Unveiling the Winner: Hoka Cielo X1 vs Skyward X

Correction: Skyward X is £185 and not £225. It’s $225 in the US.
One of the most popular questions I have received is which shoe my viewers should buy between the Hoka Cielo X1 and the Skyward X. In this video, I would like to help you with your decision by showcasing both and sharing highlights and minuses of each.
What is your preference?
#HokaCieloX #HokaSkywardX #HokaOneOne #FlyHumanFly #RunningShoes #ShoeComaprison #HokaRocketX2

[@mfmmel]

Little Aubrey was incredibly cute! And the old lady too ❤

[@AubreyRunning]

My little man is a gem. Yeah that lady cameo was a game changer

[@infernaltim]

You just told me I don't need new shoes, then you go and drop this video showcasing shows I don't own. I can't handle this!!! 😂

[@AubreyRunning]

Just a messenger with information not an enabler 😂😂😂

[@infernaltim]

@@AubreyRunning 😂😂😂

[@zanepritchard3600]

Superb - made me laugh a lot

[@BadKneeRunner]

Another banger of a video! Well done. I love the choice of location, probably the most interesting shoe comparison video I’ve seen.

[@AubreyRunning]

This means EVERYTHING! Thank you so so much!

[@ptd8271]

Just wanted to say that your style of reviewing is a breath of fresh air. Fantastic camera work and editing, and the work you put in clearly shows. Even if I don't plan in buying any of the shoes you cover (cant justify any new pairs yet), I still enjoy watching your reviews.

[@AubreyRunning]

This means, thank you so much, especially since you’re not looking to buy the shoes. Means a lot

[@StaffRoelofse]

Yup, proper review! Thank you!

[@AubreyRunning]

Thank you very much! 💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾

[@fecardona]

I love you Aubrey. There’s another very famous shoetuber who is rather blunt, dry, not so charismatic and would could and edit out the gentle lady on the bridge. Robotic and not having half your charisma. That’s why we like you, because you’re more humanly genuine, not all about YOU or your brand or your cool sophisticated marketing… BTW, love your collabs and closeness with Emily and the Believe in the Run guys

[@AubreyRunning]

Comments like this make it all worth while. Very kind of you… thank you so much

[@masongraham3367]

Thanks, Josiah, I will remember to do that this week.

[@AubreyRunning]

Put in that wwyyyeerrrkkk

[@marcoarsilvaa]

Amazing Work! Your channel will explode ! 💥

[@AubreyRunning]

🤞I have my fingers crossed. Thank you so much

[@EBoone503]

Hahahaha. Josiah!!! Love that little dude- such a chip off the dad block it’s crazy!! Great vid as always. Put in that WYUCK!

[@AubreyRunning]

He is a cool kid… put in that wwwyyeerrrkkk sis

[@AGDaws]

Great video. Bonus points for the Believe in the Run cap. Little Aubrey was crushing it!

[@AubreyRunning]

I’m BFFs with that team, love them

[@travelingfit2032]

@@AubreyRunning heard on the drop podcast that Meghan paced you to a 5k PR -- looking forward to that video :D

[@lavenderstripes]

Great review! I have both of these shoes and love them both. I agree that if you had to have one, get the Cielo X1. Easily the best shoe I've ever run in. Little Aubrey was AMAZING!!! More of him! So so cute! I found you because of your collab with Emily. FWIW, I ran my half marathon pace a full 2 minutes faster PER MILE in my Cielo X1's in the last race I did. Absolutely bonkers.

[@AubreyRunning]

Wwwhhhooaaaa… the change in your half marathon pace is crazy! I have one this Sunday and that’s the shoe I’m going with as well. Thank you very much for checking my channel out and also for the amazingly kind words

[@adambuckle4513]

Love it! I don't need another super shoe... but i really really want to try it!!

[@AubreyRunning]

Both these shoes are amazing. Facts!!!

