I ran my first ever half-marathon last weekend and used these shoes to do it. I'm a big guy (and an old guy, 48 and about 195 pounds) and these shoes were amazing for a guy my size running in the high 8 minute mile pace. My feet started to get a little sore from road impact at mile 12 but the next day my feet felt fine and I don't think there's a way for a guy my size to run that long and not feel the impact. I wanted to run sub 2 hours and ended up at 1:54 so I was super stoked. These shoes were a game changer for my road running--I think they are the best do-it-all shoe I've used.
Don't let the elites make you think 195 pounds is "heavy." I'm a 2:55 marathoner at 190 pounds, and there are always other guys my size coming into the finish at the same time. Don't let the few extra pounds stop you!
@@bbnd5476 I actually wish I had some more bulk as I’m finding being thin I’m lacking in strength and muscle. Need to mix up my training more. Maybe some weights are in order! 👊👍🏼
Rocket X 2 has been my favorite new acquisition in quite some time. They do everything right. I feel like the softness tapers to a bouncy response as you rock through to the forefoot. The geometry works for me too. Might be my marathon shoe in Chicago. Also, big Eels fan here. Love their whole catalog. Good video, Edd!
When I first put these shoes on my feet at my local run shop, the initial sensation was of sinking ion the heal foam as the foam is much softer and designed that way for whatever reason. Next was the poppiness and responsiveness of the combo double-layered foam and full carbon plate that just wanted to make me move forward. In one week I've logged about 25 miles on the Rocket X2. I actually have not wore Hoka road shoes since 2016 and did not know what to expect. I am a lover of their trail shoes and wanted more of the joy of running that the OG Bondi gave me back in 2012 when I was the first run shop to sell them in my area. Keep Rockin On Big Ed!!!
A superb shoe. Comfortable and fast. I've grabbed a Park Run and Half Marathon PB within the last couple of weeks with these. However, after just 4 runs in them, I have had a minor quality issue where, on one shoe, the upper is separating from the midsole side wall, on the outer edge just under the logo. Hoka are making as assessment as I type. Otherwise, I love 'em.
I really need to give these another shot. Probably wasn't the best idea to be looking at shoes the week before running the Boston Marathon. Will have to wear a thick sock but I'm already doing the same for the Prime X. Wore Hokas exclusively for a few years (~2014-2019) and was excited about the Rocket X2. I actually really liked the Carbon X2 so possibly trying this shoe again when my mind is more clear would help.
I rate these alongside the Vaporfly 1 & 2. I had the Vaporfly 3's but sold them as I just didn't feel like they offered much of a performance benefit and were definitely worse than the Vaporfly 1 & 2. Have been using the Rocket X2's in a couple of training runs ready for a half marathon in 2 weeks time, Really really like them. Only about 40miles run in them so far, keeping them for the race.
Have noticed a few people wearing these recently.1st person i saw wearing them was at mcr marathon and he said they were amazing,seen 3 more at different race distances and all said they were great.these are my next purchase
Did a PB half and my first sub 2 hour in these. Word of warning for some of us heavier runners...bottoms out a bit for me at 32k I felt...stopped at lights durning training run and suddenly they felt great again...think i compressed the foam a bit and it came back a bit when pressure was eased...or maybe i was gassed and needed that little break haha.
If you're nitrogen infused....sometimes I think I'm Nitro Coffee infused. I spend a lot of my earth credits on that tasty goodness! As for this Hoka, it's definitely intrigued me. Even though plated shoes haven't worked out all that well for me overall....but this one seems pretty sweet. Maybe when it goes on sale sometime in the future I'll give it a look.
Since they dropped the " One One" from Hoka - "To fly over the earth" Does that mean the Hoka bird is a land bird now like an ostrich. A bird that can't fly but can run very fast. Speaking of flying, do they still make military helicopters in Yeovil? I know you mentioned the air base.
Outsole fell apart on me in no time, same as clifton 9s. Maybe something personal with me, but hokas don’t seem to work for me in regards to durability. They felt super comfy when first on, and bouncy too, made me go wow, but the shallow 4mm drop and the unreliable wear and tear after just 2 short runs in both shoes have me saying no more hokas for me. Superblasts going on 250 miles and same bounce as new although outsole wore out at 200 miles. Nimbus 25 still looks, feels brand new around 60miles. Puma deviate nitro 2 hardly any wear at all on outsole around 150-200 miles, but midsole feels rough and done, they have no more bounce but otherwise look new… but both hokas, the only two hokas I’ve ever tried both turned to crap within 2 short jogs, look and feel noticeably worn in less than 20 miles. 🤷♂️ maybe the super hot climate where I am and the old rough asphalt around where I am. I don’t know, but, no more hokas for me. They were super comfy but no.
