The very first thing I observed concerning the Rocket X 3 was how straightforward it was to get on. I usually felt like I needed to combat the Rocket X 2 to get it on my foot, however the brand new model has a extra structured heel collar that permits my foot to slip in additional simply. The X 3 additionally has serrated laces, which I discover helps me get a safer lockdown within the shoe.
The Rocket X 3 appears to run true to measurement—I put on my normal ladies’s 9, which supplies me loads of room between my huge toe and the entrance of the shoe (key for when my ft swell up on lengthy runs). Like many quick sneakers, although, the Rocket X 3s are slender. I normally put on a daily width, and these are simply vast sufficient for my ft (I solely observed just a little tightness throughout the widest a part of my foot). However for those who usually put on vast sneakers, you might wish to assume twice about making an attempt to suit into these.
On the run
I examined the Rocket X 3s on a mixture of runs between three and eight miles. A few of them had been pace exercises, whereas others had been extra informal—I let myself run as quick or as sluggish as felt pure in sneakers.
I discovered that the Rocket X 3s inspired me to quicken my turnover (in different phrases, they helped me decide up my foot off the bottom quicker to take one other step). I observed myself pushing the tempo after I didn’t imply to—even in horrible climate situations and on days when my physique was feeling just a little off, I used to be darting up hills that normally sluggish me down.
Underfoot, the Rocket X 3s are tremendous bouncy, however not in a approach that makes me really feel unstable or out-of-control, like another tremendous sneakers do. I can see how the winglets within the plate might make conditions like rounding a decent nook in a race or avoiding an surprising impediment on the paths really feel safer. They felt okay after I slowed down too—one other bonus that may be arduous to search out in an excellent shoe.
These sneaks are fairly comfortable too—and solely as soon as, on my longest run, did I discover that my sweaty ft began to slip round in them. (Though, to be truthful, I’m unsure if there’s any shoe that would have prevented this.)
Backside line
At $250 a pair, the Rocket X 3 is certainly an funding. That stated, Hoka hasn’t raised the value from its earlier model even amidst all of the upgrades, and $250 is definitely on the low finish relating to tremendous sneakers. So, for those who’re an skilled runner who’s available in the market for a quick racing shoe, the Rocket X 3 must be in your record—particularly for those who worth extra stability and help in your sneaks.
I’ll be reaching for the Rocket X 3s for pace exercises and races. I must log extra double-digit runs to search out out if I wish to take them for a marathon-distance experience, however I’ve a sense that 26.2 miles is simply what they’re made for.
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