Article by Mike Postaski
Hoka Tecton X 3 ($275)
Introduction
HOKA brings a major update to their flagship racer, the Tecton X. Now featuring a full PEBA midsole along with some associated stability updates, the Tecton X 3 looks to take a big leap forward as a versatile ultra-distance racer. The Tecton X has been my top pick for 100 mile races over the past few seasons. I completed two 100 milers in V1, and another 100 in V2 - never even re-tying my laces through those 3 events.
I’ve come to appreciate the dual/parallel carbon plate design as one of the best carbon fiber setups in a trail shoe. It provides efficiency with only minimal sacrifices to ground feel and stability. HOKA tweaks the plates a little bit in this version, as well as adding an awesome integrated ankle gaiter. The outsole gets a bit of a makeover as well. With these updates - is the Tecton X 3 still the total package out on the trails?
Pros:
- Full PEBA - bounce & rebound galore!
- Winglets added to carbon plates seem to rein in all that PEBA
- Integrated ankle collar/gaiter
- More forefoot space/comfort
- Well designed heel area, best heel lockdown of any Tecton
- Improved, more rugged Vibram Megagrip outsole
- All of the above for just a minor weight gain
Cons:
PEBA bounce may not be for everyone
Durability of the knit collar/gaiter? (reaching here)
Most comparable shoes
Hoka Tecton X 1,2
Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra
North Face Vectiv Pro 2? (I have not tested this shoe)
Mike Postaski currently focuses on long mountainous ultras - anywhere from 50K up to his favorite - 100M. 5'10", 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker - he typically averages 70 mpw (mostly on trails), ramping up to 100+ mpw during race buildups. A recent 2:39 road marathoner, his easy running pace ranges from 7:30 - 9:00/mi. From 2022-23 Mike has won the Standhope 100M, IMTUF 100M, and Scout Mountain 100M trail ultras, winning the Scout 50M in 2024. He also set a CR of 123.74M at the Pulse Endurance Runs 24H and completed the Boise Trails Challenge on foot in 3 days 13 hours, besting the previous record by 7 hours. Mike's shoe preferences lean towards firmer, dense cushioning, and shoes with narrower profiles. He prefers extra forefoot space, especially for long ultras, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe boxes.
Stats
Estimated Weight: 9.2 oz / 261g US9
Sample Weight: men’s 9.7 oz / 276g US 10.0
Prior Version Weight: men’s 9.5 oz / 270g US 10
Stack Height: men’s 40mm heel / 35mm forefoot ( 5mm drop spec)
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
Please check out my 1st Run & Impressions video for in-depth analysis of the Tecton X 3 out of the box. I run down the new features, and try them on side-by-side with V2. I also take them for a quick spin to see if my first impressions hold true.
The new, integrated knit ankle collar/gaiter is perhaps the most eye-catching feature of the new version. It definitely caught my eye when I first saw them and made me say - “NEED THAT”. My high hopes were justified as the gaiter is everything I hoped it would be - and more. Its material is a soft knit which wraps above the ankle impeccably. It stretches easily and there’s no issue at all putting the shoes on. The separate gaiters that I typically wear in races are much more difficult to get on.
I tested the shoe through a combination of dry, dusty, pebbly track with many creek crossings mixed in, and the gaiter kept the insides of the shoes completely sealed from debris. I was also surprised that the gaiters did not hold water and dried quickly. This feature is a complete win in my opinion. If I could add these on every trail shoe I have, I would.
Given the nature of the integrated collar, it seems to facilitate the full bootie upper setup. There’s no tongue here, just a continuation of the stretch mesh under the laces. I thought this might lead to some lace bite issues, but was pleasantly surprised that I did not feel any pressure points at all along the top of the foot. I’m not sure how they did this, perhaps the lace gillies (loops)being a bit raised relieves any pressure. But it just works. It’s actually even an improvement over the borderline-short tongues of V1 & 2.
