On Cloud Vs Hoka Running Shoes
Comparing On Cloud vs Hoka running shoes is one of the more challenging comparisons Ive 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!
Ive run in many models from both brands and hope this breakdown will help you decide which one to slip on to your foot!
Weve got details on construction, fit, feel, fabric and more. But ultimately its really the feel on your foot thats going to make the decision.
Youll 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.
What Is Hoka One One
Hoka One One was founded in 2009 by two trail-running enthusiasts, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard. While the ultra-cushioned shoes were originally designed with runners in mind, they now have options to suit almost any activity, from hiking to training.
But they’re not just great for workouts. Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, a New York City-based podiatrist said that they provide comfort, support and shock absorption, which makes them a good choice for frequent walkers or anyone whose job requires them to stand for the majority of the day. “I personally own Hoka sneakers and do also recommend them to patients often,” she said.
Dr. Miguel Cunha, podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare, said that Hoka One One is one of his favorite sneaker brands and added that he also frequently recommends the shoes to patients especially those with wide feet. When compared to other popular sneakers, Hoka’s shoes have a wider toe box, which allows for a more comfortable fit for those with a broader forefoot and can minimize the risk of developing uncomfortable conditions, like bunions or ingrown toenails, he added.
“The Hoka One One sneaker also has superior cushioning with a specially engineered EVA foam that is soft and surprisingly lightweight,” Cunha said. Meaning that you’ll feel the comfort with each step that you take.
Plus, many of the brand’s most popular pairs come in plenty of fun colors and patterns, as well as solid neutrals that will go with anything in your closet.
Best For Trail Running
For a dedicated trail running shoe, check out the HOKA Speedgoat 4. The Speedgoats were named in honor of trail-runner Karl Speedgoat Meltzer. Meltzer wore these award-winning shoes when he successfully completed an FKT of the Appalachian Trail in 2016.
The Speedgoat 4 is a highly technical shoe. It features 3D-printed overlays to increase midfoot support, a breathablemesh upper, lightweight construction, and Vibram Megagrip rubber outsole for ample traction. For all that, they remain surprisingly light at just over 9 oz.
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Hoka One One Sky Arkali:
The Hoka One One Sky Arkali is one of the best hiking shoes, but the really heavyweight makes it more of a training all-rounder for mountain terrain and is more applicable to long-speed hiking and relatively slow trail running.
These shoes are valued for the softness of the last and its freedom in the forefoot. Good cushioning. Good ventilation in the front. A stiff heel counter secures the foot from behind, while soft lacing wraps tightly around the front. Sticky rubber keeps a grip on wet rocks.
A breathable Air-mesh upper sits on top of a soft, tiered EVA platform for optimal shock absorption when running on a variety of surfaces in all weather conditions. The integrated lacing system uses a loop sewn into the inner stretch fabric with reinforcements on the outer fabric.
This allows you to evenly distribute the tension throughout the shoe, thereby increasing the level of comfort. The Ultra Raptor combines the benefits of a tight last for fast running with the comfort of a wider last.
Hoka One One Shoes: For Which Type Of Runner
Every runner should be thrilled with the performance of HOKA ONE ONE shoes. The brand remains deeply rooted in outdoor running. Trail runners and cross-country runners should find plenty to like. Fans of other running practices should also find their shoe, especially those looking for good cushioning.
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We Believe Our Shoes Save Us
Shoesor a certaintype of shoe can save us, right? To put it another way, woe to the runner unjustly fit into the wrong shoe. That marathon? Gone in the blink of a Strava KOM, especially should the wrong shoes cup your heels.
Your friend who struggled through your last long run together with that IT band injury? Turns out he was in a moderate stability shoe with a 10mm drop, when he should have been in a high stability shoe and a 12mm drop.
So if all this certainty exists about the destroying power of the wrong shoe, how do we know when we have found the right pair?
The moment we hand our credit card over, we peek into the bag and see that minted cardboard box. You can smell that intoxicating new shoe smell. You dont just see the right shoe anymore, you feel it.
We have a vision for the possibility and potential of the shoes. You might think, I can do anything, run anywhere, and accomplish my major goals with this shoe. We vibrate with a sense of hope, success, and perhaps a touch of nothing-can-stop-me invincibility as we exit the store.
