Heavier and more controlling than the SC Trainer 3 — better for long steady marathon-type efforts than for shorter faster races. — EDDBUD
BITR's pick over the Rocket X3 when they want to run fast with an aggressive rocker.
The Cielo X1 2.0 is a significant upgrade over the original — now a true race shoe with a lighter build, an exaggerated rocker, and a more accommodating, bouncy ride that suits runners of all levels at any race distance.
Best for: Race day for a wide range of runners from half marathon to marathon; accessible to most ability levels
Andrea's #4 — her pick for 5K-half if not for her #1 racer. Complete geometry reversal from v1.
Honorable mention — a banger but pricier than peers offering more for less.
Best for: Premium HOKA racing for runners who can pay up.
Heavier and more controlling than the SC Trainer 3 — better for long steady marathon-type efforts than for shorter faster races.
Best for: Long, steady half/full marathon distances where the rocker helps; heel-strikers benefit most.
#5 carbon racer. Different midsole foam, cutout switched lateral→medial, new upper, significantly lighter. Changes all for the better.
Best for: Forefoot strikers who don't mind the bulk and weight.
Best for: 5K to marathon for runners who want an aggressive, explosive race-day feel
An aggressive, bouncy super shoe that propels the runner forward with a strong rocker and punchy midsole; the reviewers' clear winner of the head-to-head and one of their favorite race shoes of recent years.
Best for: Shorter-distance racing up to half marathon for general runners; chasing half marathon PB when you want the shoe to do the work
A very fast, aggressively rockered racer that excels for shorter races and high-cadence runners, but with less stability and comfort than the Alphafly which makes it a more demanding marathon pick. One reviewer outright preferred it over the Alphafly for its turnover and bounce.
Best for: Fast, aggressive racing up to half marathon distance for runners who like a rockered, poppy ride; marathon possible but demanding
Reviewers note: Restrictive, narrow, short fit that dials in well for narrow feet but runs small; reviewers with average-width or longer feet should consider going half a size up.
Per The Run Testers.
The HOKA Cielo X1 2 weighs about 210g (men's 9), has a 46.0mm heel stack and a 7.0mm heel-toe drop.
Reviewers compare the HOKA Cielo X1 2 to Nike Alphafly 3, Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3, Nike Vaporfly 4, Hoka Cielo X1 (v1).
Per The Run Testers, Believe in the Run.
Next Pair aggregates 11 expert reviews of the HOKA Cielo X1 2, including EDDBUD, Kofuzi, The Run Testers.
Per EDDBUD, Kofuzi, The Run Testers.
Compared to other road racing in the same lane.
