At first glance, choosing a running shoe may feel like an easy task. After all, how much can really go into picking a single pair of shoes?
But when it comes down to it, there’s so much that goes into choosing the perfect pair of shoes for you. There are different brands, cushioning levels, support, and overall fit and feel to consider, and finding the perfect choice can feel a lot like searching for a needle in a haystack.
And it’s important to note that choosing the right shoe isn’t an inconsequential decision. A good pair of shoes will keep you comfortable on runs and help prevent injuries and soreness so you can meet your running goals.
At Marathon Sports, we know finding the perfect shoe isn’t a task to take lightly. Our running shoe experts learn all about each and every running shoe to help narrow down the choices and get you in the right pair of shoes.
To help you along the way, we’ve put together a comparison of two of the top brands in running shoes – Saucony and HOKA. We’ll take a deep dive into these powerhouse running brands to help you decide which one is right for you.
A Closer Look at Saucony and HOKA
While Saucony and HOKA have both become popular sportswear brands, they had very different starts to their stories.
With over a century of experience in running shoe design, Saucony has truly earned its title as the original running brand. Since 1898, Saucony has aimed to provide top-of-the-line footwear for road runners, trail runners, gym goers, walkers, and more.
As a newer brand – founded back in 2009 – HOKA doesn’t have quite the same long-term legacy as Saucony. But despite a less storied history, the brand has quickly risen in the ranks to become one of the most recognizable and well-loved running shoe brands around today.
Despite their different histories, both HOKA and Saucony have the same goal in mind – to create shoes that help people feel and perform their best. So how do their top running shoe lines stack up in helping them achieve that mission?
In this article, we’ll provide a head-to-head comparison of Saucony and HOKA running shoes in some of the most common shoe categories, including:
- Neutral daily trainers
- Stability daily trainers
- High-cushion shoes
- Speed shoes
- Race day shoes
- Trail shoes
If you’re torn over which of these two renowned running shoe brands is right for you, keep reading for an in-depth look at shoes from both brands to help you narrow down your options and find the perfect running shoe for all your needs.
Saucony vs HOKA: Neutral Daily Trainers
One of the most popular running shoe categories, neutral daily trainers are ideal for runners who are looking for a workhorse, everyday shoe that can truly do it all. And both Saucony and HOKA excel in this category, offering versatile daily trainers designed for comfort and everyday wear.
Saucony Ride 19
While Saucony has been around for a long time, the brand continues to improve its designs and add new, innovative technology and features for the best possible running experience. And after 19 different iterations, the Saucony Ride continues to serve as one of their top running shoe lines.
The shoe has seen many changes over the years, including an increase in stack height and improvements to the foam, but it remains a top choice among runners looking for a versatile, all-around shoe.
The Ride 19 continues to provide reliable comfort with 36 mm of foam in the heel and 28 mm in the forefoot. The PWRUN+ midsole foam is soft, responsive, and well-balanced, offering a plush ride that maintains plenty of energy return.
With the Ride 19, the comfortable extra padding doesn’t end under the foot. The soft, breathable engineered mesh upper boasts plenty of soft cushioning around the tongue and heel for immediate step-in comfort. The shoe is tied together with a durable and grippy rubber outsole for improved longevity and traction.
HOKA Clifton 11
The Clifton 11 from HOKA is one of the most popular shoes from this beloved running brand, and once you slide it on, it’s easy to see how it got that title.
The Clifton offers a significant amount of underfoot foam, with a stack height of 42/34 mm for men’s shoes and 38/30 mm for women’s shoes. The compressio-molded EVA foam guarantees a soft, plush, and reliable ride with plenty of shock absorption throughout daily runs.
The streamlined, breathable mesh upper securely wraps the foot, while the padding along the heel and tongue keeps every part of your foot cushioned and comfortable. In addition, the shoe features a Durabrasion rubber outsole for maximum durability and long lasting grip across all types of pavement.
