HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 vs Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
We haven't tested HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 or Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 yet, so their role suitability is estimated from published specs.
Saucony
Endorphin Elite 3
Check priceReview Pulse · Strongly positive · 94/100
Reviewers praise the ride and cushioning, criticise the stability and split on the value and durability.
The differences that matter
- HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 is 10 g lighter.
- HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 costs $15 less at list price.
What reviewers say
Ride
HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Praised
An exceptionally soft and bouncy race ride that becomes more responsive as the pace rises; it feels vague at easy paces and unstable in tight turns.
Cushioning
HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Praised
The dual-layer IncrediRun foam and near-legal maximum stack deliver outstanding impact protection and energy return for long races.
Upper
HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Praised
The light, stretchy mesh is comfortable and secure with no heel counter, but the toe box is tapered and many runners need a half size up.
Durability
HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Divisive
Outsole rubber wears slowly, but the thin toe box scores poorly in abrasion tests and some testers see early foam wear.
Grip
HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Praised
PWRTRAC rubber provides dependable dry and wet road grip, though it is noisy and not for gravel.
Stability
HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Criticised
More stable than the previous version thanks to a wider heel and sidewalls, but the soft foam still makes cornering unpredictable.
Value
HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
No Review Pulse yet.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Divisive
The $290 price is high and the shoe is heavier than rivals, but reviewers see the unique foam and race performance as justifying it.
Which one to choose
Choose HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 if…
- you want the lighter shoe
- price matters
Choose Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 if…
- its ride is what you care about most
- its cushioning is what you care about most
- its upper is what you care about most
- its grip is what you care about most
Reviewers recommend it for
- Half-marathon to marathon racing
- Fast tempo and interval sessions
- Runners wanting maximum bounce
Specifications
- Category
- Race shoe
- Race shoe
- Price
- $275$15 less
- $290
- Weight
- 194 g10 g lighter
- 204 g
- Drop
- 7 mm1 mm lower drop
- 8 mm
- Stack
- 38 / 31 mm
- 39.5 / 31.5 mm1.5 mm more stack
- Plate
- Carbon plate
- Carbon plate
- Stability
- Neutral
- Neutral
- Foam
- PEBA
- IncrediRUN
Role suitability
DAILY
RECOVERY
LONG RUN
TEMPO
RACE