Matryx material returns, and works superbly here. Durable, with no stretch or distortion - I can’t recall a Matryx upper that I didn’t like. Up front, there’s major news - forefoot space has definitely been increased. The vamp (insert down the center) has been widened and also seems to be a bit stretchier. I also feel a noticeable increase in vertical space in the toebox. Again - please check out my first impressions video on YouTube for a detailed look at this.
The heel area of the Tecton X 3 is excellent, perhaps all-time best for me. The interior bolsters on the sides - between the ankle and heel - are just the right thickness. They work with a nicely rounded heel cup area to give the best heel lockdown of the 3 Tecton versions. The heel counter is very flexible, allowing the foot and ankle to adapt freely. Another plus with the bootie/collar setup is the lack of any rigid ankle or heel collars. Aside from those two interior bolsters, there’s no rigid points of contact anywhere near your ankles. I’ve found this to be fantastic in my test runs, and I really think many shoe brands need to rethink what they’re doing with these high/stiff/rigid ankle collars.
Midsole & Platform
HOKA makes a major switch from the previous dual layer Profly setup to a dual layer full PEBA setup. I can confirm that the PEBA underfoot is deep, bouncy, with copious levels of rebound. It really is a beast of a midsole, and necessitated a few tweaks to keep it under control out on the trails.
One of those updates is the addition of what Hoka calls “winglets” to the dual carbon plates. They appear to be, as named, minor wings extending out from the plates and wrapping upward around the midfoot area. Like the carbon plates themselves, I must admit that I don’t notice them at all on the run. That’s a good thing I guess, as I assume without them, the PEBA midsole would be subjected to uncomfortable torsional forces around the middle of the foot. Not ideal for stability.
Stack remains the same at 40/35mm for a 5mm drop. It’s supposedly the same height as the previous versions, but it does give the sensation of being higher. That’s likely due to the noticeable increase in softness with the PEBA foam. The platform width on the ground is exactly the same as previous versions. It’s quite an accomplishment that they were able to manage this. You would think that the easiest way to stabilize a softer, bouncier midsole would be to just widen the platform out, but Hoka avoids this and is able to maintain quickness and low weight.
Outsole
The Tecton outsole also gets a big update after remaining unchanged from V1 to V2. Lug depth, shape, and orientation has been updated to provide enhanced grip and traction across a wider variety of terrain.
Vibram Megagrip with Litebase construction continues with 4 mm lugs (up from a spec 3mm in v2), and with the addition of Traction Lug technology - which are the tiny “nubs” along the edges of each individual lug (as seen in the close-up shot below). I never had any issues with the outsole of previous Tectons, but lug depth was noticeably shallower with less bite. Most of my racing in them was in dry, rocky terrain. They were fine there, but I’m sure the new outsole will work better across more varied conditions.
I do notice better grip when climbing - the chevron shaped lugs seem to bite better and give less slippage than the previous flatter, square-ish lugs. You’ll also notice the front and rear areas of the outsole are now connected by strips of rubber along the edges. I can speculate that this was another element to stabilize and handle the bounciness of the PEBA midsole above. I would also guess that the additional rubber coverage will better protect the PEBA foam from abrasion.
[Wet grip not an issue with Vibram Megagrip]
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
The new PEBA-based ride of the Tecton is a major departure from previous versions. Apologies if it seems like I keep harping on the PEBA factor, but it really does make for a striking difference in feel underfoot. Previous Tectons felt somewhat similar - well cushioned, with a nice softer foam layer closer to the foot. But with the dual carbon plates, they remained quite “grounded” in feel. You were protected from the ground, yet those versions managed to maintain a stable feel.
The Tecton X 3 is a different beast altogether. The PEBA foam does require some attention to detail while on the run, especially when the terrain skews more moderate/technical. Due to that factor, I’d classify the new version as more of an advanced-level shoe. Luckily, the Matryx upper performs really well at securing the foot, and also maintaining comfort with its broader toebox and well-executed heel hold.
