We Break Down the Differences Between Hoka and On Shoes

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Let’s get something out of the way: Running shoe comparisons can be quite polarizing. There may be a brand of shoe that you live and die by, but someone hates with a burning passion. The Hoka vs. On debate is no different. Both brands make shoes with unique shapes (chunky, stacked cushioning for Hoka and rippled pods for On) that are ideal for different types of runners and feet.

Luckily, the best of the best (cough, Men’s Health) is here to help you decide which brand of shoes will work best for you. And better yet, we’ve enlisted podiatrists Dr. Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, D.P.M and Dr. Brad Schaeffer, D.P.M to bring their expertise into this running shoe equation.

And when you’re choosing between Hoka and On, you can rest easy knowing each produces high-quality sneakers. After all, On and Hoka are beloved by runners, and MH editors.

“Both brands offer significant cushioning, lightweight material, and shock absorption especially for runners,” Dr. Daughtry says. Ready to see the differences between the two? Read on to find out.

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Hoka vs. On Main Differences

On and Hoka are both popular running shoes, but each has its own unique shoe philosophy. When purchasing On, mostly styles feature a neutral running shoe. On is sometimes referred to as "On Cloud" because of its CloudTec, the brand's proprietary midsole cushioning featuring little cushioned pods to reduce impact with each step while still giving solid energy return.

We found that On doesn't offer as much cushioning as Hokas, but podiatrist Dr. Schaeffer says On's shoes have "the appropriate mix of cushion and support," and thinks they're great shoes for standing all day in.

Unlike Brooks’ GuideRail technology, On doesn't offer much support to keep your foot from overpronation. Depending on how you tend to run (and if you pronate or supinate excessively), this can be a good or bad thing. If you don’t tend to overpronate or supinate, you may enjoy a neutral pair of running shoes that allow your feet to move freely.

By contrast, Hoka produces a variety of stability running shoes (think the Stinson 7 and Arahi 6) with corrective features like J-Frames to keep your feet from overpronation. However, Hoka’s real claim to fame can be more notably attributed to its heavily-cushioned, maximalist, rockered-style running shoes like the Bondi 8 or the Rincon 3.

Cloudflow 4

Cloud 5

Cloudultra 2

Cloudmonster

“Meta-Rocker technology offers a smooth heel-to-toe transition and has generous midsole cushioning that absorbs impact over longer distances,” Dr. Daughtry says. “Hokas also have the APMA Seal of Approval/Acceptance, which indicates the shoes promote good foot health and offer enhanced stability and support for a more flat foot structure.”

On the other hand, Dr. Daughtry likes On’s “versatility and responsive cushioning, which makes for a great option to many foot structures for day-to-day activities.”

Hoka vs. On Running Shoes Durability

Regardless of the brand, running shoes are meant to be replaced every 300 to 500 miles. Period. We can go on and on about one brand being more durable than another, but at the end of the day, the technology and cushioning on any running shoe will break down after a while. With that being said, based on our own testing, I have experienced less durability with Hokas due to the soft midsole cushioning. The cushioning on Hokas seem to compress more quickly than the less-squishy ‘pods’ found on On.

Clifton 9

Bondi 8

Gaviota 5

Mach 5

Hoka vs. On Running Shoes Fit and Sizing

It can be tough to figure out what size to get in running shoes (I recently found out my feet are two different sizes while doing Fleet Feet’s foot scan), but luckily, we’re here to break it all down for you.

With men’s Hokas, you’ll easily find sizes from 7-14 and a few outlier numbers in specific styles for feet that are a bit larger or smaller than the traditional range. Hoka has a handy size chart template for those in between sizes, so you can figure out which one to purchase.

In my opinion, Hokas tend to run a bit narrow, so keep this in mind when choosing between the regular and wide sizes. I’ve also noticed that Hokas fit pretty true to size length-wise, so select whatever you normally do.

Similarly to Hokas, On are available in men’s sizes 7-14. I’ve found them to be true to size and of a normal width. If your feet aren’t an average width, never fear! On also stocks both narrow and wide widths in most shoes.

