On Cloud vs Hoka Footwear (2025): Evaluating Fashions, Match, Really feel

Evaluating On Cloud vs Hoka trainers is likely one of the more difficult comparisons I’ve carried out as a result of the footwear really feel, match and performance so in a different way. But, the one factor they’ve in frequent is how distinctive and recognizable each are! Right here we are going to have a look at particular comparable fashions and what units the manufacturers aside.

I’ve run in lots of fashions from each manufacturers and hope this breakdown will allow you to resolve which one to slide on to your foot!

We’ve bought particulars on building, match, really feel, cloth and extra. However in the end it’s actually the texture in your foot that’s going to make the choice.

You’ll see I’ve examined a variety of these footwear and like each manufacturers, however have some bias primarily based on what feels good to me! So I positively went in quest of different opinions to spherical it out.

Hoka Vs On Cloud Key Variations

On Cloud and Hoka provide related options and fashions for all types of runners, from the brand new runner to Ultramarathoner to the flat-footed or high-arched. Each actually do provide among the greatest trainers to suit your particular toes and wishes.

Hoka One One first turned standard with Ultrarunners and has since moved within the to primary stream of operating. I personally have run in a lot of fashions and beforehand in contrast Hoka types.

It appears like On took maintain within the triathlon market first after which shortly moved mainstream operating.

I break down the variations in additional element under, however right here’s a fast overview:

Hoka Working Footwear

• Maximal shoe – has the bigger sole for stability and easy experience
• Often extra cushioned
• Some state they run slender, however in comparison with different manufacturers like Nike I disagree
• Does have some informal footwear, gymnasium footwear and restoration sandals

In case you’re simply in search of a comparability of HOKA fashions >>

On Working Footwear

• Extra slender slot in older types, some newer types have a wider forefoot
• Recognizable sole with the pods
• Claims their CloudTec sole reduces muscle fatigue and lowers HR
• Deal with enhancing velocity off floor and decreasing impression
• Largely trainers, however has unimaginable operating jackets, pants, and many others as properly

In case you’re in search of only a detailed look a On, checkout this full On Cloud Assessment >>

I’ve worn each manufacturers and can add some private ideas, together with hyperlinks to detailed critiques. And keep in mind it’s essential to rotate trainers, so you may want a shoe from a number of completely different manufacturers.

HOKA Vs On Cloud Working Footwear

Now that you realize extra about every model, let’s have a look at their prime fashions in every of the primary classes. There’s no winner declared right here as a result of all are nice footwear, it’s nearly which one is greatest to your foot.

With every of those, they’re the highest fashions so numbers are continuously altering as they make somewhat improve, however On doesn’t preserve including numbers to the shoe identify like most manufacturers doe.

Stability Working Shoe

👉On Cloudflyer 5

As famous above each On and Altra do a superb job of not making an attempt to drive the foot in to place, however relatively offering a wider base that instantly gives stability. So it’s a  extra pure really feel that the majority stability trainers.

It additionally has simply that slight rocker impact, to assist transfer you from heel to toe.

Thought-about an opulent shoe, however as famous, their plush footwear usually are not in the identical ballpark as Hoka plush…it’s nonetheless a firmer experience with the main target being on that spring off the bottom.  I’ll say that is altering with different fashions that you just’ll see me observe under, so simply know this a firmer experience because of the outsole.

Essential to notice it is a pretty excessive heel to toe drop and a heavier shoe than many. In case you don’t really want a stability shoe, I like a variety of different On Cloud footwear higher.

• Weight: 10.5 oz Males’s, 9 oz Ladies’s
• Heel drop: 11 mm
• Stack top: 31 mm
• 5 colours
• Not out there in large
• Obtainable from on.com for $170

👉HOKA Gaviota 5

The Gaviota 5 is the best degree stability shoe supplied by HOKA, proper alongside facet that plush cushioning really feel from the Bondi! All of that mixed does make it their heaviest shoe.

