HOKA Tecton X3 Review:Trailblazing in Squamish
A few weeks ago, Hoka invited Hummingbird to their ‘Hoka Trail’ event to see truly, how the Tecton X3 dealt with dirt. (Along with some other, more relaxing activities like Ice baths and Saunas). But back to the shoe!
The Hoka Tecton X3
From rocky climbs to steep descents, the Tecton X3 excelled in both grip and responsiveness, proving itself as a serious contender for trail runners looking for speed and stability. If you’ve been on those trails, you know exactly what I mean!
The Hoka Tecton X3 is a game-changing trail running shoe designed for athletes seeking speed, stability, and protection on technical terrains. Built with dual carbon fiber plates, responsive cushioning, and a durable Vibram Megagrip outsole, it offers everything a runner needs for challenging trail races and ultra-marathons. This shoe is part of the best trail running shoes for 2024, combining cutting-edge design with a lightweight, breathable upper.
Hoka Trail 2024.
The Fit on Foot
The Hoka Tecton X3 fits snugly, thanks to its lightweight jacquard mesh upper, which is breathable and supportive. The dual carbon fiber plates create a stable, secure feel, preventing internal movement and enhancing performance on rugged trails, even though I often found a way to trip myself.
With a roomy toe box, runners can enjoy added comfort during long-distance runs. This feature makes it an excellent option for those looking for lightweight trail running shoes that still offer plenty of support.
During the 12km loop there was varying conditions to slippy roots to loose gravel. For some runners that places a lot of trust underfoot, the grip can provide you with confidence to push forward with any terrain.
Specifications
Weight: Approx. 9.0 oz (255 g)
Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5 mm
Midsole: ProFlyX cushioning system, providing a responsive ride for technical terrain.
Outsole: Vibram Megagrip with aggressive, multi-directional lugs, ideal for both wet and dry conditions.
Plates: Dual carbon fiber plates designed for propulsion and speed on trails.
Upper: Breathable engineered jacquard mesh for a lightweight, durable fit.
The Hoka Tecton X3
Pros
Carbon fiber plates deliver enhanced speed and stability, making the Tecton X3 one of the best shoes for technical trails.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides exceptional traction, ensuring confidence on steep, rocky, or muddy surfaces.
The ProFlyX midsole balances soft cushioning and firm responsiveness, creating a smooth ride, even over long distances.
Lightweight and breathable, the shoe is ideal for ultra-marathons and long-distance races.
Versatile enough for a variety of trail conditions, from steep mountain paths to rocky descents.
Cons
Some found this shoe fitted a half a size smaller than what they were used to, so this is something to bare in mind
Hoka Trail 2024 Check In.
Verdict
The Hoka Tecton X3 is among the top trail running shoes for speed and durability in 2024. It excels on technical terrain with its carbon fiber plates and Vibram Megagrip outsole, making it perfect for trail runners and ultra-marathoners. With more and more advances in the trail world, with a shoe like the Tecton X3, we can’t wait to see what can be achieved!
On behalf of the Hummingbird Collective team we want to thank Hoka for such an amazing event, as well as push credit for the amazing photos and videos captured on the day, used throughout this article. See you next year!
