HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 Introduction
The Cielo X1 gave a very exciting ride but our testers found that it suffered in the fit department. Ivan and Alex both had issues with the weight of the shoe. The Cielo X1 2.0 offers an improved fit and a much slimmed down scale weight. It also looks like the designers saw a half-cylinder and decided that that would make an ideal midsole profile.
After making these changes, how does the Cielo X1 2.0 fare against the best the rest has to offer?
A beautiful upper sets the Cielo X1 2.0 apart
Andy: For me, this is one of the best looking race shoes on the market. It just looks fast. The profile is aggressive and streamlined. Moreover, the semi translucent upper exudes no-nonsense lightness. My foot felt naked when stepping into the Cielo X1 2.0 in comparison to its plush cousins in the Clifton 10 and Bondi 9.
The engineered jacquard mesh upper is breathable. Furthermore, it doesn’t have the water retention issues of the daily shoes. This is also because there is a lot less padding around the top. As would be expected from a race shoe, padding is minimal. There is enough foam around the heel collar and ankle section to aid lockdown and protect the foot from rubbing but nothing in excess.
That said, it is not an uncomfortable shoe. Lockdown is good all round and despite the non-gusseted tongue, I have had no issues with slippage. Meanwhile, the tongue itself continues the trend of minimalism. The only padding is a slight thickness where the laces tie. This does a great job of removing lace pressure while remaining breathable.
As far as sizing goes, I received this in my usual size and found the fit good. It definitely fits a little longer than its daily counterparts but I would not go half a size down due to the snugger race fit and width. I fear that sizing down would become a bit of a squeeze on the sides of my feet.
This is a good race shoe upper. Light, unobtrusive and offering a solid lockdown it does what it should. I have no worries about the breathability of the Cielo X1 2.0 upper. Whilst I can’t compare it to the Cielo X1 original version, I am sure one of my colleagues will be able to say how it has improved, or otherwise.
Ivan: Without giving too much away, the upper is probably my favorite part of the HOKA Cielo X1 2.0. Well, aside from the lower weight, of course. I agree with Andy that this is a fast-looking supershoe. I’m one of the few who didn’t have any issues with the original Cielo X1, apart from the fairly heavy materials used. That said, I really appreciate how HOKA managed to cut significant weight. Furthermore, they also made the shoe more comfortable and notably more breathable.
Like Andy, I think the fit is great, with a nice lockdown all around. I’ve often struggled with HOKA shoes not matching my foot anatomy well. More often than not, they squeeze my pinky toe. But this time, that’s not an issue. I also agree with Andy that the shoe runs a tad long, but it doesn’t bother me in this case. The lockdown is solid, and I don’t really notice the extra length during runs. This is possibly due to the aggressive rocker keeping my toes securely in place.
As for the laces, I do wish they were a bit thinner. I might be in the minority, but I actually had no issues with the laces on the last iteration. They were light, thin, and stayed in place for me – at least with my usual strong double knot. These new ones feel a bit excessive and out of place. Especially when compared to the rest of the upper, which is otherwise streamlined and free of unnecessary materials.
An aggressive pace pusher with a unique profile
Andy: This is the main event of the Cielo X1 2.0. From its side profile, it doesn’t look as if there is a single flat spot on the midsole. Furthermore, this is a midsole which wants to go fast. I have used this for many sessions since I have had it in my grubby little mitts. From short 400 and 200m reps up to longer, marathon pace sections of long runs I have always felt like it was me holding the shoe back rather than the other way round.
However, this is one reason why I probably would, personally, find a limit for the Cielo X1 2.0 at the half-marathon distance. While it is an amazingly fun shoe to run fast in, I would worry about my ability to control the speed for a full marathon distance. As I said, the shoe wants to go fast. HOKA talk about how they have made the rocker more aggressive and that is certainly the feel. As a forefoot striker, the profile and rocker of the midsole are a dream. It feels like I am perpetually on a lovely downhill slope when I am on my toes and pushing the pace.
On the other hand, this is another reason why I don’t think the Cielo X1 2.0 would be a full marathon shoe for me. When I am on my toes, it is a dream. But at the 37th kilometre of a marathon with shot legs and a wayward foot strike, I feel like I may be fighting the shoe a little. The very half-cylinder inspired profile means that mid to rear foot strikers may experience a more lumpy feel rather like the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3.
Geometry aside, the foam is a very helpful piece of engineering. The dual density foam offers protection, propulsion and some manner of stability. The pair of PEBA foams sandwich the winged carbon fibre plate which helps to push you towards your next PB. Even in my longest sessions so far (roughly 25km with 12 of those at marathon pace or higher) my legs have felt protected and recovery has been easy.
Trying to compare the ride to another super shoe is very tricky. The ride is unlike anything I currently have in my rotation. That said, if you want an aggressive, light feeling shoe that offers a great mechanical advantage, check these out. It performs excellently on the fast sections of a run. However, it is also not ungainly on the rest or warm up and cool down sections of the run.
