Why is Trendy Triumph a trusted source? To assist you in making the perfect shoe choice, we are analyzing and reviewing the leading running shoe companies, including Hoka, Brooks, Asics, and Nike. The website's revenue from monetizing ads.
Hoka vs Asics: What Should You Choose and Why?
Hoka and Asics are two promising shoe brands. According to Time Magazine, both brands manufacture the best shoes for multiple purposes, such as daily running, trail running, hiking, training, and more.
However, customers often get into trouble about what brand to choose when buying shoes.
No matter what type of shoe you purchase from Hoka, maximalist cushioning will always be there, and that’s what makes the shoes comfortable. The Active Foot Frame™ and the MetaRocker™ make the midsole thickest compared to any other brand of shoes. Thus, Hoka shoes can be a decent choice for long-distance runners, daily trainers, and service workers.
Asics running shoes, on the other hand, are more stable and responsive. Systems like the TRUSSTIC™ and 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™ play a leading role in guaranteeing ultimate stability. The shoes come with Rearfoot GEL® technology that ensures minimal cushioning and impact shock absorbance capacity.
People who like a more traditional feel, trail running, or have pronation issues should go with Asics running shoes due to improved medial support and adaptive stability.
Hoka vs Asics: Comparison Table (Overall)
| Comparison Points | Hoka | Asics |
| Best for | Comfort and Performance | Stability and Responsiveness |
| Cushioning | More cushioned | Less cushioned |
| Durability | Last around 300-350 miles | Last around 450-500 miles |
| Support | Less supportive | More supportive |
| Weight | Havier | Lightweight |
| Size | 3-16 | 6-16 |
| Fit | For all types of fits | Narrow fits |
| Responsiveness | Less responsive | More responsive |
| Design | Come with a wide range of designs | Come with a wide range of designs |
| Price | $50-$250 | $110-$160 |
Best for: Hoka vs Asics
Hoka offers the most cushioned running shoes, and that’s the reason why the midsoles of their shoes are always thicker.
Due to the thicker midsole, the stack height of Hoka shoes is also higher than that of other brands. The MetaRocker™ technology makes the shoes capable of an efficient ride.
Ron Cant is a satiefied customer of Hoka shoes. From these thoughts,
Ron was amazed by the swift service and the comfort he had from the shoes. Additionally, he was motivated to wear Hoka by seeing President Biden wearing them.
The review was collected from Trustpilot on one of Hoka’s shoes.
Long-distance runners, service workers, or people who have been going through their recovery period can find Hoka running shoes super helpful. However, the brand falls short of making shoes that are more stable and responsive compared to other brands.
Asics running shoes come with a wide range of stability features. The 4D GUIDANCE SYSTEM™ ensures maximum stability and responsiveness. Asics has also introduced the redesigned external heel counter, which makes the shoes suitable for people with over- or under-pronation—for example, the GEL-KAYANO® model.
Let’s hear from Harry H. York about Asics shoes. Once he shared that,
He loves ASICS Nimbus shoes. And Harry has been wearing the shoes for the past 13 years. The shoes are really great for both short- and long-distance running.
The review was collected from Trustpilot on one of Asics shoes.
Durability: Hoka vs Asics
The durability of shoes depends on what purpose you use the shoe. If you use daily training shoes in trail running, it makes sense that the shoes won’t last longer. However, the durability of both Hoka and Asics running shoes is satisfying. However, customers find Asics shoes more durable than Hoka’s shoes. But why?
The midsoles of Hoka shoes are made with EVA-based foam. This type of foam is supposed to compress a lot. Besides, the Pebax plate of Hoka running shoes is a little bit more forgiving compared to Asics. Now, if the midsole of shoes tends to have excessive compression, it is supposed to wear faster.
On the other hand, the FLYTEFOAM® Blast midsole of Asics running shoes doesn’t compress a lot and ensures improved shock absorption. Besides, a carbon fiber plate is between the two-layer midsole of Asics shoes, which is wear-resistant. You can expect more durability from Asics for this- for example, the ASICS Magic Speed 3.
