Hoka or On? The differences in numbers

Hoka and On both make heavily cushioned running shoes, but they cushion differently: Hoka relies on a high, continuous midsole, On on its CloudTec elements under the sole. In numbers, the everyday models are close: according to Hoka, the Hoka Clifton 10 weighs 278 g; according to On, the On Cloudsurfer 2 weighs 261 g. So what decides is less the brand than the right model and how the shoe fits your foot.

What is the basic difference between Hoka and On?

The difference lies in how the midsole is built. Hoka is known for a lot of foam under the foot. For the Bondi 9, the model with the highest sole in this comparison, Hoka gives a stack height of 43 mm at the heel and 38 mm at the forefoot for the men's version.

On builds its soles from individual cushioning elements that it calls CloudTec. Above them, many models have a foam On calls Helion, and the faster models also have a plate, the Speedboard. According to On, the Cloudmonster 3 has a three-layer CloudTec system and the Cloudsurfer 2 a variant called CloudTec Phase.

What this means for you: both brands cushion noticeably, but because they're built differently, the roll from heel to toe feels different too. Only a test run will show whether you prefer one or the other.

Which models are comparable for everyday running?

For daily runs on tarmac and forest tracks, the Hoka Clifton 10 and the On Cloudsurfer 2 are the natural pair. Hoka describes the Hoka Clifton 10 as light and soft for your daily kilometres, at 278 g with an 8 mm drop in the men's version. According to On, the On Cloudsurfer 2 weighs 261 g and has a Helion superfoam midsole and CloudTec Phase cushioning for a soft ride on tarmac.

If you want more hold, take a look at the On Cloudrunner 3. On calls it the shoe for every day, with a wider sole and a heel clip for more hold. At 311 g it is the heaviest shoe in this comparison.

Which models have the most cushioning?

At Hoka it's the Bondi 9, at On the Cloudsurfer Max. According to Hoka, the Hoka Bondi 9 for men has a 43/38 mm stack height, a 5 mm drop and weighs 297 g. The Bondi 9 for women comes in at 42/37 mm and 263 g.

On describes the Cloudsurfer Max for men as a max-cushioned shoe for long runs, with double CloudTec Phase. The same goes for the Cloudsurfer Max for women. In the texts we have, On doesn't give a weight for this model.

How much do Hoka and On shoes weigh?

According to the manufacturers, the road models weigh between just over 260 g and just over 310 g per shoe. The figures apply to a reference size; your shoe in EU 46 will weigh more than one in EU 40.

• On Cloudsurfer 2: 261 g
• On Cloudsurfer Next: 273 g
• Hoka Clifton 10 men's: 278 g
• On Cloudswift 4: 278 g
• Hoka Bondi 9 men's: 297 g, women's: 263 g
• On Cloudrunner 3: 311 g

A difference of 20 to 30 g per shoe looks clear on paper, but most runners only notice it on long runs. It's more important that the cushioning suits your weight and your routes.

What heel-to-toe drop do Hoka and On shoes have?

At Hoka, the drop depends on the model: the Clifton 10 has 8 mm, the Bondi 9 has 5 mm. The drop is the height difference between heel and forefoot. For On, the manufacturer texts we have don't give a drop; you'll find the figure on the relevant product page at On.

If you switch from a shoe with a much higher or lower drop, give yourself time to adjust. What the number means and what to watch for when switching is explained in our article on heel-to-toe drop.

Do both brands make stability and trail shoes?

Yes. Hoka describes the Hoka Arahi 8 as a surprisingly streamlined stability shoe, meaning it's for runners who want more guidance. Whether you need a stability shoe is covered in our article on neutral and stability shoes.

For forest tracks and trails we stock the Hoka Speedgoat 7 for women and, from On, the Cloudvista 3. On describes it as versatile and robust, ideal for shorter trail runs, with CloudTec for agility and Helion foam for stability. On muddy Eifel paths after rain, the outsole is what counts most; more on that in our article on trail running shoes for the Eifel.

Hoka or On: how do you decide?

Decide by use and fit, not by brand. Both manufacturers have a model for every purpose, and models within one brand differ more than the brands do from each other. The lasts differ too: some feet fit better in one shoe, some in the other.

• Define the use: everyday running, long runs, speed or off-road.
• Pick one model per brand for that use and try both on.
• Try them on in the afternoon, with the socks you run in.
• Leave about a thumb's width of room in front of your big toe.
• Run a few steps on firm ground and watch for pressure points.
• If you're unsure, use the free 3D foot scan.