On Cloud vs Hoka Shoes

Comparing On Cloud vs Hoka running shoes is one of the more challenging comparisons I’ve done because the shoes feel, fit and function so differently. Yet, the one thing they have in common is how unique and recognizable both are!

I’ve run in many models from both brands and hope this breakdown will help you decide which one to slip on to your foot!

We’ve got details on construction, fit, feel, fabric and more. But ultimately it’s really the feel on your foot that’s going to make the decision.

You’ll see I have tested a lot of these shoes and like both brands, but have some bias based on what feels good to me! So I definitely went in search of other opinions to round it out.

Hoka Vs On Cloud Key Differences

On Cloud and Hoka offer similar features and models for all kinds of runners, from the new runner to Ultramarathoner to the flat-footed or high-arched. Both really do offer some of the best running shoes to fit your specific feet and needs.

Hoka One One first became popular with Ultrarunners and has since moved in the to main stream of running. I myself have run in a number of models and previously compared Hoka styles.

It feels like On took hold in the triathlon market first and then quickly moved mainstream running.

I break down the differences in more detail below, but here’s a quick overview:

Hoka Running Shoes

• Maximal shoe – has the larger sole for stability and smooth ride
• Usually more cushioned
• Some state they run narrow, but compared to other brands like Nike I disagree
• Does have some casual shoes, gym shoes and recovery sandals

If you’re just looking for a comparison of HOKA models >>

On Running Shoes

• More narrow fit in older styles, some newer styles have a wider forefoot
• Recognizable sole with the pods
• Claims their CloudTec sole reduces muscle fatigue and lowers HR
• Focus on improving speed off ground and reducing impact
• Mostly running shoes, but has incredible running jackets, pants, etc as well

If you’re looking for just a detailed look a On, checkout this full On Cloud Review >>

I’ve worn both brands and will add some personal thoughts, along with links to detailed reviews. And remember it’s important to rotate running shoes, so you might want a shoe from multiple different brands.

ON Running vs HOKA ONE ONE Feature Comparison

Both brands are newer to the market compared to many, but have quickly gained avid fans.

Both offer options to aid with comfort, support, stability, and cushion. Where they differ most are in the feel of the shoe while running.

The following breaks down each shoe based on the components buyers need to consider when purchasing a running shoe.

It’s gonna get a little TECHY…so you can just skip on down to the specific model comparison if you want, but personally if I’m shelling out $150 for shoes, I kinda want to know why.

Durability 

The lifespan of shoes from both companies is fairly comparable.

• On recommends swapping out for new shoes every 310 to 465 miles, a bit more specific than most brands.
• HOKA is often reported to last longer. I don’t know if this is more trail runners and thus less hard surfaces which extends the life of the shoe or simply their maximal design.

Determining when to replace running shoes, of course, all depends on your gait, weight, and whether you run mostly on trail or road.

Shoe Fit

Cloud shoes are a little hard for me to describe because I think they’ve changed over the last few years and are different with each model that I’ve tested.

While the length runs true to size, I would say some are a narrow fit and some have a little more room in the toebox.

I would not consider any of them a wide shoe.

HOKA shoes run true to size from my testing. Some models are definitely a little more narrow than others, as with most brands. In fact, they have been working on increasing the toebox in newer models and I would say it’s more comfortable for a wider foot and with more toe room than most On shoes.

They also have a shoe finder quiz to help you get in to the right model.

Cushioning

On uses CloudTec technology which is entirely what makes their shoe look and feel different. They have little open pockets on the bottom of the shoe that compress with each step to absorb impact and in their words feel like a cloud.

I would say they are cushioned, but not plush.

HOKA likes to say they provide marshmallow softness. More technically PROFLY.

I’m going to admit that I was really skeptical of HOKA at the start because I assumed all that cushion would make it heavy. It turned out I was wrong and instead have been running in them since of their very first shoes.

• They have 3 levels of cushion, which is important because plush isn’t what you want on all runs
• Cushion that provides both a good landing and plenty of stability for push off
• Hubble Heel – their newest shoes with a longer heel which is supposed to improve heel to toe transition

Stability

On goes against the grain of most stability shoes and works with your foots motion rather than trying to stop it. I appreciate this as it’s one of the many reasons I steer folks away from most stability shoes.

