Hoka Cielo X1

This is the all new Hoka Cielo X1, and like when the original Hokas first hit the trails, people will likely look at the Cielo X1 as being too bulky, too heavy, and just not going to work. But the Cielo X1 just might be proof that, for Hoka, lightning can strike twice.
0:00 intro
1:01 Disclosures
1:19 Specs
3:39 What’s it like
10:25 Pairing options
11:30 Buying guide and alternatives
Disclosures: Hoka provided these shoes to review, so I did not have to pay for them. However, no one is paying me to make this video or to include their shoe in this video. No one will get a chance to preview any of my footage or my thoughts before this video goes up on KZbin.
Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!
Catch the livestream / kofuzirunclub
Running footage shot on:
GoPro Hero 12 (paid link)
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Music sourced via Epidemic Sound www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Disclosure: It's 2024, so I think we all know how affiliate links work at this point, but for regulatory compliance or affiliate program purposes, I must state that affiliate links do not increase cost to you, but:
"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Also, you do not need to use these links. You can also search for these same items in amazon or on any search engine/shopping site of your choice and buy/research them that way.
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Jim Yosef - Checkered
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[@Trailrunner1978]

RIP Kelvin Kiptum. 😢

[@kofuzi]

tragic news

[@JayUchiha17]

What!😞

[@Jackie_Rosewood]

So sad😢😢

[@runningdegen]

OMG WTF! Thats insane 😢

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

Crushing

[@kristof165]

I've just bought my first carbon shoes - I chose the Adios Pro 3. During a training half marathon, I improved my best time from December by 4 minutes, and I wasn't even running at maximum effort. So, wow, there's definitely an effect. I think the differences between individual super carbon shoes are so small that for an amateur, it's a matter of which shoe feels better. Asking someone else whether shoe A or shoe B is better doesn't make sense in this case. Thanks for your reviews, Kofuzi, I watch them all, even if the shoe isn't of interest to me today.

[@mzmdcm99]

Plan on wearing the Cielo X1 for my marathon in 2 weeks. Ran 12 miles and they felt nice. I’ve been a Clifton fan for years, this feels very similar to that shoe but with more bounce.

[@ralphdelposo9688]

Went here in your channel and saw this. Thank you for the honest review. I guess Im just gonna wait for the Alphafly 3 review because its sold out here in the Philippines earlier.

[@jameschaves5723]

I tried them out at the trials in Orlando. They are fantastic!!

[@takoyakirunner4487]

Wow dude this channel blew up lol! You truly are an expert at this now, being able to pick apart all the little details many consumers wouldn't know. Great review! I may pick this up for casual use for the summer since I'm slow but I like the design. The Clifton 9 is great tho. On my 4th pair already. My only knock on it is that they don't last long for me for whatever reason.

[@kofuzi]

Blew up is an interesting phrase. This channel is like 8 years old

[@fabsterun]

​@kofuzi good compliment I suppose if you still doing the "blowing up" 😅

[@stefaniesmith7117]

I took it for a run this past weekend. I’m happy with my purchase to use it as a marathon shoe. It is so comfortable I want to train in it more. I won’t because I can’t afford to buy a new one this year if I wear it out lol. But I would if I could.

[@swayzone87]

Thanks for great content!

[@thecaptainchas2820]

This really is a fun shoe for a lot of things. I just want to keep reaching for it!

[@NicoI]

They are so much fun

[@user-pu5fh5dj2k]

Kofuzi the 🐐

[@timnewell5120]

I've got 2 runs for 15 miles in these and I think they are great. It's a very comfortable fit, with a terrific lockdown and plenty of room in the forefoot. These may supplant the Strung 1 as my go to shoe. Thanks!

[@RunLikeHeller]

Love the lollipop reference

[@kofuzi]

That’s sweet of you to say

[@yeegykg]

When you mentioned the sweet spot being just a little behind on where you land, it’s actually true. I tried the shoes during the 2024 Tokyo Marathon Expo and the fly lab people were correcting my foot strike *i land closely to my forefoot* so when I started the landing like right behind my forefoot and just a little infront of my arch, that’s when I felt the most pop and felt the shoes come alive. The only negative thing I have to say for the shoe is that if you don’t land correctly, it feels like the shoe kinda folds inward like you are bending yours shoes inward. Very weird

[@carterwhitefit]

Ran the Mesa marathon in these this past weekend straight out of the box and I have to say I like what Hoka is doing and this is coming from someone who swore off Hoka. Only complaint is that as of now they are not making a mens 12.5.

