Hoka Cielo X1 Review

The Hoka Cielo X1 seemingly popped out of nowhere, but when I heard about it, I was excited to try it. Hoka really kept it under wraps until its debut at the marathon trials. What is the Hoka Cielo X1? It’s a brand new super shoe designed for the 10k to the marathon. It is a “legal” racing shoe, and what I mean by that is that the stack height is 40 mm and below. We’ve seen several carbon-plated shoes come in above that 40 mm point (like the Saucony Kinvara Pro), and while more can be better, elites cannot race in anything above 40 mm (although anyone winning prizes/prize money technically should not either). Anyway, before trying the Cielo X1, I had a few questions:

• Is the Hoka Cielo X1 good? Yes, in my opinion, it’s the best carbon-plated shoe yet.
• Is the Hoka Cielo X1 fast? Yes, it’s Hoka’s fastest model.
• How does the Hoka Cielo X1 compare to the Hoka Rocket X2? There is more cushion and more responsiveness in the Cielo X1. It’s a faster shoe.

Hoka Cielo X1 Quick Facts:

Weight: W8: 7.4 oz. / M10: 9.3 oz.

Drop: 7 mm

Price: $275

Hoka Cielo X1 Introduction:

With all of the carbon-plated shoes Hoka has, was the Hoka Cielo X1 necessary? I think so. Hoka has really improved with their carbon-plated models in the last two years, but they haven’t had one that is able to compete with the heaviest hitters in the carbon plate world. The Rocket X2 is close, but wasn’t quite there. Well, never fear, the Cielo X1 is good. And I mean really good.

Why trust me? I worked the floor of run specality for 8+ years and I’ve fit over 1000 people for running shoes. I still have my hand in the running industry and objectively know running shoes.

Hoka Cielo X1 Fit:

Right off the bat, you look at the Cielo X1 and you’re like, that’s an interesting shoe. The colors. The design. Everything, the Cielo X1 stands out. But maybe that’s what Hoka wanted. A shoe people saw winning road races and thought”man, what the heck is that.”

Hoka has always fit slightly wider, and the Hoka Cielo X1 is no different. I was curious to see how the Hoka Cielo X1 racing shoe would do. It features an asymmetrical gusseted knit tongue and a knit upper and collar. Honestly, this upper was super interesting to me because it really does feel like a sock sliding onto your feet and not a constricting upper like you see in many racing shoes. It fits and feels good, and I haven’t had any issues. Living in the Mojave Desert, breathability is always a concern, but the Cielo X1 breathes really well.

The best running shoes disappear off your feet, and the Hoka Cielo X1 does just that. I don’t have any hot spots, and the shoe just feels good. It was comfortable the first time I put it on my feet with no periods of break-in or getting used to. The knit upper may compress wider feet more. I haven’t had any issues, but I think if you are used to wearing a wide Hoka shoe, you might need to size a half size up. Another random note, the shoelaces do feel

As far as fit in running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide, and I’ve found the women’s size 11 to fit the best. I don’t have any issues with any part of the fit.

Hoka Cielo X1 Ride:

The Cielo X1 features a resilient two-layer PEBA midsole designed to be soft and bouncy with a high energy return. The Cielo X1 is the most rockered and cushioned of any Hoka racing shoe to date. Honestly, it’s probably the most rockered shoe I’ve tried, period. If you don’t like the feeling of a rockered shoe, you probably aren’t going to like the Cielo X1. The winged carbon plate is designed for dynamic propulsion, but it does add some stability. Is the Hoka Cielo X1 a stability shoe? Absolutely not, but you will get some inherent stability because of the winged plate.

One of the things I noticed was the cutouts on the side. It seemed kind of goofy at first glance, but then I quickly realized that by adding the cutouts, it removes weight, and the Cielo X1 is one of the lightest carbon-plated shoes out there. The Cielo X1 isn’t a heavy shoe by any means, but it’s heavier than a lot of options.

The Hoka Cielo X1 is designed as the fastest Hoka racing shoe. There is no need to try using it for easy runs because that’s not what it is designed for. My first race in the Hoka Cielo X1 was fast. And I mean really fast. I felt good, and I could feel the energy response with each stride. Hoka is not joking when they say this is their fastest shoe yet.

I felt smooth the entire time, and my body felt good. For completion’s sake, I’ve used the Cielo X1 at a variety of paces, from long runs and workouts to shorter speed and a couple of easier runs too. I’ve found it handles all speed work well. My personal preference for track work is something with less shoe. For easier runs, I’ve found it’s not terrible, but I do prefer something with more softness on those recovery days. Some carbon plated running shoes feel clunkier at easier speed, but the Cielo X1 does not. I also don’t really want to waste mileage on the shoe by running easy in it.

Durability and Traction:

The Cielo X1 features rubber on the entire bottom. This does add weight but also adds durability and traction. It’s not a thick rubber, so it doesn’t feel “too heavy.” I expect the Cielo X1 will be more durable than regular carbon-plated models (maybe last 150-200 miles). I’ve used mine in inclement weather as well as some of the milder sand dunes trails with no issues. I would not use them as a trail running shoe.

Hoka Cielo X1 Conclusion:

I strongly believe this shoe puts Hoka on the carbon-plated shoe map. While they were already there, this is a shoe that can compete with the fastest carbon-plated shoes.

Who should purchase the Hoka Cielo X1? If you are someone looking for a fast, race day shoe. If you have wider feet, you’ll appreciate the width in these.

Who should not purchase the Hoka Cielo X1? Unless you are racing or want a fast speedwork shoe, this is a shoe you likely don’t need. Don’t buy this as a flashy Hoka shoe to go for an easy run. If you don’t like a rockered feeling running shoe, this definitely is not for you.

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, Tracksmith Eliot Runner, New Balance 1080v12 , Newton Gravity 12, 361 Degrees Centauri, ASICS Superblast , 

Speed Work: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Nike Tempo Next%, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike ZoomX Streakfly

Long Runs: ASICS Superblast

Trail Running/Hiking: 361 Futura, Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review Speedland SL: PDX, 

Races: 361 Degrees Furious Future, Hoka Cielo X1, New Balance Fuelcell 5280,   Reebok Run fast Pro , Nike Vaporfly 3 Hoka Rocket X 2 ASICS Metaspeed Edge+

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.