HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 vs Rocket X 3

Cielo X1 3.0 or Rocket X 3? Here’s how they compare on feel, fit, brand specs and price, from the fitting team at The Run House.

The short answer

Want HOKA’s fastest marathon racer? Get the Cielo X1 3.0.

Want a durable super shoe for the marathon? Get the Rocket X 3.

Get the Cielo X1 3.0 if

You want HOKA’s fastest marathon racer

Get the Rocket X 3 if

Long runs are your thing
You’d rather spend $25 less

These two are close. Fit will decide it, so try both on.

On the run

Cielo X1 3.0: HOKA’s fastest, most aggressive racer. Incredibly bouncy, with dual-layer PEBA foam, a new carbon plate and a big rocker that rolls you forward. Best from 10K to the marathon at quick paces; the heel can feel tippy when you’re tired.

Rocket X 3: The durable, marathon-ready super shoe. Responsive PEBA foam over a full-length, stiff carbon plate with an aggressive rocker. Stable and comfortable for a racer, but heavier and less explosive than the fastest super shoes.

Specs side by side

	Cielo X1 3.0	Rocket X 3
Price	$275	$250
Stack height (heel / forefoot)	38 / 31mm*	40 / 33mm*
Drop	7mm	7mm
Weight, men’s	7.52 oz	8 oz
Weight, women’s	Not listed by HOKA	Not listed by HOKA
Support	Neutral	Neutral
Plate	Carbon plate	Carbon plate
Widths	Standard	Standard
Built for	Race day, Tempo & workouts	Race day, Tempo & workouts, Long runs
Expected life	200–300 miles	300–400 miles

Stack, drop and weight come from each brand’s own website. Numbers marked * aren’t published by the brand and come from other published specs. Weights are for the size each brand quotes. Expected life is our estimate.

Fit

Cielo X1 3.0. Many testers found it a touch short, so consider a half size up. Snug, tapered toebox with a well-padded heel.

Rocket X 3. Runs slightly short, so if you’re between sizes, go up a half. The toebox is tight and tapered.

Try them on

Come try on both at The Run House in Walpole, Needham or Falmouth. Gait analysis is always free.