[@Noor-bu3xp]

Awesome camera work on your videos!👌

[@AubreyRunning]

Glad you like them! I love receiving such feedback coz it’s hard work

[@matthiassventoest6800]

great video, if I ran more roads i would consider, considering .. but when I’m forced to the roads, I’m good for now.., because as you said, and I firmly believe, “I don’t need new shoes”

[@AubreyRunning]

Absolutely… let use the ones we already have! But if you’re looking or considering new shoes… then these are worth your time

[@dubp6623]

Cielo X1 - my favorite shoe of the year! 🎉

[@AubreyRunning]

Very hard to argue with you

[@paulmulks]

Put in that Wyerk!! 😂 That's your YT slogan so we now need some merch made up haha

[@AubreyRunning]

Put in that wwwyyeeeerrrkkkk

[@A1000Truths]

I have the Cielo X1 and love the comfort/performance. Broke my 5K PR in them. I use the Mach 6 as my everyday trainers and love the cushion and lightness of them.

[@AubreyRunning]

One of the best shoes of 2024

[@LAMerc76]

I had the Mach 6 and it was just too narrow and not as cushioned as I had hoped. Returned them and purchased the NB Rebel V4……10,000x better!

[@A1000Truths]

@@LAMerc76 Nice, they actually sell a wide version of the Mach 6, that’s what I have.

[@jezza6575]

The prices of shoes these days…we are all in trouble! Your boy is a cool little booger, nice to see him.

[@AubreyRunning]

Tha k you very much, I’m proud of him

[@kuriosites]

I'm thinking about a new plated trainer in the next few months. There are a couple that are coming out in June & July that I want to hear more about, too, especially the Mizuno Neo Vista, SC Trainer, and Hyperion Max 2. I can likely only buy one.

[@AubreyRunning]

It’s an exciting time for running shoes for sure. I agree with you, you will only need one so make it a good one.

[@Johnnydodgin]

Another awesome video Aubrey! Mini Aubrey signing off in style. I think there’s been a price change on the Skyward X? UK sites showing £185 👍🏻

[@AubreyRunning]

Thank you for that brother and cheers for the update/correction. Makes it a little more palatable

[@TheHutchRuns]

THE guy to go to for quality running shoe content, another great video Aubrey. I'm not sure my running would benefit from either of these shoes to be fair.

[@AubreyRunning]

With you being a superblast die-hard, I’d at least try it

[@TheHutchRuns]

@@AubreyRunning £250 is a lot of money to 'try' something 🤣

[@AubreyRunning]

@@TheHutchRuns I meant in a shop for the feel of it. That’s always my first port of call

[@TheHutchRuns]

@@AubreyRunning good point, will have to see if anywhere near me stocks them

[@mfcc1084]

I have not tried the Skyward X but it seems like the Cielo X1 can also do the things it can do. I got the Cielo X1 because it felt versatile on my feet. It can do speedy runs and it can be a comfortable cruiser during longer runs.

[@AubreyRunning]

That’s what I found as well and recommended it based on that premise

[@tuamgolfer]

I have the Mach X and now the X1. They deliver comfort and speed.

[@AubreyRunning]

Fully agreed! I love the Hoka line up

[@DavidOwens-re5if]

Thanks Aubrey, currently torn between these two shoes . Currently run in Rocket X2 which are the best and Bondi 8 for my long runs . Currently racing 5&10 k so the rocket X2 does the job . Ran a half in them last year and they where great. But I have entered a marathon in December and wanted a shoe for the longer distances . Thanks for the info 👍

[@AubreyRunning]

If you already have the rocket x2 then I’d vote for the Skyward. The Cielo X1 is also a speed shoe so you would be doubling up

[@DavidOwens-re5if]

Thanks Aubrey, I get what your saying . My only concern would be running a marathon in the Rocket x 2 . I know the pros can but think I might need a bit more comfort . And the skyward x would be way heavy for the marathon . Would use the cielo x 1 for some of my longer runs the 15 -20 mile and the race it’s self . Got other Hoka’s I can rotate Bondi 8 Mach 5 . Thanks for the response 👍