It’s also worth noting that recent iterations of the Clifton moved to a more balanced, neutral metarocker, which is a big shift from the pronounced early stage metarocker featured in previous versions. With this design change, the Clifton 11 delivers a smooth, stable ride that feels more natural across a wider range of foot strikes – especially when paired with the shoe’s increased stack height. The result is a more versatile, everyday trainer that still carries HOKA’s signature rolling feel, just in a more refined way.
Saucony Ride 19 vs HOKA Clifton 11
When it comes down to it, both the Saucony Ride and HOKA Clifton offer a plush yet balanced ride perfect for everyday runs or daily wear.
While both shoes have plenty of foam underneath, the Clifton 11 edges out the Ride 19 in terms of stack height. Those who like some extra padding underfoot may prefer the Clifton’s higher stack height. However, with a slightly lower stack height and drop, the Ride offers a more grounded, natural feel that some runners may appreciate.
With this extra foam, however, the Clifton 11 is also slightly heavier than the Ride 19, weighing in at 8.34 oz for women’s and 9.97 oz for men’s compared to the Ride 19 at 7.7 and 8.9 oz. Both shoes are incredibly lightweight, but anyone looking for a shoe that can handle both long runs and uptempo runs might enjoy the lightness, responsiveness, and propulsion that comes with the Ride 19.
Saucony vs HOKA: Stability Daily Trainers
The Ride 19 and Clifton 11 are top everyday options for runners with a neutral gait. But for those who need a bit more support for overpronation – meaning their arches and ankles roll excessively inwards on runs – both HOKA and Saucony offer supportive counterparts to these moderate cushion daily trainers.
Saucony Guide 19
As the name suggests, the Saucony Guide 19 is a fantastic running shoe choice for anyone who needs a touch of extra guidance and support in their daily trainers.
Just like the Ride, the Guide 19 features a high stack height – 35 mm/29 mm – along with a high-coverage rubber outsole. The EVA PWRRUN foam is responsive yet plush and is designed to provide reliable all-around comfort with exceptional shock absorption.
In the Guide 19, Saucony steers away from traditional stiff medial posts for support and instead incorporates their innovative CenterPath technology. This tech uses several different stability features to guide the foot and improve alignment, including a wide platform, raised sidewalls, and asymmetrical cushioning for guidance through each stride.
HOKA Arahi 8
Every running shoe brand has its own, distinct approach to how they provide support in its stability shoes. In the Arahi 8, HOKA uses a unique H-Frame design to support the foot and prevent overpronation.
The firm, H-shaped foam along the medial and lateral side of the shoe works to support and stabilize the foot throughout runs, guiding you through your gait without adding too much extra weight or rigidity to the shoe. The double jacquard mesh upper is designed to hug the foot, provide some additional structure, and create a snug and secure fit to reduce movement on runs.
Even with a slightly stiffer underfoot feel, the Arahi 8 doesn’t sacrifice comfort and cushioning. The shoe features a 39/31 mm stack height for men’s shoes and 37/29 mm stack height for women’s, offering plenty of EVA foam to absorb impact and cushion your daily runs.
Saucony Guide 19 vs HOKA Arahi 8
The biggest difference between Saucony and HOKA’s supportive trainers is in the stability technology used to reduce overpronation. HOKA relies on an H-frame technology that adds some stiffness under the medial and lateral sides, while Saucony uses its Center Path technology for more subtle and adaptive guidance.
Both shoes offer a responsive feel, lots of foam underfoot, extra support for overpronation, and a low-to-moderate heel-to-toe drop. While both are designed to help with alignment, runners who tend to significantly overpronate may prefer the Arahi’s more aggressive support.
The shoes also have some key differences in the upper and overall fit. The Guide’s flexible mesh upper is soft and wide in the toe box, while the Arahi’s double jacquard mesh upper has a snug fit. Both shoes are available in a wide width, but runners with wide feet or those who prefer a roomier toe box will likely enjoy the Guide’s more accommodating fit.
Saucony vs HOKA: High-Cushion Shoes
When you want a shoe with unmatched comfort and padding, high-cushion shoes are the direction to go. While HOKA first became known for its high-cushion, maximalist shoes, many brands, including Saucony, have joined in on the trend and created their own high-cushioned trainers.
