Hoka and On are the two “new” running brands that took over gyms, airports, and office floors. You can spot each from across the room: Hokas sit on a tall, smooth, chunky white slab of foam, while On shoes ride on a row of hollow rubber “clouds.” They feel as different as they look. Hokas are softer and more cushioned. On shoes are firmer, lighter-feeling, and more responsive, with a sleeker, more fashion-forward look.
The short answer: buy Hoka if comfort and cushioning come first, especially for walking, standing all day, or easy runs. Buy On if you want a firmer, springier ride and a shoe that looks as good with jeans as it does on a run. For everyday wear, the On Cloud 6 is the style pick and the Hoka Clifton 11 is the comfort pick.
Hoka vs. On at a glance
| Spec | Hoka | On |
|---|---|---|
| Sole | Tall, smooth slab of soft foam with a rocker | Hollow CloudTec pods, often with a stiff Speedboard plate |
| Feel | Soft, plush, protective | Firmer, responsive, closer to the ground |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5 to 8 mm on core models | 6 to 9 mm on core models |
| Everyday / daily trainer | Clifton 11, $155 | Cloud 6 (lifestyle), $160; Cloudsurfer 2 (running), $160 |
| Max cushion | Bondi 9, $175 | Cloudsurfer Max, $180; Cloudmonster 3, $190 |
| Stability | Arahi 9, $155 | Cloudrunner 3, $160 |
| Widths | Regular, wide, extra wide | Regular and wide on many models |
| Returns (brand site) | 60 days | 90 days, free |
Best for comfort
Hoka Clifton 11
Hoka's soft, light daily trainer with an 8 mm drop, for running, walking, and all-day wear.
Best for everyday style
On Cloud 6
On's best-known everyday sneaker: light, with speed laces and an 8 mm drop.
How Hoka and On Feel Different
Hoka uses thick midsoles of soft foam shaped into a rocker, which Hoka calls MetaRocker. The foam soaks up impact and the rocker rolls your foot from heel to toe, so the shoe does the work and your feet feel protected. That’s why Hokas are so popular with nurses, retail and restaurant workers, and anyone who walks a lot.
On builds its soles from CloudTec pods: hollow rubber-and-foam “clouds” that compress on landing and then firm up as you push off. Many On shoes also have a Speedboard, a stiff plate between the foam and your foot that adds snap. Newer models like the Cloudsurfer use CloudTec Phase, where the pods collapse one after another, like dominoes, for a smoother, softer ride. On’s foam is called Helion.
The result: On shoes feel firmer, more stable underfoot, and more “fast” than Hokas, but less cushioned. If a Hoka feels like a mattress, an On feels more like a well-padded floor. The open channels in On’s soles can also pick up small stones on gravel paths, something Hoka’s solid soles don’t do.
Everyday Wear: Hoka Clifton 11 vs. On Cloud 6
| Hoka Clifton 11 | On Cloud 6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $155 | $160 |
| Weight (men’s) | 9.97 oz (283 g) | 9.4 oz (267 g) |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Built for | Running, walking, all-day wear | All-day wear |
| Laces | Standard | Elastic speed laces |
Most people searching “Hoka vs. On” want a comfortable shoe for walking, travel, and long days. The Cloud 6 is On’s best-known shoe: light, slim, easy to slip on with its elastic speed laces, and stylish enough for casual outfits. On markets it for all-day wear rather than serious running.
The Clifton 11 has noticeably more cushion and is a real running shoe, so it’s the better choice if you’re on your feet for eight hours or walk long distances. It looks chunkier, though. Pick the Cloud 6 for style and lightness, and the Clifton 11 for comfort.
Daily Running: Hoka Clifton 11 vs. On Cloudsurfer 2
| Hoka Clifton 11 | On Cloudsurfer 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $155 | $160 |
| Weight (men’s) | 9.97 oz (283 g) | 9.2 oz (261 g) |
| Drop | 8 mm | 9 mm |
| Feel | Soft, rocker | Smooth, CloudTec Phase |
For running, On’s most comparable shoe is the Cloudsurfer 2, not the Cloud 6. It’s one of On’s softest daily trainers, lighter than the Clifton, with a slightly higher 9 mm drop and a smooth, rolling transition. The Clifton 11 is still the softer, more cushioned shoe. Runners who find Hokas too mushy usually prefer the Cloudsurfer.
