I’ve been a huge fan of the Vaporfly 4% but tend to side with Slowman in regards to it not having enough support for a full Ironman. Yes, I’ve purchased the NEXT% and still didn’t think it was enough for the last 10 miles of an IM.
Anyway, I just purchased the Carbon X and like them but they definitely don’t have the same amount of forgiveness (ie. softness/rebound) that the Vaporfly foam has, which concerns me that my legs will be smashed after a couple hours of running.
My buddy ran in them for Roth this year; he used to rock fulls with bondis. He felt they were ok for the distance, but did comment that a bit more cushion would’ve made the experience better. FWIW
My buddy ran in them for Roth this year; he used to rock fulls with bondis. He felt they were ok for the distance, but did comment that a bit more cushion would’ve made the experience better. FWIW
That is certainly a big drop in cushion from Bondi to Carbon X. Did he run ‘well’ in comparison?
It’s the lower drop of 5 mm that appeals to me with the Hoka. I had not run in anything other than zero drop for about 5 years until a few sessions and a 70.3 with the Next% and I just can’t figure out how to use my ankles and calves correctly with that 8 mm drop. My quads are getting demolished when I wear those Nikes. I wasn’t really any faster in the 70.3 than with my Escalantes, but my quads were in rough shape. Legs buckling the last mile and sore to the touch for 5 days after.
I suppose the EVO Carbon Rocket at 1 mm is also tempting. I have no idea if the same energy return exists though. Just about anything has got to be faster than squishy Escalantes (or most other Altra shoes), but I suppose there’s value and speed in something that your body is used to and doesn’t break down.
I’ve got no experience to offer, but I’m thinking about buying a pair of the Hoka Carbon X for Kona this year. I’ve been running all previous IM’s in Hoka Cliftons and just did my latest in the Clifton 5 at about 3:31. I’d love to hear about the experience of other people also in HIM or full IM, but I mostly just saw VaporFlys at Lake Placid…
I have been running in Cliftons exclusively for more than five years. I bought the Carbons at the expo in Roth last month and raced in them after a 15 minute test run. I NEVER take risks on race day - this was a huge leap of faith for me.
Thankfully it all worked out. I PB’d my run by 5 minutes (my 11th full IM) and I had less post-race leg soreness/fatigue than usual. The Carbons definitely have a different feel - but I found I got used to it after about 1km.
These are now my go-to race shoes. I am excited to wear them in Kona this year.
I have been running in Cliftons exclusively for more than five years. I bought the Carbons at the expo in Roth last month and raced in them after a 15 minute test run. I NEVER take risks on race day - this was a huge leap of faith for me.
Thankfully it all worked out. I PB’d my run by 5 minutes (my 11th full IM) and I had less post-race leg soreness/fatigue than usual. The Carbons definitely have a different feel - but I found I got used to it after about 1km.
These are now my go-to race shoes. I am excited to wear them in Kona this year.
This is very helpful. Can I ask what your run time was?
I ran a 3:37 - previous best was 3:41 and change (F55-59).
I have tried all the other Hokas but don’t like any as much as the Clifton 1’s. I have a secret stash…(and want more!)
You should really track down the Rincon then… LOTS of reviews saying its the updated Clifton 1… in a good way!
I need to try them as well but I LOVE the rocker feel you get from the carbon plate (in both the Carbon X and Vaporfly). It just makes my transition feel so much easier and think that’ll pay the biggest dividends in an Ironman.
I have been training in Carbon X’s and I like them so far. I don’t have any times to throw out really. I did a 1/2 marathon training run a couple weeks ago and just tested Marathon pace, and set a new 1/2 PR for myself on that run, but I honestly attribute that to my increased fitness, as I am still new to triathlon training.
I did all my racing and training in clifton’s the past two years. Got a pair of the X’s before a 10k this summer and did pretty good in it. It’s hard to say I ran faster than normal, because overall my time was “slow” but the course was a difficult one and it was in the middle of the summer. Effort wise I didn’t feel like I had to bury myself for that result.
Did a HIM in them two weeks ago. Last year I ran around 7 min/mile in clifton’s on that course (70F/92%RH) and this year I was around 6:45 in the X’s (69F/83%RH) so the weather was slightly more favorable this year. Bike split/power was relatively the same. I do feel like I’m running better this year though so I’m not sure how much you can attribute to the shoes. I’m going to do another HIM in them Saturday and then IMchoo.
I did all my racing and training in clifton’s the past two years. Got a pair of the X’s before a 10k this summer and did pretty good in it. It’s hard to say I ran faster than normal, because overall my time was “slow” but the course was a difficult one and it was in the middle of the summer. Effort wise I didn’t feel like I had to bury myself for that result.
That’s exactly how I feel with Vaporfly. I do have a pair of Carbon X, but I haven’t tried them yet. I’ve noticed Heather Jackson’s run has been much better since she started using Carbon X.
I ran a 3:37 - previous best was 3:41 and change (F55-59).
I have tried all the other Hokas but don’t like any as much as the Clifton 1’s. I have a secret stash…(and want more!)
You should really track down the Rincon then… LOTS of reviews saying its the updated Clifton 1… in a good way!
I need to try them as well but I LOVE the rocker feel you get from the carbon plate (in both the Carbon X and Vaporfly). It just makes my transition feel so much easier and think that’ll pay the biggest dividends in an Ironman.
In no way is the Rincon a update of the C1. Rincon is most closely related to the Clayton 2 but without the arch irritation. They are a nice shoe but don’t have that Clifton plushness. The Carbon X to my feet is a softer, more forgiving ride than the Rincon.
The one to watch for will be the Skechers Speed Elite…carbon plate nestled amongst the HyberBurst foam.
I’m excited to try the Speed Elite but I’ve found almost all Skechers to be wobbly and unsupportive. Love their cushion but I never seem to grab them for runs. I always seem to grab heavier more supportive shoes even in training. (And I have A LOT of shoes to choose from)
Yeah Skechers are heavy and squishy…I loved them at first until I was running a lot and then felt they were too squishy. I like the lightness of the On Running shoes but I find the clouds good for walking but not for more than 10k for me.
Yeah Skechers are heavy and squishy…I loved them at first until I was running a lot and then felt they were too squishy. I like the lightness of the On Running shoes but I find the clouds good for walking but not for more than 10k for me.
Which model? The carbon plate in the speed elite should make it firmer