The Gaviota is a most cushioning operating shoe that gives a easy, cushioned experience with some stability for lengthy distances. This shoe is greatest for runners who want additional cushioning for his or her toes, particularly for individuals who endure from joint ache or who’re in search of a shoe that may assist them to recuperate after a protracted race.

• Weight: 10.9 oz Males’s, 9.1 oz Ladies’s
• Heel drop: 6 mm
• Stack top: 36 mm
• 9 colours
• Obtainable in large
• Obtainable from hoka.com for $175

Many have stated they like this for an all day shoe as properly as a result of it’s offering that assist and cushion to maintain the toes and legs completely happy. Most likely one of many footwear I like to recommend first for a lot of trying to assist with overpronating on lengthy runs.

Impartial Working Shoe

👉On Cloudmonster

I actually loved my first run in these footwear and was excited to take them out once more. It’s no the place close to as agency as the opposite On footwear and has since grow to be a constant merchandise in my operating shoe rotation the previous couple of years.

Whereas the Hoka Bondi feels such as you put your foot in a cloud. For On the cushion is extra in regards to the absorbing of impression, relatively than what you may consider as conventional cushion. That’s not a nasty factor, simply completely different expectations.

This totally felt just like the most cushioned On operating shoe I’ve examined, till the Cloudeclipse, however that is nonetheless a greater daily operating shoe when you’re solely getting one pair.

It’s a superb each day simple run coach. I’ve put in a variety of miles on it and gifted my husband a pair as a result of I assumed it was that candy spot of cushion and assist for his flat toes.

And sure, please observe that is the unique, not the Cloudmonster 2!! We’ve reviewed it as properly and the match was simply giant and sloppy.

👉Hoka Mach 6

I do know some are shocked to not see the Clifton right here, however I actually suppose the Mach is only a higher shoe for thus many.

Whenever you’re able to activate the velocity, the Mach is your HOKA of alternative. It’s not a carbon plate shoe, as a substitute it’s a brilliant light-weight operating shoe designed to spring off the bottom and allow you to discover that fast turnover.

Why it’s on the listing although is it’s not only a velocity shoe, it’s very a lot an amazing each day coach.The Mach contains a light-weight foam midsole that gives a fast, vigorous really feel, whereas the meta-rocker design helps to encourage a extra pure gait.

Cushioned Working Shoe

👉On Cloudeclipse

The Cloudeclipse is a good shoe for restoration days or maybe tremendous lengthy runs. It’s barely heavier than the Cloudmonster and only a bit extra shoe.

On used a double layer of  CloudTec Part® cushioning, however I don’t really feel prefer it’s an opulent cushioned shoe. You’re not sinking into it and dropping your potential to really push off the bottom.

An thrilling replace from different On footwear is the underside is NOT going to gather rockets between pods, however the speedboard does really feel like plastic and I’m curious if I’d break it on any large rocks.

**Be aware the On Cloudsurfer Max is coming later this yr which can substitute this mannequin! Undecided if they are going to do away with it fully, but it surely received’t be their focus for max cushioned operating.

👉Hoka Skyflow

I’m tremendous excited to be updating this text with the Skyflow to interchange the Bondi. Whereas it was a superb shoe, it was so plush that I discovered some runners ended up with again ache as a result of they merely sink in to the present and lose good kind.

The Skyflow won’t have that subject and also you’ll be getting an excellent higher high quality foam! Actually, you’re getting the identical supercritical foam that we see in prime finish footwear. Meaning cushion with somewhat bounce.

Because of the weight, that is positively not a quick tempo run form of shoe and but with the identical cushion because the Mach, it’s 100% a shoe that I might a variety of runners utilizing on race day for the half or marathon. It simply feels good underfoot and has sufficient room within the shoe to your foot to swell a bit on these lengthy runs.

Carbon Fiber Plate Footwear

Are they cool new expertise, sure.

Do they final so long as your different footwear, nope.

So if you wish to take a look at these out use them for velocity work after which race day!