The Best Hoka Shoes For Running Fast In 2021
From fast workouts to race day, these road running shoes have got you covered. Updated: February 18, 2021
If you’re a fan of the HOKA ONE ONE brand, you may already have a line-up of outstanding shoes in your closet: the Bondi for recovery days, the Clifton for everyday running, the Rincon for uptempo runs, or maybe the Speedgoat for days out on the trails. BUT if you’re looking for something super speedy for race day, HOKA loyalists now have road racing shoe options for anything from s a 5K to ultramarathons .
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Inspired By Surfing Skiing Cycling And More
Our design ethos owes as much to surfing, skiing and cycling as running, and the patented elements we incorporated into the original shoe – aka the Hoka One One ® difference – influences every shoe we build.
One of the main things that sets HOKA One One aside from similar brands is its inspiration. When Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud were coming up with the concept for these unique running shoes, they drew inspiration from a variety of sports, including cycling, skiing, and surfing.
All of the above have sport-specific gear that has been designed to suit the discipline. The co-founders saw that there was a gap in the market when it came to running shoes, and they were more than confident they could fill it.
Despite starting out as a trail running shoe, these trainers are ideal for a wide variety of running disciplines. Thanks to the high levels of durability and quality, you can be sure that the shoes offer the support, flexibility and comfort that you need.
As the co-founders simply put it, it turns out that redesigning a shoe that helps an athlete tackle 100 miles in challenging conditions can help all runners perform.
Best For Fast Daily Training And Uptempo Workouts
Taking inspiration from the Carbon X 2 and packaging it into an even more versatile design, the HOKA Mach 4 is a fantastic option for workouts, daily training, and everything in between. Completely updating the shoe from top to bottom, the latest version creates a much more bouncy expierence that feels smooth and efficient at nearly any pace. While their are more race specific options available from HOKA, the Mach 4 offers that fast and fun feel that you can bring out for every run of the week.
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What We Love: |
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On 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.
Its gonna get a little TECHYso you can just skip on down to the specific model comparison if you want, but personally if Im 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 dont 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
On shoes are a little hard for me to describe because I think theyve changed over the last few years and are different with each model that Ive 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.
They also have a shoe finder quiz to help you get in to the right model.
Cushioning
I would say they are cushioned, but not plush.
Stability
Affordability
Hoka One One Clifton Edge Mens Athletic Running Shoes
Are you searching for a pair of HOKA shoes for plantar fasciitis thats comfortable for long-distance running? Look no further than the HOKA ONE ONE Clifton Edge Mens Athletic Running Shoes. With just the right amount of cushioning and light but stable construction, theyll keep you comfortable without weighing you down.
Dont let the name fool you, though. While theyre designed for runners, the stylish design is also good for casual walks. Plus, the upper allows for continuous ventilation, which makes these shoes even more attractive. And compared to other HOKA shoes for plantar fasciitis, this pair has the most color options!
- What We Love:
- Packed with many amazing features, they offer a nice blend of comfort and function.
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Our Hoka Shoes Review
Now we are at the meat of our discussion of the Hoka running shoes review. I know you have a question in your mind, Which Hoka shoe is best for me? Right? Lets start talking about our featured brand for this article. None other than Hoka Shoes both for men and women. In the later part, you will also get the pros and cons of Hoka shoes.
Hoka One One Mens Vanquish 3 Running Shoes
Suffering from plantar fasciitis is one of the most irritating things that can happen to you. Thats why you should treat it by wearing super comfy shoes, like the HOKA ONE ONE Menâs Vanquish 3 Running Shoes. Since HOKA is one of the best brands of shoes for plantar fasciitis, you can expect nothing but the best from these shoes. These HOKA shoes for plantar fasciitis are equipped with a maximum level of cushioning to comfort each step you take. Theyâll aid you in your everyday life and make life easier for you!
Meanwhile, the dual-layer EVA midsole will absorb the shocks sent by the ground to the feet, so you wonât feel any pain when walking. These shoes also minimize stress on the joints and take off pressure from the feet, making them ideal for running. Plus, we like how grippy the rubber sole is. Even better, there are several color options to choose from.
- What We Love:
- A well-cushioned option thatâs made with your comfort in mind.
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Unique Geometry Creates Smooth Ride
The first thing we noticed about the Kawana is the beveled, swallow-tail heel previously seen on the Clifton 8 and Clifton Edge shoes. The swallow-tail is a unique design feature that provides a broader, flatter surface designed for smoother heel strikes. In essence, it creates a semi-custom crash pad, providing a smooth sensation whether your foot initially strikes the ground in a neutral pattern or slightly tilted inward or outward.
