Published on June 2, 2021
SCORE: 8/10
Weight: 8.4 oz
Heel Drop: 5mm
Shoe Type: Neutral max-cushioned marathon racer
Surface: Road and track
pros
- Secure fit
- Soft underfoot
- Stable
- Highly breathable mesh upper
- Comfortable
- Smooth transition
- Highly responsive
Cons
- With the soft outsole, the Carbon X2 may suffer durability issues
Take Away
Hoka One One Carbon X2 is a marathon racer shoe with all the features that accommodate enduring ultramarathon runs. Hoka made proper updates to Carbon X2. It is fast, soft, comfortable, lighter, and more efficient than its predecessor.
HOKA Carbon x2 Instant Impression
After releasing HOKA Carbon X2 back in January 2021, I did not rush to purchase it. Still, I was curious, so I kept my ears down to the ground. I remember maintaining hawk eyes for runners wearing Hoka shoes, particularly during my morning runs. Each time I met such a runner, I asked, "Are those Carbon x2? How are they?
I have the original Carbon X. Though it was a groundbreaking shoe, I had issues with the fitting and how unnatural it felt running in them. Carbon X felt firmer and tended to dictate my foot strikes making running uncomfortable.
With the growing interest in HOKA Carbon x2, I went for a size down, and I was satisfied with the secure fit and lockdown.
I was impressed with the upper and the shape of the midsole. The upper has a polished engineered mesh, does not stretch but offers a lockdown. It looks sleek. I fell in love with the cow hoof-like heel.
The first initial ride was firm. It took a while for the midsole to give it, and once it did, the ride became smooth, and I could feel the snappiness of the carbon fiber plate. It felt like a fast shoe by how it kept pushing me forward. I did fast, tempo, and slow runs for 3 miles on the first day, and I was not disappointed in Carbon X2.
HOKA Carbon X 2 Sole Component
The Carbon X2 rides on a dual-density PROFLY X midsole with an internal carbon plate. Unlike its predecessors, the Carbon x2 has a softer and lighter midsole for enhanced cushioning and responsiveness with a lowered stack of about 0.3mm.
HOKA also lowered the carbon plate closer to the ground to increase propulsion and energy efficiency. The carbon plate curls under the lateral toes of the foot to provide excellent toe-off and smooth transition throughout the gait cycle.
The lowering of the carbon plate makes the Carbon X2 pretty stiff but just enough stiffness for boosting energy return. It takes away the squishiness, which tends to strain the muscles when transitioning to takeoff.
A notable feature in the HOKA Clifton Edge is the cow hoof-looking heel extending backward to create rocker geometry. It helps creates a smooth heel-to-toe transition. It also works well in enhancing stability, especially when going downhill. Interestingly, with the bizarre design, I felt the shoe dictating my foot strikes. It wanted me to roll over from the heel-to-toe, but smoothly, and it kept pushing me forward in an exploding sensation.
Still, running in the Carbon X2 is engagingly exciting because it pushes you to run faster. It is heel striker friendly.
The rubberized EVA foam on the outsole forms the outer layer of the shoe. The rubber is pretty lightweight and soft yet durable. The idea is to cut out the firmness that comes with the carbon plate through rebound cushioning and reduce the shoe's overall weight. You can see the carbon plate from the slits in the outsole.
The problem is that the EVA rubber in the outsole lacks enough traction, especially when running on wet surfaces like grass. For this reason, HOKA Carbon X2 performs well on the road. Worry not about the soft rubber on the outsole because I have done 85 miles on this shoe, and I haven't seen any sign of major wearing.
I have done 85 miles with the Carbon X2, and I confirm that it is an endurance racer shoe. I have been running in Saucony Endorphin Speed and getting the Carbon X2 as the rotational shoe has never been a downgrade. Both shoes perfectly match in long-distance running. Lately, I have been using the Carbon X more because it is more stable, pretty firmer than the Endorphin Speed. I also love the rolling sensation that the Carbon X2 provides.
Running in Carbon X2 feels bouncy and effortless. I feel confident and easy with my strides. It is well-cushioned with stability Features.
HOKA Carbon X 2 Upper Component
The upper of Carbon X2 comprises a single engineered mesh upper, which is lightweight and highly breathable. The mesh material is not stretchy. Still, it does not have to be because this model is wider than the previous version. It has a roomier toe box to allow the toes to splay out naturally. Also, the static mesh offers a lockdown by restricting the foot from moving around within the shoe. It feels comfortable running Carbon X2 over a long distance.
It has a thin gusseted tongue with reflecting labels embedded in it to give it a style. The reflective engravings are very prominent, especially when running in the dark.
The biggest change from its predecessor is the flaring heel collar. The flaring of the heel collar and the gusseted tongue creates a bootie-like upper. The flare ensures that there is no rubbing in the Achilles tendon and gives the shoe an aggressive racer look. The problem is that the heel flare goes all the way out. I could hardly feel it.
The tongue is also larger than it the carbon X1. It wraps around the foot to enhance fitting and provide protection. The tongue is complemented with elastic flat laces, ensuring no compression on top of the foot while providing a snug fit. The tongue has perforations to allow the top of the foot to breathe.
The Carbon X2 comes with an improved heel lock, especially with the overlays around the heels through to the midfoot. The collar is well padded and plays the role of enhancing fitting.
The upper of HOKA Carbon X1 was dangerously paper-thin. You could not feel the upper, and that compromised the lockdown. With the addition of overlays, you can feel the upper, and the lockdown is satisfying. However, HOKA was very generous with the upper mesh, so going for a half size down guarantees the right fit. The good thing is that the removable EVA Sockliner is thick. It adds more material to the inside of the shoe to improve fitting and cushioning. Technically, while the Carbon X2 had lockdown issues, it was more concise and minimalist than the Carbon X2.
Carbon x2 has a comfortable upper, an essential for long-distance running.
Conclusion
HOKA One One Carbon X 2 is an upgrade of its previous version. It does more than just speed. Instead, it is for daily training, up-tempo runs, half, and ultra-marathons. The carbon plate allows you to do pace variations. The big heap midsole comes with enough stability and soft cushioning, which comes in handy when doing easy and recovery, races, and tempo workouts. The mass cushioning covers the carbon plate and curtails the firmness of the carbon plate, particularly when doing slow runs. It is a good alternative for the Saucony Endorphin Speed. If you are HOKA fun, the Carbon X2 is for you.
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HOKA Carbon X2, reviewed by Philip Ellis. He is an experienced American athlete. At 32, Ellis has participated in several half marathons across Florida. He loves running shoes the way a car enthusiast is fascinated by the inner workings of a car.