Instead, they changed the shape and location of some of the pieces under the arch of the foot which allows all of your muscles to continue firing, but slows that inward roll.

HOKA was designed entirely with stability in mind.

It was a core foundation of their shoes because it allows runners to move quicker with less risk of injury. This is why they created a wide stable platform.

In fact, they call their heel system the “bucket seat”, like the seat of a race car. It cushions the heel and foot without posts or guide rails — this means the midsole remains more cushioned.

Overview of heel to toe drop and type of cushion in most shoe brands.

Affordability

The prices between the two brands are fairly comparable.

• On prices range between $130 to $170
• HOKA’s start at a at $120 to $250.

The most popular models for On are around $150 and for HOKA also around $150.

Specialty items with more features (like carbon plates) will increase price.

You’ll notice that every brand offers a range and this is indeed due to a difference in technology and where they sell the shoe. They know that the big box store can sell the shoe with less in it, while the local running store needs to be best for dedicated runners.

HOKA Vs On Cloud Running Shoes

Now that you know more about each brand, let’s look at their top models in each of the main categories. There’s no winner declared here because all are great shoes, it’s just about which one is best for your foot.

With each of these, they are the top models so numbers are constantly changing as they make a little upgrade, but On doesn’t keep adding numbers to the shoe name like most brands doe.

Stability Running Shoe

👉On Cloudflyer

As noted above both On and Hoka do a good job of not trying to force the foot in to position, but rather providing a wider base that immediately provides stability. So it’s a  more natural feel that most stability running shoes.

It also has just that slight rocker effect, to help move you from heel to toe.

Considered a plush shoe, but as noted, their plush shoes are not in the same ballpark as Hoka plush…it’s still a firmer ride with the focus being on that spring off the ground.  I will say this is changing with other models that you’ll see me note below, so just know this a firmer ride due to the outsole.

• 7mm drop
• 8.8oz women’s, 9.88oz men’s
• $110

One of the ongoing issues I have with On shoes is this…rocks.

👉HOKA Gaviota 4

The Gaviota 4 is the highest level stability shoe offered by HOKA, right along side that plush cushioning feel from the Bondi! All of that combined does make it their heaviest shoe.

The Gaviota is a maximum cushioning running shoe that provides a smooth, cushioned ride with some stability for long distances. This shoe is best for runners who need extra cushioning for their feet, especially for those who suffer from joint pain or who are looking for a shoe that will help them to recover after a long race.

• 5mm drop
• 9.3oz women’s, 11.3oz men’s
• $170

Many have said they like this for an all day shoe as well because it’s providing that support and cushion to keep the feet and legs happy. Probably one of the shoes I recommend first for many looking to help with overpronating on long runs.

Neutral Running Shoe

👉On Cloudsurfer

I’ve run in a few of the earlier models of this shoe, but as their most popular shoe it’s one of the few that continues to get a number to note that it’s new and improved!

We are currently up to model 7. And this one is a game changer. I like it so much more than all previous versions.

This finally provides that soft landing for road running that I’ve always hoped from the name “cloud”.

I would look at this as a speed training and 6-8 mile training shoe, for the design focused on really springing off the ground. Then again I like really low profile, low cushion shoes like the Saucony Kinvara for long easy runs too…so you do you.

This one is designed with moderate cushion for those medium distance runs (5K to half marathon). In other words, it doesn’t have the extra padding or structure that we often like to see in a marathon shoe.

• 10 mm drop
• 7.8 oz. women’s, 8.6 oz men’s
•  $150
• See my new Cloudsurfer review >>

👉Hoka Clifton 9

The Clifton was their first model and I actually got to run in version 1, 2, 6, 7,8 and 9! It’s their trademark shoe and a great one for any runner who wants cushion and to test out a maximal shoe.

This is what I would call an entry to Hoka running. You’ll get used to the higher stack height, while enjoying the benefits of a normally cushioned very lightweight shoe that also has a bit of stability.

As with all of these shoes you’ll find the upper is designed to be light and breathable.

It’s cushioned without being too soft, so it’s still responsive. I’ve listed this as one of my best marathon running shoes.

• 5mm drop
•  7.6oz women’s, 8.8oz men’s
•  $140

Once you get past the fact that they look big, you’ll quickly notice they feel lighter than many other styles. And every ounce counts for me when I’m hitting 20+ mile long runs. I also appreciate that the wider base naturally supports the foot a bit more.