The Kawana has an early stage meta-rocker design that HOKA shoes are known for, and the swallow-tail design, semi-firm properties of the midsole foam and wide, stable platform of the outsole create a smooth sensation in every stride. The outsole is made of an array of durable rubber pods separated by deep flex grooves that help take the edge off the semi-firm feeling of the midsole. Although there are no stability-enhancing mechanisms built into the shoe, the wide platform and semi-firm midsole provide reassuring support for neutral and slight overpronators.
The Kawana seems to assist in the transition, but you dont feel the distinct rolling sensation. Instead theres a feeling of complete ground contact on the run, and I like it, one tester reports. It feels stable and smooth at the same time. But its distinctly different from what I think of as a shoe with a rocker shape.
Hoka One One Mens Bondi 6 Running Shoes
Apart from being a popular flip-flop brand, HOKA INE ONE also produces amazing running shoes. One of its popular products is the HOKA ONE ONE Mens Brondi 6 Running Shoes. These HOKA shoes for plantar fasciitis are a nice option for plantar fasciitis sufferers who love to run and want a pair of stable shoes. Their midsole is plush, but itâs also a bit firm at the same time, keeping the shoes fast and responsive without sacrificing comfort.
While they arenât the lightest model out there, theyâre still pretty lightweight. Plus, they can easily last for years to come, so you donât have to keep investing in a pair of new shoes every now and then. Furthermore, most of the midfoot, forefoot, and toe are covered by light mesh that helps pull out heat and moisture, keeping your feet fresh at all times. By the way, these shoes are also a nice pair of travel shoes for Achilles Tendonitis!
- What We Love:
- Dependable shoes thatâll keep you stable and kicking for miles without any discomfort.
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Hoka Speedgoat 4 Running Shoes
Best for Trail Running
The three most important things to look for in trail running shoes are protection, grip and build. They should protect your feet over time from falling rocks and debris, include traction that can handle all sorts of terrain and be rugged enough to handle outdoor obstacles. Hokas Speedgoat 4 is among the best trail running shoes because it checks off all these boxes, and then some.
Unlike typical trail running shoes, this one features balanced EVA cushioning combined with neutral stability that propels you forward without causing you to lose control. It also serves as a protective cushion while maintaining a responsive toe-off for when you want to pick up the pace. These shoes are perfect for anyone who wants to hit technical terrain and go fast.
Other standout features include a 3D printed overlay for added support and lockdown, Vibram Megagrip traction and zonal rubber lugs for superb grip and a wide toe box to boost stability. They also have a breathable mesh upper to keep feet warm yet cool, making them a great winter or cold-weather running sneaker.
Best For Stability And Plantar Fasciitis Relief
Many people are familiar with the sharp arch pain associated with plantar fasciitis, and those who stand and walk on hard surfaces all day are even more likely to deal with this excruciating condition. Whether this is all too familiar or you’re someone who just needs a little bit of extra stability, the HOKA Gaviota should be your go-to for all-day wear. Featuring a dual-density midsole that is designed to stabilize the foot by reducing overpronation, the Gaviota offers your feet, knees, and back some extra support so you will still be feeling good as you clock out after a long day. You may even be feeling good enough to take them out for a post-work jog.
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To Hoka Or Not To Hoka
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Just like Vibrams did a few years ago, Hokas are dividing opinion within the running world. There are the die hard fans, or those that think that a more minimalist shoe is best for runners. And these shoes look anything but minimalist.
Pronounced Oh-nee, this is a brand developed in 2010 by two Frenchmen who previously worked at Salomon, searching for a modern trail shoe to play in on the Alps mountain paths. The wide sole is based on powder skis and mountain bike tyres.
The sole is THICK, but dont be fooled, they are super lightweight which is designed for comfort, stability and cushioning. The sole tips up at the ends, this meta-rocker geometry is supposed to encourage your natural running gait, giving you a smooth roll to lift off your toes designed to help prevent lower limb injuries. Theres added stability within the shoes as your foot sits within the midsole which the brand calls the bucket seat.
Although the sole is large, the heel to toe drop isnt huge, only 4mm, which provides a minimal shoe but a massive cushion, different to a lot of cushioned/supportive shoes that have a larger drop.
Workout clothes from a range at Zalando.
I took my Hokas to New Zealand and loved running in themuntil I didnt.
