HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 · ATPU Insole
HOKA Cielo X1 3.0: ATPU Insole
In a race shoe, the underfoot space is already working hard. The ATPU insole brief therefore had to fit within a tightly defined internal volume, support the intended step-in feel and stay clearly separated from the PEBA midsole and polyurethane outsole that HOKA describes for the complete shoe.
In-shoe volume and underfoot profile
The challenge
The insole had to add value without competing for space inside a race shoe.
The Cielo X1 3.0 combines a highly engineered upper with a PEBA midsole and a polyurethane outsole. Inside that system, the insole has a precise job and a limited volume. The challenge was to define its outline, thickness zones, material direction and surface requirements without confusing its role with the cushioning and propulsion delivered by the rest of the shoe.
Our work
What We Did
We focused on the geometry, material, interfaces and checks needed to move the part into shoe testing.
Locked the available volume
We organized the brief around the last, insole outline, size range and the heel-to-forefoot space available inside the shoe.
Set a project-specific ATPU direction
We treated hardness, density, resilience, compression behavior and weight as selectable targets—not assumptions attached to the material name.
Mapped profile and surface details
We considered thickness zones, edge shape, texture, branding and any top-cover requirement as part of one insole specification.
Planned both levels of validation
The component can be checked against its dimensions and material targets, then fitted into the race shoe for volume, hold and step-in evaluation.
Result
The Result
The resulting development path gave the team a practical way to evaluate the ATPU layer on its own terms. They could review material and geometry decisions at component level, then judge the insole where it matters most—inside the complete Cielo X1 3.0 construction.
In the finished shoe: HOKA describes the Cielo X1 3.0 with a Leno-weave textile, refined heel geometry, responsive PEBA foam and a compression-molded polyurethane outsole. The ATPU insole sits inside that larger race-shoe system; it does not replace the role of those other structures.
References
Sources
The project brief confirms the component. The brand page provides the finished-shoe context.
Scope: Our focus is the ATPU insole brief and its fit inside the shoe. HOKA’s race, ride and responsiveness statements refer to the complete Cielo X1 3.0.
| Reference | Used for |
|---|---|
| Project brief | Confirms the footwear model and component named in this case. |
| HOKA US — Cielo X1 3.0 official product page ↗ | Provides the finished-shoe construction and product context. |
| FX Footwear — PulseSport supercritical foam platform ↗ | Explains our relevant component platform and development scope. |
FAQ
Common Questions
Why is internal volume so important for a race-shoe insole?
A small change in thickness or edge shape can affect foot position, upper fit and overall shoe volume. We define those limits before tuning the material and surface details.
What ATPU specifications can be customized?
Depending on the brief, we can review hardness, density, resilience, compression behavior, thickness profile, surface texture, color, branding and top-cover options.
What should you send us to begin?
The last or approved insole outline, available internal volume, size range, thickness map, target feel and weight, material benchmark, artwork and required component tests.
Is the ATPU insole the same as the shoe’s PEBA midsole?
No. HOKA identifies PEBA in the midsole, while this case focuses on a separate ATPU insole component. We keep those layers and their jobs clearly defined.
More work
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Need Help With a Similar Part?
Planning a performance-foam insole? Send us the in-shoe volume, thickness map, weight target and material benchmark. We’ll help you turn them into a component specification that fits the whole footwear system.
