Hoka Cielo X1 | A Middle Packer's Perspective 

I ran in mine this past weekend. I’m definitely a slower runner, and this was a great buy. I alternated paces between fast Hard effort and a slow jog, it felt good on them all. As for the laces? I double knotted like I always do and had zero issues. The upper is so spacious, I am really looking forward to running in them again.

Exceptional review! I just bought a pair of Cielo X1s to replace two shoes in my rotation: (1) my trusty and amazing Hoka Mach 5s, and (2) my formerly race-ready Saucony Endorphin Pro 2s. The good news is that this expensive shoe can do the job of both those outgoing shoes. All this for less than the cost of two new shoes to replace them. With that in mind, the price tag suddenly doesn't sting as much. I'm very, very happy with this purchase - it's like the opposite of buyer's remorse. Oh, and the rocker effect + energy return in these is just WILD.

I loved the look of this beast!!

I cannot NOT run in this super shoe! I got it to review on my RU-vid channel (with a cameo by Sage Canaday)…I wanted it to defend a AG Podium at Shiprock. However? Screw keeping it for Race Day! I’m ALL Over the Cielo! Agree with nearly all your insights, except don’t know why you and so many other reviewers have such a beef with the laces. Their flat, ribbon like Kevlar feel is fantastic- all you gotta do is cinch the first loop hard and tie a double knot. The lockdown is fantastic! No need for a pressure creating “racer knot”! I’ve aready gotten my $’s worth from this shoe within 2.5 weeks! 🙏🏾

Thanks for the review Emily!!!

Thank you Heller from another exceptional review. Based on your review I just ordered a Cielo X1 from Hokca Canada.

Glad the video took its time to upload! Watching in bed is better than during work hours. Nice review!

Mid-packers unite! I was waiting to hear your perspective before pulling the trigger. Thanks!

Thank you for another nice review. I totally agree with you. This show not just looks awesome its also feels like

Thank you for you videos. When i got these and opened the box, even before taking them out, I thought, oh no...these are huge! They fit me perfectly true to size, thank goodness, but they are a sight to behold.

I love this shoe! I changed the laces and now they are perfect.

You do SUCH a great job - credible and relatable. It is nice to find someone on social media who can be trusted, who is not owned by the shoe companies. I bought a pair and agree across the board. I am an ex-defensive lineman, aka NOT a runner by nature, so the “help” the shoe provides is excellent. I have a wide foot and high arch, so really appreciate the toe box

Got mine a little over a week ago and I absolutely love it! The only complaint is that I have to adjust the tongue every time I put them on since it gets all bunched up when I slide my foot in. Other than that, I absolutely enjoy my runs in it.

A stunning looking shoe

Great review interesting show bot in too the color for me but I'll see what other is offered glad everything uploaded. And hi ruby

I think you hit the nail on the head with regards to weight. If it offers more bounce and energy return then that’s justified especially for me as I’ll use it for half’s and marathons👌

Will patiently be awaiting when this shoe goes on "sale"!!!

Congratulations On 20k! 🐱

Dang. I think I’m going to have to get these now

hooray for 20k!

I did a 13 mile run in these shoes manage to maintain a 6:30 pace only downside was the heel dug into my ankle causing it to bleed. I was wearing a very thin sock so thicker sock should fix that.....heard people saying they prefer it over the alphafly already, in my opinion i love these shoes ❤

Somehow when I tried them last week in Tampa, I also thought these shoes would not only be limited to "racing" situations... definitely they felt livelier that the Vaporflies (my ankles dont like Nike's mushy racing shoes at all) and also somewhat comfier than the Adios Pro 3. I also loved the way the NB SC elites feel but most likely my aim is tilting more towards the Hokas at this point. Great review!

Wish you were in Orlando! It was an epic weekend!!

Great review and worth the wait on the upload! If only rainbows threw up all over the place, the world would be so much better!

I'm patiently waiting for your review of Hoka Mach 6.

For a marathon, the weight of the shoe isn't as critical as a shorter distance, but it looks like the engine is powerful, and that sounds like it's going to be important and helpful to get you to the finish. I have a lot of shoes right now, so I'll have to hold off. Maybe when it goes on sale, I might go for it. Thanks.

Great review. I really liked it at the 5k distance but it's likely too aggressive for me to use in a half or full marathon.