Saucony Triumph 24
The Saucony Triumph 24 is the perfect running shoe for anyone who wants some extra underfoot cushioning without an overly spongy feel. The versatile trainer shines when it comes to long distances, but can easily carry you through nearly any type of workout.
Underfoot, you’ll find 43 mm of Saucony’s IncrediLUX foam in the heel and 33 mm in the forefoot. This brand new high-performance midsole foam provides lively and responsive landings and lots of energy return, so you can enjoy all the comfort of extra cushioning without sacrificing bounce and efficiency.
The engineered mesh upper is soft and breathable, adding even more comfort to this well-padded running shoe. And with a snug and secure fit, you can feel confident knowing your foot is locked in place with each stride.
Some high-cushioned shoes can feel unstable throughout runs due to excess cushioning and high-profile designs. The Triumph 24 avoids this common pitfall with a wide base for extra stability, as well as a rocker profile for smooth transitions and landings.
HOKA Bondi 9
HOKA got its start creating bulky, maximalist shoes, so it likely won’t come as a surprise that high-cushion shoes, such as the Bondi 9, are where this brand truly excels.
With the most recent release of the Bondi 9, HOKA added even more plush cushioning to the midsole, bringing the stack height to 43 mm/38 mm for men’s and 42 mm/37 mm for women’s. The newest Bondi iteration also saw an update to the midsole foam. The new supercritical EVA foam feels softer and more plush than ever, helping to absorb impact and protect your feet and joints with each landing.
The Bondi 9 is technically a neutral shoe, but several design elements provide some inherent stability and support. The wide base and Active Foot Frame cradle the foot, while the pronounced metarocker guides you through strides with smooth transitions.
The zonal knit upper also includes plenty of extra padding for even more comfort. The 3D molded heel collar and additional tongue and collar padding hug the foot, while the zonal ventilation keeps your feet feeling cool and comfortable throughout your workout.
Saucony Triumph 24 vs HOKA Bondi 9
While the Triumph and Bondi were both designed with cushioning and comfort in mind, the two shoes take very different design approaches.
The Bondi 9 is ideal for anyone who wants a specific long-run shoe or who prioritizes soft and plush padding. While the foam is relatively responsive, the shoe itself can feel bulky and heavy, making it more difficult to carry over to uptempo runs.
While the Triumph 24 still offers plenty of cushioning, it also provides a more versatile and adaptable running experience. The high-performance IncrediLUX foam is light and responsive, making the Triumph a good all-around high-cushion trainer.
The shoes also have a drastically different heel-to-toe offset – 5 mm for the Bondi and 10 mm for the Triumph. Heel strikers may prefer the Triumph’s high drop, while those with a midfoot or forefoot strike will likely enjoy the more natural feel of the Bondi’s low drop.
Saucony vs HOKA: Speed Shoes
High-cushion shoes offer unmatched comfort, but they aren’t always the most efficient option when it comes to uptempo runs or speed workouts.
If you’re looking for a dedicated speed shoe, you’ll want to prioritize a shoe that’s fast, responsive, and lightweight. Fortunately, both Saucony and HOKA offer an ideal running shoe option for when you’re looking to pick up the pace.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Saucony’s Endorphin Speed running shoe line is one of the best options when it comes to speed work, and the brand continues this legacy with the Endorphin Speed 5.
The midsole is composed of PWRRUN PB foam, giving the shoe a lightweight and responsive feel. The 36 mm/28 mm stack height offers plenty of soft underfoot foam, while the high-performance cushioning ensures a propulsive and fast ride.
A winged nylon plate embedded in the midsole gives the shoe even more bounce and energy return, making this a perfect option for interval training, uptempo runs, race days, and everything in between. The SPEEDROLL technology also comes into play as you pick up the pace in these shoes, rolling you through each stride and helping you crush all your PRs.
Even with all this cushioning, as well as a durable outsole, the shoe maintains a remarkably lightweight design, weighing in at only 7.2 oz and 8.3 oz for men’s and women’s shoes respectively.
