Running shoes with a carbon plate from Hoka One One, does it exist? Yes!
The running shoe manufacturer from the USA, which originally became known for running shoes that were visibly superior to other running shoes in terms of cushioning comfort, has also launched its first running shoes in 2019 that incorporate a carbon plate, just like the running shoes of competing brands. This is an exciting development, especially when you consider that Hoka One One went against the trend towards minimalist shoes with its running shoes at the beginning of the last decade.

Almost ten years later, the range of the brand, which originated in Annecy, France, has changed. It has become broader and, in the view of many buyers, better. It is therefore not surprising that the Hoka One One Evo Carbon Rocket and the Hoka One One Carbon X are now two exciting running shoes with a built-in carbon plate. We at Running Warehouse Europe also quickly became aware of the innovative shoes. Over the past few months I have tested the Hoka One One Evo Carbon Rocket extensively. From casual endurance runs and competitions to runs off the beaten track, I've put it through its paces. You can read my conclusion in the following.

With a weight of 215 grams (size 42.5), the Evo Carbon Rocket weighs 34 grams less than the Carbon X and is therefore even more designed for fast competitions. The very good running feeling, which I had already noticed during endurance runs and several interval units, was confirmed immediately during its first competition use, a 5-kilometre run in Glasgow. Thanks to the carbon plate, we can speak of a springy impression behaviour that minimises energy loss. This helps, of course, especially in competitions when a fast time is required. There is also an above-average propulsion.

The design of the Evo Carbon Rocket, which is available in several colours, is quite simple but appeals to me. The open but stable mesh provides good air circulation for additional comfort. Similar to older shoes in the Clifton range and shoes with carbon plates from other manufacturers, the shoe shows signs of wear after just a few training sessions. These were even more visible on the Hoka One One Clifton 2 and Clifton 4, for example, but can still be considered a weakness of the Evo Carbon Rocket, which I would rate overall as one of the best Hoka One One running shoes I have worn in recent years.

From my point of view, the shoe is comparatively large, so that you can take half a size smaller instead of your normal running shoe size. In my case, this was the right decision. Women should pay particular attention to the shoe size, as the shoe is a unisex running shoe. Like me, many runners will probably want to use this shoe primarily for fast endurance runs, intervals and competitions. I can definitely recommend them for this. Up to the half marathon distance, medium to fast runners will have fun with the Hoka One One Evo Carbon Rocket. For longer distances, it depends on the level of cushioning the runner prefers. Personally, I could imagine running a marathon with the Evo Carbon Rocket, but before that I would test it in a half marathon and training runs that go beyond this distance. Finally, when you put on your running shoes on the day of the marathon, you should have a good feeling that you have chosen the right shoes to run 42.195 kilometres at the end of a long preparation.

For more information and a video on the shoe, visit Running Warehouse Europe, where the Hoka One One Evo Carbon Rocket is also available: Go to Evo Carbon Rocket!

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