Agree with you. Those crazy stack shoes that the companies tell you are for long distance races are ridiculous. I've run half marathons in the NB Rebel v2 and v3 and it's great. This shoe looks awesome for all running. We need to get rid of those super stack soft shoes for easy days.
@@OneTouch1980This is what I've been looking for. I have the rebel v3 and scared to go over 10K as people say it bottoms out for longer distances. Thanks for confirming they are good for halfs.
Thank you for the insightful and honest review. Was really looking forward to it as I was considering the Cielo Road as my next 5k-10k racer. My current 5k-10k racer and speed session shoe is the Takumi Sen 9. I just love love this shoe and I find it versatile enough for my running style to also do a HM in it. But to roam around and try once a Hoka, Cielo Road looked on paper very exciting. I think I'll keep on looking for a shoe that can excite me as much as Takumi Sen 9 does or will stick with it when I would need a replacement.
It’s interesting, I love the rotation of the Mach 5 (daily), Mach X (long), Rocket x2 (race/race workouts). I would welcome a true Hoka 5k/10k racer like the Streakfky, but this is one I hesitate to buy. I feel like it’s a little too close for my use case of the Mach 5. Full disclosure, I am a hoka fan boy and I absolute adore the Mach 5 and Rocket X2.
I love the mach 5 ,its a lovely daily trainer ,i must check out the mach x for long runs . Would you recommend the rocket x2 for 5ks? . I love the look of saucony sinister for short races
At a local running store, I tried on the Cielo Road right alongside the Topo Cyclone 2 and found the Cyclone to be far more enjoyable in every way. And yeah, I already have the adios 8, which has better grip and just as much pop for a lower price. Not sure what I was expecting from the Cielo Road-maybe something between a StreakFly and a Takumi Sen-but I was underwhelmed. Needless to say, I didn’t buy it. Good take, Michael.
For the last year and a half I've been wanting a shoe that is like the vaporly BUT without the plate. The Cielo Road is exactly that shoe and for me it's perfect. I use it for 5k/10k TRAINING only. It can pick up the pace well. Responsiveness is good. Bounce is good considering the lower stack height. Unfortunate Kofuzi didnt like it much.. but as for me this is a very big WIN from Hoka. 👍👍👍
@@kofuzi hmmm yeh It's not exactly a VF MINUS the plate. But for me.. the Cielo Road's underfoot feel at 5k pace feels more akin to the VF2% then the Streakfly or Takumi Sen. I personally don't get much ground feel in this shoe compared to streakfly/takumi. Perhaps it's just my mechanics? However, YES i'm very happy to have this shoe in my rotation 🫡
I love the very breathable uppers on these. I'd buy it for that reason alone. They really look like the ultimate shoe for a witheringly hot summer day.
I've seen the Topo Cyclone 2 on sale for $75 at a Scheels store. Like you mentioned, adidas is always on sale too. Definitely more sensible buys for comparable, if not better, performance. Thanks for the review!
After getting back into road racing after 10 years, I got the Puma Liberate Nitro after previously using the Adidas Adizero Adios (first edition) for everything from 5k to half marathon. The Puma was the first try, as I want something with grip as close to a track spike as I can get. So far, it looks like the best choice, and the Hoka loses consideration because of traction that looks average at best.
It crossed my mind to buy these as a replacement for the Nike Streakfly, but my gut feeling was to go with the Saucony Sinister. Much lighter, a bit lower to the ground, and also premium foam without any structural elements inside (plate, rods, shank ...) No regrets here, the Sinister really delivers when doing fast workouts :-)
Very interesting… love this review, I have very different opinions. Ran a 450/250m interval on compacted gravel at 800m pace and found it pretty grippy, even on the bends and love it’s energy return and stability on the track, especially on the bends. I guess it comes back to our backgrounds. 35+ years of running, this hits the mark for us who ran in the 90s with very little tech in racing flats 😂😂😂
The Cielo Road felt like a NB 1400 to me. Not a bad thing, but the midsole didn't feel springly like any other Pebax midsole I've experienced, but rather pretty old-school firm like the 1400s. And like Kofuzi points out in the video, if you get on a wet surface, they have ZERO traction, which is disconcerting in that moment. The upper is perfect for the heat we're having in TX the last couple of months (to end with a positive).
