The Cielo X1 3.0 is HOKA's flagship racer, and the third generation finally answers the line's standing complaint: weight. At about 213 g it is the lightest super shoe HOKA has made, a real cut from the 2.0, with the ultrasoft PEBA foam, propulsive carbon plate, and asymmetrical lacing carried forward.
It suits you if race day is the whole brief — PR attempts from serious tempo efforts through the marathon, in the shoe HOKA's elites wear.
It is not a shoe for support: the Rocket X 3 exists precisely for the runner this platform is too soft and narrow for. And at $275 the foam's budget belongs to start lines, not to Tuesday.