Max Cushion: Hoka Bondi 9 vs. On Cloudsurfer Max and Cloudmonster 3
| Hoka Bondi 9 | On Cloudsurfer Max | On Cloudmonster 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $175 | $180 | $190 |
| Weight (men’s) | 10.5 oz (298 g) | 10.3 oz (292 g) | 10.4 oz (295 g) |
| Drop | 5 mm | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Feel | Most protective, wide, rocker | Soft, smooth, double CloudTec Phase | Bouncy, responsive, Speedboard |
The Bondi 9 is the most cushioned of the three and the one to get for walking, standing, and recovery runs. It’s also the most stable thanks to its wide base.
On has two answers. The Cloudsurfer Max stacks two layers of CloudTec Phase for On’s softest ride, and it’s the closest On gets to the Bondi’s comfort. The Cloudmonster 3 has big, chunky clouds, a Speedboard, and a rocker shape. It’s bouncy and fun for long runs and faster days, but firmer than the Bondi and $15 more.
Most cushioned for walking and standing
Hoka Bondi 9
Hoka's most cushioned road shoe, with a wide, stable base and a 5 mm drop.
Most fun on for long runs
On Cloudmonster 3
Big CloudTec pods, Helion foam, a Speedboard, and a rocker for a bouncy ride.
Stability: Hoka Arahi 9 vs. On Cloudrunner 3
| Hoka Arahi 9 | On Cloudrunner 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $155 | $160 |
| Weight (men’s) | 10.0 oz (283 g) | 11.0 oz (311 g) |
| Drop | 8 mm | 8 mm |
| Support | H-Frame | Asymmetrical heel clip and stable CloudTec |
If your feet roll inward or you want a steadier ride, both brands make a mild stability shoe at about the same price and drop. The Arahi 9 is lighter and softer. The Cloudrunner 3 is heavier but has a plush heel and tongue, a firmer platform, and comes in a wide version. On also lists it for walking.
Best on for support
On Cloudrunner 3
On's stability shoe for running and walking, with an 8 mm drop and a wide option.
Fit, Widths, and Returns
Hoka sells its core models in regular, wide, and extra wide, and recent Cliftons have a roomier toe box. On shoes tend to run a little narrower and snugger, especially through the midfoot. On now makes wide versions of the Cloudsurfer 2, Cloudsurfer Max, Cloudmonster 3, and Cloudrunner 3, but not an extra wide. If you have wide feet, Hoka is the safer bet.
Both brands make it easy to try them. On.com offers free returns within 90 days, and Hoka.com offers 60-day returns. On’s shoes on Amazon come from third-party resellers, so buy On from on.com or a running store.
Price
The two are priced almost identically: about $155 to $160 for everyday and daily-running shoes, and $175 to $190 for max-cushion shoes.
Which Should You Buy?
Buy Hoka if:
- You want the most cushioning for walking or standing all day
- You have wide feet or need an extra-wide size
- You like a soft, rolling ride
- You mostly do easy runs and recovery runs
Buy On if:
- You want a firmer, springier, more responsive ride
- You want a sleeker sneaker that works with everyday outfits
- You have narrow to average feet
- You like elastic speed laces for slipping shoes on and off (Cloud 6)
For more Hoka comparisons, see Hoka vs. Brooks and Hoka Bondi vs. Clifton. If you’re shopping for work shoes, see our guide to the best shoes for standing all day.
Hoka vs. On FAQ
Are Hokas or Ons more comfortable?
For most people, Hokas. Their thicker, softer foam gives more cushioning, which matters most for walking and standing. On shoes feel firmer and more responsive, which some people find more comfortable over long runs.
Is Hoka or On better for walking?
Hoka. The Bondi 9 and Clifton 11 have more cushioning and a rocker that makes long walks easier. On’s Cloud 6 is lighter and more stylish for casual walking, and the Cloudrunner 3 is On’s best walking shoe if you want support.
What is the On equivalent of the Hoka Clifton?
The On Cloudsurfer 2 for running, and the On Cloud 6 for everyday wear. Both cost $160, and both have an 8 to 9 mm drop.
What is the On equivalent of the Hoka Bondi?
The On Cloudsurfer Max is the closest in softness. The Cloudmonster 3 is On’s other max-cushion shoe, with a bouncier, firmer ride.
Do On shoes run small?
On shoes tend to fit snugger and narrower than Hokas, especially in the midfoot. Many people find their usual size works. If you have wide feet, try On’s wide versions or a Hoka.
Why do On shoes have holes in the sole?
The holes are On’s CloudTec pods. They compress on landing to cushion your step, then firm up so you can push off. The downside is that they can catch small stones.
