I'm never gonna run in either of these shoes but hearing knowledgeable people talk about their design, technology, and performance is sooooo interesting and entertaining. This channel is one of my favorites. It's a resource.
Bought the Hoka Cielo this week in orange colorway. Planning to use for marathon as, as a 58 year old, comfort more important than weight for me. Great review, thanks
I appreciate your point about the AF not being a marathon shoe for you because your marathon pace isn't fast enough to utilize the sweet spot of the shoe. So many reviewers talk about shoes being good or bad for marathon pace based on their own MP as if that would apply to people running significantly faster or slower.
I have both (just got the Cielo X1 and took it out on a maiden run of 10 miles) and they are both great, but I think they each serve different types of runners with different usage cases. To me, the Cielo X1 is more like the Prime X Strung and Prime X 2 Strung than Alphafly 3 or other top-tier race shoes. The PXS v1 is my favorite all-time road running shoe and I own and rotate multiple pairs. I also love the PX2S but not quite as much as v1 due to its weight and firmness. To me, the CX1 sits somewhere in between the PXS/PX2S and the Alphafly 3 and is ideal for long tempo and threshold runs as well as long marathon pace runs for training. I can see using the CX1 for a marathon race if the goal is to cruise in comfort through it but, if the goal is to set a PB with your "A" run, then I'd go with the Alphafly 3. Just one run so far, but I can tell that Cielo X1 will become one of my faves for long-distance training with the PXS and PX2S. It is very propulsive and probably the first shoe I've tried that may equal the PXS v1 in terms of propulsion, bounce, and fun/excitement factor. It's also noticeably more stable than either PXS and PX2S, although stability hasn't really been an issue for me with them. Still, I do need to take much more care when running in them due to the sheer stack height. The AF3 is a racing shoe and I'm saving it for races with occasional short speed workouts just so I remain familiar with the feel and ride. It's aggressive but still quite comfortable. I have taken it on one 15-mile run and it'd be no problem to go the marathon distance with it for me. The weight is perfect and, like the Cielo X1, more stable than the PXS and PX2S. It's great at working up to a fast pace and then locking in and maintaining that pace. For me, the PXS is still the most "fun" running shoe but the stability matter can take the fun away for many when you have to constantly keep an eye out for potholes and cambered surfaces as well as being mindful when jumping on/off sidewalks, going fast downhill, and turning tight corners. The PXS definitely isn't for everyone. For those who want that PXS feel and ride but need stability, I highly recommend the Cielo X1. I did a long run at tempo and threshold paces (for me, around 6:00~6:30/mile) and I was very pleased by how it kept my HR down and allowed me to sustain these paces for extended distances and periods. It felt fine at easy paces (8:00~8:30/mile) but really starts coming alive at 7:30/mile and faster - just like the PXS and PX2S.
Ordered the Cielo X1 after you said about the no pains in the side of the big toe.. In the past went up half a size in Hoka because of this. Now ordered TTS. Fingers crossed ❤️
The review on the Cielo X1 is on point. I ran 21km in a treadmill and it’s by far the most comfortable shoes I have. As a mid foot striker, the pop is amazing. Fits really well especially I have a wide feet. I don’t mind the weight as long as my feet are happy at the end of the finish line. 😊
100% agree the AF3 are for fast races - sub 6:30 pace for me. it’s all about loading up those pods and springing forward like a trampoline. at marathon pace where my feet are grinding out 7min miles and it’s all about locking in an even tempo, the pods just make the experience feel very unstable and so I prefer the sensation of VFs.
Good review! Love the Cielo X1 and really don’t feel the extra weight underfoot. The rocker makes running in them seem effortless, and they feel quite stable to me. They seem perfect for Marathon, and will probably use them in London and possibly Chicago, later in the year. I actually liked the flat laces, no digging in, and they have side ridges which means they are difficult to pull through the holes, but also stay put once positioned and give an amazing lockdown. Since I’m not doing a Triathlon, this doesn’t seem a drawback at all to me, but rather a positive.
