The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 is a carbon-plated racing shoe reworked into a lighter, more performance-oriented package than the original Cielo X1. It swaps the heavy knit for a thin mesh upper, cuts weight substantially, and uses a sharper rocker that tips you forward more aggressively at toe-off. The dual-layer PEBA midsole with its winged carbon plate remains, but the midsole cutout now sits on the medial side, giving the ride a livelier feel while also reducing stability, especially for slower runners or heel strikers. That makes the HOKA Rocket X 3 the safer choice for marathons with its broader base and more stable ride, while the Cielo X1 2.0 falls naturally into the role of HOKA's shorter-distance super shoe, rewarding efficient runners with good form, able to benefit from the pronounced rocker and who don't mind the (very) soft midsole.
Our Verdict
The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 is a great marathon racer for efficient runners who naturally land on their midfoot or forefoot. The pronounced rocker and soft but protective foam help it cruise through long efforts without beating up the legs. However, the narrow heel platform and medial cutout mean it isn't super stable if you drift into heel striking late in a race, and slower runners may find it particularly wobbly at easier paces.
Excellent protection underfoot.
Lightweight construction.
H-shaped carbon plate adds stiffness.
Not a stable shoe, especially for slower runners and those who land further back.
The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 is a great shoe for shorter races, but it isn't the most snappy option for all-out 5K or 10K efforts. The midsole is bouncy and it's carbon-plated, but the shoe feels less dynamic and controlled than firmer racers at top speed. It's a good pick for runners who prefer a softer, lightweight sensation and will enjoy it for these distances, but most will find sharper options better suited for short, fast races. In fact, the shoe's plushness can feel a bit excessive for short events, dulling the snappy feel that faster efforts often demand.
Lightweight construction.
H-shaped carbon plate adds stiffness.
The forefoot is too soft to feel truly snappy.
The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 features a dual PEBA midsole, creating a lively ride with solid bounce, especially when you land on the prominent midfoot bulge that allows you to roll your foot quickly onto your toes. The rocker helps channel that rebound forward, making the shoe feel smooth and quick at threshold pace and faster. It isn't the most explosive shoe on the market, but the return is consistent and noticeable.
The midsole feels very bouncy, especially around the midfoot.
The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 offers amazing impact protection with a plush underfoot feel despite its lighter build. Both the heel and forefoot provide deep, protective cushioning that absorbs pounding from each stride. This setup allows runners to be sufficiently protected for long distances, but the aggressive rocker and narrow base mean it realistically only works for those with efficient form.
Excellent protection underfoot.
Plush dual-layer PEBA based midsole.
The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0's lateral stability is a clear weakness. The tall stack, large cut-off in the soft midsole, and narrow heel all combine to make it wobbly when you're not locked in at faster paces. Midfoot and forefoot strikers may not notice much once rolling, but heel strikers and those who need extra support will find it unstable, particularly at slower speeds or late in a marathon when form breaks down.
H-shaped carbon plate adds stiffness.
Super soft foam all around.
Large cutout on the medial side negatively impacts stability for heel strikers.
Super narrow platform.
Performance Usages
Changelog
- Updated Nov 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.9, which adds a Forefoot Long Run Cushioning test to our performance section. Read more in our changelog.
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Updated Oct 22, 2025:
We updated the Pros & Cons, Cushioning, 5K/10K Racing, Heel Cushioning, and Forefoot Cushioning boxes to align with the latest test bench.
- Updated Oct 20, 2025: We've converted this review to Test Bench 0.8.2, which updates our methodology for the impact force range used in our compression tests to improve their accuracy. This also affects all usage and performance usage boxes using those compression tests as score components.
- Updated Aug 22, 2025: Review published.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We bought and tested the HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 in men's US size 9, as noted on the label for our pair. The pair we purchased is the Frost/Black colorway, but this shoe is also available in other colors, depending on the region. Additional variants include Skyward Blue/Cielo Blue and Frost/Lava. Unlike some of HOKA's training models, there are no wide or extra-wide versions for this shoe. The design section applies only to the exact pair we tested, but we expect other sizes to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 is a lightweight, aggressively rockered super shoe built for hard days of training and race day, offering a soft, smooth, and bouncy ride. It adds a fun, bouncy character to the Cielo series while cutting weight, moving the midsole cutout to the medial side, and updating the upper considerably. The ride favors midfoot and forefoot strikers who stay up on the rocker and use its toe-off to full effect. At slower paces or for heel strikers, it feels less stable and loses much of its magic due to the prominent heel bevel. While the cushioning is substantial enough for longer efforts, some may find the midsole too soft or unstable for longer distances. Another shoe with a similar design language is the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3, which pushes the concept further with an even more exaggerated midfoot rocker and bevel.
Within HOKA's lineup, it's to go-to choice instead of the HOKA Rocket X 3 for efficient runners who want a more propulsive and nimble feel. The Rocket remains a better choice for those seeking a more approachable design and better stability, and is the safer bet for longer distances. The HOKA Mach X 3, on the other hand, is not a race shoe but a plated super trainer. It is more forgiving and consistent for regular speed training, but lacks the aggressive geometry or streamlined construction to compete on race day.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best running shoes, as well as the best long-distance running shoes and the best shoes for running a marathon.
