Customer Reviews Hoka Tecton X 3

The volume of the shoe is perfect and fits true to size for me. In many narrow shoes I need to size up 1/2 a size, but these work for my somewhat wider feet very well. I especially love the roomy toe box and stretchy vamp which adapts well over longer efforts. I have used these for a 40 mile technical run in the Sierras. I had zero issues with blisters and never needed to readjust anything. It is amazing to not get any rocks in the shoes due to the built in gaiters. I use these for any runs longer than 10 miles. I would probably use them for every run if they weren't so expensive. Compared to the Tecton X 2s, these are way more comfortable and plush. The 2s gave me serious lace bite issues going downhill but I have zero issues with the 3s even though there isn't a tongue. It's magic. I also feel that the 3s are faster than the 2s and I definitely feel the supershoe sensation from the 3s. I think the 3s are strictly better than the 2s. These shoes are also ridiculously fast downhill. I have a lot confidence running downhill in these and the plushness helps take the edge off the muscles when running faster on steeper descents. These are also not too stiff when running uphill. Some other plated shoes feel counterproductive when running at grades of 15% or more. These feel no worse than my favorite nonplated trail shoes (Saucony Xodus Ultra 1s). My only minor complaint is that I have punctured the exposed foam between the arch and heel. This was likely due to some sharp jagged rocks. Small rocks started collecting in the puncture hole. I fixed this by stuffing some packing foam into the hole and haven't had any issues since. I can't comment on the water absorption that some folks are complaining about since I haven't submerged them.

Bought these to pace someone during their 100M effort and then subsequently used them for a R3 excursion. Plush the whole way on all efforts. I've had some wider toe box shoes recently so these felt a little narrow but that caused no issues. The amount of cushion, depth of lugs, and sock like gaiter combined for an unbelievable foot experience. These shoes are so comfortable and I'd say they're not just for "trail racing" like they're engineered for. I'm a slow mid packer at best and these work great in a slog, grind it out, just get to the finish line ultra marathon, just as much as a run fast mountain 10k. These are a little less stable than some shoes I've worn and I do think you need to feel them out for a while to know what to expect and how quickly you can take switch backs but that's a small concession. I would definitely these so far. I'm about 100 miles run in them and so far durability is good. Typically my Hoka foams deflate within about 200-250 miles so we'll see how durable these end up being but so far so good.

These shoes were so comfortable right out of the box. I was really intrigued by the gaiter because I tend to get quite a few pebbles in my shoes on my long runs on our local trails. No more stopping to clean out my shoes! The gaiter is super functional, but also makes the shoe so comfortable. It hugs the foot well without being tight. This eliminates the need for a runner's knot or lace bite from having to really cinch down the laces. The shoe seems stable on the steep and technical trails and really wants to cruise on the flowy single track. In addition to the carbon plate making the miles go by faster and easier, it acts like a rock plate, dampening the force of landing on sharp, pointed rocks and roots. Overall, I couldn't be happier with this purchase.

I have a ton of Hoka shoes including the Tecton x2. Totally different feel. Legs, feet, knees love these shoes on rock and asphalt mix roads. Great job.

If you move quickly on the trails, descending with aggression, and enjoy hammering the flats, this shoe is for you. The slower, heavier runner will not benefit from this high performance shoe it lacks stability and will break down much faster. This shoes hikes really well. Some carbon models do not. An obvious plus for the trail runner. It's very light. The gaiter is functional. It climbs ridiculously well. I'm a consistent 10.5 in Hoka (Mafate speed, SPEEDGOAT, cielo, etc.). Wider, and higher toe box than the SPEEDGOAT 5.

Just as the headline states, I bought these, they arrived on Tuesday, and my first run with them was that Saturday (today), and I ran my first 50k in shoes I had never run in before. I know, but I had a feeling they would work, and I went with my gut. I was rewarded. I had worn the Zegama 2 for all my training and planned to wear those for the race, but I wanted something lighter and with a plate, and these came out at the right time (especially the black and blue colorway!). They were a welcome roomier fit than the Zegama 2 also. Midsole was plenty soft and responsive, and the gator simply works 100%. No hot spots, wore my usual size and they fit great. It was a perfect experience. What I would warn potential buyers of is the soft toe-guard. Again, this was my first 50k, and the declines were steep and jam-packed with raquetball-sized rocks. A trip on one occasion, and the kick-up of a rock by one foot, which was subsequently punted by my other foot, smashed my big toe. The inexperience and sloppy running couldn't be blamed on the shoe of course, but the protection wasn't there to save my inexperienced and sloppy late-race running. Honestly though, more robust toe-guards could potentially catch the long toe, and that is a deal-breaker in my opinion, so I prefer the softer toe-guard. Just have to be careful. Bottom line, this shoe worked instantly for me out of the box, and it was an amazing run. Even in the final 10k of the 50k, I was still being taken care of by the shoe, with my legs saved, and my foot soles appreciating the protective and responsive midsole and split carbon plate. This has to be the best, if not top 3, trail shoes of the year. I have a feeling this will be a legendary shoe. You will be thrilled. They're worth it.

