In general, Hoka running shoes run on the narrow side, although certain models are available in wide widths. With that said, the standard width (B for women and D for men) is usually snugger in width than size- and width-matched running shoes from brands like New Balance and Brooks.
The lineup mostly includes neutral shoes designed to support a natural running stride rather than having many corrective stability and motion control running shoes that offer a lot of pronation control and gait correction.
On Cloud running shoes have a distinctive appearance with pods in the soles, called CloudTec. The company claims that this technology reduces muscle fatigue and heart rate by promoting energy return for better propulsion and reduced impact stress.
One thing to note is that there are fewer On Cloud vs Hoka running shoe models that are approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). Therefore, if you have foot conditions or wear orthotics, you might be better suited to choose Hoka vs On Cloud running shoes.
The durability of On Cloud vs Hoka running shoes is similar. Like many running shoe companies, both companies recommend replacing their running shoes after 300 to 500 miles (500-800 km) of use, or every 3-6 months, depending largely on the training and body factors mentioned.
On Running notes that the lifespan of On Cloud running shoes depends specifically on the model and materials used. For example, the On Running Cloudflash model is designed for short, fast runs, so they are less durable than everyday trainers.
This is largely due to the fact that the On Cloud running shoes have a firmer midsole, which is a deliberate design consideration to help strike a better balance between cushioning and responsiveness or energy return.
Although people usually associate HOKA with the thickest maximalist running shoes, there are actually three levels of cushioning in Hoka running shoes, depending on the type and primary function. Despite being maximalist running shoes with a very thick midsole, Hoka running shoes are surprisingly lightweight.
Both On Cloud running shoes and Hoka running shoes tend to run narrow, but there is some variability in the fit of the different models, with both brands seemingly transitioning into a general shoe shape that is slightly wider in the forefoot than they had in earlier models.
Overall, both On Cloud and Hoka make great running shoes. Whether you should choose Hoka vs On Cloud primarily depends on the amount of cushioning versus responsiveness you want in your running shoe and the amount of stability you seek.
The shoes run small. I'm normally a size 6.5, but I tested a size 7, and they still felt a bit tight overall. It wasn't a concern when I was running or walking because I still had a good half inch of toe room, but if you like having more wiggle room or are wearing very thick running socks, I would recommend going up a full size. Plus, as our sneaker buying guide recommends, running and walking shoes should have a half inch of extra toe space. Aside from the fit-related issue, these shoes felt great for both running and leisure.
I thoroughly enjoyed wearing these shoes, and they've become my new go-to running shoes. I didn't think I would get excited about running shoes, but there's so much to appreciate about them, including the bouncy feel, the 30% recycled material, and, of course, the responsiveness. I've been recommending them to all my friends, with the caveat that the style choices are limited. There are only three available color options: black, acai lavender, and glacier meadow. That being said, they make an excellent pair of running and walking shoes.
There's often a trade-off between cushion and weight when it comes to running shoes. Running shoes that offer lots of cushion to keep your feet supported can feel like weights, while lighter shoes can leave you clutching your feet in pain after a couple of miles.
I've worn incredibly lightweight shoes that made me feel like I was flying, only to end up with torn ligaments. I've also tried custom orthotics and heavily cushioned shoes, which only left me angry and frustrated with the unnatural stride and the feeling as though I was running through molasses that they imparted.
This sole-focused approach to shoes takes away a lot of the negatives attached to well-cushioned running shoes. Because I was still be able to really feel the ground with the push off of each stride, I never got that "running in molasses" feeling. I kept my mileage in the 2-4 range, but I think these would have held up even better over the course of a long run where a cushioned sole performs best.
On also founded and sponsors the professional running group, On Athletics Club, coached by Dathan Ritzenhein with a roster than contains multiple Olympic finalists.[11] The company also built bobsleigh shoes that were used in the 2022 Winter Olympics.[12]
Founded in 2010 by longtime friends Caspar Coppetti, David Allemann, and Olivier Bernhard, ON shoes enable a flawless running experience. Initially developed by Bernhard - a former professional athlete - and prominent Swiss engineers, each pair delivers powerful takeoffs and gentle landings, every step of the way.
Since On Cloud shoes are designed to improve running performance, it may be no surprise that nearly 80% of owners run or jog every week, which is more than twice the percentage of people who are not interested in wearing On Cloud shoes. This shows that On Cloud ownership and awareness are high among avid runners.
I am by no means a good (or even OK) tennis player. But I needed a lightweight shoe to throw on when playing recreationally with friends, and my other running sneakers felt too bulky to be nimble. I laced the Cloud Xs up and they did just fine. Lateral movements were very easy and swift, and they felt supportive. Sydney attributes this to the medium heel drop, which makes them better for functional workouts than running shoes, which typically have a higher heel drop and can make them unstable.
In the context of running, you can use both of these shoes for shorter runs if you want and they should perform pretty well. I would limit their running as a whole though due to their midsoles running into durability issues, especially throughout the areas where there is exposed foam.
The one consistent complaint that I have with most On shoes is their long-term durability. The On Cloud 5 and On Cloud X have similar levels of durability and where they excel and fall short for durability are both fairly consistent.
You've likely seen On Running shoes at the gym; they're noticeable by their unique sole. They're popping up everywhere, and for good reason. There's a shoe for every kind of active person; whether you're interested in trail running, need something with maximum support, or even something for wide feet, there's a pair you're going to love. If you've wanted to try the sneakers, but don't know where to begin, you've come to the right place.
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