When I think of Hoka, I think of a running brand that’s absolutely killing it on all fronts—easy running shoes, workout shoes, even those weird sandal things.
But there’s been one glaring gap in their lineup: a world-beating racing shoe.
Is the new Cielo X1 2.0 the answer? Let’s find out.
The Deets: Tech Specs For The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0
- Stack Height: (see note)* 46 mm/39 mm (W), 48 mm/41 mm (M)
- Weight: 6.8 oz (W), 8.1 oz (M)
- Heel-To-Toe Drop: 7 mm
- Release Date: February 2025
- MSRP: $275 USD
✅ What We Liked:
- Significant Weight Reduction: Nearly a full ounce lighter than the previous version, improving speed and efficiency.
- More Breathable Upper: Engineered jacquard mesh replaces the bulky, non-breathable upper of the X1, making for a much more comfortable ride.
- Aggressive Rocker for Speed: The exaggerated rocker propels you forward efficiently, making it ideal for tempo runs and long intervals.
Watch Out For:
- Not Ideal for Easy Runs: The aggressive rocker and firm ride make it uncomfortable at slower paces.
- Runs Small: The fit feels tighter than the previous version—consider sizing up.
- Limited Racing Appeal: Still struggles to compete with top-tier super shoes from Nike and Adidas, making it more of a workout shoe than a race-day option.
First Impressions
Hoka just dropped its latest racing shoe, the Cielo X2. Or is it the Cielo X1.2? Or maybe the Cielo X1 Version 2.0? Whatever they’re calling it, this is the second iteration of the Cielo—a super chunky, aggressively rockered racing shoe.
Hoka’s lineup of Apex Super Shoes consists of two main models: the Cielo line and the Rocket line.
The Rocket X2 has historically been the more popular option—it’s lower to the ground, more minimal, and generally lighter. But Hoka introduced the Cielo series in 2024 to shake things up.
I tried the original Cielo X1, and to be honest, I didn’t love it.
The upper was too thick, the midsole and outsole felt too bulky, and the aggressive rockered profile disrupted my stride. I felt like I was running on half of a wheel.
Turns out, I wasn’t alone—most runners seemed to prefer the Rocket over the Cielo, and neither shoe made an appearance on any major marathon podiums in 2024. Adidas and Nike dominated, with Asics, On, and even Under Armour showing up before Hoka did.
Clearly, Hoka took the feedback seriously and went back to the drawing board. Enter the Cielo X1 2.0. But is it really any different?
Specs and Updates
At first glance, a lot of things are the same:
- Price: No change.
- Stack height: Still at 39mm for most sizes, just under the 40mm limit (*see note below).
- Heel-to-toe drop: Unchanged.
The big difference?
Weight.
Hoka managed to shave nearly a full ounce off the Cielo, dropping it from 9oz to 8oz. That’s a pretty significant reduction for a racing shoe. The weight savings come from two key updates:
- Revised outsole: The X1 had a lateral-side cutout, which hurt traction. Hoka swapped it for a medial-side cutout, maintaining weight reduction without messing with grip.
- New upper: The old Cielo’s upper was thick, heavy, and unbreathable—basically a sauna for my feet. The X2 introduces an engineered jacquard mesh upper that’s lighter and more breathable.
Other than that, the core of the shoe remains the same. It still has that aggressive, banana-like rocker and the same dual-layer PEBA foam for a high-energy ride.
Cielo X1 2.0 Wear Test
My first run? Let’s just say I’ve never felt like I was running on a half-wheel as much as I did with this shoe.
That aggressive rocker is extreme.
At an easy pace, the Cielo felt awkward—almost uncomfortable. But on a long run workout (3×10 minutes at threshold pace), the rocker started to make sense. It really propels you forward. However, it forces you onto your toes almost immediately, making heel contact nearly impossible.
One downside?
Sizing.
My toes were wrecked after my workout because the shoe fits small. I don’t remember that being an issue with the X1, so either my feet are flattening out, or Hoka tweaked the fit.
If you’re getting a pair, go half a size up.
The Verdict
Is the Cielo X1 2.0 a world-beating super shoe? Definitely not.
It’s also not an easy running shoe. But it does have a niche: it’s a solid workout shoe—aggressive, supportive, and comfortable (if you size up). For me, it’s too much shoe for racing, but for hard efforts, it could be a useful tool.
Now we wait for the inevitable Cielo X1 Version 3… or will it be the Cielo X2 Version 2? Or maybe the Cielo 3X? You get the idea.
Shop On Running WarehouseHOKA Cielo X1 2.0 Stack Height Note
Note on Stack Height: The exact stack height of the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 has been challenging to verify definitively. Hoka’s official site does not list the measurement, and various sources report conflicting information.
Some suggest the stack height changes significantly depending on shoe size, with certain sizes reportedly measuring as high as 46mm—potentially exceeding World Athletics rules—while others indicate it is within the allowed limits.
In our review video, we referenced a stack height of 39mm, but we’ve been unable to confirm this figure elsewhere.
We recommend runners verify the stack height specific to their shoe size prior to purchase if compliance with World Athletics regulations is a concern.