I ran a 50K with this shoe right out of the box. I had my backup shoes available if any issues. No issues at all. I love them.

I was reluctant to buy them based on the price but after trying them on and doing a quick test run I was sold. I only have 30 miles so far but this shoe feeling awesome. The fit is spot on, the midsole is incredible feeling at a variety of paces. The only issue I have is with the gaiter. the gaiter itself is super comfortable and I don't really notice it, however the seam, that runs along the Achilles is causing some rubbing on one of feet, to the point that I'm probably going to have to tape it on longer runs to prevent blistering. . I think it's more my shoe and not inherent to the line itself. The seam it's self and the rest of the gaiter are very soft and comfortable but where seam is glued together is a little stiffer and it has crinkled ever so slightly and in just the right way to cause the rubbing. That being said, It won't prevent me from continuing to run in this shoe, this is probably the most comfortable and fun trail shoe I've run in to date

I'm going to use these for an upcoming mountain ultra, and have been getting some quality reps with the shoes in both mileage and vert. I went up to a size10.5 because - maybe it's just me, but did Hoka seemingly switch in the past few years from being very roomy to now narrow? - the size 10s in a road model that I recently put significant miles in absolutely ate a few toe tips and balls of feet up. The vamp on the Tecton x 3 is really cool, I'm suspicious of whether I could have kept a size 10 with that as a factor, but am also okay with riding out a 10.5 and having that extra foot swell room. The traction is great - I literally have not slipped in over 100 miles of trail running in these shoes (rain storms, loose gravel, high angles, etc., but I have caught a couple toes and that's on me ha), and everything below the upper/boot provides a really smooth and stable ride. I don't notice a carbon plate effect quite like I do in a road plated shoe, and I think that's probably due to more going on. Ultimately, the consistent return and step off is noteworthy and I really like that about these... and the plate protects against sharp rocks, and just adds to Hoka's amazing ability to put A+ platforms on every shoe I've worn of theirs. If I wipe out, it's a me problem, these shoes are solid. Otherwise, the upper is incredibly simple. The built in gaiter is nice and it works, I already run in mid-length socks so it doesn't bother me as I think some other folks have mentioned. I love the Matryx material - it really does not absorb water and is screen-door breathable. The lacing system is again, very simple, and I'd probably like some additional options here but it works - meaning, I have to super tie these down with the added .5 size so my foot locks in and doesn't slide front to back. The only thing I really don't like is the insole - might as well be cardboard. Maybe the implied expectation is that runners that get this shoe have a preferred insole/insert that they use.

This is a take from a marginally successful (ultra)trail runner who can win races if the right people don't show up. This shoe is perfect for flying on technical trails for distances up to and exceeding 50 to 100 miles. It is way more stable than the ASU and rolling your ankles isn't a concern even with the stack height. I wasn't sure about the gator at first, but I really love how there's no potential rocks or other things getting in the shoe the shoe was like to boot and doesn't feel bad on road sections. Fits like a glove and is true to Hoka sizing. Buy it.

Love these shoes. Wish this would have an everyday bottom to the shoe as i would like to play pickleball gym, or basketball in this style of fit. Just a suggestion because it fits my foot that well!

The Tecton x3 is the best trail shoe I've ever purchased! excels at all paces, from 6min miles to even 9. Super comfortable sock like gater fit around the ankle and plenty of room in the toe box to splay. Its also super light and not clunky,very similar to a race day road shoe which transitions nicely if you need to run on both during your run. Apple green color way rocks as well!

I abuse these shoes. Im a stonemason contractor and these are my daily shoes. 45 years of work in hard leather boots left me with sore feet. The plush footbed provides relief from foot pain and the carbon filled plates provide plenty of lateral support. They lugs discharge mud and debris quickly for traction in any condition.Okay these are not OSHA approved but the vibrant colour lets me know where my feet are lol. Don't be naive about how long you can wear these shoes-they are not going to last a year nor should they nor were they designed for that length of wear. I got 500 miles on my first pair and that is better than any other trainers Ive worn.

These are great, but bring back old colors or try something new!

Bought these when they first came out. Took some breaking in, but feel really good and responsive. I did have to size down the were loose around the ankle area. Toe box feels ok and like the built in gaiter. Do notice some of the badging on the side starting to peel off, not sure if anyone else is having that issue. Hola what's up with that new color way!

Gaitor is perfect. It's a fast shoe. Like a Rocket X2 and Texton X2 had a baby and bammmm! This is it .

