Best grip, maximum suspension and carbon-driven speed: The latest performance trail shoe from HOKA — the Tecton X 3 — is at the forefront of trail running models with its innovations.

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The Tecton X 3 impresses with its advanced parallel carbon plate technology and PEBA midsole, abrasion-resistant outer material and proven success in competition use.

The inspiration for the brand's latest trail model was provided by HOKA elite athlete Jim Walmsley with his training to become the first male American UTMB champion and set a new track record in prototypes. The new HOKA Tecton X 3 was created from this prototype.

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The Tecton X series is named after Earth's tectonic plates, which inspired the design of the parallel, double carbon fiber plates and have since changed the world of trail running and helped athletes reach new heights.

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The new Tecton X 3 features a fast running profile on all types of terrain. The shoe helps runners to be fast, whether on technically demanding mountain trails or merciless competition routes.

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The trail shoe was developed and tested in the French Alps, the birthplace of HOKA. The Tecton X 3 is a prime example of how the brand develops innovations for the future without losing sight of its origins.

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“The Tecton X3 was tested in the Alps, and key insights for the development process come from HOKA elite athlete Jim Walmsley. He wore different versions of the shoe during his training, his eventual win in the UTMB Mont Blanc Race and most recently in the Western States 100,” says Colin Ingram, Vice President of Global Product at HOKA.

“We have used experience from one of the sport's most technical and varied routes to develop our most innovative and fastest trail competition shoe to date. Now we're looking forward to making it available to the public so everyone can find their own best speed on the trails.”

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The Tecton X 3 features an improved midsole with two layers of PEBA foam, with the softer upper layer absorbing impact and an underlying slightly firmer layer providing agility and depth sensitivity on technical terrain.

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The driving, parallel carbon fiber plates were further developed. The now wider plates are now equipped with winglets, i.e. small angled wing tips, which wind up the side wall to guarantee additional stability in key areas.

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A new knitted collar made from the outer material acts as a gaiter and prevents debris from penetrating the shoe. The ghillie lacing, lightweight matrix textiles and outer material ensure a competition-ready fit that is ideal for demanding days on the trails. In addition, the 4 millimeter lugs have been redesigned and positioned to ensure even better traction and grip on the Vibram Megagrip outsole.

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The Tecton X 3 comes on the market in time for the UTMB Mont Blanc World Series and is worn by HOKA elite athletes who compete at the highest level in Chamonix.

To celebrate the launch and UTMB, HOKA is opening its FlyLab Experience at HOKA Base Camp in Chamonix, which is dedicated to Tecton X 3 and is open from Tuesday to Friday during the competition week. Here, interested parties and fans of the sport and the brand can find out more about the innovations behind HOKA's most advanced trail model to date.

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There will be a limited edition of the Tecton X 3 in Colourway Black/ Blue, which will be launched during competition week on August 28. It is available to HOKA athletes and can be purchased at the HOKA exhibition.

The HOKA Tecton X in Stormy Skies/Cerise is already available.

If we have sparked your interest in the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, you can read our report about the UTMB 2022.

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Photos via HOKA

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