Attention trail running lovers, the news is already confirmed! HOKA has made official the launch of its renewed HOKA Tecton X 3 And what better scenario for its debut than the celebration of the mythical UTMB 2024 race, the event that every trail runner dreams of running someday. If you are one of those looking for speed and performance on the most demanding trails, do not lose detail because in RUNNEA we reveal all the "secrets" of this new model of the American company
It can be a dream come true to live and be present at the great event in Chamonix, surrounded by the Alps. With adrenaline pumping, you get ready to face one of the greatest challenges in trail running. Now, imagine having on your feet a trail runningshoe specifically designed to master those alpine trails, those brutal ascents and those technical descents that test even the most experienced runner. That's exactly what HOKA promises with this new version of the Tecton X 3.
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Go to the Shoe FinderBut let's not jump the gun. Before diving into the technical details and innovations that make these shoes stand out, it's important to understand the context in which they were born. HOKA, a brand that has always been committed to innovation and performance, has decided to raise the bar once again with these HOKA Tecton X 3 And it has done so by collaborating closely with one of the best ultrarunners in the world: Jim Walmsley .
In fact, the great Walmsley's own name is also joined by Swiss runners Jean-Philippe Tschumi and Judith Wyder; the Hungarian Eszter Csillag; the Frenchman Thibaut Garriviers; or also the Americans Adam Peterman and Hayden Hawks, among others. All of them will wear the HOKA Tecton X 3 on their feet to reach their best version in the main event of the UTMB. A challenge of 171 kilometers and 10,000 meters of positive elevation gain, which involves going around the mythical summit of Mont-Blanc crossing Italy, Switzerland and France.
HOKA has pulled out all the stops, investing time, resources and, most importantly, the expertise of elite athletes to create something truly revolutionary. That is why this new update seeks to make a quantitative and qualitative leap in terms of high performance mountain running shoes.
But what makes these shoes so special? First of all, their development. We're not talking about trail shoes designed in a lab and tested in controlled conditions. The HOKA Tecton X 3 was born in the French Alps, HOKA 's playground and one of the most challenging and demanding terrains for any mountain runner. They have been tested in real-world conditions, in demanding training and, most impressively, in high-level competitions.
"The Tecton X 3 have been tested in the Alps by HOKA's elite athlete Jim Walmsley, which was instrumental in informing our development process, as he used several versions of the shoe in his training, in his eventual victoria in the UTMB Mont Blanc race, and more recently also in the Western States 100," said Colin Ingram, HOKA's global vice president of product.
We leveraged the lessons learned on one of the most technical and varied courses in the sport to create our most innovative and fastest trail running shoe to date, and we're excited to bring it to the public to help them find their own speed on the mountain.
Tecton X 3 are HOKA 's calling card in this new era of performance trailshoes, looking to lead, innovate and set new standards for runners who want to make a difference in every race.
Now it's time to dive into the technical details that make the Tecton X 3 a unique trail runningshoe:
The heart of these shoes is their innovative dual carbon plate system. Inspired by the earth's tectonic plates - hence the original name - these plates are now wider and feature strategically distributed overhangs. The result? Exceptional control, especially on technical terrain. The idea is that the shoe responds precisely to every irregularity in the terrain. That's what this new plate system delivers.
HOKA has opted for a dual-layer PEBA foam configuration. The upper layer is softer, providing exceptional cushioning that absorbs the impact of each footstep. Underneath, a slightly firmer layer provides agility and proprioception. This combination allows runners to feel the terrain without sacrificing protection. This is the perfect balance for long distance running. A clear example can be the UTMB 2024.
The outsole is another strong point of the HOKA Tecton X 3. Once again, the American company has collaborated with Vibram to create a Vibram Megagrip outsole that offers exceptional grip on multiple surfaces. The 4-millimeter lugs have been redesigned and strategically relocated to maximize traction. Whether on wet rock, mud or grass, these shoes promise to keep you steady and sure-footed.
When it comes to the upper of the HOKA Tecton X 3, it has been completely redesigned with comfort and functionality in mind. The new knit collar functions as a sock, preventing rocks and dirt from entering the shoe. Anyone who has ever run an ultra knows how annoying it can be to have to stop to clean the inside of the shoes. This design minimizes this problem, and this demand from many trail runners.
