Alpine-tested speed: HOKA unveils the Tecton X 3

The Drop: HOKA unveiled the Tecton X 3, a trail running shoe featuring innovative parallel carbon plate technology for enhanced speed on varied terrain.

The Details: Carbon-plated speed for trail running

The Tecton X 3 is HOKA’s answer to the demand for a high-speed, high-performance trail running shoe. Named after Earth’s tectonic plates, reflecting its innovative parallel carbon plate design, this shoe is built for speed on various terrains, from technical mountain trails to fast race courses.

The Tecton X 3 features parallel carbon fiber plates for unparalleled trail speed.

Developed and tested in HOKA’s birthplace, the French Alps, the Tecton X 3 brings authentic mountain heritage to its performance. It features evolved parallel carbon fiber plate technology, a PEBA midsole, and a debris-resistant upper.

It features evolved parallel carbon fiber plate technology, a PEBA midsole, and a debris-resistant upper. With a price of $275, it’s positioned as a premium option for serious trail runners.

A knit collar gaiter keeps debris out on technical terrains.

The Tecton X 3 packs some serious tech. Its dual-layer PEBA midsole combines a softer top layer for cushioning and impact absorption with a firmer bottom layer for agility and better ground feel on technical terrain. The carbon fiber plates have been enhanced with a new winglet design that wraps up the sidewall for improved control in key areas.

The upper is designed with debris resistance in mind. A knit collar acts as a built-in gaiter, while lightweight matrix textiles and vamp create a race-ready fit. Traction has also been improved with redesigned 4mm lug shapes, repositioned for better grip, sitting atop a Vibram Megagrip outsole for durability.

Go deeper: Discover more brands like HOKA

Crafted alongside elite runners

The  journey is as impressive as its specs. HOKA Elite Athlete Jim Walmsley played a crucial role in the Tecton X 3’s development. He trained in prototypes that evolved into the Tecton X 3, eventually becoming the first American male UTMB® Champion wearing a version of the shoe and setting a new course record in the process. The Tecton X 3 will also be prominently featured at the upcoming UTMB Mont Blanc World Series, worn by HOKA elite athletes competing at the highest level.

Colin Ingram, VP of Global Product at HOKA, shares: “We leveraged learnings from one of the most technical and varied terrain trails in the sport to create our most innovative and fastest trail racing shoe yet.”

To celebrate the launch and showcase the innovation behind the Tecton X 3, HOKA is opening a FlyLab™ experience at their Base Camp in Chamonix Village during the UTMB race week, offering fans and consumers a chance to explore the shoe’s groundbreaking features up close.

Where to buy

The Tecton X 3 is available to buy on HOKA’s website and from authorized retailers worldwide. Whether you’re aiming for a podium finish or looking to push your limits on demanding trails, the Tecton X 3 offers a blend of speed, innovation, and performance for dedicated runners seeking gear that can handle technical terrains and races.