HOKA Tecton X 2 Review

Published: May 5, 2023

Enter the Matryx With the New HOKA Tecton X 2 Update

Likes

Snappy and protective Profly X midsole
Breathable new Matryx upper
Durable and versatile Vibram MegaGrip outsole

Dislikes

Wide mid-foot and toe box may be too spacious for some runners
Paper thin, short tongue

What's New

Last year, the HOKA Tecton X burst onto the scene, and this trail racer quickly became a favorite among the ultramarathon and trail-running communities. What set this shoe apart was its Profly X midsole with parallel carbon fiber plates, which created fast, efficient turnovers with the protection needed to take runners the distance.

HOKA did not mess with a good thing in version 2, and runners may be excited to hear that the midsole has remained unchanged from version 1, and speedy runs with smooth transitions are still on tap with the Tecton X 2 on foot.

What has been updated is the shoe's upper, and instead of a standard jacquard mesh, the Tecton X 2 is rocking an all-new Matryx upper that cuts down the shoe's weight while also promising improved durability and better protection from wet conditions with the material's naturally hydrophobic properties.

The Bottom Line

The original Tecton X was a huge success that many runners and testers thought brought new life to the HOKA trail line, and those who loved the original will continue to love this high-performing shoe.

Starting from the top, the updated Matryx upper was definitely an upgrade compared to the jacquard mesh used on the first version, and testers enjoyed new levels of breathability, which ultimately helped minimize irritation while on the run. The overall fit feels similar to the original, providing a roomy fit from the midfoot to the forefoot. Although appreciated over long-distance runs, the spaciousness caused some issues for our testers while navigating highly technical trail segments.

The midsole is still the star, and the Profly X construction was once again complimented for its propulsive ride with the balanced underfoot feel. Our testers had plenty of protection underfoot to go the ultra marathon distance, and the parallel carbon fiber plated midsole construction delivered a super efficient, super smooth ride that was perfect for long-distance trail runs, regardless of pace, but shining brightest when upping the tempo.

The Vibram midsole does not have the most aggressive lug design, again making the Tecton X 2 best paired with single-track trails, fire roads, and other less technical trails. Overall, the Tecton X 2 was very versatile throughout testing, and those runners who enjoyed version 1 will want to get their hands on the HOKA Tecton X 2.

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Specifications & Fit

Shoe Specs

Weight	Men's: 8.8 oz (size 9) \| Women's: 7.4 oz (size 8)
Stack Height	Heel Stack: 38 mm Forefoot Stack: 33 mm Heel-Toe Offset: 5 mm
Terrain	Trail racing
Stability	Neutral
Sizing	True to size

Tecton X 2 Shoe Review Left Lateral side

Tecton X 2 Shoe Review Left medial side view

Our In-Depth Look

Upper

Grace: "The Matryx upper is highly breathable, drains incredibly well, and provides overlays for added durability. I prefer this upper over the jacquard mesh from version one, besides the tongue. The Tecton X 2's tongue is super thin and a bit too long. I tend to like a shoe tongue that has more cushioning and lays lower on the ankle.

The fit of this shoe feels the same as version 1, with a generous amount of room in the mid-foot and toe boxes. I have a very narrow foot so i had to cinch down the lacing quite a bit, and because of this, I had some issues with the roomy mid-foot not keeping me secure. Those with average to wider feet should enjoy this more acommodating fit, especially as their feet swell over ultramarathon distances."

Midsole

Grace: "In the midsole, HOKA kept its original ProflyX foam construction, which has a nice balance of snappiness and softness, making the Tecton X 2 ideal for faster long-distance races.

As a trail racing shoe, the HOKA Tecton X 2 prioritizes efficiency and performance over super plush comfort, but the midsole still offers enough protection for long distances. The parallel carbon fiber plates provide a propulsive ride while being flexible enough to move around different terrain. The early-stage meta-rocker also delivers smooth transitions through the gait cycle. It's unfortunate that I had fit issues with my narrow feet because this shoe offers everything else I need to perform at my highest level."

Outsole

Grace: "The Tecton's lugs are pretty shallow, and I do not recommend using the Tecton on super technical trails or wet, muddy trails. That said, I never had any issues with the traction. I really enjoyed the amount of grip I got from the outsole on fire roads and moderate trails. Also, the Vibram Megagrip rubber is holding up nicely in the durability department."

Comparable Shoes

Grace: "I would compare the Tecton X 2 to the Saucony Endorphin Edge. They both have a flexible carbon plate for a fast push-off, stable footing, and efficient turnovers.

The Tecton and Edge are categorized as long-distance trail racing shoes, and both models are very light, especially given the amount of underfoot protection both shoes provide. The outsole lugs on the Endorphin Edge perform better on softer, muddier surfaces, but if mud is not something you typically encounter on the trail, then the Tecton can handle anything else.

Overall, I think the shoe that will work best for you will depend on your personal preferences. If you like a roomier overall fit with more protective cushioning underfoot, then I think the Endorphin Edge might be better for you. If you enjoy a more connected-to-the-ground feel, then you will probably prefer the HOKA Tecton X 2 for the trails."

Individual Thoughts

GraceOverall Score: 7.5/10

I thought the HOKA Tecton X 2 was an excellent update from version 1. They did a complete upper update, replacing the old jacquard mesh with a new Matryx design that provides additional overlays for a more supportive and protective on-foot experience. The new upper is also more breathable, which I always appreciate on long trail runs.

The midfoot was a bit too roomy for my narrow foot, but I was able to experience all the benefits of this shoe when taking it on less technical trails where I could focus on my form and securely over the midsole. The Tecton’s midsole is highly responsive, and runners that loved the first version will be happy to have the same snappy Profly X midsole in the Tecton X 2. The outsole had enough traction to grab onto most surfaces, and the Vibram rubber is always just *muah* (Chef's kiss). Overall, the Tecton X 2 is a light and very speedy trail option that can handle any distance of your choosing.