I agree with the comments about cambered roads..I like the Mizuno pro but it is very bad for crowned roads..the only super that doesn't seem care is the hoka rocket x2..in spite of the weight the Cielo x1 rolls thru really nice..the rocket x2 does not..put more rocker on the x2 would make it much better..nice review 😊
The AF is all individual, if your foot strike allows you to nail the airpods they are magical. If you are not, you will fight the shoe constantly and probably suffer calf fatigue in longer efforts. I can barely make the AF V1 work at half marathon. At the marathon I suffered in the last 5k....calves were spasming. AF V2 was great at the marathon, but was a bit heavy and bulky in the last 10k. The AF V3 is a truly magical shoe for me. I like everything they did with the Cielo X1.....it's just Hoka made a shoe that would have been a game changer 2yrs ago. Now it's just a good shoe that's heavy. I have high hopes they will maintain all the good in the shoe and drop an oz in the V2 and become a top tier marathon shoe. Example Asic Metaspeed Paris options...
@@jean-phil It's several factors I think. The reduced weight in general, the reduced weight in the back of the midsole. The single midsole section in general. I'm a slightly stronger runner now, worked on an excessive cadence issue. I haven't measured the pod distribution but they do seem further back...ever so slightly. They also don't feel nearly as crazy bouncy as the V1/V2....it's like the traded a bit of bounce for more smooth transition, which just works amazing for me.
x1 is such a versatile choice, can be a half/full marathon racer or long run trainer - I'd purchase the Asics Sky Paris over the AF3 for faster shorter distances >21km - Cheaper, lighter and overall a better shoe
Unfortunately, I got COVID 2 weeks before the race so I had to cancel my trip 😭 I still love the Rebellion Pro 2 and definitely will use them in my next marathon.
Awesome review. Just ran with the Cielo X1s this morning. Laces could be improved but overall, they’re great shoes. Super comfortable on my feet. Fits well despite it being aggressive IMO. Wants to push you forward even if you wanna slow down. Not complaining though. Haha Loved the unbiased review on both. Still wanna get AFs one day when they’re back in stock. So curious about them. 🥶
I am fairly new to competitive running and never thought about where and how I land on my foot. I just wore out my alphafly v1 shoes and looking to upgrade. You mentioned that you find it better to land on the airpods, my alphaflys wore out at the heal, I know I am a heal striker, should I try to work on my form? What shoe would you recommend? I run primarily half's or less. My 10k pace is 7min/mile
I’m on the fence between these 2 for Boston . I normally run my marathons in the AF1 but last pair I got was unglued after being in storage too long. I am afraid of getting another pair. Being an AF1 fan, I wanted to get the AF3 but Nike is not making that task easy for runners (just resellers). Is the cielo x 1 up to the task as a plan B? Or the weight is a killer for a strong marathon? 🙃
@@jean-phil they came like that from eBay. They did refund me cause I paid for eBay verified and they sent them like that, but just became cautious of buying old releases after that.
Would the Hoka Cielo be the best rocker for high arches, neutral pronation, midfoot, wide toe. I have had issues with calf muscles and Achilles. Run 2 miles a day
What's a good slower marathon shoe if this Cielo X1 is too heavy and the AP3 is more for faster paces? Looking for a 9-minute-mile marathon shoe for a 200lb 6'3" male.
I'm never gonna run in either of these shoes but hearing knowledgeable people talk about their design, technology, and performance is sooooo interesting and entertaining.
This channel is one of my favorites. It's a resource.
Bought the Hoka Cielo this week in orange colorway. Planning to use for marathon as, as a 58 year old, comfort more important than weight for me. Great review, thanks
I appreciate your point about the AF not being a marathon shoe for you because your marathon pace isn't fast enough to utilize the sweet spot of the shoe. So many reviewers talk about shoes being good or bad for marathon pace based on their own MP as if that would apply to people running significantly faster or slower.
I have both (just got the Cielo X1 and took it out on a maiden run of 10 miles) and they are both great, but I think they each serve different types of runners with different usage cases. To me, the Cielo X1 is more like the Prime X Strung and Prime X 2 Strung than Alphafly 3 or other top-tier race shoes. The PXS v1 is my favorite all-time road running shoe and I own and rotate multiple pairs. I also love the PX2S but not quite as much as v1 due to its weight and firmness.
