Hoka Cielo X1 3.0

The Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 is the American brand's most aggressive race-day super shoe: a unisex model designed for neutral runners looking for stack height, bounce and a carbon plate over distances from 10K to the marathon. It keeps the maximalist spirit of the Cielo X1 line, but with a more balanced geometry than the previous version and a dual PEBA foam that feels especially lively in the heel and midfoot.

Compared with the Cielo X1 2.0, Hoka has moved towards the centre: the fit is still snug to hold the foot through the jostling of a race, but the base is more neutral and the midsole has a central channel instead of the lateral or medial bias of previous editions. The Leno Weave upper is light, translucent and very breathable, with a thin tongue and a heel that locks the foot in well despite minimal padding. The tapered toe box adds security at fast paces, although runners with wide feet may find it narrow. As a more affordable alternative from the same brand, the Rocket X 3 keeps the racing profile with a more versatile character and also has a carbon plate.

On the run, the curved carbon plate and a very pronounced rocker make the forward transition almost automatic, while the textured rubber outsole offers reliable traction on dry and wet tarmac, even if it is the kind that seems to wear out just by looking at it. With 37 mm of stack height at the heel and a 7 mm drop, it sits at the World Athletics limit, a fairly high profile that may leave some runners with doubts about its stability. It is a shoe for runners with deep pockets and stable mechanics who want plenty of cushioning without giving up propulsion over the marathon and half marathon.