HOKA Cielo X LD Review
Ultra-lightweight Performance
Likes
- Ultra-lightweight
- Snappy transition
- Comfortable upper
- Smooth ride
- Traction
Dislikes
- No super foam
- Narrow forefoot
- Heel cushioning
- Durability concerns
What's New
The HOKA Cielo X LD is an extremely lightweight, carbon-plated track spike that weighs in at a feathery 3.7 oz. With a four-pin spike plate that provides great traction, a thin layer of CMEVA foam in the midsole for adequate cushioning, and a carbon fibre plate for propulsion, the Cielo X LD offers great versatility for distance events on the track. The HOKA Cielo X LD is a solid option for the runner looking for an aggressive track spike with a lightweight feel and stiff ride.
The Bottom Line
HOKA has come out with an astoundingly light distance spike in the Cielo X LD, but despite the shoe's low weight, our testers felt that the Cielo X LD had just enough cushioning to handle the longer races without their legs feeling beat up. They enjoyed the lightweight and breathable engineered mesh upper that securely held their feet in the shoe, and they appreciated how it almost disappeared on their feet as they ran. The carbon fiber plate retains stiffness in the shoe, and our testers found that it helped rocket them forward during the final kick of a race. As one of the lightest distance spike options on the market, the Cielo X LD is reminiscent of the lightweight aggressive spikes of years past, but in the age of super spikes, the Cielo X LD may not provide the same level of performance for its almost $250 price tag. However, for the runner looking for the lightest option out there, the Cielo is a solid spike for all levels of distance runners.
Shoe Performance
Shoe Softnessi
FirmSoftRide/Energy Returni
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protectioni
LowHighFlexibilityi
RigidElasticUpper Supporti
StructuredAdaptableSpecifications & Fit
How It Fits
| Toe Box | Medium |
| Midfoot Volume | Medium |
| Heel Width | Medium |
| Arch Height | Medium |
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Medium |
| Stack Height | N/A |
| Terrain | Track |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | Size |
Our In-Depth Look
Shoe Softnessi
Matt: "The Cielo X LD has a thin layer of the HOKA's classic EVA foam and is soft at initial step-in but definitely has a closer-to-the-ground feel. The Cielo X LD only feels soft for a relatively short amount of time since this EVA will break down over the course of the season. Compared to other super spikes and super shoes, the amount of cushioning in this spike is very traditional and reminds me of some classic spikes from back in the 2010s. There's a reason this spike is so light, and it's because it offers only a thin layer of foam that has a fleeting softness."
Leo: "The graphite plate coupled with the midsole and sole composition provides a lightweight yet supportive feel. The overall cushioning effect is soft. Perhaps the spike could use just a bit more cushioning, though."
Craig: "The shoe balances responsiveness while still providing cushioning to prevent my feet from feeling worn out from the hard, unforgiving track. In the steeplechase, hard landings are offset by the foam, preventing muscle breakdown and injuries."
Ride/Energy Returni
Matt: "Two characteristics contribute to this spike having a solid energy return. The first is the insane weight. At under 4 ounces, this spike disappears on foot and allows me to run with virtually nothing weighing me down. The second factor in the shoe's energy return is the carbon fiber plate. The Cielo is snappy, and I can feel it popping forward after each stride. The plate offers a quicker rebound than in other spikes thanks to the minimal foam. To me, it really felt like the spike was dictated by the plate since it is truly the most prominent part of the shoe and overshadows the foam."
Leo: "This shoe is smooth and supportive, and the ride feels very efficient."
Craig: "The Cielo does a great job offering energy return without feeling dead with each step. The shoe continues to provide great responsiveness without ever feeling unstable."
Underfoot Protectioni
Matt: "HOKA markets the Cielo X LD as having the most foam they have ever put into a track spike, and while that is probably true, this thin layer of foam is far from prominent. When racing, wearers will feel the stiff carbon fiber plate and the ground underfoot. However, this isn't a bad characteristic for every runner; like I said, for those who love traditional distance spikes and don't want all the bulky foam, the Cielo X LD will be an unbelievable weapon on race day with just enough protection and pop."
