Tecton X 3

Yes, it fits true to size for most runners, so order your usual Hoka trail length. The fit is performance-focused with a secure midfoot and a moderate toe box rather than a roomy one. If you have wide feet or expect a lot of forefoot swelling over ultra distance, going up a half size gives you more room up front. For racing we would keep it snug so the foot stays locked in on descents and sharp turns.

Yes, ultra racing is exactly what it is built for. The high-stack cushioning protects your legs deep into a long event, while the carbon plate keeps you propulsive when tired legs would otherwise slow down. At 252g it is light enough that the climbs do not drain you. It is a specialist race shoe rather than an all-day cruiser, so we would save it for events and fast efforts rather than every training run.

Not really. This is a premium carbon racer, and at £220 it is a lot of shoe for someone new to trail running. The firm, plated ride feels stiff and muted at the easy paces most beginners spend their time at, and the tall platform asks more of your ankles on technical ground. A newer runner is better served by a cushioned, stable daily trail trainer first, then adding a race shoe like this once they are chasing times off-road.

Both are carbon-plated trail racers aimed at the same fast, long-distance runner, so it often comes down to fit and feel. The Nike Ultrafly is the closest direct rival in our catalogue. We would try both on and, where you can, run in them, since lockdown and the shape of the platform vary between brands. Check current prices on both, because at this end of the market a good deal can make the decision for you.

Treat it as a race-day and fast-training shoe rather than a daily workhorse. The light, thin upper is built for speed, so it trades some long-term structure and durability for low weight. The outsole holds up well on mixed trail, but the whole shoe is tuned for performance over longevity. To get the most life out of a £220 racer, rotate it with a more rugged daily trainer and save the Tecton X 3 for the sessions where its speed actually pays off.