Why I wanted the HOKA Skyward X
I have been watching the Tokyo running scene closely since the start of 2026, and the 'super trainer' trend is impossible to ignore. Specifically, the HOKA Skyward X has become the must-have shoe for marathon prep. After seeing several runners at the 2026 Tokyo Marathon clocking incredible recovery miles in these, I knew I needed a pair for my own training in the Netherlands. The Skyward X combines a massive stack of PEBA foam with a carbon plate, making it feel aggressive yet forgiving.
I checked [popular products](https://www.comgateway.com/trends/) on various [us trends](https://www.comgateway.com/trends/) lists and confirmed that while the shoe is available globally, the US inventory is far superior. I didn't want the standard colors available in European shops; I wanted the 'Lettuce/Cloudless' colorway that is currently a US exclusive. We runners in Amsterdam often have to settle for basic palettes, but I decided to look elsewhere.
The US versus Netherlands availability gap
My search through local Dutch retailers was disappointing. Not only was the 'Lettuce/Cloudless' variant missing, but the wide-width options (2E and 4E) were almost non-existent. For a shoe that relies on a perfect fit for its high-performance cushioning, compromising on width wasn't an option for me. I found that US retailers like HOKA.com (US) and specialized running stores in the States had full size runs and all widths available for immediate dispatch.
You might also like to read more: [Why must Dutch runners act immediately to secure the latest Hoka Skyward X colorways from US retailers?](https://www.comgateway.com/blogs/why-must-dutch-runners-act-immediately-to-secure-the-latest-hoka-skyward-x-colorways-from-us-retailers) I realized that if I waited for a local restock, I might be waiting until the end of the 2026 season. My goal was to get them on my feet within two weeks.
My fastest buying strategy
I didn't waste time trying to find a Dutch shop that might ship them. I went straight to an [international shipping service](https://www.comgateway.com/international-shipping/) to facilitate the purchase. I used [comGateway](https://www.comgateway.com) because they provided me with a [tax-free us address](https://www.comgateway.com), which meant I didn't have to pay US sales tax at the point of purchase. This is a huge advantage when you [shop us store](https://www.comgateway.com) sites for high-end gear.
I simply placed my order on the US HOKA site and used my assigned US address for delivery. Once the shoes arrived at the warehouse, I was ready to [shop us ship international](https://www.comgateway.com/international-shipping/) to my home in the Netherlands. Before I committed, I made sure to check the [shipping rules](https://www.comgateway.com/blogs/category/prohibited-items/) and [restricted goods](https://www.comgateway.com/blogs/category/prohibited-items/) list just to be safe, though running shoes are generally straightforward.
Shipping Estimates and Logistics
For those of you looking to replicate my process, I’ve broken down the logistics of the HOKA Skyward X box. This will help you [estimate shipping cost](https://www.comgateway.com/calculator/) before you buy.
| Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs) |
| Box Dimensions | 35cm x 25cm x 13cm (Medium) |
| Volumetric Warning | Low. While the box is sturdy, it is not excessively large compared to its weight. |
| Battery Check | No lithium batteries included. Standard shipping applies. |
I used the [shipping calculator](https://www.comgateway.com/calculator/) provided by my [freight forwarder](https://www.comgateway.com) to see how the weight would impact my total. Because shoes are relatively light, the [international shipping rates](https://www.comgateway.com/shipping_rates/) were quite reasonable. I always recommend checking [shipping fees](https://www.comgateway.com/shipping_rates/) for different courier options like DHL or FedEx to see which offers the best balance of speed and cost for the Netherlands.
Calculating the total cost
I know what you are thinking: is it really cheaper to import from the US? In my case, even with the [international shipping](https://www.comgateway.com/shipping_rates/) and Dutch VAT/import duties, I still came out ahead. More importantly, I actually got the shoes I wanted in the correct size. Read more: [Is your Dutch running club wrong about the cost of US HOKA Skyward X imports?](https://www.comgateway.com/blogs/is-your-dutch-running-club-wrong-about-the-cost-of-us-hoka-skyward-x-imports)
When the shoes arrived in the Netherlands, I had to pay the 21% VAT and a small administrative fee to the courier. However, because I used a tax-free US address, I saved about 7-10% on the initial US purchase price. Read more: [Actually shipping the Hoka Skyward X from the US to the Netherlands saves you €85](https://www.comgateway.com/blogs/actually-shipping-the-hoka-skyward-x-from-the-us-to-the-netherlands-saves-you-85). This makes the US-to-NL route surprisingly competitive.
Final thoughts on my US purchase
My HOKA Skyward X arrived in Amsterdam just nine days after I ordered them from the US store. The 'Lettuce/Cloudless' colorway looks even better in person, and the 2E width fits my foot perfectly. If I had stayed within the Dutch retail system, I would still be refreshing websites for a restock that might never include the exclusive colors. By using a reliable forwarder, I took control of my gear and got exactly what I needed for the 2026 season. If you are a serious runner, don't let geography limit your choices.
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