I did not think you would like these as the midsole is similar in materials to the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2, but seems like the lock down is much better on the Hoka.
@EDDBUD just shows even when the materials are similar on paper the implementation can be vastly different. Cheers for the info Edd I would of avoided the Hoka if it was not for your input.
Where this shoe really shines is on long sprint track intervals, not plodding marathon pace. The Vaporfly 3 is unremarkable, the Adidas Takumi Sen 9 is far better for less $.
Previously had the original Rocket X, so I was really keen to try this. It's fast, quite a lot faster than the v1, and way faster than my non-carbon 'training' shoes. Couple of issue, first I usually dump the laces and use Hickies elastic bows, but when I tried these, I just couldn't get them on. Tbh getting them on is a bit of a pain even with standard laces, the heel is so flexible the only way I've found is to shove the foot in, then pull the heel over after. Sadly it's gong to add a few seconds to T2...but I wasn't going to win anything anyway. Still how do other people cope?
Try to imagine that people live in different climates. In the uk this is quite warm. Our weather is different to other places in the world. Limited extremes but small differences to us are quite large as the range is small.
@@EDDBUD hahaha yeah totally understand. all those differences, climate, culture, food makes up for the travel more exciting and fun. I remembered a colleague visiting from Scandinavia was so happy walking in the sunny midday to grab some lunch, while all of us trying to hide. Anyway, I hope this heatwave we experienced here be offer soon. I only can run indoors due to the heat and stormy weather.
It’s a very soft foam now compared to the v1. Maybe examine something with a little more dense foam. The v1/2 endorphin pro or v2 speed. Maybe even the Adios pro 3.
I ran my first ever half-marathon last weekend and used these shoes to do it. I'm a big guy (and an old guy, 48 and about 195 pounds) and these shoes were amazing for a guy my size running in the high 8 minute mile pace. My feet started to get a little sore from road impact at mile 12 but the next day my feet felt fine and I don't think there's a way for a guy my size to run that long and not feel the impact. I wanted to run sub 2 hours and ended up at 1:54 so I was super stoked. These shoes were a game changer for my road running--I think they are the best do-it-all shoe I've used.
I do agree on the forgiving nature of these. A real champion shoe for the people. Well done Sir 👍🏼👊
Don't let the elites make you think 195 pounds is "heavy." I'm a 2:55 marathoner at 190 pounds, and there are always other guys my size coming into the finish at the same time. Don't let the few extra pounds stop you!
@@bbnd5476 I actually wish I had some more bulk as I’m finding being thin I’m lacking in strength and muscle. Need to mix up my training more. Maybe some weights are in order! 👊👍🏼
Hey! What size are you and did you buy true to size?
Im a bit concerned about room in the toe box.
Rocket X 2 has been my favorite new acquisition in quite some time. They do everything right. I feel like the softness tapers to a bouncy response as you rock through to the forefoot. The geometry works for me too. Might be my marathon shoe in Chicago.
Also, big Eels fan here. Love their whole catalog.
Good video, Edd!
Eels are superb. Consistently too!
When I first put these shoes on my feet at my local run shop, the initial sensation was of sinking ion the heal foam as the foam is much softer and designed that way for whatever reason. Next was the poppiness and responsiveness of the combo double-layered foam and full carbon plate that just wanted to make me move forward. In one week I've logged about 25 miles on the Rocket X2. I actually have not wore Hoka road shoes since 2016 and did not know what to expect. I am a lover of their trail shoes and wanted more of the joy of running that the OG Bondi gave me back in 2012 when I was the first run shop to sell them in my area. Keep Rockin On Big Ed!!!
Love the rocket. The best Hoka ever
Man, you make making a decision very challenging.
Im on the fence between rocket, deviate, adios, metaspeed sky.
Decisions decisions...
A superb shoe.
Comfortable and fast.
I've grabbed a Park Run and Half Marathon PB within the last couple of weeks with these.
However, after just 4 runs in them, I have had a minor quality issue where, on one shoe, the upper is separating from the midsole side wall, on the outer edge just under the logo.
Hoka are making as assessment as I type.
Otherwise, I love 'em.
Have to agree. It’s going to be the peoples choice.
Edd running around the patio with a hose spraying water would be a very interesting video content!!! 😂😂😂
💦
Nice one edd, hoping these get a knock down price soon 😂
Definitely one I'm looking to get whenever I can find it on sale
Yes it’s a really good model. Best Hoka I have tried
Love this shoe. Feels more natural then the VF2, haven't tried the VF3. Thinking of running New York in them. They just seem to disappear on the foot.
