The Rocket X 3 is HOKA’s latest take on a carbon-plated marathon racing shoe, and if you liked the Rocket X 2, this one’s going to feel like the final polish.
It’s still a purebred performance shoe, but now with a more breathable upper, improved grip, lighter weight, better fit (and easier to get on), and a platform that feels noticeably more stable and comfortable over longer efforts.
I’ve logged tempo runs, race-pace sessions, and plenty of long miles in the Rocket X 3 — and it’s become a shoe I genuinely look forward to lacing up when I want to feel fast and in control.
Key specifications
- Price: $250 at Hoka.com / Dicks Sporting Goods / Sportsshoes (For UK Readers)
- Weight: 7.3oz / 207g (Men’s US 9 – my pair). Rocket X 2 was 7.60 oz (215g)
- Drop: 7mm
- Upper: Single-layer warp knit mesh with streamlined collar, no gusseted tongue
- Midsole: Dual-density PEBA foam + Winged carbon fiber plate
- Outsole: Sticky rubber with improved traction pattern, slightly less coverage at the heel
- Extra features:
- Rearfoot-focused Active Foot Frame™ for added guidance and support
- Meta-Rocker™ for smoother toe-offs
- Vegan materials
Sizing and fit
They fit true to size with a medium width, and feel very secure around the midfoot and heel.
If you have wide feet, the fit might feel a bit too dialed in, but for my average shaped feet, it’s spot on.
Performance review
What’s impressed me most with the Rocket X 3 is how much more stable it feels compared to the Rocket X 2 but also, when you compare it to many of the other race days shoes out there right now.
The platform underfoot is a touch firmer and more planted, which gives me a lot more confidence, especially during longer runs or when cornering at pace.
Alastair Dixon
That added stability means I’m actually enjoying using them for more than just race day—they’ve crept into my tempo and marathon pace runs too.
They’re also even lighter than the previous version. My pair came in at 7.3oz (US M9), which is super light for a marathon-capable shoe with a carbon plate - not quite in the same league as they Vaporfly 4, but what is?
You really feel that lack of weight when you’re holding a faster pace for extended periods.
The ride itself is still snappy, efficient, and very enjoyable in a way that doesn't sacrifice comfort for performance - think Hoka Cielo X 1.
The Meta-Rocker midsole geometry, combined with that winged carbon plate gives a smooth, controlled foot roll through toe-off.
It’s not an aggressive snap like some plated shoes—more of a fluid launch, which suits longer runs perfectly in my opinion, especially if you don't plan on going 100% effort all the way.
Alastair Dixon
This one allows you to sit back a little bit and recover while running more towards the heel, without losing stability—should you ever need to do that in a long race.
The updated PEBA midsole has a slightly more forgiving top layer now, paired with a firmer base, so you still get that bounce and propulsion, but with a bit more control and less wobble.
That dual-density approach seems to hit the right balance between cushioning and race-day response.
The upper has had a complete refresh too.
It’s now more breathable and wraps the foot better. The articulated heel counter makes it SO much easier to slide on—something that used to annoy me with version 2.
It also no longer rubs on my Achilles, which was an issue for me before. It’s a small fix, but a meaningful one, especially if you’re using this for marathons and comfort matters to you.
Traction has improved too.
The new sticky rubber outsole grips much better in wet or gritty conditions but there is less coverage at the heel than on the X 2.
I’ve had no issues with slipping, and that added grip gives me confidence when cornering or pushing off in the wet.
My verdict
The Rocket X 3 is a meaningful and much-needed refinement of the previous version - which I did really enjoy running in.
Everything that made the Rocket X 2 exciting is still here: the snappy carbon plate, responsive foam, and that energetic rocker geometry — but now it’s all housed in a package that’s more comfortable, more breathable, and more stable towards the heel.
It’s the kind of shoe that feels good from the first stride and doesn’t punish you late in the run. And if you’re someone who races from 5K up to the marathon (or just trains hard with purpose), it’s a worthy investment, I promise!
While it’s still not for every runner—especially if you prefer wide-fitting uppers or prefer a higher stack with extra responsive/bouncy foam—HOKA has made some smart updates that make this, the best Rocket version yet.
The Rocket X 3 is available for $250 via the links below - release date is July 1st 2025:
LINKS: $250 at Hoka.com / Dicks Sporting Goods / Sportsshoes (For UK Readers)