[@kofuzi]

Glad you enjoyed them!

[@kharlypekarchik]

I just bought this now I'm waiting till it comes

[@manueltan8962]

Great review !

[@kofuzi]

Thanks!

[@marcosfernandez7447]

they felt so gooood

[@elliotendures]

Love hearing your thoughts, Ko. Even on shoes I have no interest in (haven't gotten a full marathon under my belt yet), I just appreciate the analysis.

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for watching!

[@Lee-mx5li]

Great job on video

[@martinbrown726]

Always comprehensive.

[@EmlynMotivation]

love the dog.....like are you crazy to be running outside

[@AJoelInOne]

Would love to see weight comparisons across brand for reference, or even non running items for scale 😊

[@seancinco]

I'm interested to see how they handle after 100+ miles since the Hoka reps said that it's meant to be both a racing and training shoe rather than a strictly racing shoe like your typical super shoe.

[@GrassFedKao]

Yeah that tread looks pretty sturdy at a sacrifice of a bit of added weight. It’s nice that more and more super shoes are being created with more than a handful of uses in its lifespan. Especially since Hoka is known for not being as durable

[@garethevans2499]

Kudos for the use of the word "scuttlebutt"

[@deanb61]

I'm mostly an ironman, seldom doing stand alone marathons. Previously I've used the rocket X2. The Cielo to me is noticeably heavier and bulkier than that, which surprised me a bit as the Cielo is now promoted as the 'race' shoe. Initially I thought of it more as a generic long run trainer to be honest. However having had a few runs in it now, I think I might try it at Barcelona. The course there is tricky, it's half tarmac and half hardpack, not exactly trail running, but it is a bit uneven in places, so I think the extra support offered by the Cielo might be a benefit. Also, it's a hell of a lot easier to get on. It's more roomy in general, i.e. more volume for the same length, but also the Rocket X2 has a somehow 'stickier' tongue gusset making it much harder to put on. I think I might save as much as 30 seconds in T2 with the Cielo :)

[@brenojpessoabp]

The best triathlon shoes ?

[@deanb61]

@brenojpessoabp I'll tell you after Barcelona in October 😀 but I am hopeful.

[@eewhere5998]

i think this is the most beautiful shoes, when it's shoes on.

[@youpigirl5731]

Super analyse objective. J etudie sérieusement la rocket X2, a moins qu elle soit moins performante que la Saucony endorphin pro 3. Les semelles Hoka s usent vite et ne sont pas les plus adherentes du marché. Donc j'ai peur se faire une erreur prenant les rocket

[@Blaxican_RSH]

Great review! I'd love to hear more in the next few weeks. I love the comparison with the Mizuno Wave Rebellion. Where the Hoka Cielo X1 stands out is that it's a shoe with the features of the Wave Rebellion, but with the DNA of the Nike AlphaFly version 1. The upper is similar to the Mizuno's, but the overall feel of the stride is more akin to that of the AlphaFly V1, at least for me. I have wide feet and I run on the balls of my feet, and I find that the Hoka Cielo X1 fits my motion perfectly. I agree with Kofuzi on all his points, but when it comes to personal preference, the Hoka Cielo X1 is my go-to shoe for a marathon, or any effort over 2 hours at a high pace, since the AlphaFly V1. I've tried the Endorphin Pro 3 (which I consider a "one size fits all" kind of shoe), the Asics Metaspeed Sky+ (my half-marathon shoe), the Adidas Adios Pro 3 (liked it, but the fit caused me injuries), the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro (intense training shoe) and the AlphaFly V1 (I've put 600km on that shoe).

[@Mojavehixon]

The plates are different shapes and/or asymmetrical for the “pronation” of each right and left foot

[@matthiassventoest6800]

It’s an interesting shoe

[@yanara8198]

@kofuzi: competitive i run on my vaporfly, do you think that if i buy the hoka cielo x1 it replaces my vaporfly or do you think the vaporfly is still bether?

[@jmbaug1229]

If Asics Superblast 2 is not out before July I will buy these ones to run my first marathon 💫💨💣 💙 J.

[@kofuzi]

I like to read this as a threat

[@briansleepylee]

I am looking for an ultra distance road shoe and for me, it is a toss up between this shoe Superblast (1 or possibly the next version). I have the Superblast and love it, and raced in the Endorpin Pro 3 and enjoyed that. I wonder if the Cielo x1 should be a consideration too. Thoughts?

