HOKA Mafate X vs Rocket X Trail

Mafate X or Rocket X Trail? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want maximum cushion with a plate for long, smooth trails? Get the Mafate X.

Want super-shoe speed on smooth trails? Get the Rocket X Trail.

Get the Mafate X if

You want the softer, more cushioned ride
You want more foam underfoot (7mm more at the heel)
Long runs are your thing
You need a roomier fit

Get the Rocket X Trail if

You like a firmer, more stable feel
You want something for race day
You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
You have slimmer feet and like a snug fit

On the run

Mafate X: Sky-high, plated trail cushion. Massive cushion (nearly 50mm) with lively PEBA foam and a plate, plus a wide footprint that makes it surprisingly stable. Very heavy and too tall for technical terrain.

Rocket X Trail: A road super shoe for the trails. Explosive and well cushioned, with a carbon plate and high energy return. Built for fast running on gravel and smooth singletrack, not steep, rocky ground.

Specs side by side

	Mafate X	Rocket X Trail
Price	$225	$249.95
Stack height (heel / forefoot)	49 / 41mm*	42 / 36mm*
Drop	7mm	6mm
Weight, men’s	12.1 oz	9.45 oz
Weight, women’s	10.3 oz	8 oz
Support	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	Carbon plate	Carbon plate
Widths	Standard	Standard
Built for	Trails, Long runs	Trails, Race day, Tempo & workouts
Expected life	400–500 miles	250–350 miles

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Mafate X. Runs slightly short, so consider a half size up. Roomy, but heel lockdown could be better.

Rocket X Trail. Runs about a half size short, so go up a half. Snug and secure; not for wide feet.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.