Waiting for a New Rocket X, with these new technologies. Best wishes from Southen Brazil

20K!Yeah!😊

Did first 10 k Tempo run in them. I have wide feet and they feel perfect. First Hoka that fits me TTS. They feel very bouncy but they actually reminded me of the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro V1. Same ride.. Heavier.. More stable.. Like a training partner for the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro V1. Fist I thought its like Alphafly but the longer I run it felt like a chubby brother of the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro V1. Definitely not a racing shoe for me. By the way.. I ❤ the laces 🎉.

First of all, thanks for another great review Emily 🙂 Second of all, the price. That’s Alphafly 3 money. I’ve had very positive experiences with Hoka in the past, but I’m still keen as mustard to get the Alphafly 3s. I wonder how comparable the Cielo X1 is? Keep up the fantastic work mate!

Glad you managed to finally get your vid uploaded!! Great review as always. Stunning looking shoe…if mermaids needed shoes, they would be it! What with the 7mm drop…? I thought all HOKAs were 5mm.

I didn’t watch any reviews during the Hoka sponsored trials to avoid unconscious bias. Decided to wait for polished reviews 🙌🏼, not that I have $300 dollars to spend

So many great shoes coming out. What to do🤔

great review .., the design team even said they are going to bounce those laces this year. either way, pass for me. again, great review

Definitely sounds like a dream shoe I've been thinking about that never existed! But the price is keeping me away from it 😭 lol maybe next year on discount lol

I'll just get the previous version when it goes on discount.

Well seems like a Prime X Strung vs Cielo X1 showdown? What do you think? Thanks for a great honest review of a very expensive running shoe.

I'm an ironman, so my use is perhaps slightly different to most i.e. how easy are they to put on wet feet is a factor for me :) previously I've run in the Rocket X2 and straight off I love that shoe. This one feels quite different. It has a lot more support, it's also a lot more roomy for the same length. As a cost, it's considerably heavier. Current thought is I'll wear this if the surface is slightly sketchy, e.g. Barcelona ironman; but I'll probably stick with the Rocket X2 for a race that is just good quality tarmac.

Lisa Frank racer…kinda dig it

Great video as always! 👏🏼👏🏼 Do you think that the Cielo is way better than the Elite v4? Much more energy return? Or Elite still is a very good shoe?

Hi Emily! I’m super interested in this shoe, but I’m also in the AF3 and the SC elite v4. It would be great if you can compare those 3 shoes in a video

From the run footage it looks like it should be good for your pronation..

2024 is not going to be a good year for my wallet. So many awesome shoes that I want to try out!

Any tips on sizing for women since it’s a unisex shoe? I’ve seen reviews and websites say different things; some say go down 1 size and others say go down 1.5 sizes from the men’s sizing. 🤷🏼‍♀️ I’m a women’s size 8.5 in all of my running shoes and I have a narrow foot, what would you recommend?

Now how does this compare to the Alphafly 3? Are both shoes suitable for slow runners?

Hey Emily! How are these for mild pronators? I know you and I both have slight pronation issues, albeit nothing too crazy. For reference I can run fine in the Superblast but the SC Trainer v2 is a little uncomfortable for me after a while.

Great review, but $275 is too costly! I'll take my Saucony Endorphin Speeds instead!

Hoka Cielo X1 or SC Elite V4 My Question is which shoes is suited for a slow pace runner like myself

Congrats on 20k! How would you rate the stability?

How does this compare to the NB supercomp trainer? Can we get a vs video?

It just looks too big and clunky to be a fast shoe?? I need to try a pair on as I'm in the market for new shoes and I've been leaning more towards the Prime X Strung 2 until now 🤔

So sorry to hear about the death of Kelvin Kiptum😢😢

Hey bud, slightly overpronate too but find the Skyward great. How will i get on here with the Cielo? 😊

LET’S GET TO 40K SUBS LFGGGG🎉

Comparison with Vaper Fly 3?? Same ride??

How does it compare to the SC Elite V4?

Is the Cielo x1 your current race day shoe?

How does it compare to Hoka Rocket X2?

Interested until seeing the price.

Is the fit true to size?

a Bondi x on steroids? no wonder you love them! 😉

I was really hoping these totally wouldn't work for a barely sub-2 hour half marathon guy, but oh well, its just money...

that sure is a steep price!! I will stick with those bad a$$ New Balance shoes!!!

Hoka x Rainbow Brite x My Little Pony collab 😊

Tried them, returned them. If you're going to make a race day shoe, at least KNOW how to make a light, breathable upper, and OMG don't skimp on the laces on $275 shoes!!😮

A lot of snowflakes who can’t do a double knot clearly- the laces are different but fine.

I will not be buying this. Price is straight ridiculous. Not to mention all supershoes have shorter lifespan makes this shoe super expensive per run.