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HOKA Rocket X 3 vs HOKA Rocket X 2

HOKA

Rocket X 3

  • Weight 226 g
  • Drop 7 mm
  • Stack 41 mm

USD 250

HOKA

Rocket X 2

  • Weight 236 g
  • Drop 5 mm
  • Stack 36 mm

USD 250

Which one for which runner?

What sets each model apart, from the published specs. Neither is better in absolute terms.

  • HOKA Rocket X 3

    • Latest version (2025)
    • 2 mm higher drop
    • 5 mm more under the heel

  • HOKA Rocket X 2

    • Previous version (2023)
    • 2 mm lower drop
    • 5 mm less under the heel
    • Also made for: 5K & 10K races, Half marathon

Side by side

  • HOKA Rocket X 2 has a 2 mm lower drop
  • HOKA Rocket X 3 has 5 mm more heel stack

Profiles

  • HOKA Rocket X 3
  • HOKA Rocket X 2
ComfortResponsivenessStabilityDurabilityGripVersatility
  • Rocket X 3 — Comfort: 3/5
  • Rocket X 3 — Responsiveness: 5/5
  • Rocket X 3 — Stability: 4/5
  • Rocket X 3 — Durability: 3/5
  • Rocket X 3 — Grip: 4/5
  • Rocket X 3 — Versatility: 4/5
  • Rocket X 2 — Comfort: 3/5
  • Rocket X 2 — Responsiveness: 5/5
  • Rocket X 2 — Stability: 4/5
  • Rocket X 2 — Durability: 3/5
  • Rocket X 2 — Grip: 4/5
  • Rocket X 2 — Versatility: 4/5
CriterionHOKA Rocket X 3HOKA Rocket X 2
Price
Catalogue price USD 250 USD 250
Best price found Not specified Not specified
Specifications
Weight 226 g 236 g
Drop 7 mm 5 mm
Heel stack 41 mm 36 mm
Forefoot stack 34 mm 31 mm
Midsole foam dual-density PEBA two-layer PEBA foam
Plate Carbon Carbon
Support Not specified Not specified
Ratings
Overall 3.87 out of 5 3.51 out of 5
Cushioning 5 out of 5 5 out of 5
Stability 4 out of 5 4 out of 5
Comfort 3 out of 5 3 out of 5
Responsiveness 5 out of 5 5 out of 5
Durability 3 out of 5 3 out of 5
Grip 4 out of 5 4 out of 5
Versatility 4 out of 5 4 out of 5
Best for
Terrain Road Road
Role Racing Racing
Versions Men's Not specified
Uses Marathon 5K & 10K races, Half marathon, Marathon
Runner level Not specified Intermediate, Advanced
Paces Not specified Race pace

Related pages

By use

By distance

By characteristic

Men · Women · Unisex

By terrain

Retailer prices

HOKA Rocket X 3

No retailer price available for this shoe yet.

Recommended retail priceUSD 250

HOKA Rocket X 2

No retailer price available for this shoe yet.

Recommended retail priceUSD 250

Alternatives to these two models

Derived from terrain, category, use, cushioning, stability, drop, weight and price.

    • Close to HOKA Rocket X 3: same terrain, same category, same role
    • Close to HOKA Rocket X 3: same terrain, same category, same role
  • Nike Alphafly 4, side view

    Nike

    Alphafly 4

    • Weight 188 g
    • Drop 8 mm

    USD 280

    • Close to HOKA Rocket X 3: same terrain, same category, same role
  • Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, side view

    Saucony

    Endorphin Pro 4

    • Weight 212 g
    • Drop 8 mm
    • Stack 39.5 mm

    USD 240

    • Close to HOKA Rocket X 2: same terrain, same category, same role