Comparison Overview
In this popular matchup, both shoes deliver excellent performance.
How the Hoka Cielo X1 and Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 differ
The Hoka Cielo X1 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 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 Hoka Cielo X1 comes in roughly 0.7 oz lighter (6.3 oz vs 7 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (5mm on the Hoka Cielo X1, 8mm on the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; the Hoka Cielo X1 rides on the taller stack (37mm/32mm vs 32mm/24mm), giving it more under-foot cushioning at the cost of a slightly less stable platform; and the Hoka Cielo X1 is $15 cheaper at MSRP ($275 vs $290).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Hoka Cielo X1 | Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | Hoka | Saucony |
| Model | Cielo X1 | Endorphin Elite 2 |
| Category | racing | racing |
| Weight | 6.3 oz | 7 oz |
| Drop | 5mm | 8mm |
| Price | $275 | $290 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the Hoka Cielo X1 or the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2?
- The Hoka Cielo X1 is the lighter shoe at 6.3 oz versus 7 oz.
- Which costs less?
- The Hoka Cielo X1 is the more affordable option at $275 compared to $290.
- Do they have the same heel-to-toe drop?
- No. The Hoka Cielo X1 has a 5mm drop and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 has a 8mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.
- Are these carbon-plated racing shoes?
- Yes — both the Hoka Cielo X1 and the Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 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.
- Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 — 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.