Cielo X MD 3
PEBA middle distance track spike. 6 removable pins. 2.7mm drop
Today's tracked prices
- 01SportsShoesDEAL3d ago£49.99£139.99−64%
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Price history
Our verdict
The Cielo X MD 3 is Hoka's middle distance track spike, built for the sharp end of the 800m through the mile and up to 3000m. This is a specialist racing shoe, not a trainer, and it makes no apology for it. A PEBA midsole sits over a carbon plate on a low 19mm heel and 16mm forefoot stack, so you get a fast 2.7mm drop that keeps you up on the ball of the foot where a middle distance runner wants to be. Six removable pins bite the track and the plate snaps you through each stride when you are turning the legs over hard. At GBP 225 it is a serious investment aimed at competitive club and collegiate athletes, and it goes head to head with the New Balance SuperComp MD-X. If your races are longer, its sibling the long distance model suits you better.
Key features
- PEBA midsoleGives you a light, springy platform that returns energy when you are racing at full tilt
- Carbon plateStiffens the ride and snaps you through toe off so every stride feels propulsive at pace
- Six removable pinsBite the track for confident grip and let you swap or clean them between races
- Low 2.7mm dropKeeps you up on the ball of the foot where a middle distance runner wants to be
- Race snug upperLocks your foot to the plate so nothing shifts when you drive hard into a bend
Who it suits
Who should buy it
- Competitive 800m, 1500m and mile runners who want a sharp, propulsive spike
- Club and collegiate athletes racing on the track through to 3000m
- Runners with efficient forefoot form who stay up on their toes at pace
- Athletes who already race in spikes and want PEBA and carbon return
Who should not buy it
- You mainly race on the road, where a road super shoe suits you better
- You have wide feet that a snug, low spike will pinch over a session
- You are new to spikes and need to adapt your calves first
- You want a versatile shoe for training as well as racing
Best uses
Extra information
Fit & sizing
The Cielo X MD 3 fits like a track spike should: snug, locked and race ready. Most runners will take their normal running shoe size, but if you are between sizes or racing in thin socks, size down half a size for the tight, no slip hold that matters when you are sprinting a bend. The toe box is deliberately close and low, the midfoot wraps hard and the heel sits shallow to keep your foot pinned to the plate. This is not a shoe you break in over easy miles. Try it on with your race socks, do a few strides, and make sure there is no heel lift under load. Wide footed runners may find it punishing over a full session, so factor that in before you commit at this price.
Performance breakdown
Ride & feel
On the track this spike feels aggressive and eager, exactly what you want when the pace drops. The carbon plate and firm PEBA give you a snappy, propulsive toe off rather than a soft, cushioned landing, and the low stack keeps you connected to the surface so you can drive the pace through a bend without wallowing. It rewards a runner who is already up on their toes and moving. Sit back on your heels or fade in the closing metres and you will feel the ride go harsh. Held at genuine racing effort it comes alive. This is a spike that wants to be run fast, and it gives very little back at a jog.
Cushioning
Cushioning is minimal by design, and that is the right call for a middle distance spike. The PEBA midsole over a 19mm heel and 16mm forefoot stack is there for energy return and a touch of protection, not for comfort over distance. You get a firm, responsive platform that puts your foot close to the track, which is exactly what helps you turn the legs over at 800m and mile pace. Do not expect the soft, protective feel of a road super shoe. Over a hard session or a heat and final in one day your legs will know they have raced. For its narrow job the cushioning is judged well.
Stability
As a track spike this is a neutral, race focused shoe and it makes no attempt to be a stability platform. The low 19mm heel and narrow last keep you nimble and quick to change direction on a bend, but there is little inherent support once you tire. The stiff carbon plate adds some longitudinal rigidity that helps hold your foot on line at speed, yet the shoe still relies on you having the strength and form to run tall and controlled. This is normal and expected for the category. If you are new to spikes, build in gradually so your calves and feet adapt before you race hard in them.
Upper & comfort
The upper is cut thin and close, built for lockdown and low weight rather than plush comfort. It wraps the foot snugly to keep you connected to the plate through every stride, which is precisely what a middle distance spike needs. Breathability is good on a warm day, and there is enough structure through the midfoot to stop your foot sliding around when you drive hard into a bend. Because it sits so close to the skin, thin race socks work best and a poor fit will be felt quickly. For racing it is comfortable in the way a spike should be. It is not built for easy strides or standing around, so treat it as pure race kit.
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FAQ
Specifications
| Category | Race |
| Surface | Track |
| Drop | 3mm |
| Heel Stack | 19mm |
| Forefoot Stack | 16mm |
| Carbon Plated | Yes |
| Stability | No |
