The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 represents HOKA’s most aggressive entry into the competitive super shoe market. As the successor to the original Cielo X1, this updated model aims to challenge established rivals from Nike and Adidas in the carbon-plated racing category. After logging 30+ kilometres in these shoes across training runs, including tempo runs, here’s my breakdown of HOKA’s premier racing offering.
Design
The Cielo X1 2.0 makes a bold visual statement that clearly communicates its purpose. HOKA has abandoned its traditional maximalist aesthetic for a sleeker, more aggressive profile that signals speed at first glance. The engineered mesh upper features a translucent design that reveals the internal structure while maintaining a lightweight feel. The shoe’s most striking visual element is the dramatic rocker geometry, with a pronounced upward sweep at the toe that creates an unmistakable racing silhouette.
The midsole integrates HOKA’s proprietary PEBA-based foam (significantly lighter and more responsive than traditional EVA) with a carbon fiber plate that extends through the midfoot and forefoot. The colorways balance professional aesthetics with enough flair to stand out in a crowded field, with the electric blue/coral option being particularly eye-catching under race-day lighting.
Weight-saving measures are evident throughout, from the minimal tongue to the strategically placed rubber on the outsole. The Cielo X1 2.0 sits firmly in the super shoe weight class, shaving nearly an ounce from its predecessor.
Fit and Comfort
The Cielo X1 2.0 offers a performance-oriented fit that prioritizes lockdown over plushness. The gusseted tongue and asymmetrical lacing system work together to create a secure midfoot wrap that eliminates movement during high-speed efforts. The heel counter strikes an effective balance—structured enough to prevent slippage but not so rigid as to cause irritation during longer races.
The toe box provides adequate room for toe splay without excess volume that would compromise the racing fit. Runners with wider feet may find the forefoot slightly constrictive, as the shoe is designed with speed efficiency in mind rather than all-day comfort. The engineered mesh upper adapts well to foot shape after a brief break-in period, offering a semi-custom feel.
While comfort isn’t the primary focus of a racing shoe, the Cielo X1 2.0 remains surprisingly accommodating for its category. The PEBA foam provides enough cushioning to make marathon distances manageable, though it lacks the plush sensation of HOKA’s daily trainers. The shoe feels most comfortable at faster paces (sub-5:00/km), where the carbon plate and rocker geometry work in harmony.
Performance
Performance is where the Cielo X1 2.0 truly shines. The carbon fiber plate, positioned at the optimal angle within the midsole, delivers exceptional energy return and propulsion, particularly at race paces. The plate’s stiffness is tuned to activate most effectively between 5K and marathon pace, providing a noticeable “pop” during toe-off that contributes to running economy.
The aggressive rocker geometry facilitates quick turnover for shorter races while the substantial stack height (35mm heel/30mm forefoot) provides enough protection for the longer distances.
Transition through the gait cycle feels smooth and decisive, with the rocker geometry guiding the foot naturally from heel strike to toe-off. The shoe’s stability is surprisingly good for its category, with a wider forefoot platform than many competitors that helps maintain control during cornering and on slightly uneven surfaces.
The outsole design, featuring targeted rubber placement in high-wear areas, delivers excellent traction on both dry and slightly wet surfaces. The grip inspires confidence during race-day surges and tight turns without adding unnecessary weight.
Durability
As expected with most super shoes, durability is the Cielo X1 2.0’s relative weakness. The focus on performance and weight reduction naturally comes with longevity trade-offs. It was reported that the exposed foam sections of the outsole show wear after approximately 75km, though this doesn’t significantly impact performance until much later.
It was also reported that the engineered mesh upper has proven more durable than expected, with no signs of tearing or stretching even after multiple racing efforts. The reinforced toe cap effectively prevents premature breakdown in this high-stress area.
Further reports stated that the PEBA foam maintains its responsiveness longer than traditional EVA compounds, showing minimal compression after 150km. However, the distinctive “pop” from the carbon plate does diminish somewhat after 200-300km, suggesting these shoes are best reserved for races and key workouts rather than daily training.
For serious competitors, it is expected to get 300-400 quality kilometres from the Cielo X1 2.0 before performance noticeably declines—comparable to other shoes in this category but significantly less than traditional trainers.
Conclusion
The HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 represents a significant achievement in HOKA’s racing lineup, offering a compelling alternative to established super shoes from competing brands. Its standout features—the responsive PEBA foam, optimally tuned carbon plate, and efficient rocker geometry—combine to deliver genuine performance benefits across multiple racing distances.
The Cielo X1 2.0 demands a premium price, but delivers premium performance in return. It’s best suited for competitive runners targeting PR attempts from 5K through the marathon, particularly those who prefer a slightly more stable platform than other super shoes offer.
While not the most durable option for everyday training, the Cielo X1 2.0 excels in its intended role as a race-day weapon. For runners seeking a versatile carbon-plated shoe that can handle the final sprint of a 5K and the demanding miles of a marathon with equal competence, the HOKA Cielo X1 2.0 deserves serious consideration.