HOKA Mach 7
Anyone looking for a versatile speed shoe that can double as a daily trainer should check out the HOKA Mach 7. This fast, lightweight shoe has all the features you need to carry you through any run, from speedy track workouts to daily mileage.
The Mach has a comparable stack height to the Endorphin Speed – 37 mm/32 mm for men’s and 35.5 mm/30.5 mm for women’s. This high stack height offers plenty of protection and shock absorption, whether you’re on the track, treadmill, or pavement. The supercritical ProFly+ EVA foam gives lots of bounce and energy return in a lightweight package, giving you an energetic and lively running experience.
Even with lots of cushioning, the lightweight design and streamlined creel jacquard mesh upper keep the shoe feeling featherlight at only 7.15 oz for women’s shoes and 8.37 oz for men’s. And with a durabrasion outsole, the Mach 6 has the durability and longevity for both daily wear and speed days.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 vs HOKA Mach 7
When you want to pick up the pace, you don’t want a heavy and bulky shoe weighing you down. Both the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 and HOKA Mach 7 offer a solution with lightweight designs, responsive foam, and light and airy uppers.
The nylon plate in the Endorphin Speed 5 does give the shoe a slight edge over the Mach 7 when it comes to propulsion and energy return. While the ProFly+ cushioning offers lots of bounce, the combination of the plate and PWRRUN PB foam makes the Endorphin Speed unmatched when it comes to uptempo days.
However, plated shoes aren’t for everyone, and they often aren’t necessary for beginner runners or anyone not focused on time and PRs. Many newer runners will likely find the Mach 7 more accessible and natural on their feet. Those on a budget will also prefer the Mach’s $144.95 price tag compared to the Endorphin Speed’s $174.95 price tag.
Saucony vs HOKA: Race Day Shoes
Top-tier racing shoes can make all the difference when you’re trying to PR on race day. Designated racing shoes are meant to be light, cushioned, and speedy, helping you reach all your goals and push you to the finish line in record time.
Here’s a closer look at two top race day shoes, the Endorphin Elite 3 from Saucony and the Cielo X1 3.0 from HOKA.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3
Super shoes, or shoes that incorporate lots of cushioning and a carbon plate, are becoming more and more common on race days. The Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 is one of the top options in this super shoe category, offering a propulsive ride that can help you reach the finish line on race day.
Saucony debuted its new IncrediRun foam in the Endorphin Elite 2, and the brand carried this midsole foam over to the 3rd iteration. This foam boasts an unmatched responsiveness and energy return, making it the perfect race day companion. And with a 39.5/31.5 mm stack height, you can enjoy lots and lots of this energetic foam with each step.
Sandwiched within this dynamic midsole foam is a full-length slotted carbon-fiber plate, creating even more energy return with each step. The upper is light and breathable, securely wrapping the foot without adding any additional weight.
Carbon-plated shoes often have a short lifespan, but Saucony uses their PWRTRAC rubber outsole to add traction and durability, so you can enjoy all the Endorphin Elite 3 has to offer race after race and mile after mile.
HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
Saucony isn’t the only brand with a new and improved race day shoe. With the HOKA Cielo X1 3.0, HOKA improved upon their popular race day running shoe line, making it even lighter and faster.
The Cielo X1 3.0 utilizes a performance-oriented PEBA foam in the midsole. With 38 mm of this foam in the heel and 31 mm in the forefoot, this responsive and springy foam is there to cushion your feet and reduce impact with each landing.
While nearly every HOKA shoe uses rocker geometry, this rocker profile is even more aggressive in the Cielo X1 3.0, encouraging smooth and fast transitions throughout your race. The winged carbon-fiber plate in the midsole aids in this shock absorption and propulsion, helping you move even faster and more efficiently towards your goals.
Both the dynamic vamp upper and strategic midsole cutouts help to reduce the weight of the shoe and prevent any extra ounces from holding you back. And with a sticky compression-molded outsole, the Cielo X1 3.0 offers plenty of traction on the road.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3 vs HOKA Cielo X1 3.0
Over several iterations, Saucony and HOKA have made some significant changes and improvements to their race day shoes for a better overall experience. If you’re looking for a fast, lightweight shoe to get you to the finish line during your next race, both the Endorphin Elite and Cielo X1 are fantastic options.
