HOKA Rocket X Trail vs Rocket X 3

Rocket X Trail or Rocket X 3? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

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

Want a durable super shoe for the marathon? Get the Rocket X 3.

Get the Rocket X Trail if

You’re heading off-road
You need a touch more room than the Rocket X 3 gives

Get the Rocket X 3 if

You want more bounce and energy back
Long runs are your thing
You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.4 oz

On the run

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.

Rocket X 3: The durable, marathon-ready super shoe. Responsive PEBA foam over a full-length, stiff carbon plate with an aggressive rocker. Stable and comfortable for a racer, but heavier and less explosive than the fastest super shoes.

Specs side by side

	Rocket X Trail	Rocket X 3
Price	$249.95	$250
Stack height (heel / forefoot)	42 / 36mm*	40 / 33mm*
Drop	6mm	7mm
Weight, men’s	9.45 oz	8 oz
Weight, women’s	8 oz	Not listed by HOKA
Support	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	Carbon plate	Carbon plate
Widths	Standard	Standard
Built for	Trails, Race day, Tempo & workouts	Race day, Tempo & workouts, Long runs
Expected life	250–350 miles	300–400 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

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

Rocket X 3. Runs slightly short, so if you’re between sizes, go up a half. The toebox is tight and tapered.

Try them on

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