HOKA Cielo X1 Review
Loads of PEBA, Loads of Fun
Likes
- Incredibly protective midsole cushioning
- Comfortable fit
- Smooth and efficient ride
Dislikes
- Laces easily come undone
- Heavy
What's New
Over the last year or so, we've seen HOKA come out with some fantastic running shoes that feature a lightweight and resilient PEBA foam midsole. From the low profile 5K racer, the Cielo Road, to the elite-level marathon racing shoe, the Rocket X2, we've quickly fallen in love with the speed and protection that this foam has to offer. Now, with the introduction of the all-new HOKA Cielo X1, we see a maxed out version of that PEBA cushioning in an incredibly comfortable and smooth marathon racing shoe that is perfectly suited for marathoners who prioritize comfort and protection above all else.
The Bottom Line
After putting in the miles, our testers unanimously agreed that the HOKA Cielo X1 represents one of the more comfortable marathon racing shoes we've had the pleasure of testing in recent memory. Contributing to the supremely comfortable ride is the midsole setup, which features a max stack of PEBA cushioning for long-lasting protection, a winged carbon fiber plate for excellent stability, and a rocker geometry that promotes an efficient stride. Our testers also enjoyed the engineered knit upper that offered a secure yet accommodating fit.
Despite how much our testers enjoyed this shoe, there were a few downsides. First, the choice of lace material with this shoe is somewhat confounding. Although they are lightweight and minimal, they are rather stiff and only stay tied with a strong double knot. Additionally, for a €275 marathon racing shoe, the Cielo X1 is quite heavy (255 g for Men's US 9), a little too heavy in our opinion to compete against the other options at that price point.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Unisex: 255 g (Men's size 9/Women's Size 10) |
| Stack Height | 46 mm (Heel), 39mm (Forefoot) | 7 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to Size |
Individual Thoughts
The HOKA Cielo X1 is a truly impressive shoe that I would be more than happy to recommend to less experienced runners taking on their first, or marathon racers who prioritise comfort and touch more than speed. It delivers an incredible on-foot experience that is both responsive and efficient with a comfortably protective underfoot feel. The shoe’s base is also more inherently stable than other super shoes, which makes the X1 much more user friendly, and I believe there are a lot of runners who will love racing in this shoe. Sure, the Cielo X1 is not going to be the fastest, most aggressive marathon racer available, but what it lacks in speed, it makes up for in comfort, protection, and stability, and if you are a runner who is less experienced, but want to try you first super shoe marathon racer, then the Cielo X1 has to be on the top of your list.
I am the epitome of that slower runner who still enjoys the benefits of a super shoe, especially when “racing.” That said, there are many super shoes that are just too aggressive for me. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case with the Cielo X1. This shoe has a very efficient ride and delivers the technology and efficiency benefits of a super shoe, but it does so in a very comfortable and surprisingly stable package.
At slower paces (9-10 min mile), the shoe provides a noticeable squish upon landing and gently rolls the runner forward through the stride, but as you start to pick up the pace and get more onto your toes (generally 7-8 min mile for me), there is a noticeable increase in energy return that helps keep your leg turnover feeling fast and efficient.
For me, the Cielo X1 never felt quite as snappy, and definitely not as lightweight, as some of its competition (ASICS METASPEED, Nike Vaporfly, adidas Adios Pro), but it is also a much more cushioned and less squirrelly feeling option underfoot, which this “fun runner” really enjoyed. I also feel that this, combined with the more durable design, makes the Cielo X1 a more versatile shoe in my rotation and is something that I will take out for my faster long runs as well as race day.