Size and Fits: Hoka vs Asics
Both shoe brands offer shoes in multiple sizes and fit. It is always better to dive into their official websites to check the size and fit chart. Hoka running shoes are available from 3-16, and Asics offers a size range from 5-16.
But Asics running shoes are a bit narrower fit. So, it is recommended to purchase shoes from Asics that are one size bigger than your actual size.
Weight: Hoka vs Asics
Asics running shoes are much lighter compared to Hoka’s. Now, the reason Hoka running shoes come with an extra bit of weight is due to the maximum cushioning. If we compare the Magic Speed 3 of Asics with Mach 3 of Hoka, the difference is quite significant.
The Asics Magic Speed weighs 7.8 oz. The Hoka Mach 3, on the other hand, comes with a weight of 9.10 oz, which is suitable for most daily trainers but rather heavy for fast running. Now, if you want more cushioning underfoot, why not expect the extra bit of weight?
Price: Hoka vs Asics
Hoka shoes are a bit expensive. You need to spend around $130-$250 in order to purchase the latest editions. Asics running shoes are not as expensive as Hoka. For example, the Asics Magic Speed 3 will cost you $160. Now, if you compare this with Hoka Mach3, you need to spend $20 more.
Overall, Hoka is known to offer some premium segment running shoes that are expensive but value for money.
| Hoka Price (Approx) | Asics Price (Approx) |
| Hoka Bondi 8 – $131.99- $165.00 | Asics Gel-Nimbus- $160 |
| Hoka Clifton 9 – $145 | Asics Gel-Kayano- $160 |
| Hoka March X – $180 | Asics GT-2000- $150 |
| Hoka Arahi 7- $145 | Asics GEL-CUMULUS 25- $109 |
| Rocker X2- $250 |
What Are Some of the Best Hoka and New Balance Shoes?
The section will be going to help you a lot. After having the in-general comparison of the shoe brands, you can now exactly determine what shoes can be good for you for what purposes. So, let’s have a look at some of the best shoe lineups of the two footwear companies.
| Purposes | Hoka Shoes | Asics |
| Running | Clifton 9, Mach 6, Bondi 8, Cielo X1, Gaviota 5, Arahi 7 | Asics Novablast 3, Asics Gel-Nimbus 25, Asics Gel-Kayano 29 |
| Walking | Bondi 8, Clifton 9, Moabi LS Sun Top, Gaviota 5, Arahi 7 | GEL-EXCITE 10, GT-1000 12, GEL-EXCITE 10,GT-1000 12 GTX |
| Training | Kawana 2, Solimar, Kawana | GEL-DS TRAINER 26 |
| Trail Running | Speedgoat 5, Stinson 7, Challenger 7, Challenger 7 GTX, Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX, Speedgoat 5 GTX, Tecton X 2 | Gel-trabuco 12, Gel-trabuco Max 2, Gel-trabuco 11, Fuji Lite 3 |
| Lifestyle Shoes | Mafate Speed 2, HOKA x END. Kaha Low GTX, HOKA x END. Mafate Speed 2, All Gender Mafate Speed 2, Transport GTX | GEL-KAYANO 14, GT-2160, GEL-1090 V2 |
Hoka vs Asics: The Top-Line Shoe Comparison!
1. Hoka Mach 6 vs Asics Novablast 3
Both brands have an enriched collection of running shoes, so it was not easy for us to choose one from each. However, the Hoka Mach 6 and Asics Novablast 3 created much hype.
| Comparison Points | Mach 6 | Novablast 3 |
| Release date | February 06, 2024 | September 23, 2022 |
| Good for | Running | Running |
| Cushioning | Higher | Moderate |
| Stack Height | 37 mm (heel), 32 mm (forefoot) | 31 mm (heel), 23 mm (forefoot) |
| Midsole | EVA midsole | EVA blend with added olefin block copolymers |
| Weight | 8. 3 oz (Men)6.9 oz (Women) | 8.9 oz (Men)7.8 oz (Women) |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Support | Higher | Higher |
| Price | $110 | $119.95 |
2. Hoka Gaviota 5 vs Asics GEL-EXCITE 10
You can go beyond comfort with Hoka Gaviota 5 and the Asics Gel-excite 10. These two shoes come up when the purpose is running and walking. Are they worth it? Yes.
