carbon quest unfinished hoka carbon x

How is HOKA? Is it HOKA ONE ONE?

It's great, an excellent brand for racing shoes! Do you know about Hoka One One's carbon plate running shoe, Carbon X?

Yes, I'm currently testing it.

How are the shoes?

Don't rush, let me explain slowly.

 Anyone familiar with HOKA knows that HOKA's running shoes always have distinctive family traits—the thick sole makes the shoes look bulky at first glance, but once you put them on, you can't help but praise: They're so damn light, and the feel is amazing!

The full carbon plate running shoe, CARBON X, is just such a shoe. It maintains the rich HOKA family style, yet has some different details. Upon release, it received rave reviews!

The good reviews stem from good results. For example, after Guan Yousheng wore the CARBON X, he soon achieved a personal best, with his performance steadily improving.

If I were to describe CARBON X in one word, I think 'Born Different' fits quite well.

 The CARBON X I received is in blue-gray and red, with a fresh and stylish overall design that aligns perfectly with its lightweight racing shoe positioning.

The treatment of the CARBON X upper looks simple but hides many details. The entire upper is made of a thin layer of engineered mesh, which fits closely to the foot when worn. The inner side of the shoe chamber is lined with a circle of thermoplastic material to prevent the forefoot from collapsing.

The upper also has multiple ventilation holes, which are very beneficial for dissipating heat during long-distance running and sweating.

The tongue is not designed as a separate piece; it extends from the inner midsole of the running shoe to the outer midsole, facilitating better foot position locking, showing the meticulous design of this shoe.

 The midsole of CARBON X uses a material called PROFLY X, which combines different foams in a special geometric structure, making it soft to the touch and extremely elastic.

The material of the CARBON X outsole is different from the midsole. The midsole is soft, while the outsole has a certain hardness, using a whole piece of full-length rubber. Additionally, diagonal cuts of varying depths are added to the sides, greatly enhancing the shoe's anti-slip performance.

The carbon plate is located in the interlayer between the midsole and the outsole. Through the hollowed-out bottom, you can see that the carbon plate is not a straight piece but has a certain curvature. The curved part is on the side of the forefoot, facilitating a smooth transition when the runner steps.

Here, let me also explain the function of the carbon plate. Adding a carbon fiber plate to a running shoe can reduce the weight of the shoe while providing sufficient stability, support, and shock absorption.

 After getting these shoes, I tried running several dozen kilometers. The most noticeable feeling is the drop from heel to toe and the raised heel position, which guides me to land on my forefoot, improving my pace. Even when accelerating suddenly, CARBON X does not have the intense pain and shock of typical running shoes. Instead, due to its excellent cushioning, the steps are more stable, the force is more evenly distributed, and the feedback of each step is very smooth.

Additionally, the CARBON X has a spacious toe design, providing enough room for the feet, eliminating the need for a break-in period that could cause potential compression injuries.

Overall, CARBON X is a racing shoe that exceeded my expectations. With top-notch cushioning and carbon plate support, it can enhance the rebound effect of the shoe and reduce energy loss. Of course, the biggest drawback is that it is not resistant to dirt. However, for an excellent racing shoe, making the most of it is the best respect you can give it!