Hoka - Tecton X 2.5

Can confirm. Jim wore the 2.5 not this. Looks similar but not it.

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 did the Bluetrail 110 last year, I wore HokaTecton x2s. These were great in the technical sections and fast on the smoother trails later on. A big sketchy on the looser ground due to shorter lugs. If I ran it again I would wear La Sportiva Prodigio Pro. I've done three mountain ultras in them and they are the perfect combination of grip, cushion and technical capability.  Enjoy the race, it's an amazing experience. The sunrise over Teide is magical!

On my third pair of Deviate Nitro 2s, used exclusively for trail. (Should probably upgrade to the 3s or 4s - however there is just something about the 2s for me). Granted I'm not doing anything overly technical, but the Deviates are my favourite 'all rounders' to use on the trail, including among dedicated trail shoes. Haven't ever doubted the puma grip. For reference - I use Tectons for races, and Prodigio Pros for anything more technical. Deviates are just an elite all around shoe.

Curious what do you consider less technical? I feel like my tectons handle it better than most shoes I’ve ran with the wings and vibram outsole.

It took me awhile to figure the shoes out, but once I got the proper insole and switch the laces, they have become my go to long distance shoe. I’ve used the La Sportiva Prodigio Pro’s for my short distance mountain races and the MTC T1 for my long distance runs and races. I just finished RRR 50 in them, and they handle every element I ran into great, my feet were me tired or sore, zero black blue toe nails. I also PR’d by an 1h30min, 6th overall female and 1st in the Masters. Previous shoe was the Hoka Tecton.

Yes put a similar amount of kms on the Techton X last year. They were my favorite shoe of all time. Lightweight and fast. The Mafate x feel much heavier when I started with them but out on long runs I find the longer you go they are much easier to just keep going in. The tongue on the Mafate X is the best I have tried in Hokas. The width is ok. I have wide feet and found a few years ago. That if I go up size from a 12 to a 13 the little bit of extra length doesn’t bother me and the width is great.

Hoka Tecton is a great shoe

Course is quite mellow. Mix of fireroad, doubletrack and singletrack. Trails are smooth, very few technical sections, so go with something that feels fun and fast to you. Out of all those, I would go with the Hoka, Saucony or Asics. Even one of the fast trail super shoes would do well on the course, Adidas Ultra Speed Trail or Hoka Tecton.

I’m not sure what I’d use them for over the tecton. I find the tecton on the slightly wider side for me anyway and these look wider still? I’m just not sure I can justify the rocket x trail when the tecton can do their job and more?

I’d stick to the tectons! - there’s the rocket x trail if you aren’t running on anything technical but I love the sock liner on the tectons because it stops all the little irritating bits of dirt getting in. That said, the on cloud ultra pro is a great shoe, and one I find myself reaching for quite frequently.