the NB1400v6? I use that for my track sessions and love it because it's so old school. I'm on my last pair right now so if this is similar it would be perfect
@kofuzi I have thoroughly enjoyed your review of the puma Deviate Nitro 2. In fact, I must have played it like 20 times (not kidding) because I was really looking forward to your take on it, it is a shoe I was thinking of buying and you've convinced me 😀 I realise that reading my comment might have made you feel like this was a dig, but nothing could be further from the truth. I meant that I keep refreshing your channel (for road running shoes which I buy even though I also watch the trail videos you make because it is enjoyable content). I said "such a long time" but it's only because I can watch all those videos over and over and I had gone a bit dry lately (not your fault obviously). Anyway, long story short, I love your videos and thanks for the very informative and high-quality content! 😎
I agree because 99% of runners touch down on the rear lateral outsole before full landing wherever they full-strike. A more durable rubber patch there would be the best solution. The only brands which last my full use in that area are adidas and Brooks and undoubtedly Puma would equal adidas' outsole durability if I had any.
interesting shoe & interesting the direction taken by most of the running shoe brands standardizing the 30mm stack height - even for 5k shoes that are traditionally close to the ground.
looking good! might pick up this pair for a daily that can do tempos and some faster stuff if it goes on discount. ive been running in lower drop shoes and i seem to like them more
Hoka is consistent with their releases since 2015: 1. Cool looking shoe 2. Behind on technology/innovation 3. Overpriced 4. Not durable They're finally catching up to the technology, they are somehow making their shoes more durable, but they are also increasing the prices even more. IDK how many of you still remain loyal to Hoka, but there just are better offerings out there
Fully agree. Out the gate, almost everyone is priced similar… but Nike and Adidas historically drop their prices within 4-6 months from release. Hoka and Asics maintain their prices longer. Saucony and NB are doing a better job at decreasing their prices now. So from a practical standpoint… have to give up my Hoka Fanboy mindset.
there's a wide variety in how dense each of the foams would feel, but I think the three shoes will all get you to the same result. just depends on what you prefer underfoot
Interesting weight for 5/10K shoe as well. They are using Pebax tech and no any other stabilizer elements like plates and shanks yet this shoe way more heavier than sen 9. Hoka is a dead brand in my region especially in running area and I don't think this shoe will make people buy their shoes more.
Shoe companies tell you that you need at least 6 pairs for different types of runs...of course, most of these are bullcr4p. Unless you are some professional or super serious runner, certain shoes can work well for almost anything. So what if I am a few minutes slower? It is not that I'm gonna miss out on the Olympics Gold medal or something
It’s your feet and your money. If you don’t want the shoe, don’t get it. I just want you to enjoy your running. Can you tell me which shoe you are running in for context?
I try to limit my pairing recommendations to one shoe per category of shoe. there are many other shoes that I don't list that will be great companions.
Going to use this for marathon and half marathons just to break the cycle of over categorization by shoe tubers.
happy running!
Agree with you. Those crazy stack shoes that the companies tell you are for long distance races are ridiculous. I've run half marathons in the NB Rebel v2 and v3 and it's great. This shoe looks awesome for all running. We need to get rid of those super stack soft shoes for easy days.
@@OneTouch1980This is what I've been looking for. I have the rebel v3 and scared to go over 10K as people say it bottoms out for longer distances. Thanks for confirming they are good for halfs.
Personally I think it's the shoe companies that are responsible for over catagorizing
@@OneTouch1980lucky my gel nimbuses have weakened my feet to the point where I can’t run in shoes with less than 35 mm of stack height
Thank you for the insightful and honest review. Was really looking forward to it as I was considering the Cielo Road as my next 5k-10k racer. My current 5k-10k racer and speed session shoe is the Takumi Sen 9. I just love love this shoe and I find it versatile enough for my running style to also do a HM in it. But to roam around and try once a Hoka, Cielo Road looked on paper very exciting. I think I'll keep on looking for a shoe that can excite me as much as Takumi Sen 9 does or will stick with it when I would need a replacement.
It’s interesting, I love the rotation of the Mach 5 (daily), Mach X (long), Rocket x2 (race/race workouts). I would welcome a true Hoka 5k/10k racer like the Streakfky, but this is one I hesitate to buy. I feel like it’s a little too close for my use case of the Mach 5. Full disclosure, I am a hoka fan boy and I absolute adore the Mach 5 and Rocket X2.
I love the mach 5 ,its a lovely daily trainer ,i must check out the mach x for long runs . Would you recommend the rocket x2 for 5ks? . I love the look of saucony sinister for short races
At a local running store, I tried on the Cielo Road right alongside the Topo Cyclone 2 and found the Cyclone to be far more enjoyable in every way. And yeah, I already have the adios 8, which has better grip and just as much pop for a lower price. Not sure what I was expecting from the Cielo Road-maybe something between a StreakFly and a Takumi Sen-but I was underwhelmed. Needless to say, I didn’t buy it. Good take, Michael.
