REASONS TO BUY
Extreme rocker
Well-cushioned
REASONS TO AVOID
Squishiness is polarizing
Unstable
Very expensive
Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 - Women's Review
This ultra-soft, high-stack speed shoe delivers a bouncy, energetic ride that some runners will love and others may find too unstable
The Cielo isn't exactly a universally beloved shoe.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
By Ally Arcuri ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ June 16, 2025
Our Verdict
The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is a lively, bounce-house of a marshmallow buffet that delivers a distinctive ride. Its extremely soft heel stack is a standout feature that some runners find exhilarating, while others may find it off-putting. With a 10mm drop and a hefty 38 mm stack height, this plush racer is built for speed seekers looking to push the pace. However, its lack of stability and unconventional underfoot feel make it less suited for those seeking a dependable daily trainer. For runners who crave a soft, energetic ride, are chasing faster splits, and don't mind the premium price, the updated Cielo X1 could be a compelling option.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 offers a serious rocker, with its apex sitting at 5.5 inches when measured from the center. With a 23.5-degree rocker angle, this is a shoe that is ready to push you places.
What does the inside of a racing shoe with extra-squishy cushioning look like? This.
Cushioning
For a racing shoe, the underfoot cushioning of the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is profound. It offers a noticeable amount of squish, creating a polarizing underfoot ride. While I didn't exactly measure how much compression occurred with each footfall, the cushioning of the heel offers a significant amount of vertical movement, or so it seems. The result is a compressive amount of underfoot pillow that requires additional muscular engagement to control. As I said — this is polarizing. Some runners might really enjoy the travel, movement, and bounce that this shoe provides. Runners who want a snappy racing shoe might find the heel stack of the Cielo to be too pillowy soft.
The ultra-compressive heel provides an unusual cushioning experience.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Upper Comfort
The engineered jacquard mesh upper delivers airy comfort without feeling overbuilt, but it's the tongue that truly contrasts with the shoe's plush heel design. Stripped down and minimal, the tongue is the antithesis of the overly springy, maximalist rocker. The airy forefoot mesh is plenty breathable, adding a nice amount of airflow for warm day running. The medial side of the upper isn't reinforced, and — while comfortable — inhibits any could-be stability runners might find from this area of the Cielo.
The upper of the Cielo is comfortable enough, but doesn't offer anything profound in terms of comfort.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Stability
The minimal nature of the upper build of the Cielo doesn't offer much stability. The thin mesh on the medial upper and speed-focused cutouts can sometimes cause the shoe to feel like it's collapsing underfoot, especially when paired with the prominent medial cutout, which may spell trouble for runners with weaker ankles. Add in the exaggerated, bouncy heel and aggressive rocker, and the result is a ride that can feel unsteady, particularly at slower paces.
While this instability is less noticeable at higher speeds, it does limit this shoe's appeal to a narrower range of runners. On the flip side, the unpredictable rearfoot bounce might engage stabilizing muscles more actively, potentially strengthening them over time. However, it's hardly the most ideal or intentional way to build control.
Built for speed, the Cielo can feel like it's collapsing underfoot at lower paces, and isn't a racing shoe we recommend to runners with weak ankles.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Responsiveness
The Cielo X1 2.0 is unlike anything Hoka has produced when it comes to responsiveness. The PEBA midsole feels like a set of underfoot springs, working in sync with the embedded carbon plate for a dynamic ride. However, the midsole's sponginess mutes the sharp snap that many race-day shoes are known for. Hardcore speed chasers might miss that firm, punchy pop, but runners looking for a pronounced rocker paired with a bit of cushioning underfoot will find something special here. And that rocker? It's serious — let's talk about it.
Though the Cielo X1 is pace-pushing, its sponginess holds it back from the competition.
The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 features an aggressive rocker design, beginning at just 52.4% forward from the heel. With a steep 23.5-degree angle, this shoe doesn't just encourage forward momentum, it practically propels you into your next stride. As someone always looking to see how fast my runners can take me, I enjoyed the intensity of the rocker. I wouldn't, however, recommend the Cielo to runners who aren't accustomed to such a sensation.
The banana-shaped rocker of the Cielo makes it feel like the shoe is forcing one footfall into the next.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Weight
Each women's size 6.5 Hoka Cielo shoe weighs 6.00 ounces. This is definitely on the lighter side in terms of running shoes, but it isn't particularly impressive in the niche world of race shoes. For comparison, the lightest racing shoe in our lineup weighs 4.56 ounces for the same size shoe. The squishy thickness of the Cielo's foam feels a bit chunky, but this shoe ultimately feels lightweight while on the move.
The Cielo's underfoot cushioning is fairly lightweight for how robust it is.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Traction
In terms of racing shoes, the Hoka Cielo offers stronger traction than expected. Its rubber outsole offers enough texture to inspire confidence on slick roads and around tight corners. Never a shoe that we'd recommend to crossover into trail running territory, the Cielo doesn't hold back in making runners feel safe on paved surfaces.
The traction of the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 stands out as being significantly grippier than most shoes built for racing.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
Should You Buy the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0?
I don't recommend the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 as your one-stop running shoe. This is an expensive, niche shoe that boasts a laundry list of features that will only appeal to some runners. Among these elements are its midsole cutouts, its ultra-spongy heel, and its rocking horse base of a shape. Best suited for quick paces — and quick paces only — the Cielo makes it challenging to temper your pace during training runs. If you want a soft racing shoe to add to your existing shoe rotation, this one could fit the bill. Ultimately, I have a tough time recommending such a niche shoe with such a hefty price tag.
Some runners will find that the Cielo is everything their heart desires; most runners will not find that to be the case, though.
Credit: Natalie Kafader
What Other Road Running Shoes Should You Consider?
While some runners are going to love the compressive nature of the Cielo's outsole, other runners will not. Runners who want a snappier, firmer race shoe with find a sea of options available, most of which are even slightly more affordable (slightly). Our favorite racing shoe is the Asics Metaspeed Sky Paris. The Metaspeed Sky offers great energy return and a strong launchpad that doesn't feel as squirrelly underfoot. The rocker on the Metaspeed Sky is less pronounced, making it feel a bit more intuitive as well. The Nike Vaporfly 4 is another racing shoe option with a firmer base. Much like the Metaspeed Sky, the Vaporfly 4 is ultra lightweight, making it well suited for helping you hit your fastest paces yet. Finally, if you want a shoe that offers profound responsiveness but is a bit more comfortable and traditional feeling, we don't hesitate to recommend the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4.
—Ally Arcuri
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