Hoka’s new Cielo X1, its highest energy-return shoe, is the latest addition to its road racing lineup.
Designed with insights and feedback from the HOKA roster of elite athletes, the ultra-propulsive Cielo X1 is the ultimate road-racing shoe for the most discerning athletes.
“The Cielo X1 was crafted with a hyperfocus on its dynamic plated midsole system,” said Colin Ingram, Vice President of Product and Apparel at HOKA. “The new, innovative plate shape leverages the extremes of geometry, along with a forefoot rocker that will propel you forward in your stride. We’re bringing the heat to the carbon plated “space-race”.”
“Our team put the Cielo X1 to the test with our Hoka athletes to craft a pinnacle race offering we believe has podiums and PRs written all over its future,” Ingram added. “We can’t wait to get the Cielo X1 out there on the roads for everyone to try.”
The Cielo X1 encompasses Hoka’s best race day learnings to provide a reliable and trustworthy shoe athletes can feel confident stepping into. It features cutting-edge technologies that front-of-the-pack athletes require on their most important race days. Hoka enlisted signature design elements that supports stability and control when running at top speeds. The Cielo X1 is an innovative, ultra-fast offering within the competitive running space in which everyone can feel race-day ready.
How the Cielo X1 is Made
The HOKA product team created the Cielo X1 by integrating advanced geometry, plate technology and foam compounds, while eliminating things that didn’t enhance the ride. These innovations include an exaggerated new rocker profile, asymmetrical Active Foot Frame and dynamic winged carbon fiber plate. It also has an aggressively cored midsole. All of these come together to create a light, fast, dynamic and stable ride.
Providing a racing experience like no other, the Cielo X1 midsole employs an early stage MetaRocker. The upgraded carbon fiber plate captures the foot at faster speeds, through asymmetrical wings that wrap up medially and laterally. Featuring a ProFlyX midsole construction, the carbon plate is nestled between two layers of responsive PEBA foam for the highest energy return. The softer layer directly underfoot provides comfort, while the firmer bottom layer provides a resilient source of power. Speed-focused geometries are incorporated throughout. Strategic rubber coverage is incorporated on high-traction outsole areas for maximum durability and control.
A new engineered knit upper provides a lightweight, breathable foot-hugging fit. The asymmetrical gusseted knit tongue enables easy entry and a race-ready lockdown. Weighing 7.4 oz for a Women’s size 8 and 9.3 oz for a Men’s size 10, with a 40 mm stack height and 7mm drop, the Cielo X1 is World Athletics approved.
Extensive Testing
The Cielo X1 has been in testing by HOKA elite athletes, landing impressive results across a variety of road distances, and is expected to continue to making its mark in future races.
Notable results include HOKA Northern Arizona Elite (NAZ) member Wesley Kiptoo making his marathon distance debut at the Chicago Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:10:28. Fellow HOKA NAZ Elite member Kellyn Taylor won the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon qualifying for the 2024 US Olympics Marathon Trials in 1:11:40, and teammate Alice Wright placed 3rd. HOKA athlete and Olympian Rachel Smith placed 2nd at the USATF Road 5K Championships running 15:27.
The Cielo X1 is available at HOKA.com and authorized dealers worldwide (MSRP $275).
