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 midfoot and toe box may be too spacious for some
- Paper-thin 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. 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; 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 in 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 update.
Starting from the top, the updated Matryx upper was definitely an upgrade compared to the jacquard mesh used on the first version, and our tester enjoyed new levels of breathability, which ultimately helped minimize irritation while on the run. The overall fit feels similar to the original, providing plenty of room from the midfoot to the forefoot. Although it was appreciated over long-distance runs, the spaciousness caused some issues for our tester while navigating highly technical trail segments.
The midsole is still the star of the show here, and the Profly X construction was once again praised for its propulsive ride and balanced underfoot feel. Our tester had enough protection to go the ultra marathon distance, and the parallel carbon fiber plated midsole 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.
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 |
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 1, at least aside from 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 box. After cinching the lacing, the toe box was fairly bunched, and I was still having difficulty with the roomy midfoot not keeping me secure. Without a great lockdown, I was constantly shifting around in the shoe when on more technical terrain, causing me to occasionally overpronate and oversupinate, which ultimately led to some knee discomfort during the longer runs. When running on nontechnical trails, I had no issues."
Midsole
Grace: "After figuring out that the upper was not the most secure on technical trails, I did the rest of my test runs on flat dirt roads, where I could focus more on the underfoot feel than the stability. HOKA kept its original Profly X foam midsole, which has a nice balance of snappiness and softness, making the Tecton X 2 ideal for faster long-distance races.
The HOKA Tecton X 2 prioritizes efficiency and performance over comfort, though it is not an uncomfortable shoe. The parallel carbon fiber plates provide a propulsive ride while being flexible enough to maneuver around different terrain. The early-stage meta-rocker also delivers smooth transitions through the gait cycle, and if the upper had been more secure, then this shoe would offer everything I need to perform at my highest level."
Outsole
Grace: "The Tecton's lugs are pretty shallow, and I do not recommend using this shoe on super technical trails or wet, muddy trails. Less technical trails were never an issue, and I really enjoyed the amount of grip I got from the outsole. The Vibram 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, but the width of both of these shoes caused me some issues in terms of stability.
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 they 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."
HOKA Men's Tecton X
A lightweight and responsive shoe that delivers HOKA's fastest trail racing shoe to date, the Tecton X is designed to fly over any terrain.
HOKA Women's Tecton X
A lightweight and responsive shoe that delivers HOKA's fastest trail racing shoe to date, the Tecton X is designed to fly over any terrain.
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 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 stay securely over the midsole. The Tecton's midsole is highly responsive, and runners who 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 you want.