[@zedwolfemusic461]

That BITR hat looks dope tho

[@AubreyRunning]

Thank you very much, we are BFFs at this point

[@American_Enigma]

I just picked up the Skyward X. I'm a muscular guy who likes to put in the miles as well. These shoes are like running on a cloud and propel you forward better any other shoe I've tried. I'm not normally a big Hoka guy but these have truly impressed me. You don't feel the weight because of the forward propulsion. I use these for longer runs to lesson the stress on the joints, though I can just as easily go up tempo at 5-10kms. Perhaps it's because I have strong legs but I can use these for speed workouts easily...in some ways they are so good it feels like I'm cheating lol. I do prefer my Endorphin Speed 3s for faster up tempo track work but I'm a sprinter and this is usually when I'm working 400 meter sprints or running ladders. I thought about picking up a pair of Takumi Sen 10s as well but I'm not sure there is enough cushion there compared to my Endorphins. Either way, very impressed with these shoes. It's the best Hoka I've ran in.

[@AubreyRunning]

I can’t fault the shoe at all, it does what it needs to do and does it well. I’m loving Hoka’s innovation

[@TolunayOrkun]

Personally, I would pick Rocket X2 that (I think) you were wearing in the video for racing over Cielo X1. It is a lighter and IMHO better shoe. Pair that with Skyward for those easy/long run miles (or kms).

[@AubreyRunning]

Fair enough… was presenting a comparison of these 2. The rocket x2 is my personal favourite

[@alfayedfirmansyah1255]

damn, hoka skyward is awesome😍

[@AubreyRunning]

I love that shoe for sure. It’s amazing for what it does and what it’s designed to do

[@TheValonquar]

Hit a half marathon PR with cielo. It was my first run with it too 😂

[@AubreyRunning]

Great shoe all round!!!!

[@Headwalker13RGB]

Hello Aubrey, thank you for the nice review! I will be running the authentic Marathon to Athens this Autumn with 400m in altitude. My weight will probably be around 90kg. I was thinking about getting a new shoe for this occasion. My 21k PB is 1:43 and I aim for sub3:30 in the 42k. What would be your suggestion? im attracted to the Skyward X tbh. Keep up the highvalue videoproduction :)

[@AubreyRunning]

My vote for you would be either the Prine X2 strung or the Cielo X1… those are the best race day I’ve tried over a long distance (half marathon and above)

[@jt.8144]

0:23 Lil' Man's got the ON Cloudmonster Hypers. Right on Aubrey. He's going to be the envy of his mates.

[@AubreyRunning]

😂😂😂 he is cool!

[@karlbratby4349]

Cielo I find quite unstable, the cutout in the heel is the issue and to soft imho, also seems to force you where you place the foot. Fit is great though and great colour. Skyward x is the rolls Royce of max cushion shoes and oddly feels more stable than the cielo. As a race shoe I prefer the Adios pro 3. Great production both you guys 🎉❤

[@AubreyRunning]

I love getting feedback like this because it shows that people are actually engaging by with the videos and you also help shape my understanding

[@shunta1984]

Aubrey mate, ive got the Skyward and as someone that overpronates a touch, i find it great. Am i going to have the same success with the Cielo?

[@AubreyRunning]

I think you will even have more success with the Cielo depending on the pace you’re after

[@RyKnocks]

Is there room to have both? I own the Skyward X and love it, but am looking for a speed/race day companion and was considering the Cielo X1 to fill that spot. Suggestions?

[@AubreyRunning]

There definitely is but being truthful with you I will always reach for my rocket x2 before the Cielo x1

[@RyKnocks]

If only I could find the Rocket X2 lol

[@tehhalia903]

which shoe has the most breathable upper u have tested aubrey?

[@AubreyRunning]

Between these 2 or you mean generally? I’d generally, I’d go with the rocket x2

[@bolivarpardo916]

Saludos brother 👋. Sabes si estw hoka skyward x valdrán solamente para caminar ? . Me gustan mucho el diseño y además me daria altura . Yo mido 1.75 (5.9) y quiero verme más alto.