[@jimoconnor8597]

Just me but I am looking for a 50-100 mile road shoe myself but the weight has made me think twice. I love the Superblast and the Prime X V1 but ultimately just went with the Nike VP 3. ZoomX hard to bet to save the legs.

[@markhill8590]

Would you recommend these for your first marathon? I've 4 shoes and cant decide....The cielo X1, Mizuno WRP 2s, Rocket X2 and the Alphaflys 2s

[@plusminus7586]

in terms of stability, and softnes, are they similar to adidas strung2 ?

[@stoicrunner2757]

Kofuzi, how do you decide whether you do a long term or 100 mile review video?

[@sundaystride]

Hearing great things about these shoes...I wonder how how they will compare to the Alphafly 3s

[@shunta1984]

For those that have slight overpronation concerns and have run in it, how does this the Cielo X1 go considering the cutout on the insole is on the lateral side, would i be correct in thinking it pushes you more lateral than medial, thus in turn being a bit of a savior for those who overpronate? Thanks

[@andrewlee1275]

Where can I get the compression tights you were wearing at 0:51

[@jimoconnor8597]

I'm thinking these will replace my OG Prime X V1's for marathon block LR miles with pace. Plenty of foam, durable and better fitting upper.

[@bobcog0001]

The Cielo X1 looks to have outsole rubber significantly thicker than other sheos of similar category.

[@willwu1688]

I have been hearing how the geometry is best for mid-foot striker. Probably why you have the feeling where you feel you might have miss that sweet spot as you forefoot runner?

[@december25guy]

Yowza $275! Too pricey for me. I’d love to try it out, but it’s double the maximum price I’d spend.

[@glenesmende9484]

rest in peace kelvin kiptum

[@Manuel-901]

Good morning. Nike Alphafly+Puma Fast R Nitro elite= Hoka Cielo x1. Like to Kofuzi. Cheers.

[@A_SEGA_Dremcast]

Hoka is definitely the only brand that will put "Lettuce" as a colorway option.

[@kofuzi]

I’m here for it

[@billycc97]

Interested to try these, think if the alpha fly doesn’t work for an individual this will!

[@kofuzi]

Let me know how it goes

[@stenrognes4846]

What are the half tights you are wearing in some of the video?

[@kofuzi]

Rabbit

[@woidmoasta4673]

Yes Kofuzi by looking you're Run footage you looking more like a Forefoot Striker. And This Shoe Geometrie for me looks more for Midfootstrikers.

[@jazzyjay4595]

It’s easy to be a forefoot runner for short bursts for filming purposes. It’s more important to check your foot strike 45 minutes into a 60 minute run. Most elites land midfoot, not forefoot, because toe propulsion is not as important as cadence. It’s Too much work on the body to land on your forefoot and try to pick it up quickly

[@therunophil]

​@jazzyjay4595 most pros are heelstrikers, the was a study at I think the marathon world championship and roughly 70% heel, 3 forefoot, rest midfoot strikers (it varied slightly between genders).

[@jazzyjay4595]

@@therunophil technically they’re heel strikers but not in the way that we would normally classify that. In those studies, if the outside edge of someone’s heel barely touches the ground, they’re considered a heel striker. To most people, they still look like they’re mid foot.

[@RWG0914]

Hi Kofuzi I wanna try some carbon plated racing shoes but I'm a slow pace runner.,Now my question is which shoes is better for my style of running? Cielo X1 or sc elite V4

[@kofuzi]

I’d really need a lot more information to give a good recommendation, but to answer your question the best I can, I’d probably look at SC Elite v4 first

[@markoljustina]

Maybe Mach X

[@jordanmiller5627]

How does it compare to Rocket X2? Should we consider one vs the other or do the shoes serve different race distances?

[@kofuzi]

Yes to both questions

[@jordanmiller5627]

@@kofuzi thanks! Would love a comparison video

[@PatrickHigh74]

I see how the foam seems too far back for your forefoot style of running. My style is more of a full foot plant perhaps similar to when you run/jog slowly. While I definitely feel the arch, the roll/rocker/spring is very noticeable. I run in Clifton 9’s normally. The Cielo is definitely an amped up, much more lively feel than the Clifton. It feels significantly faster for me.

[@aamirjoad]

had both nimbus 25 for my mom and novablast 4 for my self! kofuzi sir i love your review videos they make the buying decision so easy!! thank you. if possible please make a video on GEL-KAYANO 30 thats the shoes i want to buy next still need the extra push because here in india they are kind of expensive

[@thomasbraun6603]

Would you rather have this or the New Balance SC Elite v4?

