Vibration absorbing heel crash pads reduce kinetic impact on joints

Design & Build

• Max-stack A-TPU midsole with carbon propulsion Men's Hoka Rocket X Trail features a lofty 42 mm heel / 36 mm forefoot stack height (mens US 10) made from dual-layer Aliphatic TPU foam, sandwiching an H-shaped carbon plate for spring and responsiveness; the soft yet propulsive cushioning feel

• Aggressive rocker geometry Modeled after Hokas road racing shoes, the pronounced rocker design promotes efficient heel-to-toe transitions and mid-to-forefoot striking.

• Lightweight overall weight Registered at approximately 9.1 oz (258 g) for a mens US 9.

Upper & Fit

• Thin, breathable mesh with TPU support A minimal, single-layer mesh upper with thin TPU underlays keeps the weight down while providing structure; reviewers say its light yet secure.

• Structural heel cup & reinforced toe bumper The padded heel cup offers good lockdown; a toe bumper adds protection against trail debris.

• Built-in gaiter attachment Ideal for keeping grit out on longer runs.

Outsole & Traction

• Zoned minimal rubber with low-profile lugs The outsole of the Men's Hoka Rocket X Trail uses strategically placed rubber and 33.5 mm lugs to provide traction primarily on smoother, fire-trail terrain, while reducing weight compared to a full-coverage outsole.

• Forefoot-biased traction zones More rubber is placed at the forefoot for propulsion, with reversed lug orientation at the heel to assist in downhill braking.

Performance & Feel

• Sprightly yet cushioned ride The combination of A-TPU foam, carbon plate, rocker, and stack height delivers a lively, propulsive feelespecially at racing or fast-pace efforts.

• Stable, surprising for the stack height Despite its tall profile, the midsoles lateral squish and wide base offer a secure platform on smoother terrain.

• Trail racing weapon Ideal for high-speed distances on runnable terrain; prototypes have been credited in podium finishes at the Western States 100 and Hardrock 100 (2024 & 2025).

Minor Trade-offs

• Not for technical terrain or mud The outsole is too minimalist for loose, muddy, or off-camber trails.

• Less stable at slow paces or rough trails Some racers find it feels awkward or less secure at slower speeds or uneven terrain.

Who Its For

Trail runners aiming for fast, runnable trails, ultra distances, or race-day speed who want a shoe that feels like a road super-shoe but is trail-appropriate. Its not for rugged technical terrain but excels on smoother, high-velocity surfaces. Its design sacrifices some stability at low speeds for lightning-quick response. Unsurprisingly, it comes at a premiumaround $250.

Summary

The Mens Hoka Rocket X Trail is Hokas bold leap into high-performance trail supershoes. With an ultra-bouncy A-TPU stack, flexible H-shaped carbon plate, rockered profile, and featherweight build, its built to fly across non-technical terrain. If your ideal trail run is fast, fluid, and long, this shoe deliversjust dont expect boot-like grip or confidence on technical descents.

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