HOKA Skyward X 2 vs Saucony Triumph 24

HOKA Skyward X 2

+ Praised

A smooth, rockered max-stack cruiser that protects tired legs over long easy and steady runs; it is heavy and demands a heel or midfoot strike.

Saucony Triumph 24

+ Praised

Light and lively for its size, with a smooth rocker that keeps easy miles and long runs comfortable; a few find it sinks into the foam and loses snap once the pace lifts.

HOKA Skyward X 2

+ Praised

The tall PEBA and EVA stack delivers outstanding impact protection and a trampoline-like feel without the mushiness of the first version.

Saucony Triumph 24

+ Praised

Deep, plush protection that stays supportive well into long runs, and it bounces back rather than feeling like a marshmallow.

HOKA Skyward X 2

± Divisive

The premium jacquard mesh is comfortable, secure and reasonably breathable, but the toe box is narrow and low-volume.

Saucony Triumph 24

± Divisive

Padded, breathable and roomy for most, but a couple of reviewers find the forefoot tapered or the toe box shallow, and two hit an insole squeak.

HOKA Skyward X 2

+ Praised

Outsole rubber and midsole hold up well over long mileage, though the heel padding is a weak point in lab tests.

Saucony Triumph 24

+ Praised

Generous rubber coverage and little visible wear in long-term testing, with most expecting several hundred miles.

HOKA Skyward X 2

+ Praised

Wet and dry road traction is confident, but the central cutout picks up rocks on gravel.

Saucony Triumph 24

+ Praised

Sure-footed on dry and damp roads, and lab traction testing lands well above average.

HOKA Skyward X 2

+ Praised

A very wide platform, carbon plate and high sidewalls make the tall stack unusually stable for neutral runners.

Saucony Triumph 24

± Divisive

The wide platform and sidewalls mostly keep the very soft midsole in check, but reviewers split: several call it stable for a neutral shoe, while others find the heel wobbly and rate it less stable than the Triumph 23.

HOKA Skyward X 2

± Divisive

At $225 it is expensive and limited to easy and steady paces, though reviewers see fair value for the cushioning and stability.

Saucony Triumph 24

± Divisive

Many think $170 is fair for premium foam at this weight, but a sizeable minority call it steep for a daily trainer, especially next to cheaper rivals.