But there’s no getting around that PEBA bounce factor. The shoe feels like it just wants to go - go - go.. No time for plodding around in these. I suspect this shoe may feel fantastic for some runners, but maybe a bit “much” for others. If you prefer a more stable, less dynamic feel underfoot, I’d suggest stocking up on discounted V2’s.
Personally, I love everything about the new Tecton - the PEBA bounce really works for my stride. I also love the upper and how the lack of rigidity in the rear of the shoe really allows articulation and agility in the ankle. The outsole is a clear improvement, and the ankle gaiter works way better than the typical add-on gaiters that I use in races anyway. All of this, and the shoe still clocks in at an incredibly low 9.7 oz (276g) in my US 10.0.
If not for the price, I would love to wear this shoe as an everyday trainer, or at least for anything beyond short runs. But, like most, I will likely reserve these for race day. I will add one caveat that I thought about during my test runs. I would recommend putting some more training miles in this shoe as opposed to training in something else (ex- Speedgoat, Mafate Speed) and then just throwing these on for race day.
The softness and dynamism of the PEBA foam does take some getting used to - and likely some adaptations by your feet, ankles, knees, hips etc. With typical, firmer, more predictable EVA midsoles, I’d usually put 20-30 miles in a race shoe, then reserve the “cush” for race day. I’d recommend spending some more training miles in these due to the aforementioned difference in feel underfoot.
HOKA hits a GRAND SLAM with the new Tecton X - for me this is 100% an all-time great ultra trail shoe. I cannot wait to lace these up for my next race! In terms of scoring below, I gave a slight deduction in value from V2, and a slight increase in traction. It's highest scoring shoe ever!
Mike P’s Score: 9.95 / 10
Ride: 10 - PEBA midsole - bouncy, responsive, FUN!
Fit: 10 - Bootie upper with increased toebox space, and secure heel, is sublime
Value: 9.5 - $275 - it is what it is.. But I’ve gotten great value out of my previous Tectons and the PEBA foam and upgraded outsole should make these last even longer
Style: 10 - Debatable, but I love this combo.
Traction: 10 - A real, high performance trail outsole
Rock Protection: 10 - 40/35mm of foam, carbon plates, full coverage outsole
Smiles 😊😊😊😊😊
Comparisons
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tecton X 2 (RTR Review)
Mike P (10.0): Compared throughout the review - the new PEBA foam of V3 makes a big difference. It’s more bouncy, cushy, and requires a bit more control. V2 feels more stable and predictable, V3 more dynamic and faster. V3 has noticeably more space in the toebox, and heel lockdown is also improved. The bootie design makes no sacrifices in any department. Vibram Megagrip is also more versatile and trail-worthy in V3, although V2 performed well in most conditions for me. V2 is still an awesome shoe, but V3 feels “next gen”.
Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra (RTR Review)
Mike P (10.0): This is the most direct comparison - also featuring a modern, soft & bouncy super foam and a plated (energy rods) ride. The Adidas does skew towards faster running in more light/moderate terrain. Its narrowness under the rear half of the shoe and extreme rocker really encourages a forward-leaning ride, and can be unstable in rugged terrain. The Tecton is more versatile and I’d say almost if not as fast. The Hoka upper is better executed - the Adidas heel area is a bit looser and too vertical. It also has a loosely sealed collar. I ran a fast 50M in the Speed Ultras, but if I had the Tecton at the time, I would have chosen them.
Nike ZoomX Ultrafly (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): This shoe was a disappointment for me. It’s surprisingly heavy at 10.4 oz in equivalent sizing to the Tecton. The ZoomX is soft and extremely responsive, but the carbon plate is so extremely stiff, allowing little/no foot flex or articulation. Perhaps that works for some runners. The upper design felt largely generic, way less refined than the Tecton's. The outsole has Vibram Megagrip, but skimped on lug depth, perhaps to save weight or keep the shoe oriented towards runnable terrain. I’d choose the Tecton X 3 every day and twice on Sunday.
