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One of the best parts of testing running gear is the thrill of logging miles in a new brand—or in this case, a new-to-me brand. And what better way to get acquainted with Hoka than by lacing up the Cielo X1 2.0? Let me tell you—Hoka didn’t just enter the elite racing shoe conversation; they stormed in, loud and clear.
The Cielo X1 2.0 is built for speed demons chasing PRs.
With an aggressive forefoot rocker, lively dual-density PEBA foam, and an updated winged carbon fiber plate, this shoe doesn’t just ask you to pick up the pace—it dares you.
But here’s the magic: it delivers raw speed without sacrificing comfort.
The result? A bouncy, propulsive ride that feels fresh, fast, and ready to launch runners to new personal bests. This is definitely a shoe that can take you sub 1:30:00 in the half marathon or under 3:00:00 for a marathon.
Who Is It Good For?
Who is the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 a good fit for? Let’s peek at the rundown:
- Wide Feet: Negative, ghostrider. The heel and midfoot of the shoe are more narrow than the first version of the shoe.
- Heavier Runners: No. With a restrictive heel and midfoot, heavier runners and those with stability concerns should steer clear. The first version of the shoe was more accessible for runners of all sizes and abilities.
- Long Runs: Absolutely! This shoe shines in longer, faster efforts and had my feet feeling fresh at the end of a 19-mile long run.
- Front of the Pack: This shoe screams “LET’S GO!” and can definitely send runners to PRs in both the half marathon and marathon distances. The aggressive design is targeted for runners toward the front of the pack.
I put the Cielo X1 2.0 through its paces—racking up 50 miles across track workouts, interval sessions, and a long run to see exactly how it holds up on race day. As always, my goal is to break down every detail so you can decide if this shoe is the right fit for you. Let’s dive in!
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 Overview
The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is a race-day rocket built for speed and long-distance efficiency. With explosive PEBA foam, an aggressive forefoot rocker, and a winged carbon-fiber plate, it’s designed to keep you rolling forward and feeling fast from start to finish.
But the first version of the shoe is immensely popular, so what are the main upgrades in this new drop? Here’s our original review of the Cielo X1.
Cielo X1 vs. Cielo X1 2.0: What’s New?
- Weight: Lighter and faster. Now 7.1 oz vs. the previous 8.9 oz in a men’s size 9—less weight, more speed.
- Upper: More breathable, better fit. The new jacquard mesh is lighter, thinner, and locks in the foot more securely.
- Midsole: More pop, more propulsion. PEBA foam + a reworked carbon plate deliver a bouncier, more energetic ride.
- Ride: Much faster but less stable at slower paces. The aggressive rocker and narrower base make this update significantly less stable. This is partially due to the midsole cutout moving from the lateral to the medial side of the shoe.
The Cielo X1 2.0 is lighter, faster, and more responsive, a fantastic race-day option for the marathon and half marathon.
But with the speed gains comes a trade-off: stability takes a hit, making this version less forgiving for runners who need more support. If you loved the original for its balance of speed and control, this update might feel like a different beast altogether.
And let’s talk about that sweet, sweet foam!
The PEBA midsole delivers a cushioned ride loaded with energy return. Landings? Pure bliss. The winged carbon plate ensures snappy toe-offs and a smooth, rolling stride. Best of all, the shoe holds onto its lively bounce even deep into long runs—it doesn’t suddenly lose its pop after 15 miles, which, let’s be honest, has been an issue with some other supershoes.
With its propulsive ride, energetic cushioning, and race-ready design, the Cielo X1 2.0 delivers a smooth, fast, and responsive ride—perfect for your next marathon or half marathon!
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 Specs
The original Cielo X1 is no longer available, so hopefully if you just search Cielo 2 you’ll get to the shoe that simply has a longer confusing name.
- Weight: 6.8 oz (W), 8.1 oz (M)
- Stack Height: 46 mm
- Heel Drop: 7 mm
- Colors: Available in 1 colorway
- Not available in wide
- Available on Hoka.com for $275
This shoe is an absolute blast to run in! My one nitpick? The (only) colorway. It’s very… Hoka. A mash-up of colors that don’t quite vibe together. Here’s hoping they roll out some fresh options soon.
One standout feature? The outsole. It’s sublime. I put it through the wringer—1K repeats on a slick track and a long run through winter slush—and it delivered. The grip is rock-solid and will keep you moving at high speeds. No need to second-guess this one on rainy days!
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 Fit
One of the biggest reasons I love this shoe is the near-perfect fit. The moment I laced them up, I noticed how TALL they feel—especially in the heel and forefoot—which isn’t surprising given the massive 46mm stack height.
Standing still, you can immediately sense the aggressive rocker geometry; a slight shift in weight makes it effortless to rock forward and backward.
The ample cushioning and beveled heel keep the back of your foot secure, especially when you’re pushing the pace.
Hoka’s re-engineered jacquard mesh upper strikes a nice balance between support and flexibility, wrapping the foot without feeling restrictive.
The thin tongue and traditional lacing offer just the right mix of structure and comfort—I never had to crank down on the lacing and experienced zero issues with them coming untied, which I’m told was a prominent issue in the first version of the shoe.
Hoka also trimmed down the midfoot, which is great news for runners with narrower feet (myself included). There’s enough room from heel to toe, but if you have wider feet, the fit might feel snug. That said, the toe box opens up nicely, giving my toes plenty of room to wiggle and splay.
Sizing is spot on—I felt right at home in my usual men’s 11.
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 Feel
Does it sound like I’m gushing over this shoe? Probably. But it’s well-deserved—because this shoe doesn’t just feel fast; it is fast.
The combination of aggressive rocker geometry, lively PEBA foam, and a winged carbon-fiber plate creates a ride that’s bouncy, smooth, and built for speed from start to finish.
That said, it can feel a little awkward at slower paces.
The updates in this version come at the expense of some of the previous model’s stability. But the moment you pick up the pace, everything clicks—the shoe comes alive, the rocker propels you forward, and toe-offs feel effortless.
Quick turnover galore? Yes, please!
The new jacquard mesh upper is incredibly breathable and quick-drying. I accidentally splashed through some melting snow on my first run, and within minutes, my shoes felt bone dry. The light active frame design provides just the right amount of support, while the flat lacing system ensures a secure, locked-in fit.
Similar Shoes to the Cielo X1 2.0
Looking for something similar but a bit different? Here are a few other options in the supershoe category.
Okay friends, that’s our review of the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0! I hope it helps you decide which shoe to rock at your next race. Let us know if you’ve run in this shoe and your takeaways.
Who Tried It?
Hiya friends! I’m Jeff, a marathon-loving runner in Kansas City! Every day, I fall more in love with running. It keeps me mentally and physically healthy, and continues to teach me all the life lessons. Typically, I run around 45 miles a week if I’m not building for a race. But I’m running the OKC Marathon in April and Grandma’s in June, so let me know if you’ll be at either one. You can find me on Instagram @jaruane
