HOKA and On are among the top running shoe brands on the market today. With the popularity of the HOKA running shoe line and On’s Cloud running shoe line, you’ve probably heard of both while searching for a new pair of shoes to enhance your workouts.
Choosing the right pair of running shoes is essential to perform at your best and prevent injuries. We all have different foot types, builds, natural running strides, and training goals, so various shoes are available to help.
In this article, we’ll examine several of the HOKA and On Cloud shoes that are best for different running goals, foot types, and personal preferences to help you choose the ideal pair. The categories we’ll cover include:
By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which pair of running shoes in these lines is the right fit for you.
Daily Trainers: HOKA Clifton 11 vs On Cloudsurfer 2
Runners just getting started or training in multiple styles will benefit from a versatile pair of daily trainers that are great for everything from uptempo workouts to long-distance runs.
After thoroughly reviewing the best HOKA shoes and the best On Cloud shoes, we found that the HOKA Clifton 11 and On Cloudsurfer 2 stand out as terrific daily trainers.
While both are top choices, they have a few distinct differences that will make them better for some runners than others. Let’s compare the two head-to-head to help you decide which is right for your needs.
Comfort and Fit
The HOKA Clifton 11 and On Cloudsurfer 2 feature curved soles to ease the transition from heel to toe when running. However, depending on the type of runner you are, key differences between the two will impact your experience.
Cushioning
One of the main differences is how the cushioning feels between the two.
The HOKA Clifton 11’s foam midsole is thicker and firmer, providing more support on longer runs and helping maintain a steady running pace.
The On Cloudsurfer 2’s foam is softer and bouncier, helping to reduce fatigue for those with a harder foot strike.
Heel-To-Toe Drop
The Clifton 11s have an 8mm drop, whereas the Cloudsurfers have a 9mm drop. So, both models are considered moderate-to-high drop shoes.
Higher-drop shoes allow for some heel strike since the extra elevation helps absorb impact, while placing less stress on the achilles, shins, and calves.
Versatility and Performance
Both of these shoes can act as daily trainers and are good for all types of running. That said, there are still a couple of key differences here.
The Clifton 11’s thicker foam, wider platform, and heavier weight give them a bulkier feel with more protection underfoot while running. Some runners say they don’t like the bulkiness of them as much when doing speed training, but many do appreciate the extra support on longer-distance runs.
The Cloudsurfer 2’s impact-absorbing abilities and lighter feel make them better suited for uptempo runs where you naturally have harder foot strikes.
Durability and Design
Both shoes have excellent build quality but achieve this in different ways.
The Clifton 11’s thick midsole and durable upper make them a reliable choice for runners who log many miles, ensuring the shoe maintains its comfort and support over time. However, its bulkier design might not appeal to those looking for a sleeker shoe.
The Cloudsurfer 2, with its updated CloudTec Phase midsole, offers a more streamlined design that doesn’t compromise on durability. On Cloud also included a thicker and more durable outsole in the Cloudsurfer 2, which enhances the shoe’s longevity on rougher surfaces.
Final Recommendation Between HOKA Clifton 11 vs On Cloudsurfer 2
Overall, you can’t go wrong with either pair since they provide versatile performance. Consider your preferred training style to help you choose between the two.
The HOKA Clifton 11’s reliable comfort and cushioning provides the best experience for long-distance runners, while the On Cloudsurfer’s soft, springy cushioning minimizes impact during speed training or for those with harder foot strikes.
Speed Trainers: HOKA Mach 7 vs On Cloudflow 5
When you have speed in mind, the HOKA Mach 7 and On Cloudflow 5 are excellent choices for interval training and uptempo runs. Here’s how they compare in essential categories.
Responsiveness and Speed
The HOKA Mach 7 is very responsive. This pair of shoes uses a super-critical EVA midsole, which is lightweight, compressible, and flexible foam with a bouncy feel. It helps maintain a steady pace during tempo runs. However, some runners say this pair lacks the explosive “pop” they look for during intensive speed workouts.
The On Cloudflow 5 has a bit more of that “pop” to it. The responsive Helion HF foam midsole is a bit firmer and doesn’t feel as cushy. However, it does help support more explosive running. These shoes also feature a Speedboard plate that flexes and snaps back to enhance the rebound of each stride and a rockered geometry (curved sole) to enhance the heel-to-toe transition to really propel you forward.
Weight
The HOKA Mach 7 is the lighter of the two, coming in at 8.37 oz for men and 7.15 oz for women. The lightness makes it more versatile to reduce fatigue on longer runs and keep your strides quick when you want to pick up the pace.
The On Cloudflow 5 is slightly heavier, coming in at 9.8 oz for men and 8.14 oz for women. While this pair is slightly heavier, the extra support features that add weight, like the Speedboard plate and firmer cushioning, also give it that extra snap for sprints and help support harder, more intense strides.
Final Recommendation on HOKA Mach 7 vs. On Cloudflow 5
Those who want a lighter, more versatile shoe for distance running and speed training will enjoy the HOKA Mach 7. However, if you want to focus on pure speed or interval training, the On Cloudflow 5’s explosive support system might be better suited to your needs.
