Hoka Rocket X Trail review: A gravel-loving trail super shoe built for speed
The Rocket X Trail is perfect for non-technical trails where you need to go fast
The Hoka Rocket X Trail successfully brings road super-shoe technology to the trails. Its energetic PEBA midsole, carbon-fibre plate and excellent Vibram outsole combine to create a trail racer that feels remarkably quick on runnable terrain. It's expensive, and the lofty stack height means it's not the most confidence-inspiring option on highly technical trails, but if speed is your priority, this is one of the most exciting trail shoes I've tested in recent years.
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Fast and energetic ride
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Excellent long-distance comfort
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Superb grip on mixed terrain
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Premium upper with great lockdown
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Surprisingly lightweight
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Less stable on technical terrain
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Overkill for everyday trail running
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I was lucky enough to be in Chamonix last year for the UTMB, which also coincided with the launch of Hoka's then brand-new trail running shoes, the Rocket X Trail.
The trainers made a lasting impression on me, which is why I ended up using them afterwards. The combination of speed and cushioning makes the Rocket X Trail an excellent option for my local trails, which are pretty flat and less technical.
This is not to say Hoka's speedy trail runners are for training only. If anything, the Rocket X Trail is best for tempo training and racing. And it's likely people will use them for their purpose, given the hefty price tag.
Should you get one? Let's find out.
Hoka Rocket X Trail review
Price and availability
The Hoka Rocket X Trail was launched in August 2025 and is available to buy now at Hoka UK, Hoka US and Hoka EU for the recommended retail price of £185 / $250 / €225 (~AU$367).
That puts it in direct competition with other high-end trail racers, including the Nike Ultrafly, Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra and Hoka's own Tecton X 3.
This isn't a shoe aimed at casual runners or weekend dog walkers. It's designed for athletes chasing personal bests in trail races, ultras and fast-paced adventures.
Specifications
- Weight: 297g / 10.5lb (men's UK11 / US11.5D)
- Drop: 6mm
- Lugs: 3mm
- Midsole: A-TPU Superfoam
- Plate: H-shaped parallel carbon-fibre plate
- Outsole: Lightweight zonal rubber (not Vibram Megagrip)
- Best for: Trail racing, gravel roads, runnable terrain
Design and fit
While most trail racers still borrow heavily from mountain shoes, Hoka has taken the opposite approach here. The Rocket X Trail feels much closer to a road super shoe adapted for dirt roads, gravel paths, and fast-flowing trails.
At just 297g / 10.5lb (men's UK11 / US11.5D), it's impressively lightweight for an off-road shoe. The silhouette is sleek and aggressive, with a pronounced rocker that immediately hints at its racing intentions.
Hoka pairs an A-TPU Superfoam midsole with an H-shaped carbon-fibre plate, creating a platform designed to maximise energy return while keeping weight to a minimum.
The lightweight engineered mesh follows the same philosophy, keeping things airy and breathable, while the stretch vamp is designed to accommodate foot splay as your feet expand.
The tongue is deliberately minimal, helping shave unnecessary grams without compromising comfort. Combined with the secure midfoot lockdown, the Rocket X Trail feels race-ready from the moment you lace it up.
Underfoot, Hoka has opted for a lightweight zonal rubber outsole with shallow 3mm lugs. It's optimised for the sort of surfaces where runners can really open up the throttle: gravel roads, hard-packed trails and smooth singletrack.
Fit is true to size, and I found there was enough room in the toe box to stay comfortable on longer runs without sacrificing the precise feel you'd want in a racing shoe.
The overall package feels more streamlined and performance-focused than the Speedgoat or Mafate lines, which is exactly what I'd expect from a shoe carrying the Rocket X name.
Performance
Within the first few miles in Chamonix, it became obvious that Hoka wasn't trying to build a do-it-all trail shoe. If your local trails consist of gravel roads, compact dirt paths and flowing singletrack, the Rocket X Trail feels right at home.
The combination of the A-TPU Superfoam midsole and H-shaped carbon-fibre plate delivers a level of responsiveness that's rare in trail running, with every ride feeling energetic. At the same time, the aggressive rocker helps maintain momentum, particularly when running at tempo pace or pushing hard during races.
In many ways, the experience is closer to wearing a road super shoe than a traditional trail runner. The Rocket X Trail encourages you to pick up the pace and rewards efficient running, and on long stretches of gravel and hard-packed trail, I often found myself running faster than intended simply because the shoe made it feel effortless.
The lightweight zonal rubber outsole provides plenty of traction on dry dirt, gravel and compact trails, while also coping just about well enough in damp conditions.
The shallow 3mm lugs strike a sensible balance between grip and efficiency, helping keep weight down without leaving you feeling under-equipped.
The Rocket X Trail becomes less convincing as the terrain becomes more technical, such as rocky descents, muddy sections and uneven ground.
What impressed me most was how well the Rocket X Trail maintained its performance over longer distances. Lightweight race shoes can often feel brilliant for an hour, but Hoka has managed to balance speed and comfort remarkably well.
Verdict
With the Rocket X Trail, Hoka has created a specialist racer for runners who prioritise speed on runnable terrain. Gravel roads, buff singletrack and fast trail races are where this shoe truly shines.
The combination of the lightweight construction, energetic A-TPU Superfoam midsole and carbon-fibre plate creates a ride that feels remarkably efficient.
Few trail shoes encourage pace quite as enthusiastically as the Rocket X Trail, and fewer still manage to do so while remaining comfortable over longer distances.
If you're targeting a trail marathon, a gravel race, or any event where maintaining speed matters more than navigating rocky mountain passes, the Rocket X Trail is a compelling option, as it captures the magic of a road super shoe while delivering enough grip and protection for fast off-road adventures.
Also consider
If the Rocket X Trail feels a little too specialised, the Hoka Speedgoat 6 is the safer bet. Hoka's trail-running workhorse offers better value, more grip and greater versatility across a wider range of terrain. It lacks the explosive propulsion of the Rocket X Trail but makes up for it with comfort, durability and everyday usability.
The Rocket X Trail thrives on fast, runnable terrain, but I'd reach for the Brooks Cascadia 19 when the trails become more technical. Brooks' latest mountain-ready shoe offers a more stable platform, deeper traction and superior control on rocky, uneven ground. It's heavier and less lively, but far more reassuring when the terrain gets challenging.
