Hoka Cielo X1 2.0

Ben Parkes observes that at marathon pace, half marathon pace, and tempo/threshold pace, the Cielo X1 2.0 feels buttery smooth and is incredibly lightweight.

Ben Parkes recommends that heel strikers avoid the Cielo X1 2.0, and suggests most people would be better off saving about £30 and looking at the Rocket X 3, which he finds a lot more user-friendly and definitely a lot more comfortable over the longer distance.

Ben Parkes reports a great fit on the Cielo X1 2.0 that holds the foot down really well, and he particularly likes the lovely breathable upper.

Ben Parkes states that you need to have pretty nice running form for the Cielo X1 2.0, landing nicely in that midfoot or up at the front of the shoe.

Ben Parkes finds the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 to be a lot more aggressive than the Rocket X3.

Ben Parkes finds the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 to be a super aggressive, fast, snappy racing shoe.

Ben Parkes finds the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 to be more unstable than the Rocket X3, especially at the back of the shoe.

Ben Parkes notes that the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is a lot more expensive than the Rocket X2.

Ben Parkes notes that the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is £30 more expensive than the Rocket X3.

Ben Parkes observes that the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is Hoka's top-spec marathon racing shoe.

Ben Parkes states that the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is best suited for three-hour or sub-three-hour marathoners.

kofuzi characterizes the Cielo X1 2.0 as not exactly a forefoot striker shoe, but more of a pure mid-foot striker shoe, which he can get along with because it's closer to what he'd ideally prefer.

kofuzi describes the Rocket X3 as an alternative to, or a stabilized version of, the Cielo X1 2.0; alternatively, it is a heel-striker shoe whereas the Cielo X1 2.0 is a mid-foot/forefoot striker shoe.

kofuzi recommends that heel strikers go with the Rocket X3, while mid-foot or forefoot strikers go with the Cielo X1 2.0.

kofuzi says that while the Rocket X3 and Cielo X1 2.0 look very similar, the way the active foot frames are or aren't present and where the densities of foam are placed dictates which shoe a runner should choose.

kofuzi describes the Cielo X1 2.0 as very fun and very fast.

The Run Testers finds that the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is worse than the Rocket X3 at the lower and slower end of things, and that the Cielo X1 2.0 demands that you move with your top pace intent.

The Run Testers finds that with the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0, you have a really lightweight, very aggressively rocker-designed, pretty unstable design all around.

The Run Testers finds the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 to be much more aggressive and lighter than the Cielo X1.

The Run Testers observes that the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 has cutouts on the medial side, which is why it can feel a bit unstable for lots of runners.

The Run Testers speculates that if you were a big fan of the Hoka Cielo X1 and were worried about the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 because of the lack of stability in that shoe, the Rocket X3 might suit you nicely.

The Run Testers states that the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 has really punchy rockers and cutouts.

The Run Testers suggests that if the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is too aggressive, too unstable, too wild, then the Rocket X3 serves up a smoother, more reliable ride.

Before even running, the reviewer observed that the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is less stable than the Cielo X1.

The Run Testers describes the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 midsole as a dual-density PEBA-based setup with cutouts now focused at the medial areas of the shoe.

The Run Testers describes the outsole of the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 as a sticky rubber outsole with a little more exposed foam compared to the Cielo X1.

The Run Testers did a first run of 10 miles in the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 while training for a half marathon, at marathon pace (~7:30–7:40 min/mile), dropping down to 10K and half-marathon pace to test quicker running.

The Run Testers experienced that cornering in the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 required really braking and introduced an unstable feeling.

The Run Testers feels the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 creates a more aggressive feeling than the Cielo X1, with transitions feeling quicker and more lively, while retaining the good bouncy feel from the Cielo X1.

The Run Testers found the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 felt very good from start to finish over 10 miles, retaining the bouncy, lively, rockered feeling.

The Run Testers measured the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 in a UK men's size 8 at 196 grams, describing it as a sizable drop from the Cielo X1.

The Run Testers reports Hoka moved to an engineered jacquard mesh upper on the Cielo X1 2.0, added a new tongue, new laces, and redesigned the heel collar.

The Run Testers reports the US price of the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is $275, and anticipates UK pricing will remain at £250.

The Run Testers states the weight drop on the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 made for a more lively shoe.

The Run Testers would be wary about going all out in wetter conditions in the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0; it felt fine on flatter, straighter areas.

EDDBUD observes that he really likes the new rubber outsoles on the Hoka models and calls it 'a really big improvement.'

