Customer Reviews Hoka Carbon X 3

I am 5'10", 170lb neutral runner who puts in 50-150 miles/month depending on the season (I live in Central Texas - summer is lethal) and ambition (maintenance vs race training). My HOKA history - 1 pair of the original Cliftons, 3 pairs of the original Rincons, 2 pairs of the Rincon 2s, 3 pairs of the Rincon 3s, 1 pair of the Carbon X 2s. The best part of this shoe is the midsole without question. They are more comfortable now (about 150 miles in) than they were on my first run in them. Firm (relative to Cliftons and Rincons) yet still really cushioned/comfortable and more responsive than the Carbon X 2s. The upper is very comfortable and feels more breathable than the Carbon X 2s BUT, like a lot of other "professional" shoe reviewers have said, it is hard to get a really good lock down with the upper (but it does allow your feet to swell). But, because a lot of my runs are fairly straight, I am not making a lot of twists/turns in them so the lockdown isn't THAT big of a deal. The heel tab accommodates my heel/achilles better than the Carbon X 2 (rubbed a hole through the fabric in the heel cup) and I haven't rubbed a blister in these shoes. I have used these shoes on anything from 4-mile tempo/HR runs to 11-mile ultramarathon training runs. My recommendation for these shoes - anything from fast 5-10K asphalt/concrete race shoes (where the course isn't too sinuous) to tempo/HR track sessions to half-marathon. Personally, not sure I would take them on 20+ mile runs. I got a lot more mileage out of my Carbon X 2s than I thought I would (probably between 400-500) and have already put well over 150 miles on my Carbon X 3s. To be clich, let the shoes do the work. This probably isn't a shoe for "choppy" runners or short-striders. This shoes has almost forced me to alter/open my stride. After the first 1-2 miles when my body is warm, I open my stride and let the midsole, rocker and drop "take over" - shoe feels good and keeps me keep my technique and pace consistent.

Overall, I think this is a great shoe. It is extremely light and comfortable. For running, I have the following comments. Lacing system is ok - I had to keep double knotting the laces because they kept undoing while running. Slight Foot pain - I am a novice runner and these seem more geared towards pro runners. When running around medium speeds, I noticed a lot more foot pain. I later learned that there is a carbon plate in the shoe that only bends when running at faster speeds but stays rigid at slower speeds. That could be the reason why I experienced the discomfort after my runs. Nonetheless, great customer service and they were able to easily exchange the shoes for the Mach 5s.

I use these as everyday running shoes. This is my 4th pair of Carbons. Before that I used the Bondi. The knit tongue rubs the outside of my ankle so I had to cut my very expensive shoes. I like the responsiveness and fit but I prefer the last edition of Carbons.

I use the Carbon X3 for marathon race day and for some speed workouts. The carbon plate adds some zip to my stride while the foam maintains the HOKA cushioning that I have relied on over the years. I wish it was a bit more robust - I only get about 200 miles out of it - but perhaps that is something that HOKA is working on. It would be even better if I could get it in EE.

The show is everything they said. The only hiccup I'd that on the outside edge of the upper there is an overlap of stitching that runs the bottom of my ankle. I have to apply a piece of moleskin before putting the shoe on to prevent a severe blister or rub burn. I thought it would soften after wear but it hasn't happened yet.

These shoes are so cushy. They look awesome as well. I get so many compliments on them.

Overall the Carbon X3's are a good product for the money spent. Initially, I didn't think I would like the connected tongue, but it's growing on me after 50 miles. I'd still prefer the legacy fit and feel of the original Carbon X. There is some foot movement in the toe box that would prevent me from doing any distance running in these. I have also noticed some softening along the out step cushioning which is slightly changing my preferred foot strike. I'll put another 200 or so miles on them and with any luck my foot strike issues will even out. With all the minor "ISM's" of the shoe, they are still light, well constructed and worth the asking price.

Would buy again. Only issue is that I seem to get runner's toes more than usual. Nonetheless, great weight distribution and cushioning

There's something about this shoe that just propels you forward, and i just LOVE them! I like to run in these and walk/work in my Clifton's, so there's a good balance between the two of them. The only hangup is how soft and flexible the upper is, as it can be difficult to make turns while running without feeling like i'm going to roll my ankle. However, most shoes are like that. You can't beat the cushioning and speed!

Longer race, shoe could be a bit snappier

love the look and these are extremely comfortable on all of my runs. the only complaint i have is the upper. Its not the best design and doesnt have a lot of side wall support.

I was a major fan of the carbon x2. Running a lot of half marathons, it's a refreshing toe-off on those latter miles that need to stay peppy. The carbon x3 is no different there, however the new knit upper leaves a little more stretch and a little less response in my opinion. I love the design, and it feels amazing to land on, but my heel does slip just ever so slightly. The newly designed upper could use some more tweaking. But it's still An amazing shoe and is a real road ripper!

Performs well. Difficult to get on

Real comfortable and make it easy to run. Only issue I have is I think the toe area is a bit too boxy, but that's just a personal preference.

Comfortable shoe. I'm just using them for my track workouts. I think they will last 100 miles.

I was expecting a bouncy feel from the midsole but I felt it barely. The right side under the malleolus was hurting from the shoe skin. The left hand side is OK, though. So I relaxed the tightness on string. Then my foot was not bound. Is it due to problem in my feet? Other than that, the shoes is exceptionally beautiful!

I am returning the Carbon X 3 right shoe too narrow...not like the traditional Carbon X previously purchased... looking to exchange....no notification received on return process

The shoe is good but basically rather average in comfort

The shoe was gorgeous. I love the colors, but it was just too difficult to get my big foot into it.

The shoelace internal pad hurts my right foot.

Solid shoes and great under foot cushion/support along with a fantastic look in color and style. The issue lies in the mesh lining of the shoe, unless you're wearing long socks these shoes will most definitely chafe and cut into your ankle/back of foot. I wore these shoes for one day and after about 6 hours my ankles were very raw. If you're someone who regularly wears longer socks in sneakers then you will have ZERO issue with these shoes. Still love Hoka and just exchanging for a different pair.

Compared to the Bondi 8 and Clifton 8 models I already own, didn't feel like it had the same support and stability as the Bondi or Clifton. Most of my runs are on a treadmill or an occasional outdoor walk so I feel the shoe would make a great racer, but couldn't afford a 3rd pair.

Bought these purely for the price and sexy good looks. 50 miles in and I really can't tell much of a difference then my basic Nike runners. The fit is spot on however have experienced some rubbing below my ankles which I hope will go away after break in. Not sure I'd have been happy paying full price.

These shoes seem to be very well-made and comfortable, but the souls were very quickly. I don't expect them to last very long at all. The value for the money seems low. I won't be buying another pair when these wear out There are a lot of other carbon plate running shoes out there that should last a lot longer.