Differentiating between the two shoes really comes down to the nitty-gritty details. At 7.52 oz, the Cielo X1 3.0 is slightly heavier than the Endorphin Elite 3 at 7.3 oz. The Cielo X1 3.0 also incorporates HOKA’s active foot frame, adding a bit of stability to a soft, high-profile shoe. Those who want a bit more support and stability in their race day shoes may prefer the Cielo X1 3.0, while anyone prioritizing lightness and softness may lean towards the Endorphin Elite 3.
Saucony vs HOKA: Trail Shoes
When you do most of your running off-road, daily trainers designed for pavement often don’t cut it. Designated trail shoes – such as the Saucony Peregrine or HOKA Speedgoat – can give you the grip and traction you need to tackle any trail. Here’s everything you need to know about these two shoes for runners who prefer taking their workouts off-road.
Saucony Peregrine 16
After 16 iterations, the Saucony Peregrine remains one of the most reliable and trusted trail running shoes of all time.
These shoes are designed to carry you over even the toughest terrain. The 32/28 mm of responsive PWRRUN foam is built to help you navigate roots and rocks with exceptional ground feel and stability. The grippy Vibram outsole is paired with aggressive 4 mm lugs, ensuring you have all the grip and traction you need on treacherous terrain.
The rock plate embedded in the midsole is another huge benefit. This plate protects your feet from any rocks or other debris so you can run stress-free through any trails or rocky paths. The high-strength mesh upper offers even more protection and durability as you take to the trails and run through dirt, mud, rocks, and more.
HOKA Speedgoat 7
Like the Peregrine, the HOKA Speedgoat has built a reputation for itself as a reliable and well-loved trail running shoe, with the 7th iteration offering an even more durability and resilience in a lightweight package.
The Speedgoat is built for challenging, technical terrain, so having good grip and traction are crucial. Luckily, the shoe truly delivers in this area. The Vibram megagrip outsole keeps you feeling confident in your grip with each landing, and the traction lugs are extremely effective on nearly any terrain.
Looking at the stack height – 37 mm/33 mm for men’s shoes and 36 mm/32 mm for women’s – it’s evident that HOKA didn’t sacrifice any cushioning and comfort with this trail shoe. Even with so much foam underfoot, the responsive super-critical cushion and structured woven textile upper keep you feeling stable and secure throughout any trail run.
Saucony Peregrine 16 vs HOKA Speedgoat 7
HOKA was originally founded with the goal of creating light and fast trail shoes, so it’s not a surprise that their trail shoes continue to exceed expectations. Both the Peregrine and Speedgoat are great choices for off-road running, but many runners find that the Speedgoat 7 offers more cushioning and traction for challenging terrain.
However, if you frequently find yourself on rocky terrain, you may appreciate everything the Peregrine 16 has to offer. While there’s not quite as much cushioning to protect your feet, the rock plate helps prevent any damage or pain from rocks and other debris.
Saucony vs HOKA Running Shoes: Final Thoughts
Today, with more and more sportswear brands joining in on the running shoe game, it can feel impossible to know exactly what to look for in your next running shoe.
But if you’ve narrowed it down to a shoe from Saucony or HOKA, you’re on a good path to finding a comfortable, high-quality running shoe that can meet your needs.
Saucony has spent years and years perfecting its designs, so when you slide a Saucony shoe on your foot, you know it’s a reliable, tried and true model. HOKA hasn’t been around quite as long, but their innovative designs have earned them name recognition and a loyal following among countless runners.
With this guide, you’ll have the information you need about all the shoe models, specs, and running shoe technology to help you decide what might work best for you. But the best way to make an informed decision is with a visit to your local Marathon Sports and try some of these shoes out for yourself.
When you stop in, our footwear experts will guide you through the Right Fit process and discuss your running needs, goals, and preferences to help you find the perfect shoe for you. With the right shoes, whether it’s a pair of Sauconys, HOKAs, or any of our other top brands, you’ll be off and running, ready for the next steps in your personal running journey.
