HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 Review: More Bounce, More Cushion, More PRs

All shoes are reviewed by the Fleet Feet tester team, which represents a wide variety of goals, foot shapes, running locations and terrains. Reviewers pound the pavement, climb the hills, tackle the trails, then come together to compare notes. Debates ensue over the feel of the cushioning, the purpose of the shoe, and how it compares to last year’s model. While each reviewer has their own individual preferences, we hope that capturing our debates will help you make an informed decision.

The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0, available February 15, has a need for speed. With a winged carbon-fiber plate to propel you forward, a springy PEBA midsole foam to cushion each stride and a smooth, race-ready fit, the Cielo X1 2.0 has all the ingredients you need for your next PR (except, of course, the training).

Max, Kate and I were lucky enough to test the 2.0 after testing the original version last year and we noticed some big differences. Read on to see what we thought.

HOKA claims the Cielo X1 2.0 has been updated with a “more aggressive rocker profile” coupled with “enhanced forefoot cushioning,” and it shows. Not only can you see it when the shoe is sitting flat on the ground, it’s something we all felt as soon as we stepped into the shoe.

“I took these out for a short tempo run and a few things immediately stood out to me,” Max says. “They feel bouncier and softer than the original version, the placement of the cushion is extremely unique and the rocker shape is quite aggressive, resulting in some smooth turnovers.”

The enhanced forefoot cushioning encourages a forefoot or midfoot landing rather than a heel landing. This felt a little wonky to me during my warm up, as I typically land closer to my heel when running at an easier, slower pace. However, the moment I lapped my watch and began my tempo run, they felt smooth, natural, and oh-so-bouncy.

I tested these out for a 35-minute tempo run which I was nervous about for many reasons. I’m attempting to return from a back injury; I felt very run down the day before and it was much warmer than the last time I did a tempo run–but I ended up running much faster than my planned pace! The performance benefit of these shoes can’t be denied, as the embedded carbon plate provides proven energy return with each step. As you land, the carbon plate tenses and, as you take off, it releases. This works in tandem with the PEBA foam to deliver energy back to you with each step.

Kate also nailed her workout in these shoes.

“I tested these shoes on a day when I had a tough 13-mile workout with an hour at 6:30 pace,” she says. “I was dreading it a little, but these shoes were a nice secret weapon. When I got started, I immediately noticed that the cushion felt softer than the original Cielo, which was my favorite racing shoe. It almost felt like there were two cushions: a heel cushion and a forefoot cushion, rather than one continuous piece of foam. In fact, it gives a sensation like the forefoot is positioned higher than the heel. It seemed to prompt me to try and run on my forefoot more, and normally I don’t think that much about my foot placement. The Cielo X1 2.0 feels energetic and propulsive. It’s a fun, peppy ride and definitely gives a speed advantage. I had a good workout and hit my paces, but I noticed that after my run, my calves felt sore right away, which is not normal for me.”

Max echoed the sore calf sentiment, and this made me worried for my test run, especially since I had felt a weird twinge in my left achilles the day before. Thankfully, I didn’t notice any issues during or after the run. As I mentioned above, I naturally land on my forefoot when running fast so the Cielo’s geometry works really well for my stride.

In addition to an enhanced rocker shape and added forefoot cushioning, the Cielo X1 has also slimmed down. Shoe designers updated the medial cutouts in the midsole, a strategic way to decrease the weight. Reviewers noticed the difference.

“The Cielo X1 2.0 feels narrower at the base and this, in combination with the softer foam, resulted in a less stable underfoot feel,” Max says.

Kate agreed with the “more soft, less stable” evaluation. While I do think the shoe feels softer and bouncier, I didn’t have any issues with stability despite running on an annoyingly cambered pathway.

When I tested the Cielo X1 last year, I really liked the underfoot feel. However, the fit did not work at all. The shoe, only available in unisex sizing, felt about a full size too big. I wore the shoes with thick socks, but they just felt a little bit clunky–not what I want when trying to run fast.

I’m pleased to report that the fit of the 2.0 has been much improved. An engineered jacquard mesh replaces the knit material used in the previous version, offering a better lockdown. Plus, the profile of the shoe feels a bit narrower, which works well for my feet. I also ordered a half-size down this time, which ended up feeling perfect. I wore my OS1st Plantar Fasciitis Compression socks (just the right amount of compression!) and they worked very well inside the Cielo.

“The length and width fit true to size, while the thin, translucent and breathable upper creates a great midfoot lockdown all around,” Max says. “The heel collar offers some nice padding, delivering additional comfort. The tongue has a little bit of structure to it, allowing me to really manipulate it to fit my feet.”

The Cielo X1 2.0 is still offered in unisex sizing. Men should order their usual size, while women should order one to 1.5 sizes down from their normal size (for example, if you wear a women’s 7.5 you should order a 6.5 or a 6). Kate and I both requested 1.5 sizes down from our normal size and were happy with the fit.

The Cielo X1 2.0 has had some major updates. Whether you think that’s good or bad will depend on your preferences.

Kate, Max and I all agreed that the new upper material and construction is a huge improvement from last year’s Cielo X1.

“As a Cielo X1 enthusiast with two pairs of the original shoe, I’m happy to say that I think the fit and materials of the upper are much improved in the new model,” says Kate. “The shoe fits me true to size and I find the lacing system and heel collar far more comfortable and easier to adjust than the original. They got rid of the weird ribbon-y laces, put in a more structured tongue and a slightly padded heel collar that flares away from the achilles. In the original model, I have to wear crew socks or else the heel rubs.”

However, we disagreed on the underfoot feel. Kate thinks the new update feels much less stable than the original.

“The Cielo X1 2.0 feels softer, bouncier and more propulsive, at the expense of stability,” Max agrees.

Softer and bouncier are two words that make my heart skip a beat when it comes to racing shoes, so I couldn’t be more thrilled with this update. As I mentioned before, I didn’t have any problems with stability, but if you prefer a wider base that offers more support you may not be a fan of the new model.

We took a look at some similar models to see how the Cielo X1 2.0 stacks up. Here’s what we found.

The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0, Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 and Nike Alphafly 3 are each their respective brands’ tip-of-the-spear racing shoe. With springy carbon-fiber plates coupled with peppy foams (and, in Nike’s case, Air Zoom units), these shoes were built for maximum speed.

While the Cielo X1 2.0 appears to have the highest stack height, it’s worth noting that each brand measures stack height differently. I reached out to HOKA to see if the Cielo X1 2.0 abides by the maximum allowed stack height set by World Athletics (40 millimeters, which only applies to elites). They said that [at the time of this review], the shoe is currently approved as a development shoe. Once the shoe goes on sale on February 15, World Athletics will give final approval.

I’ve run in all three shoes, and while I won’t reveal my favorite, I will say that the Cielo X1 2.0 definitely has the most pronounced rocker profile, which came in handy during my tough tempo workout.

Whatever fast means to you, the Cielo X1 2.0 is here to help you find it. With a thick, springy PEBA midsole and peppy carbon plate, this is one of the fastest shoes in HOKA’s lineup.

Because of its aggressive geometry that encourages a mid-to-forefoot landing, it’s best for runners with a mid-to-forefoot strike. It’s also important to note that your gait may change as you run faster, like mine does. I wouldn’t wear the Cielo for easy runs, but it feels great when running fast.