The Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 overview from our entrance of the pack racers to allow you to you already know if it’s the precise carbon plated tremendous shoe to your huge targets.
The HOKA Cielo X1 debuted in 2022 because the model’s first carbon-plated tremendous shoe, designed particularly for elite marathoners chasing quick instances. Constructed with enter from skilled athletes, the unique Cielo X1 featured a responsive carbon fiber plate, PEBA-based foam, and an aggressive geometry geared toward maximizing velocity over 26.2 miles.
The shoe has advanced for the reason that first iteration, with the main target nonetheless being on holding it a race-specific, light-weight, and aggressive racing shoe–one thing that might deal with adjoining manufacturers popping out with race-specific carbon footwear
It’s a shoe that LOOKS quick and feels very mild, coming in at 7.0 oz–half an oz lighter in comparison with the earlier model–and accentuated stack of 37mm/30mm. However how does it truly carry out versus the large canines of Nike, Adidas, and Puma?
Spoiler: this shoe is FAST.
I’m a sucker for rocker geometry and this one is undeniably aggressive and I’ll undoubtedly be lacing up for not less than one or two races this spring with it on my toes.
Who’s the Hoka Sky X1 3.0 match for, let’s break it down by some frequent classes:
- Large Ft: The higher match is de facto versatile and the lacing lockdown is strong–so this might undoubtedly accommodate a medium to barely wider foot.
- Heavier Runners: The shoe nonetheless lacks some stability, a heavier runner may fare higher with the Rocket X 3.
- Lengthy Runs:It’s going to undoubtedly maintain up for longer miles.
- Entrance of the Pack: If it’s ok for Alex Masai to run a 2:04:37 at Chicago (and place third), I’d say it’s a implausible front-of-pack shoe.
This carbon plated tremendous shoe can compete with the large canines of Nike, Adidas, and Puma for positive. It’s a light-weight and springy race day shoe and ideal for the runner loving an enormous stack and numerous bouncy return whereas racing.
Hoka Sky X1 3.0 Overview
The second I pulled the Cielo X1 3.0 out of the field, I knew I used to be holding one thing quick.
Our staff gushed over the Sky X1 2.0 and it seems we’re going to maintain that practice rolling with this latest mannequin.
It appears to be like smooth, feels aggressive, the step-in expertise was fairly distinctive. You’re feeling the aggressive rocker in two methods–upon step-in, you’re instantly pushed ahead. And whereas simply standing nonetheless, you possibly can really feel a noticeable drop within the foam proper the place (on my foot) the metatarsals type.
The froth feels full and sturdy on the ball of the meals, and drops away fairly considerably on the heel and toes. It’s not uncomfortable, simply very distinctive. You understand immediately that you just’re in a shoe constructed for one factor: velocity.
In Hoka’s present lineup, the Cielo sits on the high of the efficiency pyramid. It’s poppy, aggressive, and light-weight. The Rocket X3 is Hoka’s versatile exercise and/or race shoe with far more stability vs. the Cielo. And the Mach X3 is a step under that, being a strong shoe alternative for uptempo coaching days and exercises.
I first examined the Cielo X1 3.0 throughout a easy fartlek with 5k efforts on moist, post-snow roads…and regardless of dodging patchy pavement, the paces felt easy.
The power return is actual, the bounce is very large, and the froth—comfortable PEBA, just like the Alphafly—offers that massive stack really feel with out beating up the legs.
Honestly: I had extra enjoyable throughout my cooldown than the exercise itself, which in all probability tells you this shoe is constructed for longer, sustained velocity fairly than brief, sharp efforts.
- Weight: 7.5 oz Males’s 9, 6.2 oz Ladies’s 8
- Stack Peak: 37mm heel / 30mm forefoot
- Entire Drop: 7mm
- Not out there in vast
- Out there in 1 shade
- Out there on hoka.com for $275
Professionals
- Nice rocker geometry
- Responsive power return
- Roomy toebox
Cons
- Lacks stability
- Higher for longer distances
Coach Amanda: I’m sitting over right here injured simply sufficient to not take this shoe out but for a take a look at and I’m bummed. I’ve obtained all three fashions lined as much as see what’s totally different and now I wish to expertise it. I can say simply standing the footwear the three.0 is extra secure, so whereas it’s not but excellent it’s an necessary replace.
I believe this shift may also be why the shoe feels a bit extra comfy at a wide range of paces.
Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 Match
The match is great. The higher hugs my foot in a approach that feels safe with out being overly tight—which is uncommon for race footwear, in my expertise. Loads of race-day footwear have unforgiving uppers that really feel constricting, however the Cielo’s Leno weave textile offers simply sufficient whereas nonetheless locking you in.
The toebox was truthful–not excessively roomy for my slim foot, however had simply sufficient wiggle room (making me assume {that a} wider foot would even be positive on this shoe). I wouldn’t say it’s roomy, but it surely’s not uncomfortably tight both; there’s sufficient vertical area for my toes with out feeling sloppy.