Hoka hit the mark with this shoe. I have never felt so fast in a trail shoe, and still maintained that much stability on off trail travel. I wore this shoe on a few FKT attempts and races this past year, and it crushed. I was comfortable and felt so much power when pushing hard. I will definitely be purchasing another pair soon for races this year.

I've used these for trail running on various terrain. Great on buffed out trails and technical trails alike. The cushion teamed up with the carbon plate makes for an amazing feel while running. This model also is more spacious than the prior Tectons which adds to the comfort.

Use daily as my primary trail shoe. Raced up to 50k distance with excellent comfort for hours on feet. Great fit. Gaiter sock upper is exceptional and stops all dirt and rocks from entering shoe. One of the only shoes I never need to adjust. The no tongue sock gaiter can be laced tight with no pressure points. I sized down half size from Speedgoats and fit is perfect. Good width with no slip. I bought this after trying on at local running store and have been wearing it almost every run since. Great energy return and decent rock protection underfoot. I think the price is worth it for comfort and never having to adjust mid-run. Very impressive shoe. Hoka, please keep the sock gaiter as is on version 4 and up.

I've had and still have many good-to-great trail shoes, but the Tecton X 3 really takes things to the next level for trail running. I'm not an ultra runner and usually run in between 10~20 miles about 3 times per week around the trails in my very hilly neighborhood. So, yes, I do run the trails quite a lot although not ultra distances in one-go. But now that I have the Tecton X 3, I'm going to give 50K a shot soon and then go from there. This shoe is a pure joy to run in. I've got around 70 miles over 5 runs in this shoe in little over a week and each run felt better as the upper molds to my feet and the foam/plate in the midsole break in. It's bouncy and propulsive but still very comfortable underfoot and, most surprisingly, very stable - even on very uneven and mildly technical trails. I'm in SoCal, so the trails are mostly smoothened dirt/gravel with rolling hills, so I haven't tested it on steep and rocky mountain trails yet. It's probably not the best for such terrains due to the stack height, but it should be okay. For relatively flat desert-like trails (West Coast), this shoe is a dream. The bounce and the propulsion coming from the PEBA foam and plate in the forefoot really makes hill climbs much easier and more fun and the extra foam on the heel along with the superb grip of the Vibram Litebase outsole makes the downhill runs exhilaratingly fun. And the comfort underfoot is just amazing. Even after a 15-mile run, I feel like I've only gotten started in terms of comfort. The fit is a bit roomier than I expected and took me a little while to dial in with the right thickness socks and lacing, but I'd say it's true to size. It felt a bit narrow on the side of the forefoot area although the toe-box is roomy enough for the toes to splay. Loosening the lacing a bit in that area while tightening more in the toe-box and the ankle/heel have fixed the issue and I don't experience any hot spots anymore. Overall, an amazing trail shoe and I'm extremely happy with it.

Really light weight, carbon fiber plates are impressive.

Love this show, all around solid racer and daily runner for me. However after 175 miles I keep getting pain/blister on the sole of my right foot, tried other insoles but no change. Realizing it's right where the carbon plate winglet is so my foot must be compressing the foam down enough to hit it, after a few thousand reps it starts to hurt pretty bad. Still, the shoe is so good up to that point that I would buy another pair but this new color wave is absolutely grotesque and I just can't do it. Waiting for a decent color or re-release the UTMB black/blue pair that I have. Can every shoe just have an all black option as a standard?

I normally wear size 10 us men. Always buy Tectons but this one is half size small for me.

I purchased my first pair of Tecton X3 shoes less than a month ago. I liked them so much after the first couple of runs that I ordered a second pair to have ready to go as these are closest in feeling to my favorite trail shoes of all time, the Hoka Evo Speedgoat. The Tecton X3s are absolutely amazing to run in and the built in gaiter works well. I thought that the gaiter would bother me but it does not even with lower socks. This past weekend I completed a 100k in my Tecton X3s which brought the total miles on my shoes to 87. As I was cleaning them off post run, I discovered that the left shoe was normal. On the right shoe however, I discovered that the glue securing the tread to the foam was already failing and that the spots in between lugs was loose. Hopefully this is a rare issue as the shoes really are amazing. I talked to customer service and have submitted an exchange request and hopefully it will not be an issue on the replacement pair.

I was really enjoying these until I noticed on the left shoe that the forefoot portion of the Vibrim Megagrip Litebase started to separate from the midsole near the arch cutout. It was very bizarre as I had only put ~90 training miles on them on limestone/moderate trails/grass in preparation for an upcoming ultramarathon. I've had great luck with the Torrent, Speedgoat, and Mafate in the past, so I was very disappointed due to the hype/cost of the shoe. While it could only be a defective product, I will likely be going in a different direction to replace them.