Especially built for speed, stability and comfort, it won’t be surprising if the HOKA Rocket X 3 will be among the shoes used by some of the top triathletes from all over the world competing in the Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu City Cebu on Sunday.
After all, the Rocket series, made by the leading global running shoe company, has proven to be a popular choice among some of the elite campaigners in the grueling ultra-marathon, including Swiss 10-time women’s world Ironman champion Daniela Ryf.
At 36, Ryf wore the Rocket X3 prototype pair of shoes in the final leg of the swim-bike run event, boosting her to fifth overall in the 2023 edition in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, according to the respected Triathlete website.
“Wearing a pair of HOKA Rocket X3 prototype shoes—which included a new supercritical foam midsole package and a Rocket X2 upper—she moved up during the first half of the run (1:28:52 split) before slowing slightly over the second half (1:33:19),” the Triathlete report said.
The Ironman World Championship staged in the picturesque city of Nice, France last year saw six entries of the top 25 using the running wear, including British veteran Nikki Bartlett, who wore the HOKA Carbon Rocket 2 in springing to fifth place overall.
“Bartlett wore a pair of green-and-yellow HOKA Carbon Rocket 2s, a carbon-plated super shoe with a dual-density PEBA-based foam midsole that produces a bouncy, explosive, and forward-propelling sensation in each stride,” the Triathlete reported.
Given that the third and final stage – a 21.1-kilometer run – of the Ironman 70.3 more often than not separates the contenders from the also-rans, having shoes that can provide an added edge in speed and explosiveness could spell the difference, which is why the Rocket X 3 fits the bill.
“With a redesign focused on competitive performance, this shoe takes a leap forward from its predecessor by incorporating an updated carbon plate, dual-density PEBA foam and a grippy sole designed to offer confidence in every support,” it added.
Local runners were able to check out the sneakers during a clinic of HOKA Run Club at the UP Diliman track and field oval over the weekend.
“Bringing the Rocket X 3 to the Philippines is about giving Filipino athletes access to the same world-class gear trusted by global champions,” said Sharon Salvacion, HOKA Philippines Senior Marketing Manager.
“We recognize the grit and determination of the local triathlon community, and we want to equip them with footwear designed for high performance, energy return, and stability—exactly what’s needed in the final leg of a demanding race like Ironman 70.3 Cebu,” Salvacion added.
HOKA is distributed in the Philippines by Map Active and Planet Sports Inc.
