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The Hoka Cielo X1 arrived, seemingly out of nowhere. Hoka managed to keep this shoe a secret until its unveiling at the marathon trials. Designed as the fastest carbon-plated shoe from Hoka for distances ranging from 10k to marathons, the Cielo X1 piqued my interest. I haven't really found a carbon-plated shoe that I love, and it seems like Hoka has made the most carbon-plated shoes of any major running brand. From the Carbon X to the Rocket X2, to the Bondi X—and that doesn't even include their trail carbon-plated options—is Hoka just throwing darts at the wall, hoping one of the carbon-plated models is fast?
Quick Facts
The Hoka Cielo X1 stands out. Hoka wanted people to think: what is that? It's bright, bold, and uniquely Hoka.
The good thing about the Hoka Cielo X1 is that it accommodates wider feet. It's not wide, but like many Hoka shoes, it does accommodate wider feet. The Cielo X1's upper, featuring an asymmetrical gusseted knit tongue and knit upper, promises a sock-like fit without the constriction commonly found in racing footwear. I've found there is almost no movement in the Cielo X1, and I don't have to worry about it sliding around. This is essential for racing, and I don't want (or need) to worry about blisters.
This design choice pays off in terms of breathability and comfort, especially notable in warmer climates like the Mojave Desert, where I tested the shoe. As mentioned, the fit is generous and accommodating, though individuals accustomed to Hoka's wide sizing may benefit from going half a size up. The shoelaces and overall fit contribute to a seamless experience, and you barely notice the shoe when you're wearing it. That's essential, and no one wants a racing shoe moving around and annoying them mid-race.
In running shoes, I tend to wear between a women's size 10-11 wide. I've found the size 11 of the Hoka Cielo X1 to fit my foot the best.
The two-layer PEBA midsole stands out for its softness, bounce, and energy return, making the Cielo X1 the most cushioned and rockered Hoka racing shoe to date.
Hoka is known for their rockered design, and the Cielo X1 feels like the most rockered of any Hoka shoe. While the rockered design may not appeal to everyone, it's engineered for efficiency and speed. The presence of a winged carbon plate adds a touch of stability without categorizing the shoe as a stability model. This combination of features ensures a dynamic and propulsive ride, suited for racers seeking maximum performance.
Where does the Hoka Cielo X1 fit into my rotation? As a racing or fast workout shoe. I wouldn't want to use it for anything else because it doesn't last too long. When running in the Cielo X1, it looks bulky but with the rockered design, it moves fast. You don't have to worry about it feeling heavy or clunky.
Featuring rubber across the entire bottom, the Cielo X1 balances durability and traction without excessive weight. I'm happy Hoka added rubber to the bottom of their shoes because they don't always do that. Seriously, some of the Hoka models without rubber may last you around 100 miles, and we need 4X that amount in our daily trainers. That extra rubber allows the Hoka Cielo X1 to be durable and decent in inclement weather.
The shoe performs well in various conditions, including wet weather and light trails, although it's not intended as a trail running shoe.
The Hoka Cielo X1 puts Hoka within the competitive space of carbon-plated racing shoes. If you are someone looking for the fastest Hoka running shoe, consider the Cielo X1. It feels like, after a million different carbon-plated models, Hoka got this one right.
Which is faster, the Hoka Cielo X1 or the Hoka Rocket X2?
The Cielo X1 is a faster version of the Rocket X2. It has a more aggressive rocker and basically more of everything. So, while the Cielo X1 is also more money, if you are looking for the fastest carbon-plated shoe from Hoka, it's the Cielo X1.
I was paid to write an honest review of my choice.
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