I lace my footwear in a double-back model to lock in my heel (I’ve gotten finicky about lacing as I’ve gotten older), and I did the identical with these. The lockdown is strong—no heel slip, no bizarre motion. The asymmetrical lacing additionally helps relieve stress on the instep, which I appreciated.
The tongue is skinny however stays in place nicely, and I didn’t expertise any bunching or discomfort. General, the match is dialed—true to dimension for me, and really race-precise with out feeling slim like another tremendous footwear.
Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 Really feel
This shoe is bouncy. Like, actually bouncy. The PEBA foam is comfortable and responsive—just like the Alphafly, for my part—and you may really feel the large stack underfoot. It’s agency sufficient to really feel supportive, however comfortable sufficient that you just’re not getting beat up.
I took these out for a fartlek with 5k efforts on some slick roads and the paces felt GOOD (which my ego wanted, because it was my first exercise again post-marathon.) I used to be capable of click on off sub-6 splits with out feeling like I used to be working too arduous.
I’m 5’9″, so I’m tall for a feminine runner, and I want a shoe that’s secure—I’m not a type of featherweight runners who can get away with something.
Given this: my greatest grievance was stability, which is one thing I knew may be questionable after studying evaluations of earlier Cielo fashions.
I needed to concentrate on holding my ankles secure as a result of the roads had been patchy and uneven; however I’m undecided if the instability I felt was the shoe itself or simply the situations (or the truth that I used to be hyper-aware that stability may be a problem?).
On smoother surfaces, I’d think about it feels extra planted. The Hoka Rocket X3 is far more forgiving with stability, and I undoubtedly discover myself reaching for the Rocket over the Cielo for smaller week-day exercises.
The rocker is aggressive—you actually really feel it pushing you ahead. And the plate isn’t overly stiff,, just like the Puma Quick-R Nitro 3, which flared up my neuroma so badly that I’m nervous about sporting it once more.
It’s truly considerably stunning how cushioned the Cielo felt regardless of how briskly and rockered the platform is underfoot. I’d be very comfy making an attempt this out for longer distances—half marathon and even marathon paces.
I additionally had a blast throughout my cooldown, holding it uptempo (which I like to do to get essentially the most bang for my buck in a exercise). Perhaps I had extra enjoyable within the cooldown than the exercise itself? Which in all probability speaks to the truth that this may be an excessive amount of shoe for 5K stuff. It actually shines at tempo and marathon paces.
Comparable Footwear to the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0
We’ve examined a number of carbon plated footwear that really feel comparable, however totally different primarily based on the model match:
- Nike Alphafly 3 – yep, I mentioned it. It’s obtained the stack return that the Alphafly presents with a ton of cushioned consolation for longer efforts.
- Puma Quick-R 3 – this comparability doesn’t include as a lot conviction as the previous; however just like the R3, whenever you slip into the Cielo, you KNOW you’re about to race. It’s mild and squishy and presents numerous bounce…the largest distinction right here is that the R3 is so stiff that it forces you onto your toes with zero forgiveness. A much bigger/taller runner like me can not get away with sporting the R3 for something longer than a 10k. The Cielo is far more versatile and supportive.
- Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 – Speedy, with a extra accommodating match for a wide range of runners. It’s one other high carbon plated choose amongst our quicker testers.
I actually like this shoe. Lots. The higher is implausible, the power return is plain, and it’s clear HOKA is severe about competing on the high of the tremendous shoe market. I believe they’ve performed it with the Cielo X1 3.0.
Would I race in it this season? Sure. Would I select it over the Alphafly for the marathon? TBD–I’d must put on it for some huge marathon exercises/lengthy runs to see how my toes and legs maintain up. I’ll undoubtedly preserve grabbing it as I construct again my health this spring.
Hoka Cielo X1 2 vs 3
One of many huge questions we frequently get is ought to I purchase the brand new mannequin or can I get the previous one on sale and we really feel like that’s legitimate sufficient to handle on most evaluations!
They haven’t but discounted model 2 and will not because it’s a shoe that’s far more person particular and never fairly as broad of an enchantment. Assuming it doesn’t drop then we 100% favor the updates made to the three!
- 3 feels higher at shorter distances as nicely (10K)
- Stability is considerably improved within the 3
- Weight and stack peak are just about the identical
- The geometry modified a bit so as to add that stability – extra width by way of midfoot outsole
- Power return is a bit higher within the 3 and a high speeds a bit means loads
- The forefoot may be softer within the 2 and a few could favor that
95%
It’s a enjoyable, quick, bouncy shoe that makes arduous efforts really feel simpler and as a runner who LOVES numerous bounce in her footwear, I like it. Should you’re a midfoot striker with slim to medium toes and also you’re chasing a sub 3:30 marathon PR, this shoe deserves a spot in your rotation.
Who Tried It?
Mary is a current addition to the Run to the End reviewing staff, however has been operating marathons since 2010 and began teaching in 2015. She’s the proprietor and founding father of Carry.Run.Carry out and mother of two kiddos. She’s additionally a lover of power coaching and loves to assist others understand simply how impactful lifting is. After main hip surgical procedure in 2022, she’s been working again into wholesome operating and is lastly reaching her stride 3 years post-op. Observe Mary at @itsamarython
