Breathable warp-knit upper.

• Outsole: Grippy rubber outsole with no unnecessary cutouts.

• Drop: 7mm drop. Stack height figures are unclear, ranging from 39mm to 42mm depending on the source.

• Price: £220 – unchanged from the previous model but still on the steep side.

Fit & Comfort

For me, sizing was spot-on – a UK 10 fits perfectly, consistent with other Hoka models and similar to Adidas sizing. The upper is comfortable and breathable, with no rubbing or hotspots during either training runs or race day. Lockdown from the laces was excellent, and the heel felt secure without being restrictive.

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Performance on Race Day

I tested the Rocket X3 in a local 10-mile race, a distance that’s always tricky to pace. The standout characteristic of the shoe was its "pickup-ability" – it responded quickly when I surged back to pace after hills or slower sections. The lightweight construction and responsive Peba foam gave the shoe real zip without feeling unstable.

Surprisingly, despite the soft foam, the ride felt firmer than expected – in a good way. It added a level of stability that the Cielo X1 2.0 (another Hoka super shoe) lacks. While the Cielo X1 is more aggressive and rockered, the Rocket X3 offers a more versatile, less extreme ride that suits distances up to the half marathon better than a full 42.2K.

Likes

• Breathable, comfortable upper

• Grippy outsole

• Excellent lockdown and lacing system

• Stable and responsive dual-foam midsole

• Winged carbon plate adds structure and propulsion

• Sleek design

• Lightweight feel that helps maintain turnover in longer efforts

Dislikes

• The price. At £220, it’s hard to recommend – especially when alternatives like the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 retail for £195 and deliver similar performance.

• Not suitable as a marathon shoe (at least for me). It shines in the 10K to half-marathon range, but I wouldn’t trust it over longer distances.

Final Verdict

The Hoka Rocket X3 is a significantly improved and genuinely enjoyable racing shoe. It’s stable, fast, comfortable, and responsive – everything you'd want in a race day shoe for distances up to a half marathon. But the price tag is a major

hurdle. If Hoka had priced this shoe closer to £185, it would be a real contender for runners who can’t get on with narrower shoes like the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3. As it stands, it’s a good shoe let down by its cost. If you can get it with a discount code (like the one offered to FORDY RUNS Running Club members), it becomes a more compelling option.

Would I recommend it? Yes – but only if you can find it discounted. Otherwise, there are more cost-effective options that perform just as well.

You can get discounts on your next running shoe purchase at Sportsshoes.com by either becoming an affiliated club member with FORDY RUNS Running Club where you will get 15% off or you can join the club for free and get 10% off your next purchase by getting our latest discount code from our website

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