Hoka vs. On Running Shoes Cushioning

As we said before, Hoka is a brand well-known for its thick cushioning through the midsole. However, Hoka actually makes shoes with three different levels of cushioning: plush, balanced, and responsive. The plush cushioning is said to “minimize impact”, whereas the protective balanced cushioning gives more energy back during a run. Responsive cushioning is mostly found in Hoka’s trail and racing shoes, and is said to “provide more bounce.” Besides the differences in midsole cushioning, you’ll find that most pairs of Hokas feature a meta-rocker, which helps propel runners forward instead of landing flat on their feet, and come in two different types: early-stage and late-stage. Shoes with an early-stage meta-rocker are meant to encourage quicker turnover, and those with late-stage meta-rockers are Hoka’s more stable shoes, since the meta-rocker is closer to the toes.

On the other hand, On's shoes feature its proprietary CloudTec cushioning, which uses little cushioned pods to reduce impact Dr. Schaeffer says strikes a great balance between comfort and support. "I have used On shoes to walk around my office... and I love these because of the comfort provided and feel they help my knee and back when standing or walking for long periods of time," says Dr. Schaeffer, who's based in New York City.

While On is a comfortable shoe that feels cushioned, it's nothing like the heavily-stacked cushioning found in most Hokas. However, in my own testing, I found that On traditionally have better responsiveness than Hokas because of the former's firmer midsole cushioning.

Hoka vs. On Running Shoes Stability

Neither Hoka nor On are brands primarily known for producing stability shoes. However, Hoka does make some shoes specifically for stability with the inclusion of J-Frames. J-Frames are to Hokas as GuideRails are to Brooks, so you can expect to feel additional medial support and firmer foam, which are ideal for overpronators.

Hoka vs. On Running Shoes Price

When buying a pair of Hokas, expect to pay anywhere from $125-$250 for your new kicks. One of its most popular styles, the Bondi 8, is around $165, which is comparable in price to other high-quality running brands. Unsurprisingly, the Hokas designed for marathon running, the Rocket X 2 Racing Shoe, cost upwards of $250, which is also on-target for competitive racing shoes.

The most popular On model, the On Cloud 5, is around $140. However, On also makes pricey marathon-specific shoes, like the On Cloudboom Echo 3, which cost almost $300. On has also done collaborations with designer brands like Loewe, which cost around $450.

It is also worth noting that you may be able to find both On and Hokas for less if you’re willing to settle for a previous season’s model. Additionally, many websites (such as Zappos) offer financing options through Afterpay if you’d prefer to pay for your running shoes over time.

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Podiatrist-Recommended Models from On and Hoka

Wondering what a podiatrist recommends from both brands? Us, too! We asked Dr. Daughtry and Dr. Schaeffer to weigh in with their favorite picks.

“The On Cloud 5 is a wonderful option for those that have to stand for long periods during the day,” Dr. Daughtry says. “There is even a waterproof version for those using the shoe in an outdoor environment.”

On Hoka's side, she recommends the Clifton 9. "It's an excellent choice for those with flat feet that need enhanced stability in their shoes,” she says. “The shoe is breathable, lightweight, yet supportive and stabilizing as it molds to the structure and shape of your foot.”

Dr. Schaeffer personally uses the Clifton 9 for his workouts and running. "I love these because they offload my feet and provide a nice level of shock absorption throughout my gait cycle," he says.

Though Schaeffer notes that both brands, "Have great offloading capabilities during heel strike through toe off providing a great help during our gait cycle."

Conclusion

Long story short? Both Hoka and On make great running shoes. If you’re someone who appreciates a firmer midsole with more responsiveness, On shoes are an excellent choice. And if you prefer stacked cushioning or want to test a stability shoe out, Hoka is your best bet.

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Meet the Experts

• Dr. Elizabeth Bass Daughtry, D.P.M, is a board-certified foot surgeon with Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic in Dunn, NC.

• Dr. Brad Schaeffer, D.P.M, is a board-certified foot surgeon with Central Park SOLE in New York City.

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