[@AubreyRunning]

😂😂😂😂 I have been walking in it and it’s but feels a little unstable. It’s designed for running and I think it’s best for that.

[@bolivarpardo916]

Gracias . Entonces las nike invincible 3 seria mejor opción ya que no tiene placa de carbono?​@@AubreyRunning

[@inkysteve1967]

The cielo is just cooler! 👌🏻🔥

[@AubreyRunning]

Ffaaaaccctttsss

[@davidg9120]

Little Aubrey!!!!

[@AubreyRunning]

He is a gem.. so proud of him

[@michaeliandomingo3409]

targeting this hoka soon. Thank to Aubrey for this video now I'm going to be broke soon lol. 🤣

[@AubreyRunning]

😂😂😂 see it as investing in your health

[@michaeliandomingo3409]

@@AubreyRunning hahaha yes that is the main goal 😍 because 💰 is just paper

[@hippygeeza]

How can you be making informed decisions or assisting others to do so, when you have put out something like 17 shoe reviews this year with less than 300ks logged on strava? Are you forming real opinions while putting 10k if that into a shoe?!?

[@AubreyRunning]

I genuinely and sincerely mean this when I ask you… what mileage would your preference be for adequate distance for an opinion? I am genuinely asking because I take every bit feedback seriously because it allows me to improve my channel. I don’t necessarily agree with the numbers You’ve quoted so I have chosen to take the spirit of your comment because it’s worth taking on board and considering it. I would be greatful to hear back from you or even hear from you on Instagram DM.

[@hippygeeza]

@AubreyRunning there are a lot of youtubers/content making jumping on the running bandwagon. You have highly quality of production than most, something which I have mentioned to you before. I also understand the importance of working the algorithm when shoes drop to ensure your content gets out there. So I would recommend being open and honest. For example if it's less than 20 miles call it a first impression review, show what runs you have completed with them. Maybe with screen grabs of the strava posts. Like so far I have done a 5k tempo, 5k easy and strides and these are my thoughts. Saving a full review for hitting around 32k/ 20 miles in them. That's pretty much what believe in the run and fordy runs does. But the quantity of your reviews vs strava shows you dont. Then if they do make it into more use you can always follow up with a 100mile review something mike ko does. Churning out videos will help your channel but not help the people watching make the correct financial decisions and as we both know shoes are going up and up in costs. Daily trainers run into £160 easily these days.

[@AubreyRunning]

@@hippygeeza I. Your view, from a mileage perspective… what do you deem enough mileage for a full review. I’m genuinely asking

[@Ghimlioak]

As I don’t need a new pair, I will not buy any of these 😂

[@AubreyRunning]

You’re getting it! 😂😂😂

[@ElsonLim78]

I think the Asics Superblast is better than those two shoes

[@AubreyRunning]

Can’t say because I’ve never ran in the superblast

[@bobotmeister]

just putting it out there, race legal and race illegal apply to elite and mostly sponsored runners. if you don't race for a living, wear what you want.

[@AubreyRunning]

I hope you caught the part where I specifically mentioned that too. Cheers

[@bobotmeister]

@@AubreyRunning 😅

[@HyperOpticalSaint]

How does the fit compare? You literally did a comparison without giving us ANY information about fit of the shoes, what a worthless video.

[@AubreyRunning]

You’re right, absolutely worthless. I must quit KZbin now that you’ve said this. I can’t believe I’ve wasted all this effort on KZbin.

[@HyperOpticalSaint]

@AubreyRunning I am, any runner review without information about size and fit are just a waste of time.

[@RyKnocks]

@@HyperOpticalSaint Because you have the same exact foot as him? Listen about what the shoes offer, then go try them on and see if they fit you lol. I've seen KZbinrs say "This shoe fits true to size..." but end up being too narrow for me. Info on fit is the least of my concerns.