👉Hoka Cielo X1

I’m an enormous fan of HOKA, however didn’t just like the Hoka Carbon X and the RocketX2 ripped my heel aside, so after all I used to be nervous….however then YESSS this was a profitable shoe.

HI guess the very first thing I ought to say, is wow. This shoe underfoot feels actually speedy and the vitality financial savings have been obvious to me within the first mile repeat. I might say that is positively a marathon distance shoe, much less of a 5K race shoe, however once more that depends upon the runner.

One other new design within the Cielo X1 is the winged carbon fiber plate. The purpose of this design is to offer somewhat bit extra stability to the shoe and additional help with that ahead propulsion.

The carbon fiber plate is definitely nestled between two layers of PEBA foam – a extra cushioned softer foam positioned above the plate and a sturdier variant under.

100%  I’m excited to race on this shoe…maybe my subsequent half or marathon!

We’re at present testing model 2, so keep tuned!!

👉On Cloudboom Strike

After seeing Helen Obiri win Boston, a variety of runners stood as much as take discover of what On was doing with carbon fiber. It’s a really completely different kind of shoe than Nike and for lots of runners, that’s a superb factor.

It is a large stack top and barely increased heel drop than most of the different tremendous footwear available on the market. In comparison with the Nike Vaporfly 2 or 3, which might be very slender, it’s a 100% completely different match and feeling.

This was a shoe we fell in love with instantly and are excited to see the place it goes. Whereas it’s completely thought of a prime finish carbon plated racing shoe, a variety of runners are going to have enjoyable with hitting some velocity in it.

It feels extremely gentle and bouncy!

Strolling Footwear

I’ve usually talked about the necessity to have completely different strolling footwear than trainers. Nonetheless, a few of my prime suggestions come from these two manufacturers and are certainly issues you may run in!

Footwear that are perfect for standing round all day or strolling have somewhat extra stability and arch assist.

👉On Cloudsurfer 2

In case you’re in search of a light-weight, cushioned, and cozy each day coach that may additionally simply translate to streetwear, right here it’s.

The midsole options On’s CloudTec Part cushioning expertise and Helion superfoam. This combo makes for a easy, energetic run and a gentle touchdown with every stride.

The Cloudsurfer 2 is light-weight however feels supportive sufficient to guard you thru a wide range of runs. It balances efficiency with weight in a approach that makes this a dependable, easy coach.

Cloudsurfer 2 is a reasonably cushioned, decrease stack top, operating shoe for shorter simple runs that’s additionally excessive on our listing of nice strolling footwear.

You may completely run a marathon on this shoe, but it surely’s positively not our first suggestion.

👉Hoka Bondi 9

With the brand new design, the Hoka Bondi goes to be a shoe that you should utilize for actually virtually everything- strolling, operating and standing for hours!

The Hoka Bondi is constructed for consolation over velocity, making it a really perfect alternative for these longer coaching runs. It is a shoe for center and again of the pack runners in search of a each day coach that’s a triple whammy…. sturdy, supportive and has a cushiony really feel.

Even with all that cushioning, the Bondi 9 nonetheless manages to really feel light-weight, which is a large win for a shoe this plush.

Hoka additionally upped the stack top by 2mm, bringing it to 43mm within the heel, and whereas which may sound like quite a bit, it didn’t really feel cumbersome or unstable in any respect.

Path Working Footwear

I admit that my expertise operating in On footwear for the paths is restricted as a result of I had sufficient points with rocks within the highway footwear. Nonetheless, I believe the Cloudultra fixes this subject!

However, I’ve run in a ton of Hoka Path Trainers and they’re a go to suggestion.

👉Hoka Speedgoat 6

I admit it’s beginning to seem to be I’m biased in the direction of Hoka, but it surely’s actually their path footwear which have received me over.

Whereas the Speedgoat 6 is listed as a impartial shoe, I used to be thrilled to see my foot didn’t drop in a single bit once I put them on which is frequent in different footwear.

