If you’re torn between the HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 and the HOKA Rocket X 3, for most people it's likely going to come down to one thing:
Do you want the most energetic, bouncy ride… or the more controlled, stable race shoe?
They’re both legit marathon options. They’re both lightweight. They both roll smoothly. But on-foot, they push you toward different styles of racing.
Key specifications
| Feature | HOKA Rocket X 3 | HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $250 | $275 |
| Weight (US M9, my pair) | 7.3oz / 207g | 7.0oz / 198g |
| Drop | 7mm | 7mm |
| Midsole | Dual-density PEBA + winged carbon plate | Dual-layer PEBA + updated carbon plate design |
| Upper | Single-layer warp knit mesh, streamlined collar | Leno weave textile + dynamic vamp, asym lacing |
| Outsole | Stickier rubber compound, less durable | Compression-molded polyurethane outsole |
Sizing and fit
Cielo X1 3.0 (left), Rocket X 3 (right)
Both fit me true to size with a medium width, and both feel race-secure without being overly narrow.
Rocket X 3 feels especially locked-in around the midfoot and heel, and the updated heel/collar design makes it much easier to slide on than the previous model but both are easy to put on. It also fixed an Achilles rub issue I had with v2, which matters if you’re taking this to marathon distance.
Cielo X1 3.0 has a really dialed wrap too, with asymmetrical lacing that helps it feel precise at faster paces. The tongue is a big improvement here: longer, more comfortable, and it helps the upper feel more “set and forget” once you’re moving.
If you want loads of toe-box room, neither is built for that - they're both medium width with a snug, comfortable fit. Cielo’s toe box in particular isn’t roomy, but it’s predictable and comfortable once you accept it’s a race fit.
Ride and performance
Cushioning and responsiveness: bounce vs calm speed
Alastair Dixon
Cielo X1 3.0 is the bouncier shoe, no question there.
It gives me a really obvious “pop” back from the foam and plate combo, and because it’s so light, it’s easy to find race rhythm quickly when I turn my legs over.
One small warning though: that bounce + low weight can make it easy to go out too hot early if you’re feeling good and not watching effort.
Alastair Dixon
Rocket X 3 still feels fast, but in a more controlled way.
It’s snappy and efficient without feeling overly aggressive. I’d describe it as a fluid launch rather than a sharp, punchy snap, which is exactly what I want when I’m trying to hold strong marathon pace for a long time.
Stability and control: where these two really separate
This is the headline difference for me.
Rocket X 3 feels noticeably more stable and planted, especially compared to its previous version and compared to a lot of modern race-day shoes.
That stability is why it’s crept into more of my tempo runs and marathon-pace sessions, not just race day.
Cielo X1 3.0 is better balanced than v2 (it no longer feels awkward at cruising speeds), but the catch is still heel stability.
The heel footprint is narrow, and if fatigue nudges you back into more heel-first landings, it can feel tippy — especially on corners or uneven patches. It rewards runners who stay forward and assertive late in the run.
Rocker + plate feel: crisp pop vs smoother roll
Cielo X1 3.0 still gives me that crisp toe-off that makes the shoe feel properly race-tuned, but it’s less “picky” than before. The landing/transition feels cleaner across more paces now, and I don’t feel like I have to be perfect to keep it running smoothly.
Rocket X 3 feels smoother through the whole roll, and it’s happy when you need to sit back briefly and recover while still moving fast. It doesn’t punish slight form changes in the way some super shoes do.
Traction and cornering confidence
Traction has been solid for me in both.
Cielo X1 3.0 has stayed reliable on slick patches and painted lines — I don’t feel like I’m babying corners, and it definitely feels more durable so far.
There's also more coverage in the mid/forefoot area, but less at the heel, leading me to believe further that Hoka's wants you running more aggressively towards your forefoot in these.
Rocket X 3 uses a stickier rubber outsole with an improved pattern, and I’ve felt confident cornering even in wet or gritty conditions.
Versatility and pace range
Both can handle tempo work and race pace, but they’re “best” in slightly different lanes:
| Use case | Rocket X 3 | Cielo X1 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Tempo runs / marathon-pace sessions | Slight edge (stable, controlled, repeatable) | Great (bouncy, very quick once you’re on it) |
| Marathon race day | Slight edge for most runners (late-race stability) | Best if you stay forward late (race-tuned feel) |
| Cornering + tired-leg control | Clear edge | Can feel tippy if you drift heelward |
| “I want max pop and bounce” | Fun, but calmer | Clear edge |
Which is better for you?
| If you want… | Go for… |
|---|---|
| A more stable marathon racer you can trust late in the race | Rocket X 3 |
| Maximum bounce and a more race-tuned “pop” | Cielo X1 3.0 |
| A shoe that feels good even when your form gets a bit messy | Rocket X 3 |
| A shoe that rewards mid-to-forefoot running / assertive racing | Cielo X1 3.0 |
| The more accessible option (still fast, just easier) | Rocket X 3 |
My verdict
If I’m recommending one shoe to the most runners for marathon day, it’s the HOKA Rocket X 3. It has that rare combo of race-day efficiency plus stability and comfort that doesn’t feel fragile when you’re tired.
But if you’re a runner who stays forward late in races and you want the bouncier, more energetic feel, the HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 is the one that’ll feel the most exciting when you’re clicking into rhythm.
If you’re still unsure, tell me what you’re racing (half vs full), and whether your stride tends to drift heelward when you fatigue, and I’ll nudge you to the safer pick.
Oh and if you haven't already, signup for my free newsletter, and subscribe to my YouTube Channel for more content like this. -Alastair