[@nathanb79]

I'm curious how these two shoes compare as well

[@ElsonLim78]

Ko, is this the Cielo X1 the same fit as the Asics Superblast? Im planning to get one

[@kofuzi]

the shoes fit differently but I would recommend getting the same shoe size in each

[@Rafe63]

great vide as always... cielo x1 vs rocket x2?

[@kofuzi]

Two great options for two very different sets of preferences. Although not necessary similar, it is analogous to Alphafly and Vaporfly

[@TrumpPlays]

I have both and personally I would say cielo x1 for HM - Marathon and rocket x2 for mile - 10k (can be good at HM as well)

[@bbnd5476]

Endo Elite has the cutout on the same side

[@kofuzi]

I’m not sure I’d call that a cutout, as there is a wall on each side of the channel that opens to the plate

[@senjalars]

From 7:10 How it feels; That's because you're a forefoot-runner and the X1 looks like it's engineered for a midfoot to heel-striker.

[@kennethjuliustrinidad5352]

Which has more plush and softer? The Cielo X1 or the Endorphin Elite? Thank you!

[@SirThomas1212]

I got prime X 2 at $160 cad, nothing beat it at this price 😉

[@kofuzi]

nice

[@bdarowicki]

How do you compare Cielo to Rocket?

[@bridgetchamberlin4197]

This is the debate I’m having!!

[@bdarowicki]

@@bridgetchamberlin4197 I'm a big Rocket X2 fan and user, so I'm wondering how they position Cielo X1 compare to Rocket.

[@andrewfeher224]

Could you comment on how it compares to the Prime X Strung v1?

[@kofuzi]

Prime X strung (which should really be considered a prime X 1.5), is less stable of a shoe due to a more substantial arch-side cutout. It’s also more fun

[@andrewfeher224]

@@kofuziSuper helpful -- thanks! In that case, I'll stick with the PXS, which is proving to be indestructible.

[@user-vy8dt1kh5k]

Would it be good for running on grass?

[@adamreade4750]

Mesa marathon vid? I saw you at 16ish 🎉

[@kofuzi]

No, but a reel perhaps

[@Bruno-pc6zt]

Please, can I get my casual size or i have to get one more?

[@tono1665]

Does the weight even make any difference to non elites. I think we sometimes obsess over it.

[@kofuzi]

Yes but also no really. At least, not at these shoe weights

[@tono1665]

@@kofuzi so do you mean the Hoka cielo x1’s wait is negligible against the other top brands supershoes over say marathon distance. I have them in a uk 8.5 and I didn’t particularly notice a huge weight difference in my hand holding them against other shoes.

[@jerickunson2489]

Brooks Hyperion elite 4 please! 😊

[@kofuzi]

Stay tuned

[@hungrymichigander]

Buy last year's shoes and always on sale, people! Full price for any of these shoes is just not worth it.

[@pbnotj1]

Exactly ! Kofuzi does mention this sometimes. Suggest getting the premium shoe just a year later when a new model is coming they go on sale . Puma forever run is good example he put in a review after 100 miles when shoe is on sale for less than 100 dollars very nice shoe for daily miles at super reasonable prices on sale.

[@alexasadventure4586]

Hi Kofuzi! Do you think it's good for a marathon with 6:30min/km pace?

[@benbos1925]

Many shoe brands now have 2 top racers: Hoka has this one and the Rocket x2 Saucont has the Elite and the Pro Nike has the Alpha and Vapor How would you know which to pick??

[@kofuzi]

short answer: personal preference

[@benbos1925]

@@kofuzi exactly how do you know wich to prefer. Personally i am about to replace my race shoes ( Vaporfly 2 ) been using saucony Speed 2 as my tempo shoe so I am deciding between the Elite and the Pro 4. ( or the new alpha )

[@user-qx2yd7rs1q]

adios pro 3 in endo elite

[@jazzyjay4595]

My only issue with this is the weight. Compared to some of its competitors, it’s almost 2 ounces heavier. As an unsponsored athlete concerned with pure performance, you’d be hard pressed to convince to race in these over a Vaporfly 3.

[@Drew.Whitcomb]

Interesting. I find this one super aggressive and less stable. Maybe that's because I land right on the lateral cut out.

[@kofuzi]

oooh, that is interesting

[@benito892]

Similar to endorphin speed 4?