To me, the CX1 sits somewhere in between the PXS/PX2S and the Alphafly 3 and is ideal for long tempo and threshold runs as well as long marathon pace runs for training. I can see using the CX1 for a marathon race if the goal is to cruise in comfort through it but, if the goal is to set a PB with your "A" run, then I'd go with the Alphafly 3.
Just one run so far, but I can tell that Cielo X1 will become one of my faves for long-distance training with the PXS and PX2S. It is very propulsive and probably the first shoe I've tried that may equal the PXS v1 in terms of propulsion, bounce, and fun/excitement factor. It's also noticeably more stable than either PXS and PX2S, although stability hasn't really been an issue for me with them. Still, I do need to take much more care when running in them due to the sheer stack height.
The AF3 is a racing shoe and I'm saving it for races with occasional short speed workouts just so I remain familiar with the feel and ride. It's aggressive but still quite comfortable. I have taken it on one 15-mile run and it'd be no problem to go the marathon distance with it for me. The weight is perfect and, like the Cielo X1, more stable than the PXS and PX2S. It's great at working up to a fast pace and then locking in and maintaining that pace.
For me, the PXS is still the most "fun" running shoe but the stability matter can take the fun away for many when you have to constantly keep an eye out for potholes and cambered surfaces as well as being mindful when jumping on/off sidewalks, going fast downhill, and turning tight corners. The PXS definitely isn't for everyone. For those who want that PXS feel and ride but need stability, I highly recommend the Cielo X1. I did a long run at tempo and threshold paces (for me, around 6:00~6:30/mile) and I was very pleased by how it kept my HR down and allowed me to sustain these paces for extended distances and periods. It felt fine at easy paces (8:00~8:30/mile) but really starts coming alive at 7:30/mile and faster - just like the PXS and PX2S.
do you have narrow or wide feet?
and how is cielo x1 sizing, is it true to size and the same with your other shoes?
Ordered the Cielo X1 after you said about the no pains in the side of the big toe.. In the past went up half a size in Hoka because of this. Now ordered TTS. Fingers crossed ❤️
I got blisters from the inner side of my right foot after using Cielo x1 :(
The review on the Cielo X1 is on point. I ran 21km in a treadmill and it’s by far the most comfortable shoes I have. As a mid foot striker, the pop is amazing. Fits really well especially I have a wide feet. I don’t mind the weight as long as my feet are happy at the end of the finish line. 😊
100% agree the AF3 are for fast races - sub 6:30 pace for me. it’s all about loading up those pods and springing forward like a trampoline. at marathon pace where my feet are grinding out 7min miles and it’s all about locking in an even tempo, the pods just make the experience feel very unstable and so I prefer the sensation of VFs.
Just ordered the Ceilo x1! my 3rd Hoka , Clifton and bondi 8. Excited to use for my half marathon in Nov!
Good review! Love the Cielo X1 and really don’t feel the extra weight underfoot. The rocker makes running in them seem effortless, and they feel quite stable to me. They seem perfect for Marathon, and will probably use them in London and possibly Chicago, later in the year. I actually liked the flat laces, no digging in, and they have side ridges which means they are difficult to pull through the holes, but also stay put once positioned and give an amazing lockdown. Since I’m not doing a Triathlon, this doesn’t seem a drawback at all to me, but rather a positive.
I agree with the comments about cambered roads..I like the Mizuno pro but it is very bad for crowned roads..the only super that doesn't seem care is the hoka rocket x2..in spite of the weight the Cielo x1 rolls thru really nice..the rocket x2 does not..put more rocker on the x2 would make it much better..nice review 😊
The AF is all individual, if your foot strike allows you to nail the airpods they are magical. If you are not, you will fight the shoe constantly and probably suffer calf fatigue in longer efforts. I can barely make the AF V1 work at half marathon. At the marathon I suffered in the last 5k....calves were spasming. AF V2 was great at the marathon, but was a bit heavy and bulky in the last 10k. The AF V3 is a truly magical shoe for me.
I like everything they did with the Cielo X1.....it's just Hoka made a shoe that would have been a game changer 2yrs ago. Now it's just a good shoe that's heavy. I have high hopes they will maintain all the good in the shoe and drop an oz in the V2 and become a top tier marathon shoe. Example Asic Metaspeed Paris options...
just wondering, what changed from AF V1 to V3 that makes you able to load the airpod now ? they have not changed its position .. ?