The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 and the HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 are both soft, lightweight super shoes designed for long-distance racing, but they prioritize different aspects of the ride. The Elite 2 delivers a bouncier, more energetic feel thanks to its responsive midsole, giving runners a lively toe-off and efficient return of force. While it starts off plush, the Saucony firms up under higher impact forces, making it more versatile across a range of paces and distances. The Cielo X1 2.0 leans even more into softness and compliance, with a rolling rocker and an aggressive feel that favors midfoot and forefoot strikers. It’s a bit less energetic but delivers an even more forgiving experience throughout.
The HOKA Rocket X 3 and HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 are both carbon-plated racing shoes, but they target different types of runners and distances with distinct design philosophies. The Rocket X 3 leans into stability and consistency, with a wider base that provides confidence under fatigue. It delivers a firmer, more structured ride with a smooth and predictable rocker, especially suited for marathon efforts and tempo runs where durability matters. In contrast, the Cielo X1 2.0 is lighter, softer, and more aggressive, built for runners who want to stay up on the forefoot and let the rocker do the work. It's very energetic but noticeably less stable, particularly in the rearfoot or at slower speeds. The Cielo favors midfoot and forefoot strikers who maintain efficient form throughout a race, while the Rocket is better for runners who appreciate a touch more control and a bit of extra room in the toebox.
The adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4 and the HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 are both elite racing shoes with medial cutouts designed to reduce weight, but they differ in key aspects. The adidas shoe is lighter and more energetic, with pronounced rebound from its Lightstrike Pro midsole, making it feel more responsive at toe-off. It has a clear rocker effect, but it kicks in later compared to the HOKA, which uses an aggressive early-stage rocker and heel bevel that promotes smooth transitions, especially for midfoot and forefoot strikers. The HOKA feels noticeably softer and more protective underfoot, and it's got a carbon plate instead of the carbon rods adidas uses.
The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 and Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3 both cater to runners seeking an aggressive, midfoot-oriented super shoe, but they achieve this through different implementations. The HOKA offers a soft, more rockered ride with a lightweight feel that encourages smooth forward roll when up on the toes. The Mizuno, on the other hand, takes the concept further with an extreme heel bevel and higher midfoot stack, making it even more suitable for midfoot landings. This gives it a more aggressive toe-off feel but limits its accessibility to various runners, as both forefoot and heel landings may miss out on the shoe's optimal propulsion zone. The Mizuno is also way heavier, limiting its appeal in terms of overall efficiency.
We've recently started buying and testing running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes for team members to be able to log in miles. This real-world testing is done at various paces and conditions, and with different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 feels genuinely light on foot, trimming bulk from the upper so turnover comes easily at speed. It is not the absolute featherweight of top options like the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 2 or the PUMA Fast-R NITRO Elite 3, but it's still quite light without sacrificing protection.
This model uses a geometry similar in spirit to shoes like the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 3, where the highest point of foam is not the official measurement point. Our highest measurement reached 46.5 mm under the midfoot, but the heel bevel and pronounced forefoot rocker mean the shoe measures quite lower using standard World Athletics methodology. This also shifts the effective contact point forward for a very forward-rolling feel that rewards efficient mechanics at fast paces, provided you're able to hit that sweet spot of bouncy foam in the midsole.
In this version 2.0, HOKA moves the midsole cutout from the lateral side to the medial side, which changes how the foam and plate load. Underfoot, the arch feels more hollow, and the rollover is quicker, but the narrower heel and medial void reduce lateral stability, especially for heel strikers or slower runners. Fit remains race-oriented, and the upper is the narrower side at the arch and in the toebox area.
The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 uses a full-length, winged carbon plate that presents as an H shape inside the midsole. Only part of the plate is visible in our photo since a portion of it sits embedded within the foam.
This shoe feels very bouncy at the rear once you are rolling, with a lively rebound that pairs well with the rocker, so transitions stay fluid at marathon effort for efficient runners.
The forefoot energy return is great, delivering an energetic toe-off when you load the front half. The bounce is strong and sustained rather than explosive, so it favors steady fast running around threshold, ideal for intervals or races.
The heel is super protective, soaking up impacts with a plush feel that keeps legs fresh over long sessions. The trade-off is a compressive sensation that can feel a bit wobbly due to the large medial cutout if you drift into pure heel striking or slow down between intervals.
The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 provides amazing forefoot padding that mutes pavement harshness while preserving a smooth roll. It is comfortable for sustained fast running and longer efforts, allowing your muscles and joints to focus on getting to the finish line and forget about the pounding from the pavement.
The heel is very soft, feeling very plush upon landing. This boosts comfort and this feeling of protection but reduces lateral stability, so heel strikers and tired legs late in a race may feel the platform shift more than in shoes with slightly firmer midsoles.
The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 sits on the softer side up front at lower forces, then firms up noticeably as forces rise. That makes it manageable when you are running faster, yet it still leans more plush than snappy, which is unusual for a shoe that otherwise feels geared to shorter, quicker efforts by virtue of its aggressive geometry.