Why the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 Might be a Top 5 Race Shoe of 2026
The Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 could be one of the top marathon shoes of 2026. On paper, the update doesn’t look much different from the 2.0, but the foam, geometry, and upper come together to make it a real competitor. It’s not often you find a race shoe that blends comfort and pure speed, but the Cielo X1 3.0 manages to do both without missing a step.
Hoka recently dropped their newest pinnacle race shoe, the Cielo X-1 3.0, an update they promise is faster, lighter, and more race-ready than ever. After putting our first workout in the shoe, we’re excited to tell you that Hoka has finally delivered a true contender in the race day segment. Let’s dive in.
The Hoka Cielo X1 Franchise
Hoka’s history in the marathon racer category has been a tale of ups and downs. Hobby Joggers loved the original Cielo X-1 back in 2024 for its leg-saving bounce, wide fit and aggressive rocker, but the shoe was overlooked as a top tier racing option due to its relatively heavy weight.
In the second iteration, Hoka tried to make the Cielo into a more viable race day pick, shaving weight by narrowing the platform and moving to a thinner, translucent upper material. In the process of trying to appease faster runners, however, the brand ended up alienating people who loved the original. The Cielo X1 2.0 was lighter and more streamlined, but it was less stable and lacked the “magic” midfoot bounce of the OG. We also found the midsole to be oddly mushy at paces faster than 7:00 minutes per mile, which clashed with the shoe’s highly-aggressive rocker geometry.
Cielo X1 3.0 First Run Review
Hoka Cielo X1 3.0
With the 3.0, we’re happy to report that Hoka has finally landed the plane: they’ve arrived at a perfect blend of protection and speed assistance, providing a ride experience that improves upon the 2.0 in every meaningful category. The midsole, while still soft and comfortable, has been firmed up slightly to mesh better with the shoe’s aggressive platform, making it feel incredibly natural to pick up the pace. While the PEBA foam isn’t the most mind-blowing or innovative compound on the market, the magic is in the geometry. With 41mm of protection in the forefoot and a rocker that effortlessly propels you forward, the Cielo X-1 3.0 offers a difficult-to-achieve balance of aggressive speed and cushion. Smaller details have also been refined, with the improved upper and tacky compression-molded polyurethane outsole achieving a truly cohesive race day package.
While the Cielo X-1 3.0 is still roughly 30 grams heavier than competitors like the Puma Deviate NITRO Elite 4, we feel the increased mid-forefoot protection is worth it for buyers seeking a higher-cushioned feel in their next marathon shoe. More mileage is needed to see if the Cielo will crack our Top 5 Race Shoe Power Rankings, but things are certainly looking up for Hoka in the racing department.
For Yowana's full first-run review of the Hoka Cielo X1 3.0, check out the Supwell YouTube channel:
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