In addition, the lacing system has been improved with a ghillie construction and lighter fabrics in the upper area. All these features contribute to a precise and personalized fit, which is essential to keep the foot stable during long hours of running.
What really sets the HOKA Tecton X 3 apart from its competition is its ability to combine speed and stability on the most technical terrain. It's true that many trail shoes you can find on the market today excel in one aspect or the other, but this third version of the Tecton X has struck an exceptional balance between the two variables.
The dual carbon plate is an innovation that few, if any, trail shoes can match. This system not only provides exceptional propulsion, but also offers stability in lateral movements that is essential for moving over uneven terrain.
Another differentiating factor is the development and testing process of these shoes. They have been created in direct collaboration with elite athletes and tested in some of the world's most demanding races. When you put on the HOKA Tecton X 3, you know you're wearing trail shoes that have proven themselves at the UTMB and Western States 100, two of the most prestigious and challenging races on the ultra trail calendar.
Versatility is another strength. While some trail shoes are specialized for a specific type of terrain or distance, Tecton X 3 have proven themselves on technical mountain trails as well as on the fastest trails. This makes them an ideal choice for runners who run and want to be protagonists in different types of races, or even train on a variety of mountain terrain.
The HOKA Tecton X 3 are designed for trail runners looking for maximum performance. They are ideal for:
If your goal is to tackle distances of 100 kilometers or more, these shoes from HOKA are an excellent choice. As we've told you, they've proven themselves in races like the UTMB and Western States 100, which speaks to their durability and long-term comfort. The cushioning and energy return they offer can be critical in the last stretches of an ultra, when every kilometer to overcome becomes a real challenge.
For those who enjoy the most challenging and demanding trails, the HOKA Tecton X 3 offers a perfect combination of grip, stability and responsiveness. The Vibram Megagrip outsole and the reconfiguration of its lugs will give you the confidence you need on rocky terrain, roots and even in wet conditions.
If your goal is to improve your times in mountain races, whether short or medium distance, these shoes can give you that extra edge. The unique parallel carbon plate technology provides propulsion that can make all the difference on steep climbs or fast sections.
For those who participate in a variety of trail events, from 20km races to ultras, the HOKA Tecton X 3 offers the versatility to adapt to different distances and terrains.
As for recommended distances, we've already made it clear that these HOKATecton X 3 are surprisingly versatile:
It is important to note that, although they are high performance shoes, they can also be an excellent choice for demanding workouts. Their durability and protection make them suitable for long sessions in the mountains, allowing you to simulate racing conditions in your most intensive workouts.
Thus, the HOKA Tecton X 3 makes its grand debut on the most prestigious stage of world trail running: the UTMB Mont Blanc World Series in Chamonix (France). We've already told you that this launch couldn't be more timely, as HOKA' s elite athletes will be wearing these innovative shoes while competing in one of the most iconic events on the international mountain running calendar.
But HOKA is not content to let only its professional runners enjoy this revolutionary technology. The American brand inaugurates its FlyLab experience to bring innovation to all trail enthusiasts. It is an exclusive space dedicated to the HOKA Tecton X 3 This experience laboratory will be strategically located in the HOKA Base Camp, located in Chamonix.
From Tuesday, August 27 to Friday, August 30, trail running enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the universe of the HOKA Tecton X 3 They will be able to take a closer look at its cutting-edge technologies that make these shoes HOKA 's most significant launch in the trail category to date. It's an open invitation to all runners, from curious beginners to seasoned veterans, to discover how these shoes can transform their mountain experience.
In this sense, what HOKA has achieved with this new Tecton X 3 update is to create a mountain running shoe that redefines what is possible in high-performance trail running. They have achieved the difficult balance between lightness and protection, between speed and stability. They are shoes that give you the confidence to attack the technical descents and the propulsion to run faster on the uphill sections.
But beyond the technical features, what really makes these shoes special is the experience they promise. Imagine feeling fresh and agile after hours of running, able to maintain good technique even when fatigue starts to take its toll. That's what HOKATecton X 3 deliver: the ability to take your trail performance to a new dimension.
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