Cielo X1 2 vs Wave Rebellion Pro 3

The Hoka Cielo X1 2 is the brand's flagship carbon racing shoe, and it does racing in a way that is unmistakably Hoka: big, plush and stable rather than razor-light. It is a road racer built around a winged carbon plate and a deep, soft midsole, so you get a tall, protective ride that holds up when your legs start to fatigue late in a marathon. At 228g it is one of the heavier super shoes on the market, noticeably more than something like the Nike Vaporfly 4, and at £275 it sits right at the top of the price ladder. What you are buying is comfort and stability at speed, not the snappiest, lightest tool in the category. We rate it as a long-distance racer for runners who want a carbon shoe that feels planted and forgiving underfoot, and who will happily trade a few grams for that security over 26.2 miles.

The Wave Rebellion Pro 3 is Mizuno at its most uncompromising: a £250 carbon racing shoe built for one thing, chasing a fast marathon or half. The party trick is the radically cut-away heel, which drops away behind your foot and throws you forward onto a steep forefoot rocker. Land on your midfoot or forefoot and it rolls you through toe-off with real momentum. At 225g with a 4mm drop it is light and low-slung for a super shoe, and the carbon plate keeps everything firm and directional underfoot. This is not a do-everything racer. It rewards efficient runners who hold pace and land forward, and it can feel awkward for anyone who sits back on their heels. If you want a friendlier ride with more forgiveness, the Vaporfly 4 is the easier shoe to run. But for committed racers who like an aggressive, propulsive road shoe, few things feel this eager to move.