Hoka - Tecton X 2

I love the Hoka Tecton 2s for racing. They were a natural fit after predominantly training in wide Speedgoat 5s. Now splitting my training trail miles between worn out SG5s, newish SG6s (which I don’t like and will likely retire from running and use exclusively for hiking), and Norda 001s (currently wearing in). I’ll be happily using the Tectons again for my next race. Realistically the marginal benefits of super shoes will only be realised if they fit well and work for your gait / stride pattern. So trying on a bunch is the best way to go about it.

I sold my Speedgoat 6 after putting in about 60km, grip is good but overall quality is sub par. Have not run in Mafate but own two pair of Tecton x2, I like them but one pair blew out in the toe box after ca. 150km... I fixed them and they still go strong but I only use them on dry days and dry trails (Portugal and Colorado) for reference I am in Norway where the trails are super technical (rocks and roots) and often wet. Saucony... I love the Endorphin Speed for the road or treadmill but I have had two pair of Peregrine and not only do they run at least 1/2 size small for me they fell apart after less than 100km...and the grip was sub par to say the least. Never felt confident with them on wet trails. I have never ran in LaSportiva, I just don't like how they look or feel... same with Solomon. With all that said here is what I am currently running in: Tecton x2: again for dry trails only. 8/10 New Balance More Trail3: for the easy days and to have a little more cushion when running slow. Good grip, excellent comfort although the stack is a little high for technical terrain. 6/10 Scott Supertrac Ultra RC: A little on the heavy side but I use them with crampons in the snow. Good fit, good cushion and good traction after you break in the sole. 7/10 Speedland GS:RAR : very good shoe, very good quality... they pinch my pinky toe a bit but this has gotten better the more they break in also they were a little "slappy" at first when I was running slow but I trimmed some rubber at the heel and now they go smooth. 7/10 !!! Speedland GL:PDX : I fooking LOOOVE this shoe! So well built, such good traction... the velcro strap could be an inch longer but I am not complaining I have never had heel slippage, my toes have room to splay, the stack is low and I can add the carbon plate for extra fire! I have run almost exclusively in these since Christmas putting in at least 60km a week (~4,000m vertical) in wet technical trails and I have never felt insecure. Plus they are built to last! Tempted to buy another pair soon just to have as backup. 9/10 If you go Speedland put in Freetrail20 at checkout for 20% off 👌🏽

I have tried GoreTex and Seal Skinz and found that shoes or socks that have a membrane end up just as wet by the end of the run because my feet get all sweaty and maybe even heavier because they don't drain for shit. As far as brands go, here is a quick review NNormal (Tomir) started falling apart after 30km. Not impressed with fit, look or durability. Hoka: SG4 fantastic shoe, had 3 pair SG 5, never felt stable in my foot ran maybe 20km before I retired them to leisure shoe. Tecton/x V1 and V2 Super comfortable shoes, dog shit in the mud but I love them on the dry days. V3 blew apart in the forefoot after only two runs. I fixed them but they are not super stable either... we see how much I end up using them in the future. Altra: Lone Peak and Olympus...meh OnClouds went straight to goodwill, Saucony: Peregeine / Endorphin Rift again not impressed with durability and no good for mud and wet roots. Speedland: GL-PDX I looove them, just yesterday I was heading up the mtn and caught my foot on some hidden rebar, this would have destroyed the toe on any other pair of shoes that I own and I was sure I would look down and see a hole... nope, not even a mark. I am greatly impressed. They drain well and have nice traction as good or better than Vibram. GS:RAR Initial impression is that they fit well and after some minor adjustments to lugs are comfortable to run in on the treadmill, nothing outside yet as I will use them in the snow with crampons and in the summer. when it is dry. No experience with Norda, I don't like how they look imo Keep in mind that wool insulates even when wet and if you are going in a long run maybe bring a dry pair along for a pit stop ✅ I recommend this over membranes any day. For reference I run in Southwest Norway where we get around 300 days of rain yearly. Happy Trails 🤙🏼

Throwing in a vote for Tecton X2 if you can find them. Excellent shoe for dry and rocky.

I really like the Hoka Tecton X and X 2. You can still find those online at a few places for really good prices. I haven’t tried the X 3, which have good reviews but are $$$

Hoka Tecton X. I haven’t tried the newish X 3, but the original X and the X 2 have been great for races with lots of runnable trail plus road sections. I’ve run in other trail shoes that felt awful when I had to cover road sections, but the Tectons are great.

I tried Nike Ultrafly’s and the Hoka Tecton 2. I liked the Tecton a lot and used them for a 50M non technical race , they were great.

I’ve tried a few: Salomon Ultra Glide 1.5 is fast but narrow, Hoka Tecton X 2 is comfy but less quick, and Asics Metafuji Trail balances speed and traction well. Go for something light and grippy for long runs.

I loved these too! I still have a couple pairs in my rotation because I was able to find them on clearance at Nordstrom Rack, but I haven’t checked lately to see if they still have any. I have a pair of the 3s and they’re fine but I don’t like them as much as the 2s (or even the originals) and they’re even more expensive!

I really like the Hoka Tecton Xs, I’ve had multiple pairs of the X1s, X2s and now on my first pair of the X3s. The X2s were my favorite but I actually like the X3s more than I thought, the built-in gaiter is great for keeping rocks and sand out and I really don’t notice it’s there. I don’t love how expensive they are but I’m hoping they’ll last awhile. And you might still be able to find the X2s on clearance.

I really like the Hoka Tecton Xs, I’ve had multiple pairs of the X1s, X2s and now on my first pair of the X3s. The X2s were my favorite but I actually like the X3s more than I thought, the built-in gaiter is great for keeping rocks and sand out and I really don’t notice it’s there. I don’t love how expensive they are but I’m hoping they’ll last awhile. And you might still be able to find the X2s on clearance.

If you can find Tecton X2 in your size, they were great for that. I don't think the plate makes someone like me faster but my legs are fine after long runs.

6’1 and 205-210. I’ve really enjoyed Hoka Mafate 4’s. Better cushion (not too soft either) and last longer than the Speedgoat 5s. Current pair is at 400 miles and still feels great. I also have really liked the Tecton X2’s. I have a couple pairs that are all in good shape at 300+ miles each.

Hoka Tecton X version 2 - sadly can’t find anymore anywhere

The only sound advice I can give you is locate a store and try them on for a test run. I love speedgoats and the tecton x2. I tried the nike’s but they are too narrow overal for my liking, or Maybe they don’t fit to my feet. I found the saucony peregrine a little indirect and not stable enough for my liking. Asics were even worse.