TEST
Laura has been in love with her Rockets for months
HOKA Rocket X 3
£220 / hoka.com
I first put these shoes on for a 5K race back in July, and they’re still one of my favourite pairs of shoes. Carbon race shoes and my feet don’t always get on over longer distances – I’ve regretted wearing pairs for marathons and nearly thrown them into the crowd – but I can say that my feet love the HOKA Rocket X 3 over a half marathon. They stayed comfortable throughout as well as doing the job that they were intended for: giving me a race-day boost. The shoe is incredibly light and has a lovely feel to it when you run. The dual-density PEBA foam offers a balance of softness and snap, and the upper feels light yet supportive. While not as aggressive as some carbon-plated shoes, it’s more comfortable and easier to run in than others.