ON vs. HOKA: What's the Big Deal About These Shoes?!

Two niche running shoes brands have become popular among the mainstream, they are ON and HOKA. Both shoe brands have reputations for being comfortable and lightweight. As a result, we're going to try out both brands, evaluate, and try to determine which one we believe is better.

[kindface]

I like it when reviewers don't cop out at the end of the video with gibberish like "they're both good and it just depends on you so go and try both out and let me know in the comments below which one worked better for you".
So, good on you, you gave a definitive verdict which one you preferred. No chickening out sh*t. Congrats!

[likits]

Ons are the best for me. I tried the Hokas for an 8 hour shift and the next day, they were being returned. The Ons are softer and better for my knees, since I walk on concrete for 8 hours at work.

[sandradowd]

I bought Hoka Clifton 9 just over a week ago, I work as a caregiver and have had knee replacement, they are so comfortable and I can be on my feet longer without pain.

[Moonboy]

Great video! I work in hospital setting on my feet all day and love new shoes. It's not a luxury anymore since you need good shoes for your feet. My tip would be to shop for sales on line as they go clearance. Running warehouse, Zappos and even Amazon are great places. Go for funky colors if you can and get better deals. I usually save by shopping for models that are getting a new version soon to get a better price. My personal go to has been Mizuno ! New balance also great. Hoka def. Great but I feel they didn't last as long as others. Brooks also doesn't seem to last more than 300 miles or so.

[AmbientWorlds]

Man, your channel and videos are going places! Just wanted to add my voice of thanks for all of the great coverage on these shows. Video quality is so high! Keep going man

[Risayogi]

I have Hoka Arahi 6 (like you have in the video) for my running exercise, and On Cloud 5 for walking. Arahi 6 is a stability running shoes, which had a firmer sole at the medial post (inner side) to control your stability. Been running 956 km in Arahi 6 and is the most comfortable stability running shoes I’ve ever had. If you want a better cushion feel, you can try their more maximum cushioning shoes, like Bondi.
As for my On Cloud 5, I have it for my walking activities, including for work (I’m a medical professional) and my 3-week Europe Trip. It is very comfortable for all day walking while still looking good. It looks better than Hoka, still properly matched my working outfit.

[MadeUpLikeADoll]

You did a great job covering this topic! I never gave the brands a second thought until working in the medical field and saw On Cloud, Hooka, and Brooks throughout the office. Segway a bit. I’m from Florida though currently in the Midwest i can spot a Publix supermarket in a heartbeat.

[jingpan]

I work in a shoe store, 8 out 10 people prefer On, but I love Hoka bondi 8, the look is so unique and cool, I own 7 pairs of those.

[debbieg]

Great video! I have worn my On cloud way more than my Hoka so far but I love the Hoka- so light! But I also know there’s so many different variations within each brand so hard to compare directly.

[garyradley]

I am a ON fan. That is mainly due to falling down some stairs many years ago that has left me with with a weak ankle. I find the stiffness of the ON mid section provides a lateral stability than protects my ankle from twisting side to side, especially when walking on uneven surfaces such as footpaths in many parts of Europe. Combined with its superior cushioning and its lightness its a win win.
Previously I wore New Balance, but when I wear them now I notice that they are too soft and lack any lateral stability so I have a sore ankle after my daily 4klm walk.

[risingbun]

I'm an older sneaker head and have owned just about every sneaker brand except these two and have always been curious about them. Thank you for the thorough and thoughtful analysis. Nice video editing and there's something about the cadence of your speech that's engaging. Keep up the good work!

[xlewmgm]

After ankle replacement surgery my surgeon recommended I buy Hoka sneakers…glad I listened to him

[Pokewish]

I have 3 pairs of ON currently and they are the most comfortable shoes i have ever worn. I used to always wear adidas growing up and now that i have switched to ON i dont think i could ever go back.

Great video !

[alohasandiego]

I own both. I wear them for different occasions. I wear my Hokas everyday for exercise and walking the dog. I wear the Hokas anytime just because they’re so comfortable! I have black waterproof On Clouds that I like to wear when I travel. Very light, comfortable, slim profile, and look stylish. I don’t like traveling with a heavy boot. Personally you can’t go wrong with either brand!

[paulkline]

I was in a bad car accident 8 years ago and crushed my heel. I have a Metal plate and 12 pins in my right foot now. I spent 7 years trying to find a comfortable shoe. Nothing was working for me. I started noticing alot of people with Hoka shoes. I decided to try a pair. The Bondi 8. I'm now on my 3rd pair. Always the all Black pair. I personally hate all the colored shoes but that's just me. 🙂 Best shoes I've ever owned hands down.

[byronhall]

Nice video my first HOKA were the Bondi 8 for walking and just got the Clifton 7s to alternate through the week. Your right about trying find the right shoe formula. I was a New Balance, Ascis shoe guy in my 26 yrs. in the service but the pounding took a toll on the knees. Finding a good shoe w/o having to add an expensive insole aint the way to go any more. Keep the videos coming.

[amberj]

I have the hokas Clifton and bondi, I also have the on cloudeclipse and cloudsurfer. I work in medicine and walk a ton off the job. Truthfully I love my onclouds. There’s no comparison. The hokas are good for walking but not standing, if you stand for long periods of time they are horrible. I wear all of these shoes with superfeet insoles. After talking to multiple friends in the medical world everyone has a preference and it’s different. My best advice go to a store and try them on in person. People have high arches, low arches, old feet, young feet, more or less body weight, everyone likes different shoes because everyone is different. 😊

[jackhood]

You threw the movie lines in perfect, especially Forrest Gump that was cracking me up

[handbagaddicted]

Love this video!! For me comparing them isn’t that simple as one shoe model in each brand isn’t a full representation of the brand. Said differently I tried on Hoka Clifton and they were trash. I tried on Hoka Arahi, they are amazing. I tried two On Clouds and same. You really have to try several models within each brand. I also went to one of those places that scan your foot with digital imagery and that helped too. I wanted to like one of the other Hokas because they were slightly more visually attractive, but they were so uncomfortable. I ended up buying the uglier Arahis because they are supremely comfortable.

[durganmcdurgan]

Great article! As an Exercise Physiologist that was in charge of a military installation's fitness testing, I had to get trained on running shoes, gait analysis, walking, natural running, and movement patterns. The period of minimalist shoes was at full stride when Hoka's hit the market. I had a pair of Hoka One Ones. That was the start of the Maximalist shoe category. On was still trying to build itself in the US when it offered a 50% discount to Vets around 2019. I got my pair and it was the best comfort inside the shoe I had ever felt. It was narrow for my feet but still was a great feel. Asics and a few others have finally stepped into the Maximalist shoes more recently, giving Hoka and On competition. I now work at a VA hospital and Hoka, On, and Brooks definitely dominate. Thanks for for your vid.