EDDBUD observes that the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 has a thinner upper than the V1 (first generation).

Marathon Handbook also advises avoiding the Cielo X1 2.0 if looking for the fastest racing shoe in the world, stating that for that last 1%, Hoka is not yet a major player at the very top of the fast shoe pyramid.

Marathon Handbook describes running in the Cielo X1 2.0 as 'kind of like running on a half wheel.'

Marathon Handbook notes the Cielo X1 2.0 is not the lightest super shoe in the world.

Marathon Handbook observes that beyond the aggressive rocker profile, the Cielo X1 2.0 is much like the Rocket X3: it has a carbon plate, a dual-density PEBA midsole, and a quite lightweight upper, with the real difference being how aggressive they are.

Marathon Handbook observes that the Cielo X1 2.0 and the Rocket X3 are quite similar, with one big difference: the Cielo X1 2.0's rocker-forward profile is incredibly exaggerated.

Marathon Handbook observes the Cielo X1 2.0 is hard to wear at paces that are anything but max speed because it does not have heel comfort, unlike the Rocket X3 which can be used for workouts.

Marathon Handbook speculates the Cielo X1 2.0 may not be the fastest super shoe in the world, but might be the most aggressive.

Marathon Handbook states there is 'kind of one gear with these shoes and it's forward.'

Marathon Handbook considers the Cielo X1 2.0 a workout shoe, not an easy-run shoe, because it feels too bouncy and rocking for an easy run.

Marathon Handbook describes the Cielo X1 upper as one of the thickest, heaviest uppers he had ever seen, making his feet warm even in May in Canada and not breathable.

Marathon Handbook describes the Cielo as a protective, super chunky racing shoe with a massively aggressive rock-forward profile.

Marathon Handbook finds the Cielo X1 2.0 uncomfortable for an easy run at an easy pace.

Marathon Handbook finds the Cielo X1 2.0 very curved under the foot, making him feel like running on a half wheel.

Marathon Handbook finds the rock-forward profile weird because he spends no time on his heel, it is on his toes right away, and takes a while to get used to.

Marathon Handbook measured the weight difference: Hoka has managed to chop almost a full ounce off the weight of the Cielo, from about 9 oz to about 8 oz.

Marathon Handbook observes that neither the Cielo nor the Rocket graced any major marathon podium in all of 2024, which was dominated by Adidas, Nike, On, Asics, and even Under Armour.

Marathon Handbook observes that the Cielo X1 2.0 upper is engineered jacquard mesh, looking lighter.

Marathon Handbook observes that the Cielo X1 had a significant cutout on the lateral side, and runners complained it prevented enough traction; Hoka rejigged the outsole, removing the lateral side cutout and making a medial side cutout instead, which contributes to weight loss without interfering with traction.

Marathon Handbook observes that two main things contribute to the weight change: a rejigged outsole and a new upper.

Marathon Handbook 's verdict: the Cielo X1 2.0 is definitely not a world-beating super shoe.

Ryan's Running Reviews classifies the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 as Hoka's top-tier elite super race day shoe.

Ryan's Running Reviews states the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 has an insane rocker geometry.

MidLife Runner finds that the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 provides its speed sensation most through geometry, specifically the rocker geometry.

MidLife Runner observes that the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is still very bouncy but is softer toward the toe-off compared to the competition.

MidLife Runner prefers something more aggressive than the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 for racing.

MidLife Runner regards the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 more as a super trainer than a super shoe.

MidLife Runner states they will use an actual super shoe, not the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0, for race day.

MidLife Runner uses the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 for long runs with marathon pace work.

MidLife Runner ran 10 miles in the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 at a 6:43 pace with an average heart rate of 164 beats per minute.

MidLife Runner speculates that the 5-second-per-mile pace difference at the same heart rate between the Puma Fastr Nitro Elite V3 and the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is approximately 3%.

MidLife Runner states the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is one of their favorite super shoes of the year.

MidLife Runner then ran in the Puma Fastr Nitro Elite V3 at the same average heart rate of 164 beats per minute and recorded a 6:38 pace, 5 seconds per mile faster than in the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0.

MidLife Runner considers the Cielo X1 2.0 a 'second-tier race day shoe' that he tends to use on long runs and training as a training long-run shoe with marathon-pace miles.

MidLife Runner measured the Cielo X1 2.0 at 7.2 oz (203 g) in his US men's size 9.

MidLife Runner notes that Hoka usually prices the Cielo X1 2.0 around $275–$300.