Beat down, downtrodden and heartbroken. It was early February and I'd just finished countless rainy laps of Dulwich Park in preparation for the London Marathon. Not only was I sore and soaked, it was at this very moment that I knew it was time to lay my favourite shoes to rest.

My beloved Hoka Rocket X2's (or Rocket Rockets as I called them) got me through well over 500km, and brought me fresh PB's in the 5km, 10km and Half Marathon distance.

So now the search was on to find new carbon racers in time for the London Marathon and since I was in the fortunate position of working at Runlimited I got to try a bunch.

The new shoes I ending up choosing to race in (which I won't name here) were O.K. They offered a similar stable to ride to the Rocket Rocket's but just lacked the snappy propulsion and light ride of the Hoka's. The search was still on.

When news broke of the Hoka Rocket X3 dropping I was full of excitement and trepidation in equal measures. Could they live up to the Rocket Rocket's? Would that glove like fit be replicated? I'd tested so many carbon racers over the last few months (too heavy, too bouncy, too aggressive, not aggressive enough?) and there had been some great options but none that felt quite right.

When I finally tried on the Hoka Rocket X3's (naturally, the Rocket Rocket Rocket), I'm not going to lie, the size 9.5 that I wore in the previous edition felt small. Not a great start. Once I sized up half a size it was like putting on that famous glass slipper. The fit was chef's kiss and once I got them on the road, I slipped into that lovely old rhythm again. If you liked the X2's then you will love the 3's.

Light under-foot, the Rocket Rocket Rocket is a quick nimble shoe that's both stable and easy to turn over. While not the 'bounciest' or most 'aggressive' racing shoe, I feel that Hoka have got the balance just right.

7mm of drop on top of Hoka's patented Meta-rocker keeps that nice snap-and-roll feeling. Dual-density PEBA Foam feels bouncy enough, but doesn't sacrifice that aggressive feeling by being too soft. Another update is the winglets for added stability, meaning you never have that wobbly feeling of some super-shoes.

On my second wear, I was a proud new owner of a 5km PB.  

One of my biggest takeaways from trying a broad range of racing shoes. Was that the fit is almost the most important detail. For me, the Adidas Pro 4 and Vaporfly 4 are too narrow. The Rocket X3 has a slightly wider toe box which fits me perfectly.

Drop into to Runlimited to try them on and you too might have that Cinderella moment!

Great for:

Those looking for a durable racer that gives a less bouncy, more snappy ride or for those who might need a bit more stability for added confidence and protection on race-day.

Verdict:

The ideal all-round racer - aggressive enough for the 5k, sturdy and comfy enough for the marathon.

£220

Available in: White-BLack

Weight: 227g*

Drop: 7mm

Support: Neutral (RAce day)

Available in-store and online at runlimited.co/

*Weight based on a UK size 8.

Kurt racing in his trusty Rocket X 2.