Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 vs HOKA Cielo X1 3.0

Endorphin 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 softest, bounciest race-day ride? Get the Endorphin Elite 3.

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

Get the Endorphin Elite 3 if

• You want the softer, more cushioned ride
• You need a touch more room than the Cielo X1 3.0 gives
• You like a less rigid forefoot

Get the Cielo X1 3.0 if

• You’d like a little less squish underfoot
• You like a stiffer, rocker-style forefoot that rolls you forward
• You’d rather spend $15 less

On the run

Endorphin Elite 3: The ultra-soft, bouncy race shoe. Ultra-soft yet explosively bouncy, one of the most fun rides in running. More stable than the Elite 2, but still very unstable, so it rewards efficient form.

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.

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

Endorphin Elite 3. Runs slightly short, so if you’re between sizes, go up a half. Secure fit and heel lockdown.

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.

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