For the last year and a half I've been wanting a shoe that is like the vaporly BUT without the plate.
The Cielo Road is exactly that shoe and for me it's perfect.
I use it for 5k/10k TRAINING only. It can pick up the pace well. Responsiveness is good. Bounce is good considering the lower stack height.
Unfortunate Kofuzi didnt like it much.. but as for me this is a very big WIN from Hoka. 👍👍👍
I’m not sure I would describe this as a vaporfly without a plate, but I’m nevertheless thrilled that you enjoy this
@@kofuzi hmmm yeh It's not exactly a VF MINUS the plate.
But for me.. the Cielo Road's underfoot feel at 5k pace feels more akin to the VF2% then the Streakfly or Takumi Sen.
I personally don't get much ground feel in this shoe compared to streakfly/takumi.
Perhaps it's just my mechanics?
However, YES i'm very happy to have this shoe in my rotation 🫡
I love the very breathable uppers on these. I'd buy it for that reason alone. They really look like the ultimate shoe for a witheringly hot summer day.
the upper really is quite nice
I've seen the Topo Cyclone 2 on sale for $75 at a Scheels store. Like you mentioned, adidas is always on sale too. Definitely more sensible buys for comparable, if not better, performance. Thanks for the review!
That’s an incredible price for the Topo
If nothing else, it is a fantastic-looking shoe.
The design is great
After getting back into road racing after 10 years, I got the Puma Liberate Nitro after previously using the Adidas Adizero Adios (first edition) for everything from 5k to half marathon. The Puma was the first try, as I want something with grip as close to a track spike as I can get. So far, it looks like the best choice, and the Hoka loses consideration because of traction that looks average at best.
Random: I Signed up for epidemic sounds through your referral link - always digging the vibe
hope you enjoy it! it's been incredibly useful for me
It crossed my mind to buy these as a replacement for the Nike Streakfly, but my gut feeling was to go with the Saucony Sinister. Much lighter, a bit lower to the ground, and also premium foam without any structural elements inside (plate, rods, shank ...) No regrets here, the Sinister really delivers when doing fast workouts :-)
Very interesting… love this review, I have very different opinions. Ran a 450/250m interval on compacted gravel at 800m pace and found it pretty grippy, even on the bends and love it’s energy return and stability on the track, especially on the bends. I guess it comes back to our backgrounds. 35+ years of running, this hits the mark for us who ran in the 90s with very little tech in racing flats 😂😂😂
Yeah, the grip is a problem when it’s wet. I had no problems on a variety of surfaces when it was dry
Thanks for sharing! I gotta say, I love the design. Really sharp looking.
A great design
Interesting that you compare or reference the Rincon. My first thought about this was "I bet this is the shoe to replace the Rincon"
The Cielo Road felt like a NB 1400 to me. Not a bad thing, but the midsole didn't feel springly like any other Pebax midsole I've experienced, but rather pretty old-school firm like the 1400s. And like Kofuzi points out in the video, if you get on a wet surface, they have ZERO traction, which is disconcerting in that moment. The upper is perfect for the heat we're having in TX the last couple of months (to end with a positive).
the NB1400v6? I use that for my track sessions and love it because it's so old school. I'm on my last pair right now so if this is similar it would be perfect
Been waiting for a big brand shoe review for such a long time
Salomon and Puma aren’t big enough for you?
@kofuzi I have thoroughly enjoyed your review of the puma Deviate Nitro 2. In fact, I must have played it like 20 times (not kidding) because I was really looking forward to your take on it, it is a shoe I was thinking of buying and you've convinced me 😀 I realise that reading my comment might have made you feel like this was a dig, but nothing could be further from the truth. I meant that I keep refreshing your channel (for road running shoes which I buy even though I also watch the trail videos you make because it is enjoyable content). I said "such a long time" but it's only because I can watch all those videos over and over and I had gone a bit dry lately (not your fault obviously). Anyway, long story short, I love your videos and thanks for the very informative and high-quality content! 😎
I agree because 99% of runners touch down on the rear lateral outsole before full landing wherever they full-strike. A more durable rubber patch there would be the best solution. The only brands which last my full use in that area are adidas and Brooks and undoubtedly Puma would equal adidas' outsole durability if I had any.
interesting shoe & interesting the direction taken by most of the running shoe brands standardizing the 30mm stack height - even for 5k shoes that are traditionally close to the ground.
thicker rubber at lateral side is nice
Seems like it was trying to shoot for the NB Pacer and Streakfly but fell a bit short
I feel like both the Pacer and the Streakfly also fell short of their intended goals
Tracer was the best Hoka shoe (for me)😊
Its HOKA BONDI 9 ?
