Comparison Overview
In this popular matchup, both shoes deliver excellent performance.
How the On Cloudboom Echo 3 and Hoka Cielo X1 differ
The On Cloudboom Echo 3 and the Hoka Cielo X1 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 1.5 oz lighter (7.8 oz vs 6.3 oz), which becomes noticeable on faster turnover and longer efforts; the drop differs (6mm on the On Cloudboom Echo 3, 5mm on the Hoka Cielo X1) — higher-drop shoes tend to feel friendlier to heel strikers and tight calves, while lower drops favor a midfoot landing; the On Cloudboom Echo 3 rides on the taller stack (39mm/33mm vs 37mm/32mm), 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 ($290 vs $275).
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | On Cloudboom Echo 3 | Hoka Cielo X1 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | On | Hoka |
| Model | Cloudboom Echo 3 | Cielo X1 |
| Category | racing | racing |
| Weight | 7.8 oz | 6.3 oz |
| Drop | 6mm | 5mm |
| Price | $290 | $275 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which is lighter, the On Cloudboom Echo 3 or the Hoka Cielo X1?
- The Hoka Cielo X1 is the lighter shoe at 6.3 oz versus 7.8 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 On Cloudboom Echo 3 has a 6mm drop and the Hoka Cielo X1 has a 5mm drop, which can change how each shoe loads your calves and Achilles.
- Are these carbon-plated racing shoes?
- Yes — both the On Cloudboom Echo 3 and the Hoka Cielo X1 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
- On Cloudboom Echo 3 — full specs, AI insights, and verdict.
- Hoka Cielo X1 — 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.