HOKA has become a popular name among ultra trail runners, known for its innovative designs that cater to those seeking to cover long distances in challenging terrain. Since the release of its first shoe, the HOKA Mafate, in 2009—known for pioneering the trend of maximal cushioning—the brand has continued to evolve.
The HOKA Tecton X 3 is the brand’s latest and greatest gift to ultra trail runners who want to go fast.
This year, the Hoka Tecton X series made waves in the ultra-running world, as top athletes crossed the finish line of major races wearing the same pair of shoes.
French runner Vincent Bouillard surprised the trail running community by winning the 2024 UTMB 100-mile race in the third-fastest time ever. Close behind in fifth place was fellow French runner Ludovic Pommeret, who had also secured victory in the Hardrock 100 in Colorado just weeks earlier
While last year’s UTMB winner Jim Walmsley had to pull out of the race at around 80 kilometers due to a knee injury, his season was already a success after his win at Western States with the second-fastest time ever recorded on the course. Meanwhile, U.S. runner Hayden Hawks took first place in the 100 km CCC race at the UTMB event.
All four athletes wore the Hoka Tecton X 2.5 for their winning performances. Though only 100 pairs of the X 2.5 were released, the shoe served as the prototype for the now widely available Hoka Tecton X 3.
The Deets On The HOKA Tecton X 3
The Tecton X 3 emphasizes stability, grip, and protection for trail runners. Like its predecessors, it features Hoka’s signature thick midsole and rocker design, but with enhanced carbon-plated propulsion and a new knit collar to keep out debris.
The updated design includes repositioned dual carbon plates with added winglets, aiming to improve both stability and responsiveness. Sandwiched between soft and firm EVA foam layers, the carbon plates provide a cushioned yet responsive ride that holds up over long distances, making the Tecton X 3 a strong contender for any ultra runner looking to go the distance.
The Specs
- Weight: 265 grams (9.3 ounces) for U.S. men’s size 9
- Drop: 5 millimeters
- Stack Height: 40mm at the heel, 35mm at the toe
- Midsole: Dual layers of PEBA foam with parallel carbon plates
- Outsole: Vibram Megagrip Litebase with new, more aggressive Traction Lugs
- Upper Material: Matryx textile with integrated gaiter
- Lacing System: Ghillie-style lace
Key Features
Built-in Gaiter: The most noticeable update is the built-in knit gaiter, designed to prevent debris from entering the shoe. This gaiter extends from the ankle to the shoe’s tongue, offering a snug fit that keeps out rocks and dirt without creating pressure points or hot spots.
Matryx Upper: The Matryx textile, introduced in the Tecton X 2, offers durability and breathability. The material uses polyurethane-coated nylon threads, which are hydrophobic to resist moisture while maintaining flexibility and strength.
Dual-Layer PEBA Foam Midsole: The Tecton X 3 features a new midsole with dual-layer PEBA foam, replacing the dual-density EVA foam found in previous models. This PEBA foam is lighter, more responsive, and designed to enhance propulsion. With a stack height of 40mm, the shoe offers ample cushioning for long distances without sacrificing responsiveness.
Carbon Plate Winglets: Building on the dual carbon plate design, the Tecton X 3 adds small winglets to the plates for increased lateral stability on uneven terrain. These subtle additions help reduce unwanted side-to-side movement while maintaining the propulsive benefits of carbon.
Upgraded Outsole: The Vibram Megagrip Litebase outsole remains a trusted feature, providing grip on both wet and dry surfaces. The outsole has been updated with deeper 5mm Traction Lugs for improved grip, particularly on technical terrain. These new lugs also feature small rubber dots for additional surface area, enhancing the shoe’s overall traction.
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