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I’ve spent some quality time putting in fast miles in the updated Hoka Cielo X1 2.0, and overall, I’m impressed by the changes but as a result, it’s now, a very different race day shoe.
Hoka addressed several issues from the first version that I called out in my Cielo X 1 review, by reducing weight, refining the heel counter, and upgrading the laces, to produce a carbon plated shoe that feels more purposeful on race day, and arguably more tuned to front of the pack runners.
With a design that leans toward faster paces and an aggressive stride, the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 clearly aims to serve runners who thrive on speed and intensity, with less of an emphasis on being a great racing shoe for middle of the pack racers too, and in this review, I’ll explain why.
READ NEXT: My Best Carbon Plate Running Shoes Roundup
Key specifications
- Price: $275 at hoka.com / $275 at roadrunnersports.com
- Weight: 7.2oz / 204g for size US(M)9 – That’s an average weight as the left she was 7oz and the right was 7.4oz (odd, i know..)
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7 mm
- Midsole: Dual-density PEBA foam paired with an aggressive forefoot rocker geometry, with a winged carbon fiber plate designed for a responsive toe-off
- Upper: Engineered jacquard mesh that offers a secure, breathable fit with an improved toe box
- Outsole: Sticky rubber for reliable traction on slick surfaces
- Technologies: Speed-centric MetaRocker™ and Forefoot-focused Active Foot Frame™
Sizing and fit
The fit of the Cielo X1 2.0 is spot on, true to size and it has a medium width, airing on the side of narrow.
The engineered jacquard mesh upper wraps your feet securely without feeling overly tight, and the refined heel counter and updated laces (which stay done up properly) work together to provide a great heel lock.
The toe box doesn’t provide much wiggle room but it’s comfortable and allows for a pretty natural foot placement.
Overall, the fit feels more precise than before, making it easier to dial in a secure, race-ready feel right out of the box.
What’s good
One of the major improvements in this version, and one that many readers are going to love to hear is the weight reduction. My US Men’s 9 now comes in at 7.2oz / 204g, which makes a noticeable difference during faster runs and races.
The upgraded lacing system and a more secure heel counter provide a much improved, responsive feel that instills confidence during high-speed efforts where most of your footfall happens under the forefoot.
The shoe’s dual-density PEBA midsole and aggressive rocker geometry work in tandem to encourage a soft cushioned landing, but with a responsive bounceback, resulting in a faster cadence, and very quick pace.
The midsole has a good amount of bounce, and the integration of the winged carbon fiber plate gives you that crisp toe-off that can help shift you into race mode almost instantaneously.
This design is clearly aimed at runners who have a naturally aggressive stride and are comfortable with a more performance-oriented platform. I say that, in comparison, to the previous version which was more forgiving, making it better for more middle of the pack runners as opposed to front of the pack elites.
I also appreciate the engineered jacquard mesh upper which delivers a snug, stable feel without compromising breathability.
The sticky rubber outsole continues to perform well, providing dependable grip even in wet conditions, and, for those who enjoy a bit of flair on race day, the vibrant colorways with sparkles and bold accents add a clear race-day vibe.
The bad
Despite the improvements, there are a few trade-offs in this new design which have left me in two mind on this racing shoe. The aggressive rocker, while propelling you forward, doesn’t initiate as cleanly as it used to.
When standing neutrally (not running), the rocker wants to rock backwards – meaning yes, it will perform aggressively if you are running at high speed with a forward leaning stance.
While this is great for the very fast runners, middle of the pack runners will no longer benefit from the rocker that would help with speed even when laying off the pace and striking more towards the midfoot / heel.
This is compounded by more instability due to the narrower midfoot and heel footprint.
This means that if you’re a midfoot or heel striker, the transition can feel a bit less smooth, especially when you’re tired and looking for a natural, forgiving roll.
The Cielo X1 2.0 now feels more tuned toward elite runners who already have a strong, fast turnover and can land on their forefoot for an entire marathon race, rather than those looking for extra cushioning, comfort and stability across the entire length of the shoe.
The narrower footprint under the midfoot and heel complements the updated rocker geometry and gives the shoe a hybrid feel reminiscent of a mix between the Rocket X 2 and the original Cielo X 1, but it will also compromise stability for some runners.
If you’re not already comfortable with an aggressive, race-focused stride, the narrower base might feel a little less secure during longer runs or on uneven surfaces. This is an issue that the Cielo X 1 didn’t have, and one of the reasons I rated it so highly for “most normal runners” looking for race day speed.
The carbon fiber plate is still a highlight, offering that quick push-off I love, however, it can feel a bit unforgiving at the interface with the midsole foam.
This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it does mean that the responsiveness comes with a slight rigidity that might not suit everyone’s preference for a smoother ride.
Hoka Cielo X1 VS Cielo X1 2.0 [Is the new version better?]
Comparing the new Cielo X1 2.0 to its predecessor reveals a few notable shifts in direction for the Cielo X1 model.
The updated version benefits from a reduced weight, improved heel counter, and a revamped lacing system, making it feel more responsive and secure on race day.
These changes, combined with a new rocker geometry and a tighter, more race-tuned design, make the Cielo X1 2.0 clearly aimed at runners who naturally push the pace rather than making it suitable for a wider range of runners / and speeds.
That said, while the new design propels you forward with a snappy toe-off and a propulsive feel, it comes with trade-offs.T
he adjusted rocker geometry means that if you’re a midfoot or heel striker, the transition isn’t as smooth as before, which can leave you feeling like you’re working harder, or a bit less stable, especially when fatigue sets in and you want to sit back, and slow the pace a little.
In contrast, the previous version offered a more forgiving platform that catered to a broader range of running styles. Below is a quick comparison of some key specs between the previous version and the new Cielo X1 2.0:
| Spec | Hoka Cielo X1 | Cielo X1 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $275 | $275 |
| Weight | 8.9oz / 252g for US Men’s 9 | 7.2oz / 204g for US Men’s 9 |
| Drop | 7mm | 7mm |
| Design Focus | More forgiving with a balanced, comfortable transition suitable for various running styles and a wider speed range | Tuned for race day performance with an aggressive feel, geared more toward elite runners and faster paces |
If you prioritize a responsive, race-ready ride and can adapt to a tighter, more aggressive feel, the new version is definitely an upgrade. However, if you need that extra cushioning and a smoother roll for midfoot or heel striking, you might still appreciate the forgiving nature of the original.
My verdict
The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is a solid evolution of an already impressive race day shoe, with significant improvements in weight, lacing, and heel support that make it a compelling option for those aiming to up their speed game.
The aggressive rocker and responsive midsole are designed to push you forward at a faster pace (and it works better at higher speeds), though they do come with a few trade-offs in terms of transition smoothness and overall stability.
At $275, you’re looking at a premium racing tool that’s best suited for runners who are comfortable with an aggressive stride and who prioritize speed and responsiveness over maximum cushioning.
If you’re in that camp, you’re likely to appreciate the performance gains, however, if stability and a more forgiving ride are what you need, it might be worth weighing the benefits of these upgrades against the new design’s tighter focus on elite performance.
In the end, the Cielo X1 2.0 is a strong contender for anyone seeking a race-ready shoe that doesn’t compromise on responsiveness or speed.
It’s a refined update that addresses previous shortcomings while adding its own set of trade-offs, so your enjoyment of this racing shoe will vary depending on your running style and needs.
👋🏼 Looking for your next pair of race day running shoes? Head over to my Best Carbon Plate Running Shoes roundup. See you on the next review! -Alastair
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