Race Day Shoes: HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 vs. On Cloudboom Strike 2
Want to optimize performance on race day? The HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 and On Cloudboom Strike 2 are some of the top choices in this category. Let’s dive into how they stack up to each other.
Lightweight Design
On race day, you’ll want a shoe that’s light and keeps you propelling forward. Both of these shoes deliver in this category, but you should be mindful of a couple of differences when choosing which shoe is right for you.
The HOKA Cielo X1 3.0 weighs 7.5 oz for unisex sizing. HOKA designed these to be lightweight, with a minimal yet effective upper portion that’s breathable and provides structure without unnecessary bulk.
The On Cloudboom Strike is also remarkably light, weighing just 6.7 oz for unisex sizing. While it’s one of the lightest race-day shoes on the market, it still doesn’t compromise on durability or stability to ensure your feet and natural running stride feel supported.
Propulsion and Speed
Both of these shoes have several features that contribute to optimized propulsion and achieving top race day speeds. They both feature ultra responsive midsoles, carbon fiber plates, and pronounced rocker geometry.
The Cielo’s PEBA based foam provides effective bounce and energy return, while the Cloudboom Strike’s Helion HF Hyper foam delivers a propulsive ride.
These midsole units are paired also paired with carbon fiber plates – curved plates embedded in a shoe’s midsole to provide extra bounce through each stride. When the shoe can snap back quickly after bending, you lose less energy per stride, and it helps propel you forward, making carbon plated shoes a top choice on race day.
Rocker geometry provides a curved sole that eases the transition from heel to toe while running.
The main difference in propulsion and speed between these shoes is that the On Cloudboom Strike’s midsole is a bit firmer. That extra firmness provides more support for shorter, high-intensity races and runs.
On the other hand, the HOKA Cielo X1 3.0’s extra bouncy and cushioned feeling makes them better for longer races. These are especially great for marathon runners.
Technology and Innovation
The HOKA Cielo X1 incorporates several cutting-edge technologies, including its PEBA foam, which maximizes bounce and propulsion throughout runs. This design optimizes energy return while maintaining stability. Additionally, the compression-molded outsole provides excellent grip, ensuring confidence on various surfaces, which is crucial on race day.
The On Cloudboom Strike 2 stands out with its responsive Helion HF Hyper midsole foam. This midsole, combined with a more aggressive carbon fiber plate and new CloudTec Sphere technology, offers a unique blend of firmness and responsiveness. In addition, the shoe’s lightweight open-weave upper is designed to wick moisture efficiently, and the outsole’s traction is very reliable, making it perform great in wet and dry conditions.
Final Recommendation on HOKA Cielo X1 v3 vs. On Cloudboom Strike 2
Overall, when running longer races, the extra cushion and bounce in the HOKA Cielo X1 v3 make them the top choice. However, if you’re participating in shorter races like 5Ks and 10Ks, where speed and responsiveness are key, the On Cloudboom Strike might be the better pick.
Max Cushioned Shoes: HOKA Bondi 9 vs. On Cloudmonster 3
When it comes to max-cushioned running shoes, the HOKA Bondi 9 and the On Cloudmonster 3 represent two distinct approaches to providing a comfortable support structure.
Cushioning and Comfort
The HOKA Bondi 9 is known for its ultra-soft EVA midsole, which provides a pillowy soft feel on each stride. This shoe also features a wide base and an extended heel, which add stability and smooth out your run. This shoe excels at absorbing impact, making it a great choice for runners needing extra support or for use during recovery runs.
The On Cloudmaster 3 delivers its cushioning through Helion foam and a triple layer of CloudTec pods. CloudTec pods are hollow, compressing when your foot lands and springing back when your foot takes off to give these shoes extra bounce. The Cloudmonster 3 is designed for runners who like extra responsiveness in their shoe, with a rocker design that smoothly transitions through each stride.
Fit and Stability
The Bondi 9 offers a snugger fit, especially in the forefoot, which may be a bit too tight for some runners. Those with wider feet might need to consider the wide or extra wide version to avoid discomfort. Despite its extra-soft cushioning, the Bondi 9 feels stable and secure, thanks to its broader base and firm midsole.
The Cloudmonster 3 has a more generous fit, particularly in the toe box, which can feel too roomy for some runners. The shoe’s overall wider build has led to sizing issues for some people, so you might want to consider going a half size down if you don’t have a wider foot. Additionally, you’ll notice these shoes have an overall firmer feel, providing extra stability and bounce in each step.
Final Recommendation on HOKA Bondi 9 vs. On Cloudmonster 3
When you prioritize an extra-soft cushioned feel, the HOKA Bondi 9 is a standout choice. However, runners who want something slightly firmer with more bounce in each step might prefer the On Cloudmonster 3.
Visit Marathon Sports to Explore and Try on These HOKA and On Cloud Shoes
Each of the HOKA running shoes and On Cloud running shoes in this article are available at Marathon Sports.
You can shop our online store to compare their specs further and get them conveniently shipped to your doorstep, or stop at one of our retail locations to try them on before purchasing. With our wide selection of shoes from top brands in the industry, we’re confident we have a pair that’s right for you, no matter what your running needs are.