It completely is offering some stability, which for many of us feels actually good when the toes are rolling over diverse terrain. It’s not overbearing, however a advantage of the shoe that the majority in all probability don’t notice is occurring.

The higher and midsole each appeared to breakdown sooner leaving me feeling a bit much less locked in and supported. Keep in mind that when the cushion breaks down it truly modifications your gait, no bueno for staying damage free.

👉On Cloudultra 2

Welcome to their path shoe with the best quantity of cushioning. The flip launch on the shoe laces, additionally makes it simple to regulate the tigthness of the footwear. Which as we all know is usually wanted throughout ultras when toes swell.

The On Cloudultra is considered one of On Working’s latest path trainers and a very good addition to the ultramarathon and endurance path operating market.

Partially as a result of they shifted the pod arrange, so you’ll catch much less rocks than with the highway footwear!! They add lugs for extra grip and took the pods approach, approach down.

On has happy the request of hundreds of path runners with this shoe, because of its potential to sort out difficult terrain successfully and stay comfy over lengthy distances on trails and highways with its Helion midsole foam.

These are glorious path operating footwear for all distances as much as and together with the marathon.

• Weight: 10.4 oz Males’s, 9.3 oz Ladies’s
• Heel drop: 5 mm
• Stack top: 27 mm
• 6 colours
• Not out there in large
• Obtainable from on.com for $140

In case you’re in search of a highway to path possibility, we beforehand reviewed and actually just like the On Cloudsurfer Path.

ON Working vs HOKA ONE ONE Function Comparability

Each manufacturers are newer to the market in comparison with say the longevity of Nike, however have shortly gained avid followers.

Each provide choices to assist with consolation, assist, stability, and cushion. The place they differ most are within the really feel of the shoe whereas operating.

The next breaks down every shoe primarily based on the elements consumers want to think about when buying a operating shoe.

It’s gonna get somewhat TECHY…so you may simply skip on all the way down to the precise mannequin comparability if you would like, however personally if I’m shelling out $150 for footwear, I kinda wish to know why.

Sturdiness 

The lifespan of footwear from each firms is pretty comparable.

• On recommends swapping out for brand new footwear each 310 to 465 miles, a bit extra particular than most manufacturers.
• HOKA is usually reported to last more. I don’t know if that is extra path runners and thus much less onerous surfaces which extends the lifetime of the shoe or just their maximal design.

Figuring out when to interchange trainers, after all, all depends upon your gait, weight, and whether or not you run totally on path or highway.

Shoe Match

On footwear are somewhat onerous for me to explain as a result of I believe they’ve modified over the previous couple of years and are completely different with every mannequin that I’ve examined.

Whereas the size runs true to dimension, I might say some are a slender match and a few have somewhat extra room within the toebox.

I might not contemplate any On’s a large shoe. In case you want large, search for fashions with a large possibility.

HOKA footwear run true to dimension from my testing. Some fashions are positively somewhat extra slender than others, as with most manufacturers. Actually, they’ve been engaged on growing the toebox in newer fashions and I might say it’s extra comfy for a wider foot and with extra toe room than most On footwear.

Additionally they have a shoe finder quiz that can assist you get in to the correct mannequin.

• Hoka can be well-known for a extra reasonable heel drop at 5mm
• On has all kinds of drops, however you’ll discover most of what we suggest right here is round 6mm

This implies each manufacturers are a superb possibility for individuals who may need some knee ache from increased heel drop footwear.

Cushioning

On makes use of CloudTec expertise which is fully what makes their shoe feel and appear completely different. They’ve little open pockets on the underside of the shoe that compress with every step to soak up impression and of their phrases really feel like a cloud.

Once more they’ve actually modified in the previous couple of years and their newer fashions are rather more plush. However throughout the stability class or their hottest Cloudmonster mannequin, you’ll nonetheless discover extra firmness. All nonetheless use their pods, which controls the texture and velocity of the shoe.

Most fashions have eradicated the problems alongside the underside that collected rocks.

HOKA likes to say they supply marshmallow softness. Extra technically PROFLY.

