First Look: HOKA Cielo X1 3.0

Like to go far and fast? The HOKA premium marathon racing shoe model—the Cielo—is sleeker, lighter, and speedier than ever. This season, the new Cielo X1 3.0 features precision-tuned updates to transform every stride into forward momentum, helping runners chase their fastest performances yet. It’s the shoe NAZ Elite athlete Alex Masai wore during his 2025 Chicago Marathon third-place finish, a race in which he crushed his time from a year prior by a whopping four minutes and fourteen seconds.

But the Cielo X1 3.0 isn’t just for elite athletes running 2:04 marathons. It’s for anyone looking to get the most of themselves in their distance racing and training. Here’s what makes it so dang fast—for everyone.

Lightweight, Responsive 

Precision-engineered materials come together for a package that’s ready to fly. Premium PEBA midsole foam has been tuned to be even more responsive than before, and the Cielo X1 3.0 stacks a whopping 38mm of PEBA under the heel, with 31mm under the forefoot. All that foam is sandwiched around a winged carbon-fiber plate that’s been redesigned to be lighter and more propulsive. Additionally, a refined heel geometry and MetaRocker™ shape enhance stability for smooth, efficient turnover.

All of that is underfoot. On top, an upper made of highly engineered leno weave—a cross-weaving of lightweight, high-strength fibers—is breathable, slightly stretchy, and form-fitting, without sacrificing durability. New asymmetrical lacing secures the upper for a locked-in feeling of control. The tongue and heel collar have been slimmed down for a sleek but still comfortable fit and feel.

The numbers? The Cielo X1 3.0 comes in at a featherlight 6.2 ounces for a women’s size 8, and 7.5 ounces for a men’s size 10 (women’s size 8 is a men’s size 7).

Proof is in the PR

When HOKA athlete Masai podiumed in the Chicago Marathon, he said that what stood out to him is the Cielo X1 3.0’s responsiveness. And while Masai ran crazy fast over the entire 26.2 miles, he says the shoe allowed him to feel “fresh” enough to break away from the pack and chase down third place.

“Even though I was tired in the latter stages of the race,” he says, “The Cielo helped me to have a smooth and natural rolling motion. It enabled me to use my energy efficiently. Mentally, I felt like I could have kept going at that pace/speed for longer, and that gave me confidence to push through pain.”

If that’s what the new Cielo will do for Masai, imagine what it will do for you.

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HOKA is one of the fastest-growing performance footwear and apparel brands in history. Conceived in the mountains, HOKA footwear delivers an unprecedented combination of enhanced cushioning and support for a uniquely smooth ride. Every day, HOKA pushes the innovation and design of its footwear and apparel by teaming up with a deep roster of world champions, taste makers and everyday athletes. From finish lines to everyday life, HOKA fans love the brand for its bold and unexpected approach, and its belief in the power of humanity to create change for a better world. HOKA empowers a world of athletes to fly over the earth. For more information, visit HOKA.com or follow @HOKA. #FlyHumanFly