Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 running shoes

The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 running shoe is a lightweight and very dynamic running shoe for fast training, race preparation and racing, with an aggressively rockered geometry midsole. While it has a comfortably soft midsole, the highly courved midsole geometry makes it not the best choice for lower intensity running. Stability is low, so it is not recommended for pronating or supinating runners, even for shorter distances. It has changed a lot from the previous version, moving from a fast training shoe to a race shoe.

Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 upper

The upper of the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 running shoe is made from a thin, lightweight, almost transparent jacquard mesh fabric that has very good breathability. Jacquard means that the thickness and density of the weave varies in different areas of the shoe, allowing the mesh material to be held more firmly in certain areas of the shoe rather than sewing extra layers onto the upper. The upper is tailored to fit and has a narrower cut, like most running shoes designed for racing. The tongue is thin and wide and hugs the foot well. The tongue isn’t fixed on either side, so it’s worth paying more attention to its adjustment when putting on the shoe. The heel collar is low padded, moderately stiff, and holds the foot well and securely. The shoe uses Active Foot Frame technology for stability, so the midsole foam is folded over the upper, almost sitting in a half-pipe. The upper is optimized for performance, not comfort, but it’s comfortable by comparison.

Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 midsole

The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 running shoe midsole is made from a two-layer dual-density PEBA foam, with a curved, winged carbon plate in between the two layers. The top layer of PEBA foam is a softer foam, while the bottom layer is a denser and stiffer foam, so while the top layer makes the shoe more comfortable, the bottom layer also improves stability and shock absorption. The three layers combine to create a very dynamic, bouncy midsole that you can almost fly in, as Hoke’s slogan goes (Fly human fly). The geometry of the Cielo X1 2.0 running shoe’s midsole is unique in several ways. First, the midsole is aggressively rockered at the forefoot and at the heel. This makes very fast transitions that propel you forward and encourage you to run fast. Similar to the Mizuno Rebellion Pro, the Cielo X1 2.0’s heel section starts to courve up near the midsole, making it almost impossible to land on a heel, or if you do manage to land on a heel, it makes for an uncomfortable, weird running experience. Aside from the fast transitions, the midfoot is very fast. The curved carbon plate and dynamic dual-density foam create a midsole that makes you want to run fast even when you don’t want to. The aggressive rocker geometry makes the heel landing uncomfortable, but since most runners who land on the heel can more easily land on the forefoot at a faster pace than they can on the forefoot, you can expect to run at a faster pace with a more comfortable feel. Runners who also land on the forefoot or midfoot at a slower pace can also use the shoe for slower runs. On the inside of the midsole, there is a large cutout in the midsole from the center of the foot toward the heel to reduce the weight of the shoe and, along with two other smaller cutouts, increase flexibility and reduce the torsional stiffness of the shoe. However, these cutouts also have a negative effect, reducing the stability of the shoe. As I’ve written before, the Cielo X1 2.0 features Active Foot Frame technology on the upper, which is primarily designed to improve stability, and the carbon plate wings on the inside and outside of the shoe also improve stability. However, the stability of the shoe is low and not recommended for pronating runners. On shorter distances or at the beginning of your run, when your leg muscles are not yet fatigued, you can keep your foot more straigt, but if you pronate, your foot will lean inward with fatigue, which this shoe does not support or correct. Let’s just say this shoe is fast for runners with a neutral foot position, landing at the forefoot. You can use it if you’re not a fast forefoot runner, but you won’t be able to take advantage of the shoe’s features and benefits, and it can be uncomfortable at slower speeds, plus you’ve paid such a high price for nothing. It’s not the shoe’s fault, it’s the shoe it was meant to be, and it should be.

Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 outsole

Not surprisingly, the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 running shoe outsole is also optimized for runners who landing at the forefoot. The forefoot has an extra large and thick outsole compared to a racing shoe, while the heel has only two small but equally thick outsoles, which compromises durability and stability. The outsole has excellent grip, even on wet surfaces, which is great for maneuvering and quick takeoffs.

Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 vs. Cielo X1, how is it different from the previous version?

The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 running shoe has changed a lot from its predecessor. It has changed category, moving from the previous category of fast training running shoes to the category of race running shoes. It’s faster, the upper is better and more secure, and the shoe is 41 grams lighter, a very significant weight reduction.

Hoka has always listened to runners and the Cielo X1 is no different. The previous heel collar has been redesigned to better hold the foot in place. The previous longitudinal reinforcements on the upper have been replaced with lateral ones to better fit the foot, and it has a new lacing system.

The midsole cutout has been enlarged and moved from the outside to the inside of the midsole. This makes the midsole faster and more bouncy, but it also makes it less stable.

The shape of the outsole has changed completely. In the previous version, the outsole ran along the inside of the midfoot, which improved stability, but this is not possible in the new version because the midfoot has been cut out. To reduce weight, the outsole has also been made smaller at the heel, but the outsole in the new version still has very good grip.

Who are the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 running shoes for and what kind of running? Summary

The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 Running Shoe is a running shoe designed for marathon distance running. It has a lightweight upper that is optimized for performance but comfortable. The midsole, very fast, very bouncy, is made of two different densities of Peba foam with a winged carbon plate in between. Because of the cutout on the inside of the midsole, stability is not the Cielo X1 2.0’s strong point. The midsole is highly flexed in the forefoot and heel, with an aggressive rocker geometry that is less comfortable at low speeds and less efficient for heel strikers. The outsole is very grippy and optimized for forefoot runners. The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is for experienced runners with a fast, neutral stance, who strike to the front of the foot, who will feel comfortable in it and who will be able to take advantage of this not cheap shoe.