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Among the finest elements of testing operating gear is the joys of logging miles in a brand new model—or on this case, a new-to-me model. And what higher approach 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, full of life dual-density PEBA foam, and an up to date winged carbon fiber plate, this shoe doesn’t simply ask you to select up the tempo—it dares you.
However right here’s the magic: it delivers uncooked velocity with out sacrificing consolation.
The end result? A bouncy, propulsive experience that feels contemporary, quick, and able to launch runners to new private bests. That is positively a shoe that may take you sub 1:30:00 within the half marathon or below 3:00:00 for a marathon.
Who Is It Good For?
Who’s the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 match for? Let’s peek on the rundown:
- Large Toes: Damaging, 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 talents.
- Lengthy Runs: Completely! This shoe shines in longer, sooner efforts and had my ft feeling contemporary on the finish of a 19-mile future.
- Entrance of the Pack: This shoe screams “LET’S GO!” and may positively 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 way of its paces—racking up 50 miles throughout observe exercises, interval periods, and a future to see precisely the way it holds up on race day. As all the time, my purpose is to interrupt down each element so you may resolve if this shoe is the best 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 well-liked, so what are the principle upgrades on this new drop? Right here’s our authentic assessment of the Cielo X1.
Cielo X1 vs. Cielo X1 2.0: What’s New?
- Weight: Lighter and sooner. 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.
- Experience: A lot sooner however much less secure at slower paces. The aggressive rocker and narrower base make this replace considerably much less secure. That is partially because of the midsole cutout shifting from the lateral to the medial aspect of the shoe.
The Cielo X1 2.0 is lighter, sooner, and extra responsive, a implausible race-day possibility for the marathon and half marathon.
However with the velocity good points comes a trade-off: stability takes successful, making this model much less forgiving for runners who want extra help. When you liked the unique for its stability of velocity and management, this replace would possibly really feel like a distinct beast altogether.
And let’s speak about 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 clean, rolling stride. Better of all, the shoe holds onto its full of life bounce even deep into lengthy runs—it doesn’t immediately 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 clean, quick, and responsive experience—excellent in your subsequent marathon or half marathon!
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 Specs
The unique Cielo X1 is not obtainable, so hopefully should you simply search Cielo 2 you’ll get to the shoe that merely has an extended complicated title.
- Weight: 6.8 oz (W), 8.1 oz (M)
- Stack Peak: 46 mm
- Heel Drop: 7 mm
- Colours: Accessible in 1 colorway
- Not obtainable in vast
- Accessible 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 contemporary choices quickly.
One standout characteristic? The outsole. It’s elegant. I put it by way of the wringer—1K repeats on a slick observe and a future by way of winter slush—and it delivered. The grip is rock-solid and can maintain you shifting at excessive speeds. No have to second-guess this one on wet days!
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 Match
One of many greatest causes I really like this shoe is the near-perfect match. The second I laced them up, I observed how TALL they really feel—particularly within the heel and forefoot—which isn’t stunning given the large 46mm stack peak.
Standing nonetheless, you may 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 maintain the again of your foot safe, particularly if you’re pushing the tempo.
Hoka’s re-engineered jacquard mesh higher strikes a pleasant stability between help and adaptability, wrapping the foot with out feeling restrictive.
The skinny tongue and conventional lacing supply simply the correct mix 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 advised was a outstanding challenge within the first model of the shoe.
Hoka additionally trimmed down the midfoot, which is nice information for runners with narrower ft (myself included). There’s sufficient room from heel to toe, however if in case you have wider ft, 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 residence in my standard 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, full of life PEBA foam, and a winged carbon-fiber plate creates a experience that’s bouncy, clean, and constructed for velocity from begin to end.
That mentioned, it will probably really feel somewhat awkward at slower paces.
The updates on this model come on the expense of among the earlier mannequin’s stability. However the second you decide up the tempo, every thing 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 unintentionally splashed by way of some melting snow on my first run, and inside minutes, my sneakers felt bone dry. The sunshine energetic body design gives simply the correct amount of help, whereas the flat lacing system ensures a safe, locked-in match.
Comparable Sneakers to the Cielo X1 2.0
On the lookout for one thing related however a bit totally different? Listed here are a number of different choices within the supershoe class.
Okay associates, that’s our assessment of the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0! I hope it helps you resolve which shoe to rock at your subsequent race. Tell us should you’ve run on this shoe and your takeaways.
Who Tried It?
Hiya associates! I’m Jeff, a marathon-loving runner in Kansas Metropolis! On daily basis, I fall extra in love with operating. It retains me mentally and bodily wholesome, and continues to show me all of the life classes. Sometimes, I run round 45 miles per week if I’m not constructing for a race. However I’m operating the OKC Marathon in April and Grandma’s in June, so let me know should you’ll be at both one. You could find me on Instagram @jaruane