Ivan: The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 is a prime example of a supershoe designed for specific types of runners. This highlights the importance of thorough research before making a purchase. Be careful of buying it impulsively or simply because a running buddy swears by it. The platform is quite extreme, with a significantly higher stack than the 40mm “legal” limit at the midsection. However, as already mentioned, the Cielo X1 2.0 features a super-aggressive rocker, which allows it to remain race-legal since official measurements are taken at the heel and forefoot, keeping it within the approved 40mm range.
I typically enjoy aggressive rocker geometries because they complement my “flat” midfoot strike, providing a smooth transition and a snappy toe-off – something I don’t get from flatter profiles, which tend to make my stride feel clunky. However, in this case, there are some drawbacks. The soft and very unstable midsole diminishes many of the benefits I usually gain from strong rocker designs. Being a light runner with a high cadence, I don’t take full advantage of ultra-soft foams with deep cushioning and high energy return. Instead, I rely more on the rocker to propel me forward, so the less I sink into the foam, the better.
In this shoe, however, I not only lose some energy but also find myself falling back on my heel at times, creating an almost “negative dynamic drop” sensation. This instability also causes me to overpronate significantly, which is problematic given some recent hip issues. The last thing I need is excessive hip drop and collapse, especially as I fatigue. The squishiness of the midsole forces me to work harder to get the aggressive response I want, whereas the firmer midsole of the original version provided a much more effortless, snappy, and smooth ride suited to my biomechanics.
If you rely on the same characteristics in a shoe as I do, be aware of these factors. This shoe provides absolutely no stability – especially for heel strikers who need support. HOKA’s decision to move the midsole cutout from the lateral to the medial side only exacerbates this issue. That said, the weight reduction and design tweaks could make this a far more explosive and efficient race-day option for really fast runners with strong, aggressive biomechanics and powerful toe-offs.
The Cielo X1 2.0 outsole gives no scares
Andy: A new outsole material gives the Cielo X1 2.0 a very comprehensive coverage. With the exception of an R and I shaped cutout, the forefoot is almost entirely covered. I have found that this has given excellent traction on frosty, wet and dry roads. At pace and around my usual workout route which includes a rather sharp bend or two, I have never felt concerned at my footing.
The midfoot, on the other hand, is devoid of rubber but hasn’t shown too much sign of deterioration so far. Only the road dirt shows that it has had around 100km put through it. Heel strikers are afforded two, small pads, one which sits either side of the midsole cut away.
Ivan: The outsole aligns perfectly with my overall impressions of the HOKA Cielo X1 2.0. This shoe is best suited for aggressive runners with strong toe-offs. It features above-average rubber coverage in the forefoot but significantly less in the rear. While I haven’t noticed any significant wear yet, I expect the outsole strips in the back, along with the exposed foam under the midfoot, to wear down first. That said, I don’t anticipate durability being a major issue overall.
Grip has been excellent so far. Although I haven’t tested it in wet conditions yet, I have run on frosty mornings and haven’t experienced any slipping.
Does the Cielo X1 2.0 challenge the best of the bunch?
Andy: Coming in at more than 30g lighter than the previous version and with an improved upper fit, the Cielo X1 2.0 has been a real winner for me. The super aggressive rocker and bouncy foam make it a joy for me to push the pace in. That said, if you are a midfoot striker or someone who needs some added stability, this may not make a great companion for you. It also doesn’t hurt that the sparkly upper layer of midsole foam makes me feel like a sleek dolphin when running sessions along the seafront. I will ignore any comments about looking more like a beached whale from anyone out there.
For distances from my summer relays which are about 3.5km through to half-marathons, this will certainly be one of my top race day contenders. For the full marathon, I, personally, will probably want something which offers a little more of a forgiving nature for those last few kilometres. Overall, thanks HOKA, this has been a real adrenaline shot for tough sessions on dark mornings and frigid evenings. It really puts it amongst the best on offer from any other brand.
Ivan: I largely agree with Andy’s conclusions about the HOKA Cielo X1 2.0, even though our personal ride experiences are quite different. Let’s start with what I like – the upper is great this time around. It’s lighter and more breathable while still providing excellent lockdown, making it feel far more streamlined and race-ready than the original.
Where you really need to pay attention, though, is the updated midsole. Both the new foam compound and the medial cutout won’t suit everyone. To get straight to the point: if you’re an aggressive runner who stays up on your toes, the Cielo X1 2.0 will reward you with a fun, efficiently propulsive, and highly aggressive ride. However, if you land further back, be mindful of the very unstable platform created by the softer foam and the new medial cutout. Additionally, the rearfoot’s slight sinking sensation might make the ride feel unnatural and inefficient for some runners.