I’m going to confess that I used to be actually skeptical of HOKA firstly as a result of I assumed all that cushion would make it heavy. It turned out I used to be improper and as a substitute have been operating in them since of their very first footwear.

• They’ve 3 ranges of cushion, which is essential as a result of plush isn’t what you need on all runs
• Cushion that gives each a superb touchdown and loads of stability for push off
• Heel Bevel – you’ll discover lots of their footwear have an prolonged heel to assist with heel to toe transition

Stability

On goes in opposition to the grain of most stability footwear and works along with your foots movement relatively than making an attempt to cease it. I admire this because it’s one of many many causes I steer people away from most stability footwear.

As an alternative, they modified the form and placement of among the items underneath the arch of the foot which permits your whole muscular tissues to proceed firing, however slows that inward roll.

HOKA was designed fully with stability in thoughts.

It was a core basis of their footwear as a result of it permits runners to maneuver faster with much less threat of damage. For this reason they created a large secure platform.

Actually, they name their heel system the “bucket seat”, just like the seat of a race automotive. It cushions the heel and foot with out posts or information rails — this implies the midsole stays extra cushioned.

Overview of heel to toe drop and kind of cushion in most shoe manufacturers.

Affordability

The costs between the 2 manufacturers are pretty comparable.

• On costs vary between $130 to $170
• HOKA’s begin at a at $120 to $250.

The preferred fashions for On are round $150 and for HOKA additionally round $150.

Specialty gadgets with extra options (like carbon plates) will enhance worth.

You’ll discover that each model gives a spread and that is certainly as a consequence of a distinction in expertise and the place they promote the shoe. They know that the large field retailer can promote the shoe with much less in it, whereas the native operating retailer must be greatest for devoted runners.

Extra About On Cloud Working

On began in 2010 in Switzerland, when but once more one other runner thought “I might do that higher.”

This time it was three retired skilled athletes, who determined there wanted to be a shoe that had extra firmness to create that bounce off the bottom, together with cushion.

They went from their first prototype in January 2010, to having it bought in tales by June 2010! How insane is that timeline?!

By 2014 and 2015 skilled athletes have been sporting the footwear and profitable races, creating much more buzz about these distinctive trying footwear. They’ve carried out an amazing job of protecting that Swiss engineering whereas additionally offering some a lot wanted fashion to trainers.

Extra about HOKA ONE ONE

Let’s begin with how do you pronounce Hoka One One? “Ho-Kah O-nay O-nay” which is a Māori phrase meaning “to fly over the earth.”

However they’re form of like Madonna and simply want one identify: Hoka.

Based by two mountain path runners within the Swiss Alps, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, former Salomon staff, had an epiphany throughout their coaching that result in the inspiration of a brand new shoe and new firm in 2009.

This makes them a mere child on the planet of trainers, as most of the manufacturers from Brooks to ASICS have been round 100+ years now. Pictured right here is their first prototype.

At first they merely wished a shoe that may enable them to run downhill sooner and thus win!

Shortly they realized there was one thing extra right here with a easy, tremendous gentle, cushioned and secure shoe. Their maximal design took lots of unexpectedly in a time the place Zero Drop trainers and Barefoot operating have been the in factor.

In 2020, the corporate was bought by Deckers (house owners of UGG and Teva). Hopefully that simply means extra advertising and marketing to maintain the footwear going and never a change to what their doing proper.

Your gait and toes will probably change over time and it’s possible you’ll want to vary footwear.

That is additionally why I like to recommend rotating via a number of pairs of footwear directly.

And keep in mind, simply because these are two of essentially the most well-known manufacturers available on the market, there are nonetheless loads of different shoe manufacturers to pick out from if neither an On shoe nor HOKA has the correct sneakers for you.

Remember the fact that shoe design can change, even with the identical mannequin, so at all times assess how the shoe matches each time you substitute a pair.

For extra assist deciding on the correct shoe for you, don’t fear, I’ve bought you:

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