Is future best Max cushioning 😍🤩🥰
looking good! might pick up this pair for a daily that can do tempos and some faster stuff if it goes on discount. ive been running in lower drop shoes and i seem to like them more
Hope you can get them soon!
Looks nice. I prefer the look of a traditional racer
Hoka is consistent with their releases since 2015:
1. Cool looking shoe
2. Behind on technology/innovation
3. Overpriced
4. Not durable
They're finally catching up to the technology, they are somehow making their shoes more durable, but they are also increasing the prices even more. IDK how many of you still remain loyal to Hoka, but there just are better offerings out there
Whats a durable, support shoe for overpronetaros, thatd cheaper than hoka and better?
Most running shoe brands are priced similar. Hence they all come on boat from overseas… 🤷♂️
Fully agree. Out the gate, almost everyone is priced similar… but Nike and Adidas historically drop their prices within 4-6 months from release. Hoka and Asics maintain their prices longer. Saucony and NB are doing a better job at decreasing their prices now. So from a practical standpoint… have to give up my Hoka Fanboy mindset.
@@agentofenhanced2428I’m a neutral runner but ppl keep saying the Saucony Tempus
@@agentofenhanced2428 Puma foreverun nitro
I do remember the tracer .., never bought them., was kinda scared of the new brand reliability of the hoka at that time
Gives me Rebel V3 vibes
You and Connor from RW have beautiful hair.
Speaking of..anyone know when the Rincon 4 is supposed to come? Is it ever coming? I loved that line.
I have the Rincon 3. The best running shoes that I have.
Sounds a lot like the NB Rebel… springy, bouncy, thin forefoot, not a long run shoe.
Yeah it's a little more Streakfly/Rebel than Takumi Sen.
Saucony Sinister for a Peba based plateless 5k racer
Hey kofuzi would the torrent 2 be a good road to trail 5k tempo shoe? Any better options? Thanks so much and great video as always 😊
Torrent 2 is always a great option, for anything! Amazing shoe.
The Challenger ATR 7 is best in that option. It's very light l and similar to Clifton 9 yet has lugs for tame trails.
The topo cyclone 2 is $50 more expensive than this in Canada, pretty much pick this?
3rd from Philippines🇵🇭
Noice
Yo
speaking of, will there be a Rincon 4?
This Kofuzi review gets an A-. There were no puddle splishes but I guess that makes sense if the shoe gets squirrelly when wet.
And no post-outro frogs. Give the people what we want!!
Hmmm. Now that I think of it, I did get really good butterfly footage at the end of one of the runs. I should have included that
How would you say it compares to the streakfly?
I wonder how does the ceilo road compare to the kinvara 14 and the brooks Hyperion Stacks are simular and the drops are close?
there's a wide variety in how dense each of the foams would feel, but I think the three shoes will all get you to the same result. just depends on what you prefer underfoot
Interesting weight for 5/10K shoe as well. They are using Pebax tech and no any other stabilizer elements like plates and shanks yet this shoe way more heavier than sen 9.
Hoka is a dead brand in my region especially in running area and I don't think this shoe will make people buy their shoes more.
And what about the streakfly for comparison?
both are underwhelming for their respective brand's stated purposes
How would you compare this to the Rebel V3?
I know you are a runner, and I am a walker can you recommend a hoka for me?
Clifton or maybe Kawana
Clifton 9s rock!
a good shoe
Magic Speed 3 Asics?
Shoe companies tell you that you need at least 6 pairs for different types of runs...of course, most of these are bullcr4p. Unless you are some professional or super serious runner, certain shoes can work well for almost anything. So what if I am a few minutes slower? It is not that I'm gonna miss out on the Olympics Gold medal or something
It’s your feet and your money. If you don’t want the shoe, don’t get it. I just want you to enjoy your running.
Can you tell me which shoe you are running in for context?
Does the Asics metaspeed sky + does it run narrow ?
no, but keep in mind that it is a racing shoe with a racer fit.
@@kofuzi got it thanks!
would this be a good pairing with a novablast
I try to limit my pairing recommendations to one shoe per category of shoe. there are many other shoes that I don't list that will be great companions.
This versus Hyperion Max
Sounds like a good shoe but with a lot of compeditors.
Will this shoe last longer than the Rincon?
Probably
Not good for tapis roulant I guess. I Will just slip with some sweat.
Yo, what’s going on!!!
Yo Luis!
9 1/2 > 9.5 🫠?
7:01 i heard that too and had to replay to hear it again.
Good for tempo sessions?
yes
SECOND
Yo yo