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The latest collaboration between HOKA and Australian cycling apparel brand MAAP makes a statement before you even lace up. Anchored in one of HOKA’s flagship carbon-plated trail models—the Tecton X 2 (links to my review).
This limited-edition release reimagines one of the brand’s fastest shoes with MAAP’s design-forward aesthetic, creating a piece of performance gear that feels equally at home on rugged singletrack or a city sidewalk.
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If you’re new to the Tecton X 2, it’s the shoe that, back in 2023, helped redefine what trail racing shoes could be.
Combining propulsive carbon plates with a nimble build and a sticky Vibram Megagrip outsole and the ultimate mesh upper called MATRYX, the Tecton X 2 delivers the kind of speed and control that have made it a favorite among serious trail runners.
This special MAAP edition layers on fresh visual details—reflective elements inspired by technical cycling apparel, splatter paint accents, and a distinctive limeade colorway—while keeping all the high-performance tech intact.
What makes the Tecton X 2 a special trail racing shoe?
At its core, this shoe is engineered to go fast over varied terrain. Underfoot, a dual-layer PROFLY-X midsole balances plush cushioning up top with a firmer base for responsive push-off.
Sandwiched between those foam layers are parallel carbon fiber plates, tuned to deliver an efficient, propulsive ride without feeling overly stiff—a combination that sets the Tecton X 2 apart in a market crowded with plated shoes designed primarily for the road.
The midsole sits on a Vibram® Megagrip Litebase outsole, known for its impressive blend of traction and low weight. On hard-packed dirt, loose gravel, or rocky alpine trails, it offers secure footing, while the 5mm drop keeps your foot in a more natural stance for technical descents.
Key specs include:
- Weight: 9.1 oz (US men’s 9)
- Stack Height: Moderate, with a 5mm heel-to-toe drop
- Carbon Plate: Dual parallel plates
- Outsole: Vibram® Megagrip with Litebase construction
- Upper: Lightweight Matryx® mesh for breathability and a secure hold
- Price: $230 USD – available on July 11 at maap.cc and July 15 at hoka.com
Designed for crossover appeal
While the trail performance side is undeniable, this collaboration leans into a broader idea: gear that bridges sport and lifestyle.
According to Misha Glisovic, MAAP’s Chief Creative Officer,
“We’re seeing more crossover between fashion and endurance sports, and that speaks to a broader desire to get outside and incorporate movement into our everyday lives.”
That ethos comes through in the details—reflective overlays nodding to MAAP’s cycling roots, subtle hot melt splatter graphics, and a ‘limeade’ color palette that feels equal parts trail and tarmac.
Who is this shoe for?
The Tecton X 2 is a premium, race-tuned trail shoe for runners who value speed, efficiency, and a precise fit over maximal cushioning. If you loved the performance of the original release, or have been looking to try a plated trail racer, this collaboration offers the same proven underfoot feel wrapped in a more design-driven package.
That said, while the midsole offers cushioning, it is tuned for responsiveness rather than plushness. For long ultramarathon distances where comfort over many hours is the priority, some runners may still prefer the Mafate Speed 4 or Speedgoat.
But if you’re targeting faster efforts, or PR-focused segments, the Tecton X 2 remains one of HOKA’s most compelling trail options.
Availability and launch details
The HOKA x MAAP Limited Edition Tecton X 2 will be available in limited quantities:
- Exclusive early release: July 11 at MAAP stores
- Global online release: July 15 on MAAP.cc and HOKA.com
- Retail price: $230 USD / €225 / AU$350 / £185
To mark the occasion, MAAP is hosting community events on July 12 in Melbourne, Los Angeles, and Berlin.
