We independently evaluation every part we advocate. Whenever you purchase by our hyperlinks, we might earn a fee.
Among the best components of testing working gear is the joys of logging miles in a brand new model—or on this case, a new-to-me model. And what higher strategy to get acquainted with Hoka than by lacing up the Cielo X1 2.0? Let me let you know—Hoka didn’t simply enter the elite racing shoe dialog; they stormed in, loud and clear.
The Cielo X1 2.0 is constructed for velocity demons chasing PRs.
With an aggressive forefoot rocker, vigorous dual-density PEBA foam, and an up to date winged carbon fiber plate, this shoe doesn’t simply ask you to choose up the tempo—it dares you.
However right here’s the magic: it delivers uncooked velocity with out sacrificing consolation.
The consequence? A bouncy, propulsive experience that feels recent, quick, and able to launch runners to new private bests. That is undoubtedly a shoe that may take you sub 1:30:00 within the half marathon or beneath 3:00:00 for a marathon.
Who Is It Good For?
Who’s the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 an excellent match for? Let’s peek on the rundown:
- Extensive Toes: Detrimental, ghostrider. The heel and midfoot of the shoe are extra slender than the primary model of the shoe.
- Heavier Runners: No. With a restrictive heel and midfoot, heavier runners and people with stability issues ought to steer clear. The primary model of the shoe was extra accessible for runners of all sizes and skills.
- Lengthy Runs: Completely! This shoe shines in longer, quicker efforts and had my toes feeling recent on the finish of a 19-mile future.
- Entrance of the Pack: This shoe screams “LET’S GO!” and might undoubtedly ship runners to PRs in each the half marathon and marathon distances. The aggressive design is focused for runners towards the entrance of the pack.
I put the Cielo X1 2.0 by its paces—racking up 50 miles throughout monitor exercises, interval classes, and a future to see precisely the way it holds up on race day. As at all times, my objective is to interrupt down each element so you’ll be able to determine if this shoe is the precise match for you. Let’s dive in!
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 Overview
The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is a race-day rocket constructed for velocity and long-distance effectivity. With explosive PEBA foam, an aggressive forefoot rocker, and a winged carbon-fiber plate, it’s designed to maintain you rolling ahead and feeling quick from begin to end.
However the first model of the shoe is immensely standard, so what are the principle upgrades on this new drop? Right here’s our authentic evaluation of the Cielo X1.
Cielo X1 vs. Cielo X1 2.0: What’s New?
- Weight: Lighter and quicker. Now 7.1 oz vs. the earlier 8.9 oz in a males’s dimension 9—much less weight, extra velocity.
- Higher: Extra breathable, higher match. The brand new jacquard mesh is lighter, thinner, and locks within the foot extra securely.
- Midsole: Extra pop, extra propulsion. PEBA foam + a reworked carbon plate ship a bouncier, extra energetic experience.
- Journey: A lot quicker however much less steady at slower paces. The aggressive rocker and narrower base make this replace considerably much less steady. That is partially because of the midsole cutout transferring from the lateral to the medial facet of the shoe.
The Cielo X1 2.0 is lighter, quicker, and extra responsive, a improbable race-day possibility for the marathon and half marathon.
However with the velocity beneficial properties comes a trade-off: stability takes successful, making this model much less forgiving for runners who want extra assist. In the event you cherished the unique for its stability of velocity and management, this replace would possibly really feel like a unique beast altogether.
And let’s discuss that candy, candy foam!
The PEBA midsole delivers a cushioned experience loaded with vitality return. Landings? Pure bliss. The winged carbon plate ensures snappy toe-offs and a easy, rolling stride. Better of all, the shoe holds onto its vigorous bounce even deep into lengthy runs—it doesn’t all of a sudden lose its pop after 15 miles, which, let’s be sincere, has been a difficulty with another supershoes.
With its propulsive experience, energetic cushioning, and race-ready design, the Cielo X1 2.0 delivers a easy, quick, and responsive experience—excellent to your subsequent marathon or half marathon!
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 Specs
The unique Cielo X1 is not out there, so hopefully in case you simply search Cielo 2 you’ll get to the shoe that merely has an extended complicated identify.
- Weight: 6.8 oz (W), 8.1 oz (M)
- Stack Top: 46 mm
- Heel Drop: 7 mm
- Colours: Out there in 1 colorway
- Not out there in huge
- Out there on Hoka.com for $275
This shoe is an absolute blast to run in! My one nitpick? The (solely) colorway. It’s very… Hoka. A mash-up of colours that don’t fairly vibe collectively. Right here’s hoping they roll out some recent choices quickly.
One standout characteristic? The outsole. It’s elegant. I put it by the wringer—1K repeats on a slick monitor and a future by winter slush—and it delivered. The grip is rock-solid and can hold you transferring at excessive speeds. No have to second-guess this one on wet days!
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 Match
One of many largest causes I really like this shoe is the near-perfect match. The second I laced them up, I seen how TALL they really feel—particularly within the heel and forefoot—which isn’t shocking given the huge 46mm stack peak.
Standing nonetheless, you’ll be able to instantly sense the aggressive rocker geometry; a slight shift in weight makes it easy to rock ahead and backward.
The ample cushioning and beveled heel hold the again of your foot safe, particularly while you’re pushing the tempo.
Hoka’s re-engineered jacquard mesh higher strikes a pleasant stability between assist and suppleness, wrapping the foot with out feeling restrictive.
The skinny tongue and conventional lacing provide simply the right combination of construction and luxury—I by no means needed to crank down on the lacing and skilled zero points with them coming untied, which I’m instructed was a outstanding difficulty within the first model of the shoe.
Hoka additionally trimmed down the midfoot, which is nice information for runners with narrower toes (myself included). There’s sufficient room from heel to toe, however in case you have wider toes, the match would possibly really feel comfortable. That mentioned, the toe field opens up properly, giving my toes loads of room to wiggle and splay.
Sizing is spot on—I felt proper at dwelling in my regular males’s 11.
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 Really feel
Does it sound like I’m gushing over this shoe? In all probability. Nevertheless it’s well-deserved—as a result of this shoe doesn’t simply really feel quick; it’s quick.
The mix of aggressive rocker geometry, vigorous PEBA foam, and a winged carbon-fiber plate creates a experience that’s bouncy, easy, and constructed for velocity from begin to end.
That mentioned, it could really feel slightly awkward at slower paces.
The updates on this model come on the expense of a number of the earlier mannequin’s stability. However the second you choose up the tempo, every part clicks—the shoe comes alive, the rocker propels you ahead, and toe-offs really feel easy.
Fast turnover galore? Sure, please!
The brand new jacquard mesh higher is extremely breathable and quick-drying. I by accident splashed by some melting snow on my first run, and inside minutes, my sneakers felt bone dry. The sunshine lively body design supplies simply the correct amount of assist, whereas the flat lacing system ensures a safe, locked-in match.
Related Sneakers to the Cielo X1 2.0
Searching for one thing comparable however a bit totally different? Listed below are a couple of different choices within the supershoe class.
Okay mates, that’s our evaluation of the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0! I hope it helps you determine which shoe to rock at your subsequent race. Tell us in case you’ve run on this shoe and your takeaways.
Who Tried It?
Hiya mates! I’m Jeff, a marathon-loving runner in Kansas Metropolis! Day by day, I fall extra in love with working. It retains me mentally and bodily wholesome, and continues to show me all of the life classes. Sometimes, I run round 45 miles every week if I’m not constructing for a race. However I’m working the OKC Marathon in April and Grandma’s in June, so let me know in case you’ll be at both one. Yow will discover me on Instagram @jaruane