Hoka vs on Cloud: What Brand Should You Go With?

Hoka and On Cloud are two of the youngest shoe brands. But they are exciting in offering shoes for countless activities. For example, trail running, conventional running, hiking, walking, training, and many more. Both brands have similarities as well. They offer a wide choice of designs and are innovative. 

Most of the Hoka running shoes have maximal cushioning, and that’s why they are pleasant. The shoes feature a thicker midsole. Thanks to Active Foot FrameTM and Meta-RockerTM technology, Hoka footwear has gained significant reach among long-distance runners and service employees.

On the flip side, On Cloud sneakers have CloudTec pods. This technology makes the shoes responsive but less cushioned than Hoka. The shoes don’t come with thick midsoles like Hoka. This is why the stack height is minimal. On Cloud running shoes give a blend of comfort and increased ground feeling.

Hoka vs On Cloud: Comparison Table 

Both footwear brands have an enriched line-up of shoes. It is important to decide what type of shoe you want. Then our comparison will make sense. Suppose someone demands to purchase a running shoe. Now they have to look for the best running shoes from both brands and compare them. 

The following section of this blog will give you an in-general comparison of Hoka and On Cloud. An in-depth comparison of specific shoe models will come next.

Comparison PointsHokaOn Cloud
Best for Comfort and Performance Stability and Recovery 
Cushioning More cushioned Less cushioned 
Durability Last around 300-350 milesLast around 400-450 miles
SupportLess supportiveMore supportive 
Weight HavierLightweight 
Size3-16 7-14
Fit Wide fit Narrow fit
ResponsivenessLess responsive More responsive 
DesignCome with a wide range of designsCome with a wide range of designs
Price$50-$250$130-$220
Hoka vs on Cloud
Hoka vs on Cloud

Hoka vs On Cloud: Brand Reputation

Brand reputation has always played a leading role in product purchases. Hoka and On Cloud are familiar names in the footwear industry. 

Hoka came to light back in 2009, and a year later, we saw the birth of On Cloud. So from that sense, these are also two new brands with immense promises. 

According to Company Market Capital, Hoka is in third place with $23.93 B market capital. Next comes On Holding with $11.02 B market capital. As per Times Magazine, both footwear companies are featured as the best running shoe brands.

Then again, you should always choose shoes that meet your purpose. The brands allow customers to choose shoes for multiple activities. From the general masses to renowned celebrities around the world, Hoka and On Could are the preferred brands for many.

Hoka vs On Cloud: Best For

Hoka shoes can be a good option for long-distance runners. If you emphasize comfort more than anything else, the latest pair of Hoka shoes should be the way to go. 

People who are service workers love to wear Hoka. The extra-cushioned midsole with Active Foot Frame™ ensures comfort. The Bondi 8 can be a key example here. 

On-cloud shoes are more responsive and provide stability for runners with pronation issues. The shoes are also suitable for reducing fatigue due to the carbon fiber plates and responsive midsole. People who have injuries should also pick On Cloud as their recovery shoes. 


The CloudTec technology compresses the dynamic midsole of On Cloud shoes, making them even more stable. For example, the latest Cloudrunner offers a unique sensation of comfort and stability. According to Forbes, the Cloudflyer 4 is On Cloud’s most stable running shoe.

Hoka vs On Cloud: Cushioning

Due to the EVA and PEBA foam, Hoka running shoes have a thicker middle sole. Their stack height is also higher than that of other brands.

On the other hand, On Cloud shoes contain hollow pod midsoles. The midsoles are not too thick yet responsive enough. 

Moreover, midsole cushioning plays a major role in absorbing shock and restoring energy. The stack height of the shoes is likewise quite small.

For example, On’s Cloud X3 is the most popular men’s shoe model. The footwear accompanies a stack height of 27 mm (heel) and 19 mm (forefoot). Bondi 8 of Hoka has a stack height of 39 mm (heel) and 35 mm (forefoot).

Hoka vs On Cloud: Durability

The Hoka and On Cloud running shoes are enduring, as they use high-quality materials, such as recycled polyester (rPET) and helion super foam. However, footwear from On Could is more persistent than that of Hoka.

Haka running shoes are less durable due to their soft cushioning midsole. But On Cloud running shoes come with firm midsoles that compress less. The more the midsole compresses, the faster it wears out, which is exactly what happens with Hoka. 

You can expect Hoka to last around 300-350 miles. Shoes from On Could can last up to 400-450 miles.

Hoka Vs On Cloud: Responsiveness

On shoes are more responsive than Hoka shoes. The Cloud-Tec System and lightweight designs also make the shoes more responsive. The firm cushioning and snappy speed board ensure that the On Cloud shoes provide an impressive ground feel. 

As you know, Hoka running shoes have ultimate cushioning. You can have the comfort you need from those shoes due to the thick midsole but have to compromise a bit of responsiveness.

Hoka vs On Cloud: Price

Hoka running shoes are more expensive than those on Cloud. The footwear of Hoka will cost you $140-$250. You can get the latest On Cloud running shoes for $130 to $170. Below are some of the most popular Hoka and On Cloud shoes, with their estimated price ranges.

Hoka Price (Approx)

On Cloud (Approx)

  • Cloudflow – $79
  • Cloud 5 Coast- $149
  • Cloudflyer 4- $129
  • Cloud 5- $140

What Are the Best Hoka and On Cloud Shoes?

Here, we will highlight the top trending shoes from Hoka and On Cloud. Yes, many don’t appear on the list, but you can always check those on the brands’ official websites.