| Comparison Points | Gaviota 5 | GEL-EXCITE 10 |
| Release date | 2023 | 2022 |
| Good for | Walking and running | Walking and running |
| Cushioning | Higher | Moderate |
| Stack Height | 36 mm (heel), 30 mm (forefoot) | 24 mm (heel), 16 mm (forefoot) |
| Midsole | Advanced CMEVA foam | AMPLIFOAM™ PLUS technology |
| Weight | 10 oz (Men)9.1 oz (Women) | 9.1 oz |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Support | Higher | Higher |
| Price | $175 | $70 |
3. Challenger 7 GTX vs Gel-Trabuco 12
Are you looking for a pair of shoes for trail running? Fortunately, Hoka and Brooks are masters at offering shoes for running on the terrain. And so, here’s our pick; the Challenger 7 GTX from Hoka and Asics, the Gel-trabuco 12.
| Comparison Points | Challenger 7 GTX | Gel-trabuco 12 |
| Release date | February, 2023 | 2024 |
| Good for | Trail running | Trail running |
| Cushioning | Higher | Higher |
| Stack Height | 31 mm (heel), 26 mm (forefoot) | 38 mm (heel), 28 mm (forefoot) |
| Midsole | Compression-molded EVA foam midsole | Flytefoam Blast technology |
| Weight | 9.7 oz (Men)9 (Women) | 10.9 oz (Men)9 oz (Women) |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Support | High | Moderate |
| Price | $160 | $140 |
4. Mafate Speed 2 vs Gel-Nimbus 25
These shoes are the ideal combination of fashion, performance, support and you name it. The stylish Hoka Mafate Speed 2 and newly launched Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 have all the reasons to appear on our choice list.
| Comparison Points | Hoka Mafate Speed 2 | Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 |
| Release date | 2022 | February 1, 2023 |
| Good for | Everyday use | Everyday use |
| Cushioning | Higher | Higher |
| Stack Height | 35 mm (heel), 31 mm (forefoot) | 41.5 mm (heel), 31.5 mm (forefoot) |
| Midsole | Meta-Rocker midsole geometry and EVA foam | FF BLAST PLUS Midsole |
| Weight | 11.06 oz | 10. 2 oz |
| Fit | True to size | True to size |
| Support | High | High |
| Price | $170 | $140 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Asics own Hoka?
No, as we mentioned in this article, Hoka and Acics are the two leading shoe manufacturing brands. Deckers Brands now owns Hoka. On the other hand, Asics doesn’t have a parent company. Then why do some people consider the companies the same? Maybe both brands offer shoes for multiple purposes and are well-known! Who knows?
Is Hoka or Asics Better for Plantar Fasciitis?
Shoes for plantar fasciitis should come with enough arch support. Now do Hoka and Asics shoes have that feature? Yes. There are specialized recovery shoes from both brands that can meet the demand. When compared, Hoka shoes are much better for plantar fasciitis than Brooks. And the extra cushioning plays a leading role for Hoka in this case.
Why Do Doctors Recommend Hoka Shoes?
Doctors like to recommend Hoka shoes. Yes, this is because of the cushioning and wider toe box. What about feelings? Absolutely, Hoka shoes can bring in the more relaxed feeling a patient desires. It all comes down to one point: comfort. Here, credit goes to the construction, especially the highly engineered EVA midsole.
Conclusion: The Hoka vs Asics Discussion
We have compiled all the possible information about the two footwear companies. Now, it’s time to determine your purpose and look for the particular category for both brands. Overall, Hoka shoes will bring you absolute comfort, while Asics shoes will ensure more stability and support. Think, research, and decide. Best of luck!
