Comparison Overview
In this popular matchup, the ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo is our recommended choice.
How the Hoka Cielo X1 and ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo differ
The Hoka Cielo X1 and the ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo sit in the same racing bucket, so the question isn't what you'd use them for — it's which one matches your stride, your weekly mileage, and your budget.
Where they actually differ: the ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo comes in roughly 0.6 oz lighter (6.3 oz vs 5.7 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the Hoka Cielo X1 rides on the taller stack (37mm/32mm vs 32mm/27mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform; and the ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo is $5 cheaper at MSRP ($275 vs $270).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Hoka Cielo X1 | ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Hoka | ASICS |
| Model | Cielo X1 | MetaSpeed Tokyo |
| Category | racing | racing |
| Weight | 6.3 oz | 5.7 oz |
| Drop | 5mm | 5mm |
| Price | $275 | $270 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the Hoka Cielo X1 or the ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo?
- The ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo is the lighter shoe at 5.7 oz versus 6.3 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo is the more affordable option at $270 compared to $275.
- Are these carbon-plated racing shoes?
- Yes — both the Hoka Cielo X1 and the ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo use a carbon plate, so they're built primarily for race day and key workouts rather than daily mileage.
- Can I rotate both shoes in the same training block?
- Yes — many runners pair complementary shoes like these to spread load across different muscles and tendons. Use our rotation planner to build a mileage split that fits your schedule.
Read the full reviews
- Hoka Cielo X1 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- ASICS MetaSpeed Tokyo — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Browse the full running shoe database
- See more shoe comparisons
Not sure which is right for you?
Use our AI-powered shoe finder for personalized recommendations, or build a smart shoe rotation with the rotation planner.