The Rocket X 2 is the update to the Rocket X. It has been updated with a softer midsole, a new outsole and a new price of $250.
The Carbon X 3 is the sequel to the Carbon X 3. It has a midsole PROFLY X setup, a rubberised EVA outsole and a price of $180.
Which of these Hoka racing shoes is the right one for you?
The midsole of the Rocket X is made of dual-density PEBA. It has a super soft, bouncy ride which makes it very versatile because it can be used on long runs as well as short tempo runs.
The midsole of the Carbon X is a PROFLY X setup which means it is dual-density. It has supercritical foam above the carbon plate and injected rubberised EVA below the plate.
The main difference between the rides of the two shoes is that the Carbon X has a higher toe spring and a stiffer midsole which results in a more intense rocking sensation that eases you through transitions.
The heavier weight of the Carbon X makes it more suited to longer distances like ultra marathons than the Rocket X. The Rocket X is more nimble and agile which suits the half marathon and marathon distance better.
Stability in the Carbon X is better than in the Rocket X because it has a midsole which flares out to create a wider, more stable platform than the midsole of the Rocket X. There is less lean bias in the Carbon X 3 than the Rocket X.
The outsole of the Rocket X has blown rubber on the high wear areas with exposed midsole foam under the midfoot and part of the rearfoot.
The Carbon X outsole has no blown rubber, only exposed rubberised midsole foam which forms the outsole. There are open windows under the midfoot which you can see the carbon plate through.
Ride transitions are smoother in the Carbon X even though its midsole is dual density compared to the single density midsole of the Rocket X due to the absence of blown rubber on the outsole of the Carbon X.
The Rocket X with its blown rubber outsole has better durability and better abrasion resistance than the Carbon X which has a fully exposed outsole.
The upper of the Rocket X is made from a plastic-feeling mesh. It is breathable with a narrow forefoot and toe box. It fits a half size small. The gusseted tongue of the Rocket X ensures that there is no lateral tongue slide.
The Carbon X is made from a knitted material. It has a bootie construction so there is no tongue slide. The Carbon X fits a half size large and it doesn’t have a dialled-in racing so lockdown is bot very good.
If you’re a runner looking for a racing super shoe for marathons or half marathons, the Rocket X is the better option. It is a lighter shoe and feels more nimble. Its updated midsole is softer than the Carbon X and it is the more versatile shoe.
If you’re a runner looking for a racing super shoe for ultra marathons or further distances, the Carbon X is the better option. The Carbon X has a high toe spring with a rocker that eases you through transitions and offers more mechanical assist over those longer distances. It is more stable than the Rocket X but also much heavier.