PurposesHokaOn Cloud
Everyday RunningSkyward X, Clifton 9, Bondi 8, Mach 6, Solimar, Kawana, Arahi 7Cloudnova, Cloudtilt, Cloud 5 Coast, Cloudswift 3 AD,Cloud 5
Race RunningMach 6, Mach X, Cielo Road, Mafate Speed 4, Tecton X 2Cloud Monster, Cloud, Monster Hyper, Cloud Monster 2, Cloudsurfer, Cloudflow 4
Trail Running
Speedgoat 5, Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX, Mafate Three2, Challenger 7, Mafate Speed 4, Speedgoat 5 GTX
Cloudultra 2, Cloudsurfer Trail, Cloudsurfer Trail Waterproof, Cloudventure Peak 3
WalkingGaviota 5, Bondi 8, Transport X, Transport
, Arahi 7, Clifton 9
Cloudnova, Cloudswift 3 AD, Cloud 5, HE ROGER Advantage, THE ROGER Clubhouse, THE ROGER Centre Court
HikingTrail Code GTX, Stinson 7, Anacapa Breeze Mid, Speedgoat 5 Mid GTX, Hopara, Speedgoat 5, Kaha 2 GTX, Transport
Cloudhorizon Waterproof, Cloudhorizon

Gym and TrainingKawana 2, Solimar
Cloudpulse, Cloud X 3 AD, Cloudnova Flux

1. Running Shoe Comparison: Hoka’s Clifton 9 vs On Cloud’s Cloud Monster

Comparison PointsHoka Clifton 9Cloud Monster
Cushioning Maximum Maximum 
Materials Breathable engineered, knit upperGusseted tongue, Laces with 70% recycled nylon and 30% recycled polyester (excluding aglet)Total recycled content: about 24% – Total polyester: about 82% recycled
Weight 8.70 oz10.40 oz
Heel to Toe Drop5 mm6 mm
Size True to size.True to size.
Features Symmetrical cushioning for additional support.
Active Foot Frame technology for supreme support and comfort.
J-frame technology for preventing additional inward roll.
Durabrasion rubber outsole
CloudTec® for mega cushioning.
Nylon blend Speedboard® for momentum.
Reworked dual-density Helion™ super foam adds bounce
Price $145$179.99
The information is collected from the brands’ websites.

2. Trail Running Shoes Comparison: Hoka’s Speedgoat 5 vs On Cloud’s Cloudventure Peak 3

Comparison PointsHoka’s Speedgoat 5Cloudventure Peak 3
Cushioning MediumLow
Materials Double layer jacquard engineered mesh.
Protective toe rand.
Late stage MetaRocker™Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug.
34% recycled polyester upper mesh.
Laces with 70% recycled nylon and 30% recycled polyester.
Total recycled content: about 15% – Polyester: about 45% recycled
Weight 10.30 oz
Heel to Toe Drop4 mm4 mm
Size True to size.True to size.
Features Symmetrical cushioning for additional support.
Active Foot Frame technology for supreme support and comfort.
J-frame technology for preventing additional inward roll.
Durabrasion rubber outsole
CloudTec® for mega cushioning.
Nylon blend.
Speedboard® for momentum Reworked. Dual-density Helion™ super foam adds bounce.
Reversed lugs provide downhill braking support
Price $155$159.99
The information is collected from the brands’ websites.

3. Lifestyle Shoes Comparison: Hoka’s HOKA x END. Kaha Low GTX vs On Cloud’s Cloudnova

Comparison PointsHoka’s Speedgoat 5Cloudventure Peak 3
Cushioning HighLow
Materials Engineered for off-the-grid excursions with a GORE-TEX bootie and toothy.
Protective toe rand.
Late stage MetaRocker™Vibram® Megagrip with Traction Lug.
34% recycled polyester upper mesh.
Laces with 70% recycled nylon and 30% recycled polyester.
Total recycled content: about 15% – Polyester: about 45% recycled
Weight 10.3 oz10.30 oz
Heel to Toe Drop4 mm14 mm
Size True to size.True to size.
Features Symmetrical cushioning for additional support.
Active Foot Frame technology for supreme support and comfort.
J-frame technology for preventing additional inward roll.
Durabrasion rubber outsole.
Vibram® Megagrip outsole.
Premium nubuck leather
Mid-top silhouetteAdaptable, flex-oriented lacingInner sock construction + padded heelExternal TPU heel stabilizer
Price $220$159.99
The information is collected from the brands’ websites.

Questions People Asked the Most

Who owns Hoka?

The current owner of the shoe brand is Deckers Outdoor Corporation, a United States-based company that acquired Hoka from Hoka One One in 2013 [Source]. Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard are former Solomon employees who founded Hoka in 2009. 

Are Hokas or On Clouds Better for Walking?

Particular shoes from both brands are good for walking, such as the Hoka Bondi 8 and On Cloud Cloudnova. The shoes are widely accepted due to their comfort and flexibility.

But when choosing one brand, Hoka should be the way to go if you prefer a complete package of maximum cushioning and stability. Here’s a catch as well. If you don’t like bulkiness with walking shoes, going with the more lightweight version from On is preferable. 

Why Is Everyone Wearing Cloud Shoes?

On is a new brand, even compared to Hoka. Surprisingly, the brand has a loyal customer base worldwide. On shoes are technically sound, have lightweight constructions, and offer a good balance of performance and affordability. The eye-catching and innovative design adds more weight to the demand for On shoes. 

The Final Takeaways

You don’t need to decide now. Now that you have all the possible information (enough to choose one brand over another), you can think and choose the pair of shoes that best meets your purpose.

Want more responsiveness from shoes? Pick one from On Cloud in the particular category. Do you think more cushioning makes sense? Hoka undoubtedly.

Let us know your opinion!

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