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The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is a considerable improvement on the original Cielo X1, with a faster, more propulsive ride in a lighter design. It’s one of the best carbon plate running shoes you can get, and though it’s not as stable as the original Cielo X1 it’s now a thoroughbred racer that can compete with the likes of the Nike Alphafly 3 and Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris.
Design & Key Stats
- Price: £250/$275
- Weight: 214g/7.5oz (men’s UK 9 / US 9.5)
- Drop: 7mm
- Upper: Thin jacquard mesh
- Midsole: Dual-density PEBA with full-length carbon plate
- Outsole: ‘Sticky’ rubber on forefoot and strips at heel
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 review
How’s The Fit
Mike, Nick and Gill tested the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 for our review and would recommend sticking with your normal running shoe size. It has quite a narrow, dialled-in fit, more so than the Cielo X1, so those who like a roomy fit might find it a little tight in the toe-box.
The Run Test: Likes
The springy Cielo X1 was one of our favourite launches of 2024 and we used it for a lot of fast training runs, but didn’t match up with the best running shoes for racing purely because of its weight. The Cielo X1 2.0 has dropped from 253g/8.9oz to 214g/7.5oz in a UK 9/US 9.5, which brings it line with most rival racers, though some are still lighter.
Despite the drop in weight, the Cielo X1 2.0 has retained the enjoyably bouncy ride of the Cielo X1. Combined with the aggressive rocker this creates a fast and fun ride that’s ideal for races of any distance, and the Cielo X1 2.0 should be perfect for marathons in particular.
The outsole rubber is also an improvement compared to the Cielo X1, which could be slippery when running on greasy pavements or tracks. Hoka also made a welcome change to the laces on the shoe, which now stayed tied more reliably than the ribbon laces on the Cielo X1.
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The Run Test: Dislikes
The Cielo X1 2.0 didn’t sacrifice any of the bounce of the original Cielo X1 to become lighter, but it did sacrifice stability. The shoe is narrower and now has a big cutout on the medial side, which means it will be less suitable for runners who need extra support than the Cielo X1.
As a more aggressive shoe that’s less stable it’s also less well-suited for regular training runs than the Cielo X1. Nick in particular loved using the Cielo X1 for marathon training, racking up over 350km in it, whereas the Cielo X1 2.0 is a shoe you’ll save for a few key sessions and race day.
It’s also an expensive option, even for a carbon plate super-shoe, and it’s worth noting that even though Hoka has reduced the weight of the Cielo X1 2.0 considerably, there are several carbon shoes that are around 200g or even less in a UK 9, like the Metaspeed Sky Paris and On Cloudboom Strike LS.
Verdict And Alternatives
The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is a fantastic racer and we rate it as one of the best marathon running shoes available in particular. It’s Hoka’s best racer as a more propulsive shoe than the Hoka Rocket X2, which is also actually now heavier than the Cielo.
Stiff competition comes from carbon rivals like the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris, which isn’t as bouncy but is lighter and has a lightning fast turnover and very responsive ride. It’s our top pick for racing right now, but preferences will vary depending on what kind of ride you like in your racer.
The Nike Alphafly 3 is another strong option with a springy ride, while the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 is a lot cheaper and delivers a similar level of performance, though with a more direct and less springy feel than the Cielo X1. The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 is also an outstanding racer, just be wary of its fit as it can rub the toes.
Other good new racers launched in 2025 include the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB, which is a lightweight shoe with a more natural ride than the Cielo X1 2.0, though it’s less bouncy. The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is incredibly soft and springy, but a little unstable for our tastes.