Cushioned Running Shoe

👉Cloudmonster

I really enjoyed my first run in these shoes and was excited to take them out again. It’s now where near as firm as the other On shoes, it’s in no way the plush style of a Hoka Bondi.

The Bondi feels like you put your foot in a cloud. For On the cushion is more about the absorbing of impact, rather than what you might think of as traditional cushion. That’s not a bad thing, just different expectations.

This absolutely felt like the most cushioned On running shoe I’ve tested. Making it a good daily easy run trainer. I’ve put in a lot of miles on it and gifted my husband a pair because I thought it was that sweet spot of cushion and support for his flat feet.

• 6mm drop
•  8.11oz women’s, 10.76oz men’s
•  $170

See my full review of the On Cloudmonster >>

👉Hoka Bondi

If you want to feel like your feet are running on actual pillows…this is it.

The most cushioned shoe ever that I’ve tried in over 26,000 miles of running. It’s a heavenly shoe for recovery days. And I’m a fan of the low heel drop, those are becoming harder to find. But I’ve found rotating that in helps with IT Band issues.

Important for most runners to know a shoe this cushioned isn’t ideal for all runs. You can easily start to sink in to your low back and lose a little speed without that spring off the ground.

• 4mm drop
•  8.9oz women’s, 10.7oz men’s
• $165

Carbon Fiber Plate Shoes

Are they cool new technology, yes.

Do they last as long as your other shoes, nope.

So if you want to test these out use them for speed work and then race day!

👉Hoka Rocket X2

I am a huge fan of HOKA, but did not like the Hoka Carbon X and the Hoka Bondi X was a good shoe, but not a top speed racer.  So I was really excited to test out this shoe and proclaim it one of my favorites, but I’m just not sure that would be totally honest.

Having JUST spent a few weeks doing runs in this shoe I am torn…

• The heel doesn’t cup very well and as a result I was constantly terrified of blisters and even stopped one long run to head home. Maybe this is because they don’t have a male/female version, just all gender.
• It has great bounce and cushion, you are getting that Nike feeling that most brands are striving for
• You’re getting the HOKA wider fit that so many love
• 5mm drop definitely a preference and feels light

I love the feel, but the fear around the heel may keep me from using this shoe. This could be an issue with being Unisex or simply the fit of the heel, which is why Saucony Endorphin Elite added that little bit of padding.

• Unisex
• 5 mm heel drop
• 8.3 oz
• $250

👉On Clouldboom Echo 3

This was one of the earliest carbon fiber shoes I tested and it’s very different from the Vaporfly. Instead of high cushion, this is more like the feeling you might get in your daily trainer.

The lack of cushion isn’t a bad thing, just different. And honestly, I’m down for this shoe!

It’s even fun that you can see the speedboard between the cushion and mentally know you’re getting that energy return.

That being said, with each iteration of the Echo, they are adding more cushion to keep up with other brands, just not that super bouncy feeling. For many runners, I think this is a good thing and might strike that balance of speed and cushion, without the worry about Achilles injuries that are popping up.

I was truly impressed with the updates in the Echo 3 from the original Cloudboom. BIG win for me is not having the pods that trap rocks on the bottom! This shoe also fits better than the original. That being said, the HOKA Rocket is still going to be a bit wider fit.

• 10 mm heel drop
• 7.6 oz men’s and women’s
• See current models
• Ready my complete On Cloudboom Echo 3 review

Walking Shoes

I’ve often talked about the need to have different walking shoes than running shoes. However, some of my top recommendations come from these two brands and are indeed things you could run in!

Shoes that are ideal for standing around all day or walking have a little more stability and arch support.

👉Best for Standing at Work – On Cloud X 3 Shift

If you’re standing all day long you might want to consider wearing compression socks, along with finding great shoes.

The idea is something that will help you maintain good alignment so you don’t have hip, knee or back issues along with tired feet.

Street worthy style is part of their draw for many. But the real benefit comes from also feeling comfortable to wear all day long. The idea is that you could wear these to work or to workout, which means they are designed to absorb impact and keep your feet feeling good.

I have not worn this model personally! It’s one of the few not tested. But have asked a number of folks who tried it out for thoughts and many said it was the wear it everywhere shoe!