Nike Zegama 2 (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): The ZoomX in the updated Zemaga is uber-soft, to the point of being squishy and marshmallowy in feel. I’d definitely give the “cush” edge to the Zegama, but the PEBA of the Tecton is way more responsive. I’d look at the Zegama if your absolute priority is the most cushy shoe possible, and if you primarily heel strike. The Tecton is much more versatile for all foot-strike patterns and is a more well-designed and refined racing shoe. The Zegama upper feels more designed for the masses than racing. It’s also a very hefty 11.1 oz in my US 9.5.
Endorphin Edge (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): The Edge is a great shoe, but I consider it more as a lightweight short-mid distance racer. 9.2 oz is incredibly light in my size, with a solid stack of PWRRUN PB and a rocket of a carbon plate. Expect to go fast in these, and similar to the Tecton, be prepared to pay attention at all times, especially at higher speeds. I’d pick the Edge in the half marathon to marathon range on runnable to slightly moderate terrain. The Tecton is built for longer hauls.
Salomon S/LAB Genesis (RTR Review)
Mike P (9.5): A favorite of mine in technical terrain, I recently started Palisades 100M in these, but ended up switching to Tecton X 2’s for the final 40M. The terrain was extremely rocky and my feet got really beat up in the Genesis. The Tectons have more protection underfoot, especially under the forefoot. I still really like the Genesis, but I’d probably revise my recommendations on those towards slightly shorter distances (say 100K) if the terrain is really rocky (sharp rocks). May depend on your foot strength/durability though. The Genesis is surely more agile, but I’d favor the new Tecton over the 100M long haul if you need to protect your feet.
Saucony Xodus Ultra 3 (RTR Review)
Mike P (10.0): I got more training as opposed to racing vibes from the Xodus Ultra 3. The weight doesn’t help, coming in at 11.2 ounces in my US 10.0 - a full 1.5 oz heavier than the new Tecton. The ride feels smooth and stable, but there’s just nothing “special” about them. The tight, tapered toebox is also an issue, especially in comparison to the now-great toebox of the Tecton. The only comparative advantage the Saucony has is price, but $160 is not quite a deal for a training shoe.
Mike Tecton X 3 First Impressions & Initial Review Video
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15 comments:
Hello, thanks for your thorough reviews and also always including your shoe sizes and when needed reasons why you went 9.5 or 10 for this or that shoe. It is immensely helpful, I would like to encourage other reviewers not to be shy and perhaps to mention their shoe sizes as well.
Great. Thanks for the review, analysis. This is def a high-end traiI shoe. Top end trail running stresses/demands are a longer list than a high-end road shoe. Bought a pair of the current Speedland shoes - loved the details, but did not like them beyond 30 minutes. I AM really interested in off chamber/aggro/technical and climbing performance. Mike, do you have a daily traner trail shoe?
Check out my YT 1st impressions video - this shoe for me sits somewhat between a 9.5 and a 10.0 depending on usage. Definitely more volume up front than previous Tectons.
I did test/run both of the big Speedlands - TAM and PGH. I didn't like them at all. The TAM was extremely heavy, PGH a little better but still on the heavy side. Both were just massive volume-wise and felt like steering boats on the trail. Not for me. I could see them possibly being appealing for larger/heavier runners.
I don't have one daily trail trainer - I tend to mix it up between shoes that I like. A few I've been using recently - Altra Experience Wild, Topo Pursuit 2, VJ MAXx2 / Merrell Long Sky 2 (when I'm feeling quick). I usually bring the S/LAB Genesis when I'm going on a trip and I don't know what I'll get into.
I'm currently testing Adidas Agravic 3 - that's a really solid training shoe. I'm surprised I like it so much given Adidas recent history aside from the new Speed Ultra. That one will probably get added to my training rotation. I'll be working on the review this week.