I really need to give these another shot. Probably wasn't the best idea to be looking at shoes the week before running the Boston Marathon. Will have to wear a thick sock but I'm already doing the same for the Prime X. Wore Hokas exclusively for a few years (~2014-2019) and was excited about the Rocket X2. I actually really liked the Carbon X2 so possibly trying this shoe again when my mind is more clear would help.
It's a straight fight between these and the upcoming On Cloudboom Echo 3 for my next supershoe purchase
I rate these alongside the Vaporfly 1 & 2. I had the Vaporfly 3's but sold them as I just didn't feel like they offered much of a performance benefit and were definitely worse than the Vaporfly 1 & 2. Have been using the Rocket X2's in a couple of training runs ready for a half marathon in 2 weeks time, Really really like them. Only about 40miles run in them so far, keeping them for the race.
I agree on the vf3. The rockets are underrated.
Have noticed a few people wearing these recently.1st person i saw wearing them was at mcr marathon and he said they were amazing,seen 3 more at different race distances and all said they were great.these are my next purchase
They are really comfortable and the lockdown is quite brilliant. Despite the floppy counterless heel
$380 in Australia! Tell them they're dreaming.
Such a great looking shoe. I'd never buy it but more designs like this please shoemakers!
Yes it’s wild!
I've just bought a pair and wow! They're like having pogo shoes!
Lots of bounce in these Hoka!
Did a PB half and my first sub 2 hour in these. Word of warning for some of us heavier runners...bottoms out a bit for me at 32k I felt...stopped at lights durning training run and suddenly they felt great again...think i compressed the foam a bit and it came back a bit when pressure was eased...or maybe i was gassed and needed that little break haha.
Interesting. Perhaps a bit too soft in this case for some?
If you're nitrogen infused....sometimes I think I'm Nitro Coffee infused. I spend a lot of my earth credits on that tasty goodness! As for this Hoka, it's definitely intrigued me. Even though plated shoes haven't worked out all that well for me overall....but this one seems pretty sweet. Maybe when it goes on sale sometime in the future I'll give it a look.
It almost disappears underfoot. Quite something.
Since they dropped the " One One" from Hoka - "To fly over the earth" Does that mean the Hoka bird is a land bird now like an ostrich. A bird that can't fly but can run very fast. Speaking of flying, do they still make military helicopters in Yeovil? I know you mentioned the air base.
Lots of heli action here. Many a chopper.
@EDDBUD There was a song by Blok Party called " Helecopter." Love that song! Especially the drumming.
Outsole fell apart on me in no time, same as clifton 9s. Maybe something personal with me, but hokas don’t seem to work for me in regards to durability. They felt super comfy when first on, and bouncy too, made me go wow, but the shallow 4mm drop and the unreliable wear and tear after just 2 short runs in both shoes have me saying no more hokas for me. Superblasts going on 250 miles and same bounce as new although outsole wore out at 200 miles. Nimbus 25 still looks, feels brand new around 60miles. Puma deviate nitro 2 hardly any wear at all on outsole around 150-200 miles, but midsole feels rough and done, they have no more bounce but otherwise look new… but both hokas, the only two hokas I’ve ever tried both turned to crap within 2 short jogs, look and feel noticeably worn in less than 20 miles. 🤷♂️ maybe the super hot climate where I am and the old rough asphalt around where I am. I don’t know, but, no more hokas for me. They were super comfy but no.
The outsole rubber has held up ok so far on my pair
And yet another cracking video Edd glad your liking the shoe, love it 👌
Much appreciated 👍🏼👊
no cushioning on the heel, long distance running will cause blisters. Would have been nice to mention that on this video
It’s fine, no issues with that. A no problem and sounds like you haven’t even run in the shoe.
The Hoka Rocket X2 vs Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 2 video is going to be one for the genuine enthusiast. Bonnet de douche!
Its down the middle between these two. 60/40.
@@EDDBUD hmm which one is which?
@@EDDBUD 🤯
I did not think you would like these as the midsole is similar in materials to the Brooks Hyperion Elite 2, but seems like the lock down is much better on the Hoka.
Didn’t feel too similar in the midsole. But more give to this one. The upper is 🔥
@EDDBUD just shows even when the materials are similar on paper the implementation can be vastly different. Cheers for the info Edd I would of avoided the Hoka if it was not for your input.
@@NunChukka It’s really quite a return to form. Some of the Eva daily shoes didn’t work for me. But glad I tried this one out.
