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Hoka vs. On: Which Is the Better Sneaker?
Both running shoes offer supportive midsoles and inventive construction, but one is a big step ahead of the other.
Up until recently, running shoes hardly ever crossed my mind. My daily routines involved brisk "hot girl walks" around the city and bringing my very demanding golden retriever (all 75 lbs of him) to and from the park. For these activities, court shoes and tennis sneakers were my trusty companions. That is until I was introduced to Hoka and On sneakers.
Now, before we go any further, let me make one thing clear: I am not an expert runner. While I have slowly started to embark on my running journey (hey, 3 miles a day isn't too shabby), I am far from someone about to cross the finish line at the NYC marathon. One day, I hope to accomplish that feat (probably just for the attention, let's be real). But, until then, I have recruited the help of my 26.2-miler colleagues and other experts to determine who has the better running shoe: Hoka or On.
Not long ago running shoes were bulky, heavy sneakers that hindered speed or minimalist racing shoes that offered little protection from the pavement—but Hoka and On have ushered in a new era of running footwear. Their maximalist designs feature ergonomic benefits and unconventional styles that appeal to a broad audience—ranging from dads and fashion folks to professional runners alike—and while both brands are celebrated for their supple midsoles, that's basically where their similarities end.
What makes Hoka a good running shoe?
Known for its marshmallowy, high-stack midsoles, Hoka sneakers are designed to offer a comfortable, lightweight ride with exceptional stability and shock absorption. The Hoka Bondi 8 was the first running sneaker I ever tried (I don't think the Skechers I wore in 2006 count), and it felt like my feet were gliding on a rocking horse, smoothly transitioning from heel to toe. Despite their bulky appearance, Hoka shoes are incredibly light and extremely efficient. When I spoke to their head product designer about what makes them a real stand-out option on the market, he told me that they're built with unique features like Active Foot Frame technology, which ensures your foot sits deeply within the midsole rather than on top of it, offering better support. He also mentioned that Hokas are built for all types of runners (and walkers) and are often recommended by podiatrists for long-distance runners, marathoners, and people with plantar fasciitis. I had one colleague even tell me her mother who is a school teacher and on her feet consistently, swears by Hoka to keep her comfortable throughout the day.
What makes On a good running shoe?
It's hard to walk down the street without spotting someone in a pair of On sneakers, and for good reason. On offers a different type of cushioning experience than its competitors. Their CloudTec technology provides targeted cushioning only when needed, leading to a more minimalist feel when compared to brands like Hoka. Their unique pod-like soles compress upon landing to dissipate shock and then firm up to offer a solid base for push-off. Not to mention their Swiss-engineered Speedboard, which propels you forward by converting landing impact into forward motion. This technology enhances the overall running efficiency, making them perfect for speed workouts and races. The first pair of On shoes I ever tried were the Cloudrunner 2's. I found them to be lightweight, breathable, and designed with a narrower fit, making for quicker transitions.
What are the main differences between Hoka and On?
The first is price. We found that On's running sneakers aren't very budget-friendly. And while we understand why they're priced the way they are–think of it as added assurance—Hoka has managed to keep the price low while still providing an equally high-performing product. The second is design. Hoka has a lot of vibrant colorways and bold fashion choices, which is a pretty niche style preference. On sneakers, in contrast, have a much more minimalist look than Hoka, and can serve more as a lifestyle shoe. Seriously. I've tried it. You can pair them with your favorite jeans, shorts, hell, even slacks, and still have them look good. Lastly, their biggest differentiator is their flexibility. According to one of our experts here at Esquire (he's raced in three half marathons and two full ones and has averaged around 100 miles a month for the past three years—woof), On's running shoes have stiffer soles when compared to Hoka, except for the Cloudboom Echo 3 and the Cloudboom Strike. And I have to agree. They sometimes feel awkward on your feet and aren't as pliable as Hoka's sneakers.
Is Hoka or On a better running shoe?
This one was tough, but considering all testing factors and reviews, we believe Hoka is the better running shoe. However, despite our personal experiences, expert consultations, and discussions with product designers, this preference is ultimately subjective. Much like other life choices—Coke versus Pepsi, cats versus dogs, lake versus beach—you need to choose the one that suits you best. In the end, you can't go wrong with either option. If you're still undecided, read on to see the differences between our favorite running sneakers from each brand.
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