Great review, Tecton x3 is now on my list for swimrun. Still very happy with my Salomon slab Genesis🙏
Not sure if this one would be a great swimrun option. Seems like too much stack for that as I assume the run distances are shorter. The S/LAB Gen gives better lockdown too, and I think the quicklace would be another advantage for adjustment along the way.
Would you stick with the same shoe size you wore for the Tecton X and X2?
Please check the YT video for more detailed analysis on the fit and sizing. They are more spacious up front than V2, but for a long ultra, I'd stick with the same size I wore in V2. I would consider sizing down though if I was using them for shorter/mid distances.
Thanks for the review. You mention the durability of the PEBA foam—how would you expect its durability to compare EVA, say to the Speedgoat 5?
Also, would you recommend this as a shoe that was not only for racing, but as another shoe in the quiver for weekly milage? For instance, doing shorter races in them every so often, but then also using them say for long runs or something where the bounce and plate might decrease fatigue (or work muscles in a different way). Is the TX3 a worthwhile addition if racing isn't the primary reason for buying it? I'm a faster runner, if that helps
Do you think this foam is too soft for faster efforts in shorter races? What's the shortest distance you'd race in this shoe?
PEBA tends to compress less over time than normal EVA - its more resilient and rebounds to its shape more quickly. EVA tends to compress and pack down over time. My experience tells me that the PEBA slab under the Tecton X should retain more of its character for longer than the SG foam.
I mentioned in my YT review - that if not for the price, I'd definitely consider the X3 as a training shoe - it's just so comfortable, light, and the gaiter is really helpful. I don't really have anything major planned the rest of this year, so I may do just that. Pile on the training miles through the winter and into next year and see how they feel then. Maybe get a fresh pair for racing next season, depending on how they're doing.
Personally, I probably wouldn't race them below 50k . Anything shorter and cushion is not too concerning - I could go with something lighter, and more agile - depending on course terrain and conditions. Ex- Catamount Agil, Pulsar, Saucony Edge, stuff like that.
But it also depends on your own ability, how fast you're going, if you're really "racing" at the front of the pack, etc. They could definitely be used for shorter stuff if you like the soft feel and you're not pushing the limits of speed/technicality. They're certainly light enough.
Does anyone has any opinion on how much the shoe retains water?
I hear that David Roche didn't like TX3 because it felt soggy after a creek crossing. He also said it stayed wet for a long time and did not drain very well.
I wonder if this is true. If yes. and what is exactly the cause? insole? midsole? or upper material?
Thank you!
azer89 - I did see that interview on CP with David Roche. Honestly in my testing I didn't notice it - meaning, it didn't strike me as any different than other shoes. Perhaps the knit collar traps humidity and makes them feel wetter inside? I'll have to try again and pay closer attention.
David also hated the knit collar, while the interviewer (and I) think it's amazing! Also, he did mention that he wore $3 Amazon socks when trying them out. So there's lots of different perspectives and variables at play. I did tend to agree with him about the Speed Ultra though - great shoe.
Hi Mike,
I’ve noticed that you and Dom have used the INOV8 Boomerang insoles in previous-generation Tectons. As someone with low-volume feet, I’m wondering if this might help me dial in the fit of the shoe. What are your thoughts on using them in the Tecton X3? Do you think it would negatively impact the ride characteristics?
Thank you!
I haven't tried those yet, but volume-wise inside the shoe, there's plenty of space for it. I usually add those to add a touch of extra cushion/comfort for very long races. The X 3's PEBA foam is soft enough that I don't think it's necessary. We'll see down the line if the foam compresses.
Using the Boomerang insole would be a little bit different in this version as the insoles' TPU would be firmer than the actual midsole foam. It's possible that it might be a good thing an additional "stabilizer" for the soft foam? Definitely something to try out if you think the foams is too soft/unstable, as I'm sure some will.
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