Believe in the RunVideo · Mar 21, 2026
It delivers a fast, fun, and propulsive ride, making it a strong contender in the super shoe category, despite its lower stability.
RaceWatch review
HOKA
Cielo X1 2.0
Race shoe · Neutral · 230 g · 7 mm drop · MSRP $275
$102 at Instacart$27563% off today
Critic consensus
from 10 reviewsThe Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is a substantially lighter and more aggressive overhaul that delivers a bouncy, highly propulsive ride. However, the revised geometry and medial cutout result in noticeable instability at slower speeds and for heel strikers. It is best suited for midfoot or forefoot striking marathoners seeking a fast race-day shoe.
Reviewers agree
Significantly lighter weight compared to the original version9/10
Aggressive rocker geometry creates strong forward propulsion9/10
Upgraded mesh upper offers superior breathability and secure lockdown8/10
Medial cutout and narrow platform cause noticeable instability7/10
Reviewers disagree
True to size fit versus needing to size up8 vs 1
Midsole foam feels squishy and soft versus resilient and firm4 vs 2
What reviewers use it for
Race9 of 10
Tempo7 of 10
Easy0 of 10 · no tag
Long run0 of 10 · no tag
A shoe earns a tag as soon as one reviewer recommends it for that kind of run; the count shows how many agree. Mentions include synonyms, so “recovery”, “zone 2” and “conversational” all count toward Easy.
Critic reviews
10 reviews · 9 scores inferredRunning WarehouseVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
A comprehensive update that significantly improves performance, making it a serious contender among top racing shoes.
KofuziVideo · Mar 13, 2026INFERRED
A successful update that elevates the Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 into the top tier of marathon racers.
The Run TestersVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is a significant and positive update, transforming the shoe into a lighter, more aggressive, and effective racing shoe.
RadDadBodTVVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
The X1 2.0 is light, agile, and aggressive, making it a big enough shift to warrant the upgrade for those seeking a more capable race day option.
Ben ParkesVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
A fantastic upgrade for his use case, praising its lightweight, snappy feel, and aggressive rocker, though it won't be suitable for everyone.
RaceWatch review
jogoncragoVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is a good racing shoe, offering comparable performance to other top-tier marathon racers, with a rockered ride that excels at consistent paces.
RaceWatch review
Doctors of RunningVideo · Mar 21, 2026INFERRED
The Hoka Cielo X1 2.0 is a significant update, shedding weight and adopting a more aggressive, midfoot/forefoot biased design that excels at race paces.