Recently got a pair of Hoka Cielo X 1s and NB SC Elite v.4s and have done only 1 run in each. The good news is that I'm happy with both and look forward to putting more miles in them.
Took the Cielos on a 5 mile easy run, with some strides at the end. All the criticism of the Cielo laces are warranted (they're like plastic ribbons), but I double knotted them and had no issues with them loosening. Upper feels stiff and rough to the touch, but feels perfectly fine on-foot with no lock down issues for me, and it fit my semi-wide foot really well. Also, what others have reported is true--the upper feels like it runs warm and is going to be uncomfortably hot in warmer and/or humid conditions. Midsole is soft and bouncy, and coupled with the rocker, felt fantastic at slow, mid, and fast (for me) speeds. Probably the most instantly likable ride I've tried in the last couple of years. I'm not overly concerned about shoe weights, but I can say that despite the really fun and smooth ride, you really can feel the extra weight compared to to almost every other shoe this one competes with. If this shoe were 1-2 oz lighter, it would be right up there with the VF, AF, AP3 and Endorphin Elites of the world. $275US is also too much when compared to other top end marathon shoes, but I guess it's a better "value" than the Prime X Strung 2, which is more what I see as the Cielo's peer.
The Elite V4s felt pretty good during my one run in them so far (3.5 mile treadmill, moderate pace). Roomy and breathable upper. Be careful about making sure you get the sizing right becuase if you end up having to crank the laces down, you will probably feel significant lace pressure on your instep with the thin laces and thin tongue. Also, some folks have reported rubbing on their achilles from the heel cup. I didn't have any issues in that area while running, but while walking around in them, there were times when my foot was angled in a way that I could feel the edge of the heel cup cutting on my achilles. I can see how this would be really uncomfortable for people whose biomechanics caused that edge to rub during the course of a run. Midsole felt a little firmer, controlled, and aggressive than the V2 (the only other NB SC/RC Elite I've run in), but still plenty cushioned and feels light on the foot. So far, feels like a solid choice, but has less "wow" factor than the Cielo or AF3. All that said, I can see a lot of people using this this as their race day shoe, especially since they offer a 2E option.
Anyway, hope this helps for anyone who's considering buying one of these!
Took the Cielos on a 5 mile easy run, with some strides at the end. All the criticism of the Cielo laces are warranted (they're like plastic ribbons), but I double knotted them and had no issues with them loosening. Upper feels stiff and rough to the touch, but feels perfectly fine on-foot with no lock down issues for me, and it fit my semi-wide foot really well. Also, what others have reported is true--the upper feels like it runs warm and is going to be uncomfortably hot in warmer and/or humid conditions. Midsole is soft and bouncy, and coupled with the rocker, felt fantastic at slow, mid, and fast (for me) speeds. Probably the most instantly likable ride I've tried in the last couple of years. I'm not overly concerned about shoe weights, but I can say that despite the really fun and smooth ride, you really can feel the extra weight compared to to almost every other shoe this one competes with. If this shoe were 1-2 oz lighter, it would be right up there with the VF, AF, AP3 and Endorphin Elites of the world. $275US is also too much when compared to other top end marathon shoes, but I guess it's a better "value" than the Prime X Strung 2, which is more what I see as the Cielo's peer.
The Elite V4s felt pretty good during my one run in them so far (3.5 mile treadmill, moderate pace). Roomy and breathable upper. Be careful about making sure you get the sizing right becuase if you end up having to crank the laces down, you will probably feel significant lace pressure on your instep with the thin laces and thin tongue. Also, some folks have reported rubbing on their achilles from the heel cup. I didn't have any issues in that area while running, but while walking around in them, there were times when my foot was angled in a way that I could feel the edge of the heel cup cutting on my achilles. I can see how this would be really uncomfortable for people whose biomechanics caused that edge to rub during the course of a run. Midsole felt a little firmer, controlled, and aggressive than the V2 (the only other NB SC/RC Elite I've run in), but still plenty cushioned and feels light on the foot. So far, feels like a solid choice, but has less "wow" factor than the Cielo or AF3. All that said, I can see a lot of people using this this as their race day shoe, especially since they offer a 2E option.
Anyway, hope this helps for anyone who's considering buying one of these!
