HOKA has opened a new chapter in trail running innovation with the introduction of its latest performance trail shoe, the Tecton X 3. This shoe has already made waves in the competitive running scene, most notably powering athlete Jim Walmsley to victory at the 2023 UTMB, where he set a new record. Inspired by tectonic plates, the Tecton X 3’s double carbon-plate design demonstrates HOKA’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of how shoes are made.
The Tecton X 3 was developed with input from elite athletes, including Jim Walmsley, who wore a prototype during training and racing. Walmsley’s feedback was instrumental in refining the performance of the shoe, resulting in a model that combines speed, comfort and stability on a variety of terrains.
“The Tecton X 3 was tested in the Alps, and elite HOKA athlete, Jim Walmsley, played a crucial role in bringing his expertise to our development process. He wore different versions of the shoe during his training, his victory at the UTMB Mont-Blanc, and more recently, at the Western States 100. We drew on the lessons of one of the sport’s most technical and varied trails to create our most innovative and fastest trail running shoe to date. We’re thrilled to introduce it to the public to help them find their own speed on the trails,” says Colin Ingram, Vice President of Global Product at HOKA.
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The HOKA Tecton X 3 features several improvements over its predecessors. The midsole is constructed of two layers of PEBA foam: a softer top layer for superior cushioning and shock absorption, and a slightly firmer bottom layer for improved proprioception and agility on technical trails. The propulsive carbon fiber parallel plates have been upgraded with fins that are wider and strategically placed along the sidewalls for added support and control.
The upper of the HOKA Tecton X 3 has been redesigned with a new mesh strap that acts as a gaiter to prevent debris from entering the shoe. The ghillie lace construction and lightweight textile parts provide an optimal fit for comfort during the most intense runs. In addition, the 4mm lugs on the Vibram Megagrip outsole have been redesigned and repositioned to provide superior grip and traction compared to the previous model.
Designed and tested in the French Alps, the birthplace of the HOKA brand, the Tecton X 3 embodies HOKA’s commitment to innovation and its roots in trail running. This shoe is designed to help runners perform at their best, whether they are tackling technical mountain trails or competing in speed-oriented races.
The HOKA Tecton X 3 is available now for €250 at HOKA.com and authorized HOKA retailers worldwide.
