Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 Shoe Review

I was excited to try the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0…I’ve been a big fan of the shoe since the original. The original Hoka Cielo X1 was fun…it had a big rocker, huge feel underfoot, and not subtle at all. The problem was that it also felt heavy for a race shoe, which made it hard to compete with other brands.

The Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 drops a noticeable amount of weight from the 2.0, keeps the carbon plate and PEBA setup, adds asymmetrical lacing, and cleans up the platform for a more race-day-focused shoe. Hoka calls it their lightest super shoe to date. If you’ve run in previous versions, it will feel familiar, but it’s going to feel lighter too. Finally, another version of this shoe and another post I’m asking: Hoka why couldn’t you just call this the Hoka Cielo X3.0 instead…

Questions I’ve been asked:

Is the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 good for marathon running?
Yes, that’s really what it is made for. The PEBA foam, carbon plate, and rocker geometry are all built around holding a steady pace over longer distances like the marathon.

What is the weight of the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0?
It comes in around 7.5 oz (213 g) for a men’s size 10. That’s lighter than the previous version, which was closer to 228 g.

What is the stack height and drop of the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0?
Stack height is about 38 mm in the heel and 31 mm in the forefoot, with a 7 mm drop.

Is the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 a stable running shoe?
It’s more stable than the Cielo X1 2.0, mostly because of the updated geometry, but it’s still a neutral racing shoe. It’s not designed to provide traditional stability.

Is the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 worth the price?
If you’re buying it specifically for racing and you like aggressive plated shoes, the price lines up with other super shoes. If you want something more versatile for daily training, it’s harder to justify.

Now let’s get into an honest Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 shoe review.

Quick Facts

Price: $275
Weight: 7.52 oz (213 g)
Drop: 7 mm
Stack: 38 mm heel / 31 mm forefoot
Best for: race day (half marathons and marathons)

Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 Upper

The upper is one of the bigger updates for the Cielo X1 3.0. Hoka uses a highly engineered Leno weave textile, a stretchy patent-pending dynamic vamp, and asymmetrical lacing. Hoka also says it reduced material in the heel and tongue to save weight while refining heel geometry for better stability. When I first put the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 on my foot, I was like wow, that is comfortable. The upper is lightweight, breathable, and fits well. It’s got a more accommodating fit than many carbon-plated models.

A lot of super shoes get light by becoming thin and uncomfortable. The Cielo X1 3.0 seems to have gone lighter while still maintaining space to keep it true to size.

As far as uppers, in running shoes I wear between a women’s size 10–11 wide, and I’ve found the size 11 to fit the best. I haven’t had any issues and was able to take it straight on a run from the box.

Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 Ride:

The first thing you notice is how fast this shoe wants to move. It has a full PEBA midsole, carbon plate, and a pretty aggressive rocker. It does not feel great if you are running easy, but once you start getting closer to something like marathon effort, you feel like you’re able to get into it.

The setup is a dual-layer PEBA midsole with a plate sitting between, and the rocker is doing a lot of the work. Once you start running fast, you’ll notice that it is doing a lot of work to help you.

How does the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 compare to the Cielo X1 2.0? The side cutouts are gone, and the heel doesn’t feel as awkward. It’s still a neutral racing shoe, not something I’d call stable, but there is some inherent stability in there due to the wider platform. If you are someone who uses a stable training shoe, this is one of the better race-day options.

Outsole

The outsole is one of the more practical updates. It uses a compression-molded polyurethane layer that gives you traction. I’ve used it on inclement weather days as well as some light trails (think rails-to-trails but desert), and they’ve been fine. I don’t feel like I’m sliding around.

As far as durability, most carbon-plated shoes last between 50–100 miles, and the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 is no different…although I do think you’re going to get more like 100 miles on it.

Where does the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 fit into my rotation?

This is a race shoe. It also excels at workouts or steady efforts if you’re someone who trains in plated shoes, but it’s not something I’d try to stretch into daily use. Between the price and how aggressive the ride is, it’s definitely a fast shoe.

Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 Conclusion:

This version feels more usable than the earlier Cielos and definitely like it can compete with other brands’ carbon-plated models.

It’s not a safe choice for everyone. It’s still expensive, still very much a race-day tool, and still depends on how you like your shoes to feel under you. I’m a big fan.

Who Should Buy the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0

Those looking for a fast race-day shoe for half marathons or marathons
Those using a stable training shoe that are looking for a race shoe as well

Who Should Not Buy the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0

Those on a budget
Those who don’t like running shoes with rockers

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Reebok Floatzig Tread, Salomon Aero Glide 3, Mizuno Neo Zen, Topo Magnifly 5, Antepes Muscle Runners, adidas Adizero Evo SL, Newton Gravity 12, On Cloudboom Max

Long Runs: Topo Specter 2, adidas Prime Strung X3,

Trail Running/Hiking: Altra Experience Wild 3, Hoka Tecton X 3

Races/Speedwork: ASICS Metaspeed Ray, Adidas adizero adios pro 4, 361 Degrees Furious Future 2.0, ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, Puma Fast-R Elite 3, Nike Vaporfly 4

Curious about how I do gear reviews? You can read about that here.

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.

Questions for you:

Have you tried the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0?

What is your favorite race day shoe?