Side by side comparison: Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 vs Nike Alphafly 3

Product Judgment

8.3

Strong

released 2026

Price Judgment

~$275$267$245$201$178

Unjustified

Widely Available

Performance

Comfort: 6Energy Return: 9Stability: 6Durability: 7Fun to Ride: 9

Run Fitness

Daily: 4Long: 7Tempo: 9Race: 9Recovery: 3

Pros & Cons

Extremely propulsive ride
Lightweight for stack height
Excellent forefoot bounce
Unstable heel for heel strikers
Restrictive fit
Demanding at slow paces

Specs

Best for3:00-4:30 min/km
Drop7 mm
Stack38 mm heel / 31 mm forefoot
Weight193-223 g
Terrainroad
Widthmedium
Pronationneutral
Seasonall seasons
PlateCarbon

Judgment Summary

Aggressive, propulsive super shoe excelling at fast efforts but less comfortable and stable for heel strikers.

Product Judgment

9.2

Elite

released 2024

Price Judgment

~$200$358$328$268$239

Strong Buy

Widely Available

Performance

Comfort: 8Energy Return: 10Stability: 8Durability: 6Fun to Ride: 10

Run Fitness

Daily: 3Long: 8Tempo: 10Race: 10Recovery: 2

Pros & Cons

Elite energy return
Lightweight for stack
Smooth, aggressive ride
Outsole durability concerns
Fit may feel snug
Limited wet traction

Specs

Best for2:30–4:45 min/km
Drop8 mm
Stack38 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot
Weight198 g
Terrainroad
Widthmedium
Pronationneutral
Seasonall seasons
PlateCarbon

Judgment Summary

Elite marathon racer with top-tier energy return and aggressive ride, best for fast race efforts.

Where to Buy