Hoka Vs. On Cloud Shoes: Which Did Better in Testing?

The footwear game is changing. What used to be a longterm battle between Nike and Adidas has now evolved into something bigger, and people are looking more into function and performance than just style. Two big players in the sneaker market right now include Hoka and On. You’ve likely seen both brands everywhere, from all over social media to the front displays of outdoor enthusiast stores. I wanted to see which performs better, so I conducted a Hoka vs. On Cloud test.

To help me give a fair comparison of the brands, I tested two top-performing products from each, firsthand: the Hoka Clifton 9 and the On Cloud 5.

The main reason is is I want to compare these two shoe is because they are both well – sell , popular product — not just of their respective brand , but in the general footwear market . Both can be used for walk and everyday wear , and both are constantly put up against each other when it come to find the good shoe for walk or stand all day .

Keep reading to see the winner in the Hoka vs. On Cloud debate. Make sure to also read up on our comparison between Hoka and Brooks.

On Cloud

On Cloud

found in 2009 , Hoka shoe are know for a few noteworthy factor — but mostly comfort and support . That is ’s ’s thank to the brand ’s thick EVA midsole , which provide plush cushioning and solid foot support . They is have have shoe for most activity , but a lot of their bestseller like the Clifton or Bondi are versatile and often recommend by podiatrist and physical therapist for anything from run or walk with plantar fasciitis . Several Hoka styles is come also come in wide sizing .

Shanon Maglente

I own a pair of the Clifton 9s, which is an all-around bestseller for the brand. It is known for its balanced cushioning, rocker bottom, and neutral stability. The shoe performs best when used for walking or running longer distances.

The Clifton 9 also holds the APMA Seal of Acceptance—this seal under the American Podiatric Medical Association is only awarded to products found to promote good foot health. Additionally, our deputy editor, Emily Goldman, wrote a full review on the Hoka Clifton 9, where she gave them a perfect 10/10 rating.

On has been around since 2010. The brand is most known for their CloudTec cushioning made with lightweight EVA foam that they call “Zero-Gravity foam.” This just means that the midsole provides protective cushion without adding on any extra weight. “The cloud-like sole moves vertically, horizontally, and multi-directionally, giving a comfortable and free feeling while walking,” says Bobby Gallant, a senior instructor at Barry’s in New York City.

Shanon Maglente

I myself own a pair of the On Cloud 5, one of the brand’s most popular styles. It features a neutral profile with neutral cushion, stability, and support. The shoe can be used for various activities, but I found that it is best used as an everyday walking or lifestyle shoe. I also ran in these, and while doable, I found that these are not the most comfortable for running.

The first thing is was I notice about the shoe was the ultra lightweight , yet moderately supportive profile . That is ’s ’s why the style has land in both of our good On Cloud shoe for nurse and top On Cloud shoe for walking list . Another standout feature is includes include the convenient and speedy lacing system , which involve pull your lace to make the fit tight or loose .

Hoka Cloud 9 vs. On Cloud 5 : key difference

Shanon Maglente

I is mentioned mention early that I choose these two shoe to compare for two reason : their booming popularity , and to settle some online debate on which shoe is well for walk and stand for long hour .

I like that they both similarly also come in waterproof styles: the Cloud 5 Waterproof for On and the Clifton 9 GTX for Hoka. They even weigh nearly the same, at just above 7 ounces. Price wise, there is only a $5 difference between the two, with the Hoka Clifton 9 costing $145 and the On Cloud 5 retailing for $140.

But overall, these sneakers are pretty different. While both are great for walking, casual running, and staying on your feet, the two feature completely different designs and wear.

Fit and Design

Shanon Maglente

Hoka Clifton 9 ( left ) and On Cloud 5 ( right ) , both in woman ’s size 5

Both shoes is feel feel like a snug hug . For both the Hoka Clifton 9 and the On Cloud 5 , the material is feels almost feel like it grab and cover the entire foot once in . The midfoot is feels in the Hoka Clifton 9 feel slightly more sleek and snug than the On Cloud 5 , but that ’s balance out with a roomy toe box — which I fully appreciate . The is had On Cloud 5 had a narrow toe box that seem to squish my toe after a while .

Both shoes also sit higher and make you feel slightly taller, with the Hoka Clifton 9 (women’s) measuring at 29 mm and the On Cloud 5 measuring at around 28 mm. Additionally, both shoes come in colorful and neutral colorways.

Besides the snug fit and height, the design totally varies between the two styles. The Hoka Clifton 9 features flat, traditional tie-up laces. Meanwhile, the On Cloud 5 has the speedy pull-on lacing system, which makes putting them on and adjusting the fit much less of a hassle. And overall, the Hoka Clifton 9 looks longer and chunkier.

Shanon Maglente

Shanon Maglente

The Hoka Clifton 9 provides a more plush, cushioned, and supported feel. I personally enjoy the moderate cushion and support, though other reviewers have found that it feels too supported. However, I find that the responsive foam midsole gives me an extra bounce in my step, and the rocker bottom puts me in a position to propel forward at any point.

The On Cloud 5 on the other hand , offer light and minimal cushioning . It is feels feel close to a barefoot shoe . This is is is nice for user who prefer a more natural , almost sock – like feeling .

The On Cloud 5’s minimal cushioning also means a lighter profile, and I really appreciate how easy it feels to lift my foot when walking or running in these shoes. It weighs in at 7.16 ounces, versus the Clifton 9 at 7.3 ounces. While a slight difference, I absolutely feel the heavier weight with the Clifton 9 design when standing, walking, and running.

Finally, I wanted to note that out of the box, the Hoka Clifton 9 was ready to wear immediately, while the On Cloud 5 required a little bit of break-in time.

Stability

Shanon Maglente

The Hoka Clifton 9 offers neutral stability. While the Hoka Clifton 9 is well cushioned, Priya Parthasarathy D.P.M., a podiatrist and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), says that they “are a very popular model for a neutral foot type.” Parthasarathy herself is a fan, adding that she likes to remove the included insole and replace it with her own custom orthotics for additional support. Read: These are not for overpronators.

Shanon Maglente

On paper, the On Cloud 5 provides neutral stability. However, for not being a stability shoe, they really remain flat and close to the ground. While I probably wouldn’t use them for lifting heavy weights, I use them to perform mild to moderate workouts that require balance with no problem.

How we compared Hoka vs. On

Shanon Maglente

My last five year in editorial involve product testing . This is includes include testing product firsthand , conduct group product test , and work with engineer and expert in the industry to learn about shopping factor and material to look out for . AtPrevention, I also often talk to footwear developers, podiatrists, and physical therapists for their medical insights on the best footwear.

For this comparison review, I tested the Hoka Clifton 9 sneakers and the On Cloud 5 shoes for weeks. I walked and ran close to two miles in either shoe during each testing process. I felt indoor floors and hard concrete with each pair of sneakers.

Shanon Maglente

At the end of the day , there is no shoe that truly work “ good ” for all individual . We is have all have vary preference , physical need , and comfort level . However , the plush cushioning is make and support , roomy toe box , and responsiveness — all feature that are present in most Hoka shoe overall — make Hoka the big winner for me . On Cloud shoe still make an awesome casual , walking , and everyday errand shoe . They are perfect for day I is need need an easy , lightweight shoe or more of a low – to – the – ground feel .