Puma Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 vs HOKA Cielo X1 3.0

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

The short answer

Want the most aggressive, fastest-feeling race shoe? Get the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3.

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

Get the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 if

• You’d like a little less squish underfoot
• You want the lighter shoe, by about 1.4 oz

Get the Cielo X1 3.0 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You’ll use it for tempo runs and workouts
• You’d rather spend $25 less

On the run

Fast-R Nitro Elite 3: The aggressive 5K/10K rocket. Insanely fast and fun, with explosive A-TPU foam and an extended plate. Extremely unstable and best for 5K and 10K racing.

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.

The Cielo X1 3.0 hasn’t been lab tested yet, so its feel ratings are our estimates from published reviews.

Specs side by side

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

Fast-R Nitro Elite 3. True to size with a premium Ultraweave upper.

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.

Try them on

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

Shop the Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 · Compare other running shoes