@@jean-phil It's several factors I think. The reduced weight in general, the reduced weight in the back of the midsole. The single midsole section in general. I'm a slightly stronger runner now, worked on an excessive cadence issue. I haven't measured the pod distribution but they do seem further back...ever so slightly. They also don't feel nearly as crazy bouncy as the V1/V2....it's like the traded a bit of bounce for more smooth transition, which just works amazing for me.
x1 is such a versatile choice, can be a half/full marathon racer or long run trainer - I'd purchase the Asics Sky Paris over the AF3 for faster shorter distances >21km - Cheaper, lighter and overall a better shoe
Thanks for the review!
How was Osaka? Have you run in Mizuno Rebellion Pro 2 or the plan changed? Cheers!
Unfortunately, I got COVID 2 weeks before the race so I had to cancel my trip 😭 I still love the Rebellion Pro 2 and definitely will use them in my next marathon.
Sad to hear that. Fingers crossed for next event. Thanks for the review!
Awesome review. Just ran with the Cielo X1s this morning. Laces could be improved but overall, they’re great shoes. Super comfortable on my feet. Fits well despite it being aggressive IMO. Wants to push you forward even if you wanna slow down. Not complaining though. Haha
Loved the unbiased review on both. Still wanna get AFs one day when they’re back in stock. So curious about them. 🥶
20 miler on a treadmill 😭🙈 I got the Cielo shoe today and am excited to use it for my marathon this December!
So what's your take on hoka after using for a month?
My only Hoka is the Mach 5, and it did once give me a blister where my second biggest left toe got pressed up against the big toe.
Hoka m 5 is a gr8 shoe
When are we getting Andrea's review of the Metaspeed Sky/Edge Paris?!
I did not receive them for review - but would love to test them!
@@ammyers56 Ah, bummer! As a fellow Wave Rebellion Pro fan I was hoping to get your take on Sky vs Edge.
I am fairly new to competitive running and never thought about where and how I land on my foot. I just wore out my alphafly v1 shoes and looking to upgrade. You mentioned that you find it better to land on the airpods, my alphaflys wore out at the heal, I know I am a heal striker, should I try to work on my form? What shoe would you recommend? I run primarily half's or less. My 10k pace is 7min/mile
I love the Cielo!! I need to get the Alpha 3 ro compare
I’m on the fence between these 2 for Boston . I normally run my marathons in the AF1 but last pair I got was unglued after being in storage too long. I am afraid of getting another pair. Being an AF1 fan, I wanted to get the AF3 but Nike is not making that task easy for runners (just resellers). Is the cielo x 1 up to the task as a plan B? Or the weight is a killer for a strong marathon? 🙃
did you store your AF1 in cold or hot temperature ? I have a few pairs and no issue so far
@@jean-phil they came like that from eBay. They did refund me cause I paid for eBay verified and they sent them like that, but just became cautious of buying old releases after that.
Thank you Andrea 🙏
I got blisters from the inner side of my right foot after using Cielo x1 :(
Would the Hoka Cielo be the best rocker for high arches, neutral pronation, midfoot, wide toe. I have had issues with calf muscles and Achilles. Run 2 miles a day
Nice Review 👌
What's a good slower marathon shoe if this Cielo X1 is too heavy and the AP3 is more for faster paces? Looking for a 9-minute-mile marathon shoe for a 200lb 6'3" male.
www.doctorsofrunning.com/2024/03/new-balance-fuelcell-supercomp-elite-v4.html
Im struggling with finding my first racing shoe. I have wider feets and at narrow shoes I feel a pressure at my 5th toe. Anyone recommendations?
Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 has lots of room in the toe box.
@@Nyelands Thanks, have to check them out then. I have the Boston 12 and those haven't enough room for me.
Kiptum had no problem running a marathon in the Alphafly3. So it is definitely great for marathons.
Hoka best shoes 👟 ever!!!
Definitely Cielo. Its not even close
The weight difference between these two trainers is about the weight of small battery , makes no difference what so ever .
Let me save you the time. She's going to say the Nike is better. I didn't watch it. Didn't need to.
Since you didn’t watch it, I didn’t really pick either shoe. Each one is better at different things.