@@NunChukka It’s really quite a return to form. Some of the Eva daily shoes didn’t work for me. But glad I tried this one out.
Where this shoe really shines is on long sprint track intervals, not plodding marathon pace. The Vaporfly 3 is unremarkable, the Adidas Takumi Sen 9 is far better for less $.
Yeah it comes alive on faster reps
Edd have you reviewed the Clifton 9? Absolutely love it as a daily
No haven’t tried that one. The Clifton 7 left me with a nasty arch blister.
Previously had the original Rocket X, so I was really keen to try this. It's fast, quite a lot faster than the v1, and way faster than my non-carbon 'training' shoes. Couple of issue, first I usually dump the laces and use Hickies elastic bows, but when I tried these, I just couldn't get them on. Tbh getting them on is a bit of a pain even with standard laces, the heel is so flexible the only way I've found is to shove the foot in, then pull the heel over after. Sadly it's gong to add a few seconds to T2...but I wasn't going to win anything anyway. Still how do other people cope?
Yes these as a tri shoe could be tough due to the very enclosed tongue.
@@EDDBUD strangely they were recommended to me by a pro triathlete (Nikki Bartlett)
This is my favorite shoe.
Thanks Edd.
Much appreciated 👍🏼👊
sounds great! :)
Edd can you please respond to the question- do i pickup this hoka or deviate nitro elite 2? In your opinion. Curious what you think. Thank you 🙏
Softer more rolling Hoka. Less present on foot Puma.
haha i just ran 5km in 29 degree Celsius and is very comfy in my country
As I always say people have different climates. They adjust. We have a limited range or temp.
16-17 is "totally" warm :|
*typing from 33deg 70% humidity real feel 40deg
**yes all in Celsius hahaha
Try to imagine that people live in different climates. In the uk this is quite warm. Our weather is different to other places in the world. Limited extremes but small differences to us are quite large as the range is small.
@@EDDBUD hahaha yeah totally understand. all those differences, climate, culture, food makes up for the travel more exciting and fun. I remembered a colleague visiting from Scandinavia was so happy walking in the sunny midday to grab some lunch, while all of us trying to hide.
Anyway, I hope this heatwave we experienced here be offer soon. I only can run indoors due to the heat and stormy weather.
Oh i get it now its rocket xsquared. But yeah xtwo is more popular.
This or deviate nitro elite 2? I can’t make my mind up 😂
If you want heel width and a lower profile less present shoe the Puma is the one. The Hoka is a rocket and a rocker
How is the width and stability? The high side walls make look more stable then other supershoes
I’m finding it stable enough. Yes it’s soft but the rocker really helps to create a smooth toeoff
I think it would make great content to run around your patio with hose pipe gushing😂
I shall make it happen’
Ran a 36:36 10k in these shoes their so good I've bought two pairs 🤣🙈
Edd,
How are these vs the new Mach X? Totally different purpose and feel?
Not sure about the Mach x. Seems more a daily trainer vibe to it
Hoka rocket x2 or puma elite 2?
If you want softness go for the rocket x2. If you need more drop the Puma.
@@EDDBUD You can have both in Hoka by adding a heel pad to increase drop 🙂
would you credit to this shoe more versatility than to the Puma Deviate Nitro 2?
Hmm. I reckon for pace it’s probably got an edge. But all round the Puma has it.
I just want to know what on your opinion is the fastest 5k shoe out now 🤔🏃♀️
For 5k? Sen 8/9
@@EDDBUD okay Thankyou will try those when I can 👍
Edd do you think this would be all right for a stability runner
It’s a very soft foam now compared to the v1. Maybe examine something with a little more dense foam. The v1/2 endorphin pro or v2 speed. Maybe even the Adios pro 3.
Thanks EDD
The rocket x2 is so boaty looking. Its like if you were a clown through the week and then ran in your clown shoes at weekends. 😂
It’s a great shoe. Not fussed about looks on a runner. Unless it’s the Pegasus 40.
@EDDBUD they're definitely a popular shoe I saw quite a lot in last race I did.
Ficou muito bonito esse tênis
Yes loving this one. Best Hoka yet
Edd, isn't Rocket X2 a pure racing shoe, not a daily trainer tyoe shoe? Thus wear and tear not meant for longevity?
But can you use it for everything? That’s my ultimate shoe.
Nice🎉
🥈
Only 360p Ed, what's happening?! Looks and feels like 2012
It’s a 4k video takes ages these days to process
😎
Good beauty and cheap🎉🎉😂
Hi
🥉
Yo
🥇
@@EDDBUD couldn’t get gold last time as I was asleep when you published
first
Just missed the podium
🤪👍
Yo