[@kofuzi]

I have not yet tested the endorphin speed 4

[@aldodominguez6559]

That rocker made the shoe to be like 10mm drop, that's why it feels a little weird

[@kofuzi]

Yeah no

[@laalaa99stl]

That lateral cutout and the dual density foam kind of remind me of the Puma Fast-R. But no nitrogen-injected supercritical goodness. Again, I feel like Hoka's foams are behind the times. And it's hard to justify the price point when you can get an Alphafly on sale for under $200. So who is this shoe for? 🤔

[@rowley666]

They are using a peba foam in the shoe

[@kofuzi]

Weird to look at a Peba shoe and say that the foam is behind the times.

[@SuperKat1029]

I love the shoe but you know when you light candles on a birthday cake and the wax drips on to the cake? THAT’S the laces.

[@B1gC4st]

Cielo Road, is that like what the Rebel V1 was...because I go for that...

[@kofuzi]

Short answer yes

[@B1gC4st]

@@kofuzi word

[@gabrielmariot9957]

All Man you até de spitting of Chicago Med actor

[@kofuzi]

Can you rephrase? I’m afraid I don’t understand

[@gabrielmariot9957]

@@kofuzi I'm sorry, Google translate got it wrong, I meant to say that you're like a former actor from the series Chicago Med

[@gabrielmariot9957]

The Brian Tee

[@duanesidney9761]

I love the ride of this shoe but the upper and the laces are trash. I'll try this one again in the next version when Hoka might have learned what an actual racing upper should be like.

[@kofuzi]

So much disdain for the laces. The laces?

[@duanesidney9761]

@@kofuzi they're horribly plasticky and will NOT stay tied. They're a total joke when compared to the likes of the Vaporfly and Alphafly laces.

[@Manuel-901]

A bad news: Kelvin Kiptum is dead. RIP.

[@michaelcaricoo]

Are you ok man? You seem a bit down. Sorry if that comes across badly i dont intend it to

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for checking in. I’m good

[@kierenkd]

Nice yellow top -what is that?

[@kofuzi]

Craft

[@kierenkd]

@@kofuzi Thanks

[@user-pu5fh5dj2k]

This or alphafly 3

[@kofuzi]

I have not yet tested the alphafly 3

[@thecaptainchas2820]

AlphaFly 3 over the Cielo X 1, but Cielo X 1 over the AlphaFly 2. That’s my two cents.

[@keithmackall]

What ?! Is Kevin dead!

[@garyhaber6957]

Yuk for the looks but bro, especially on the back. I ain't happy with Hoka atm. Their new Mach 6 coming out in March have totally been changed from one of their best selling Mach 5. They have increased the stack height BY A WHOPPING 8MM bro, making it like about 2mm less than the Clifton's. So now, for the Mach loyalists and ppl who wanted a lower stack and closer to the ground more controlled "feel the ground a little " preference, then there is nothing there for us now.... the choice is gone now. Ppl who wanted the higher stack had the Clifton's and those who loved the more sporty Mach specs had the Machs..... now these 2 models and their other models are too close together and Mach loyalists have been left high and dry. And on the trails, they are doing the same with the Torrent 4s coming out soon. Stack has been raised to similar to their other trail models so nothing there for those whom like that lower stack. No variations now. I won't be buying any of these Hoka's now and they have nothing for my needs and preferences so they have lost me. What sort of dumb ppl are running Hoka??? Great review as always.....

[@edlorenz1552]

This is the all new “My Little Pony” shoe. Pulled mine out of the box and sent them back. They looked ridiculous.

[@kofuzi]

Without even trying them? What changed so much between clicking buy now and seeing them in person?

[@edlorenz1552]

@@kofuzi I tried them. They felt pretty good. But I just couldn't take them serious and didn't feel like they justified the price or that I really needed them on top of my others (Pro 3s, Vaporflys, Takumi, etc.)

[@miketkong2]

Dude I don’t know much about running, but your foot strike looks super weird to me… only because mine is probably the opposite. I think I’m landing heel first which maybe is ****ed up. Not sure, but I can’t imagine landing on the balls of my feet like that. I mean, when I’m sprinting, yes, but for long distances I’m pretty much heel striking which I’m thinking is wrong. I don’t know…. That’s why I’m watching all these videos. But yeah, this is the first one where I’ve seen such a prominent front foot landing. Is that normal???? Am I retarded?

[@Bruno-pc6zt]

Please, can I get my casual size or i have to get one more?