Leo: "The plate underfoot provides lightweight protection and stability. The cushioning is soft and sufficient for any of the longer distances on a nice synthetic track."
Craig: "The rigid nature of the carbon fiber plate does mean that I can feel what's underfoot, but the foam used throughout the shoe does a good job of preventing my legs from breaking down in longer sessions."
Flexibilityi
Matt: "There is not much flex to this spike. The carbon fiber plate dominates the Cielo X LD, but even with a little foam, the shoe still has some flex, especially when running."
Leo: "This spike is supportive, yet it moves with me. It feels smooth and efficient through the gait cycle.
Craig: "The carbon fiber plate keeps this shoe from bending very much at all."
Upper Supporti
Matt: "For as lightweight as the upper is, it really locks down my foot securely. With this spike's focus on an ultra-minimal design, I was hesitant about the lockdown, but the upper does a great job of securing my foot and allowing me to do what I need to do on the track without worry."
Leo: "The upper support is one of my favorite features in the Cielo X LD. It's snug yet comfortable, lightweight yet supportive. It has good breathability with a nice lockdown."
Craig: "Lacing this shoe is key to the upper not moving too much, and I usually had to cinch it tighter to account for loosening as I kept running."
Hoka Spikes
Individual Thoughts
While the HOKA Cielo X LD doesn't have the same protection or cushioning level as most super spikes on the market, it does offer one of the lightest designs ever and a traditional feel that has a modern pop. I grew up racing distance back in the mid-2010s, and this era was filled with some classic spike models. They were light, they had a thin layer of EVA foam, and they carried me to countless PRs. When I first tried the Cielo X LD, I was taken right back to this feeling of my youth. When testing the Cielo, I ran a few workouts and was able to rip it around the track. Even after reaching down to some 200s at 28 after a long track session, my legs weren't trashed as I expected after touching some faster intervals.
There are runners out there who don't necessarily want the max cushioning level in racing shoes, and most companies are coming out with thinner options to accommodate that need. The HOKA Cielo X LD is a distance spike that is perfect for the athlete who doesn't want an enormous amount of foam underfoot and is looking for a lightweight spike with the snappy benefits of a carbon fiber plate. The Cielo does have some protection, don't get me wrong. HOKA's CMEVA is a fine foam, and my legs felt all right after several fast track sessions. However, runners expecting a super cushioned spike should look twice. I think this spike is awesome overall. It truly disappears on foot with its strong, thin upper, and its more traditional feel is given a modern facelift with a slightly thicker midsole and an explosive carbon fiber plate.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptableI wore the HOKA Cielo X LD right out of the box for an 8K cross-country race with grass, dirt, sand, and fine gravel surfaces. I thought the shoe performed very well. I had no pain in my feet and no blisters after the race. The combination of graphite plate and lightweight cushioning provided more protection than I had expected. My foot is narrow, so I prefer a roomy forefoot and a very narrow heel. I thought the Cielo's fit was snug but not uncomfortable, though it could be slightly wider in the forefoot. On the track, it feels softer and a little springier. The ride is great, with good traction and stability. I'm happy with the shoe.
Shoe Softness
FirmSoftRide/Energy Return
Less SpringyMore SpringyUnderfoot Protection
LowHighFlexibility
RigidElasticUpper Support
StructuredAdaptableOverall, this HOKA Cielo X LD is one of the best feeling shoes I've used in a long-distance track race. The balance of cushioning, responsiveness, and weight makes for a shoe that almost feels like it disappears on my foot. The upper makes for a perfect steeplechase shoe, allowing water to drain through the holes. Blisters are another thing that has always been a problem for me in any spike I've worn, but I have yet to find a hot spot or stitch that my foot rubs against here. I do feel that this Cielo breaks down faster than other spikes I have worn, so I'm not sure how many races I will get out of the shoe. I think this is the best spike yet from HOKA, but it is still just a step behind some of the other super spikes on the market today.