Specs and takeaways:
- Name: Hoka Tecton X 3
- Weight (men’s size 11): 10.8 oz / 305 g
- Stack height: Heel – 40 mm // Forefoot – 35 mm // 5 mm heel-toe drop
- Sizing: True to size.
- Pros: Built-in gaiter. Great traction. Great fit.
- Cons: Pricey. Also, pricey.
- Best for: Distance trail racing for sure, but also great for more normal efforts.
- Price: $275 (!)
Where to buy
In the dynamic world of trail running, the quest for a shoe that harmoniously blends speed, comfort, and durability is never-ending. Hoka, a brand synonymous with innovation, steps up to this challenge with the release of the Tecton X 3. This latest iteration aims to push the boundaries of what a trail racing shoe can offer, updating its predecessor with enhancements designed to rise up and meet the demands of serious trail enthusiasts seeking a competitive edge.
Hoka Tecton X 3 Outsole
Starting from the ground up, the Hoka Tecton X 3 features a Vibram Megagrip outsole with Litebase construction. This design choice aims to bring down weight without sacrificing durability or traction. The outsole is adorned with 4mm lugs, strategically placed to provide optimal grip across various terrains, from loose gravel to packed dirt. Cutaways along the length of the outsole contribute to the X3’s lightweight profile and aim to enhance flexibility, allowing for more natural foot movements over uneven surfaces.
On the trail, the Tecton X 3’s outsole truly shines – obviously, since it would be pretty boring to leave shoes in the box! The Vibram Megagrip compound delivered reliable traction on wet and dry surfaces alike, sticking confidently to slick rocks (within reason). The 4mm lugs have just the right amount of bite, providing stability without feeling overly aggressive. Durability is quite good; after logging about 50 miles, the outsole shows minimal signs of wear, despite being a shoe that’s tuned up for racing. The outsole’s flexibility makes for a very adaptable and .
Hoka Tecton X 3 Midsole
The heart of the Hoka Tecton X 3 lies in its midsole. It employs a ProFlyX™ dual-layer foam construction, combining a responsive foam on top with a lighter, more resilient foam underneath. Sandwiched between these layers are dual carbon fiber plates – with “winglets” – running parallel, a hallmark feature that aims to deliver a propulsive toe-off without compromising trail feel. The shoe has a heel stack height of 40mm and a forefoot stack height of 35mm, resulting in a balanced 5mm heel-to-toe drop.
Hitting the trails, the midsole offers an exhilarating blend of cushioning and responsiveness. The dual carbon fiber plates provide a noticeable snap, propelling you forward and encouraging a quicker pace. The winglets also provide side-to-side structure which definitely helps when taking sharp turns.
Despite the substantial stack height, the shoe maintains impressive ground feel, allowing for confident footing on technical terrain. The ProFlyX foam absorbs impact effectively, reducing fatigue on longer runs. This balance of comfort and energy return makes the Tecton X 3 a quite versatile choice for both speed work and endurance runs.
Hoka Tecton X 3 Upper
Encasing the foot, the Hoka Tecton X 3 features an engineered mesh upper designed for breathability and lightweight support. The obvious standout here is the integrated gaiter that comes up above the ankle. There is no tongue to speak of in the shoe as the gaiter makes up a bootie-like construction.
The lacing system is straightforward yet effective, utilizing flat laces that distribute pressure evenly across the foot. The collar is relatively lightweight and flexible with two pods of foam on either side of the achilles. Subtle overlays add structural integrity, enhancing the shoe’s durability without compromising flexibility.
The upper’s performance on the trail is impressive. The engineered mesh offers good breathability but there is a caveat in this shoe. The gaiter / bootie made our ankles a bit toasty. That said, any gaiter tends to do that so it’s not out of the ordinary, just worth calling out. The gaiter / bootie effectively shields against trail debris.
Padding around the heel collar strikes a balance between comfort and support, eliminating any potential hot spots or friction areas. That said, one of our testers did have the top of a low sock fold down without noticing and as a result, wound up with a blister. This likely isn’t a problem with the shoe but again, worth the transparency.
On the durability side, the upper of the Hoka Tecton X 3 holds up well and there’s just enough toe protection on the cap.
Hoka Tecton X 3 Kinvara Pro Fit
The Hoka Tecton X3 fit us true to size so if you’ve been in Hoka’s before, you’re good to go with normal sizing. In the forefoot and toe box, there’s a good amount of space for natural toe wiggle and splay.
The midfoot truly wraps the foot thanks to the gaiter system and secure lacing, giving a snug fit that keeps the foot locked in place. At the rearfoot, the heel cup combined with moderate collar padding ensures the heel remains secure without excessive tightness.
For our runs on everything from super technical (annoyingly so at times) and rocky trails to smooth singletrack , the Tecton X 3 maintains a consistently comfortable fit. The toe box prevents cramping and allows for those puffy feet that can occur during long runs. The midfoot security enhances confidence on technical sections, with no unwanted movement inside the shoe. The heel fit is stable, free from slipping or irritation – despite that blister incident which wasn’t really the fault of the shoe. Overall, the shoe works cohesively, wrapping the foot in a way that feels both secure and natural, contributing positively to performance.
Hoka Tecton X 3 Ride
Experiencing the Tecton X 3 on the trail is a testament to Hoka’s commitment to innovation. The shoe feels remarkably light, enhancing agility and encouraging a faster turnover. The dual carbon fiber plates are game-changers, providing a springy, responsive ride that propels you forward with noticeable energy return. Add to that the winglets that lie on the side of the foot and stability on technical terrain is very good.
The shoe’s versatility shines across various distances. It’s agile enough for short, intense trail sessions while being cushioned and supportive enough for ultra-distance events. The combination of lightweight design and responsive ride makes it an excellent choice for runners seeking a competitive edge – whether in a race or just with yourself, like most of us – without sacrificing comfort or protection on the trails.
Hoka Tecton X 3 Overall
In conclusion, the Hoka Tecton X 3 stands out as a high-performance trail running shoe that successfully marries speed, comfort, and durability. With an MSRP of $275, it is quite pricey but, if you want something fast, nimble and pretty damn stable, it could be worth the scratch.
For trail runners seeking a shoe capable of handling everything from fast-paced training runs to grueling ultra-marathons, the Tecton X 3 is a worthy contender.
Have you put the Hoka Tecton X 3 through its paces? We’d love to hear about your experiences and impressions. If you haven’t tried it yet, does its blend of carbon plate propulsion and that built-in gaiter? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!
Where to buy
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