• Neutral shoe (not heavy on cushion)
• 6.7 mm heel drop
• 8.90 oz for women

👉Hoka Elevon

Designed with more support in the midfoot and forefoot, this shoe is super comfy, but provides the support that will aid your body in staying happy all day long. If your arch starts to collapse from fatigue then your body moves out of alignment, creating aches.

• Another plush cushioned shoe, but with more extra arch support
• Wider toebox in Hoka can help prevent bunions
• 5mm drop
• 9.1 oz for women’s – heavier due to the additional stability

Trail Running Shoes

I admit that my experience running in On shoes for the trails is limited because I had enough issues with rocks in the road shoes. However, I think the Cloudultra fixes this issue!

On the other hand, I’ve run in a ton of Hoka Trail Running shoes and they are a go to recommendation.

👉Hoka Speedgoat

Loving how this neutral shoe feels on my foot and with a slightly wider toe box than many it’s meant no issues with blisters from downhill running. It’s also just a really great amount of cushion.

Comfy, but not too heavy for a nice long run either.

While they’re also listed as a neutral shoe, I was thrilled to see my foot didn’t drop in one bit when I put them on which is common in other shoes. Another example of how their shoes have some natural support due to the bigger platform.

• True to size
• Very similar to Clifton, just the additional lugs for traction
• Good room in the toebox
• Neutral Trail Running shoe
• Moderate Cushion
• 4 mm drop
• 8.5 oz women’s, 10.3 oz men’s
• Available in 11 colors
• Available in Wide in some colors
• $140
• See all HOKA Speedgoat models (also includes a waterproof option)

👉On Cloudultra

Welcome to their trail shoe with the highest amount of cushioning. The flip release on the shoe laces, also makes it easy to adjust the tigthness of the shoes. Which as we know is often needed during ultras when feet swell.

The On Cloudultra is one of On Running’s newest trail running shoes and an excellent addition to the ultramarathon and endurance trail running market.

Partially because they shifted the pod set up, so you will catch less rocks than with the road shoes!! They add lugs for more grip and took the pods way, way down.

On has satisfied the request of thousands of trail runners with this shoe, thanks to its ability to tackle tricky terrain effectively and remain comfortable over long distances on trails and highways with its Helion midsole foam.

These are excellent trail running footwear for all distances up to and including the marathon.

• 8mm heel drop
• 8.64 oz

More About On Cloud Running

On started in 2010 in Switzerland, when yet again another runner thought “I could do this better.”

This time it was three retired professional athletes, who decided there needed to be a shoe that had more firmness to create that bounce off the ground, along with cushion.

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

By 2014 and 2015 professional athletes were wearing the shoes and winning races, creating even more buzz about these unique looking shoes. They’ve done a great job of keeping that Swiss engineering while also providing some much needed style to running shoes.

More about HOKA ONE ONE

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

But they’re kind of like Madonna and just need one name: Hoka.

Founded by two mountain trail runners in the Swiss Alps, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, former Salomon employees, had an epiphany during their training that lead to the foundation of a new shoe and new company in 2009.

This makes them a mere baby in the world of running shoes, as many of the brands from Brooks to ASICS have been around 100+ years now. Pictured here is their first prototype.

At first they simply wanted a shoe that would allow them to run downhill faster and thus win!

Quickly they realized there was something more here with a smooth, super light, cushioned and stable shoe. Their maximal design took many of by surprise in a time where Zero Drop running shoes and Barefoot running were the in thing.

In 2020, the company was purchased by Deckers (owners of UGG and Teva). Hopefully that just means more marketing to keep the shoes going and not a change to what their doing right.

Your gait and feet will likely change over time and you may need to change shoes.

This is also why I recommend rotating through several pairs of shoes at once.

And remember, just because these are two of the most well known brands on the market, there are still plenty of other shoe brands to select from if neither an On shoe nor HOKA has the right sneakers for you.

Keep in mind that shoe design can change, even with the same model, so always assess how the shoe fits every time you replace a pair.

For more help selecting the right shoe for you, don’t worry, I’ve got you:

• Nike Vs New Balance running shoes
• Altra Running Shoes Review
• Top 5 Marathon Running Shoes
• New Balance Vs Brooks

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