Hoka Cielo X MD

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Hoka Cielo X MD: Review

β€œA featherlight track champion for middle-distance runners.”

Overview


The Hoka Cielo X MD is a high-performance running shoe designed for the track. This model is tailored for runners who seek agility and speed over middle distances, offering a refined tread and top-tier aspirations on the tartan. The Cielo X MD is distinguished by its lightweight construction and a carbon fiber propulsion plate that aligns with World Athletics guidelines, making it suitable for distances ranging from 800 to 3,000 meters.

Key Features:

  • Weight: An ultralight build at just 128 grams (4.5 ounces), promoting swift movements.
  • Upper: Engineered with a technical mesh that ensures a quick-drying and breathable experience.
  • Outsole: Features a Meta-Rocker geometry and a Pebax plate with four spikes for optimal traction and speed.
  • Cushioning: Utilizes CMEVA technology for responsive and comfortable strides.

The Hoka Cielo X MD is an ideal choice for competitive runners who prioritize a lightweight and responsive shoe for middle-distance events. Its advanced features offer a blend of speed, comfort, and breathability, making it a formidable contender on the track.

According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the cheapest 20% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Hoka Cielo X MD


The Hoka Cielo X MD stands out as a formidable choice for track athletes who demand a shoe that can keep up with their speed and agility. Its ultralight weight of just 128 grams (4.5 ounces) is a significant advantage for runners looking to maintain a fast pace without being weighed down. The technical mesh upper and CMEVA cushioning work in tandem to provide a comfortable yet responsive ride, essential for the rigors of middle-distance racing. The inclusion of a carbon fiber propulsion plate adds to the shoe's efficiency, offering the necessary snap and rigidity for powerful strides. In our experience, the Hoka Cielo X MD excels in providing a balance of speed, comfort, and breathability, making it a top pick for serious competitors on the track.

6 Hoka Cielo X MD Pros & Cons


3 Pros

The Hoka Cielo X MD's ultralight weight of 128 grams (4.5 ounces) enhances speed and agility on the track.
Engineered mesh upper offers excellent breathability and a quick-drying experience.
The shoe's carbon fiber propulsion plate and Pebax spike plate provide a responsive and grippy ride.

3 Cons

May not provide enough cushioning for runners who prefer a more padded shoe for longer distances.
The aggressive feel of the shoe might not be suitable for all runners, especially those used to more cushioned models.
Designed specifically for track use, which may limit its versatility for runners who train on a variety of surfaces.

In Depth


Upper

The Hoka Cielo X MD features an engineered mesh upper that is both breathable and quick-drying. This design choice ensures that runners experience maximum airflow and ventilation, which is crucial during intense track sessions. The upper's construction also contributes to the shoe's overall lightweight feel, allowing for uninhibited performance.

Midsole

At the heart of the Hoka Cielo X MD's midsole is the CMEVA technology, which provides a lightweight and responsive cushioning system. This feature is particularly beneficial for middle-distance runners who require a balance between comfort and performance. The midsole's design helps to absorb impact while propelling the runner forward with each stride.

Outsole

The outsole of the Hoka Cielo X MD is equipped with a Meta-Rocker geometry and a Pebax plate with four spikes. This combination offers excellent grip and traction on the track, while the Meta-Rocker design promotes a smooth and efficient running gait. The spikes are of a pyramid type, ideal for track surfaces.

Comfort

Comfort in the Hoka Cielo X MD is achieved through its CMEVA cushioning and the shoe's overall ergonomic design. The cushioning system provides a soft landing with each step, reducing the risk of fatigue during long races or training sessions. The shoe's construction is designed to fit snugly, offering support without restricting movement.

Cushioning

The Hoka Cielo X MD's cushioning system, powered by CMEVA technology, is engineered to deliver a high-performance experience. This cushioning is not only lightweight but also offers a responsive feel, which is crucial for runners who need to maintain energy and efficiency throughout their race.

Breathability

Breathability is a key feature of the Hoka Cielo X MD, thanks to its engineered mesh upper. This well-ventilated design allows for excellent airflow, keeping the runner's feet cool and dry, which is especially important during high-intensity track events.

Grip

The grip on the Hoka Cielo X MD is provided by its Pebax spike plate, which houses four strategically placed spikes. These spikes ensure that runners have the traction needed to push off powerfully and maintain their pace without slipping, especially on the track's surface.

Who should buy the Hoka Cielo X MD?


The Hoka Cielo X MD is best suited for runners who excel in middle-distance track events and are looking for a shoe that can match their need for speed and agility. It's an excellent choice for those who value a lightweight, responsive, and breathable shoe that can handle the demands of competitive racing.

Who should not buy the Hoka Cielo X MD?


Runners who primarily compete in long-distance events or prefer a shoe with more cushioning for extended comfort may not find the Hoka Cielo X MD to be the best fit. Additionally, those who run on varied terrains outside of the track may want to consider a shoe designed specifically for their preferred surface.

Hoka Cielo X MD: What's it good for?


The Hoka Cielo X MD is ideal for middle-distance track events, such as the 800 to 3,000 meters. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it a strong contender for runners focused on achieving personal bests in these specific races.

4 Hoka Cielo X MD FAQs


What distances is the Hoka Cielo X MD designed for?

The Hoka Cielo X MD is designed for middle-distance track events, specifically for races ranging from 800 to 3,000 meters.

How does the Hoka Cielo X MD's cushioning system benefit runners?

The CMEVA cushioning system in the Hoka Cielo X MD provides a lightweight and responsive feel, which helps runners maintain energy and efficiency throughout their race.

What type of spikes does the Hoka Cielo X MD use?

The Hoka Cielo X MD uses four pyramid type spikes, which are well-suited for track surfaces and provide excellent traction.

Is the Hoka Cielo X MD suitable for long-distance track events?

While the Hoka Cielo X MD can be used for longer track events, it is optimized for middle distances and may not provide the same level of comfort as shoes designed specifically for longer distances.

Hoka Cielo X MD alternatives

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M: 156 g
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Breathable
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Hoka Cielo X MD: 2 Expert video reviews

Hoka Cielo X MD characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainTrack (+79)
BrandHoka (+107)
FeaturesBreathable (+753)
Spike Sizes1/4 inch (+45)
Spike TypesPyramid (+55)
ColorwaysBlue Glass / Radiant Yellow
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Jan 2022
Measurements
Weight
128 g

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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