When shopping for comfortable sneakers, many people are searching for the shoes that will give them that much sought-after "walking on clouds feeling." They want a shoe that makes every step feel less like they're trodding on hard concrete and more like they're walking on air — which can be a hard ask.
In the last few years, Hoka has become well-known for its sneakers which some people (myself included) say can provide that feeling. Though another popular brand, On, promises the same. In fact, the brand is often called "On Cloud," since all of its shoes feature its unique CloudTec cushioning and the soles somewhat resemble puffy clouds.
So, how do the shoes compare? And is one brand better overall? We tried two pairs of everyday, ultra-cushioned shoes from Hoka and On to see how they compare. (If you're on the hunt for other shoes, you can also read our comparisons of Brooks vs. Hoka, Brooks vs. New Balance and Hoka. vs. Asics.)
How I tested
I wore both sneakers for a variety of activities, including runs, walks and workouts in the gym. I am an avid runner who has completed both half marathons and a marathon. I am currently training for a fall marathon and used both of these shoes in my recent training runs. All of my runs were completed outside, on either dirt or pavement. On days when I am not running, I am typically walking through the park or in the gym.
Best for runs:
On is known for its unique Swiss cheese-like sole, which is featured on a majority of its shoes, from everyday sneakers to trail runners (it's fitting, considering the brand's Swiss origins). At the heart of all of its shoes is its CloudTec technology, which the brand says absorbs impact, reduces strain and reacts to your movements for cushioning in every step.
I had tried On's sneaker only once before (it was a less cushioned model) and, simply put, I was not impressed. However, I could immediately tell that these felt bouncier and more comfortable. In fact, as soon as I put them on, I had to take a few leaping strides around the office to really get a feel for their bounciness — and I quickly discovered that the cushioning had a really good amount of rebound. I continued to appreciate that during my runs in these shoes, as it felt like I was expending less energy to get further with each step.
That's also, in part, thanks to the rocker at the forefront and the speedboard, both of which are said to help with your forward momentum — and anything that will make it slightly easier for you to keep pushing toward your destination is a plus for runners. That said, the brand says the speedboard may help you go faster though I didn't see any improvements in my speed. Because of this, I tended to prefer them for casual runs over long training or sprint sessions, where the extra boost can come in handy.
One of the problems with a lot of heavily cushioned shoes is that the hefty sole adds a lot of weight to the shoe, which doesn't always have a big impact on walking but can easily turn runs from easy, breezy jogs into slogs. But one of the great things about On's unique hole-filled sole is that it actually helps reduce the weight of the shoe, while still feeling cushioned and springy.
The On shoes also have a little more structure than the Hokas, which is great if you need some added support, but because of this, they don't have the same super soft cushioned feel.
Best for everyday wear:
Hoka's Clifton sneakers are about as close as I've gotten to that "walking on clouds" feeling that I was talking about before. They feature a compression-molded EVA foam midsole that absorbs shock and delivers a plush yet responsive feel under your feet as you step. Basically, you get comfort with every step.
Hoka's shoes also feature an active foot frame that helps to cradle your feet for some added support, and in these shoes, it's focused in the back specifically to help keep your foot — and ankle — securely in place. While it does help a little, as an overpronator with a previous ankle injury, it doesn't have the stability features necessary to keep my ankles from rolling in (though the On sneakers don't either) and after longer runs or walks upwards of six to seven miles, I do have some soreness in my ankles.
While the On sneakers have a pretty minimal tongue, this one is plush, which can help prevent rubbing and reduce some of the pressure when your shoes are tied tightly.
Much like the other sneakers, the Cliftons feature a MetaRocker, which makes transitioning through your step feel natural and smooth for easier takeoffs. It's not as pronounced as it is in some of the brand's speed or distance shoes that I've tried, but it still makes a difference.
Best overall: Hoka Clifton 10
Let me start by saying that this is a completely individual choice — my favorite sneaker could easily be your least favorite and vice versa. It's completely dependent on your own personal needs.
I found both of these shoes to be super comfortable, cushioned and great for different activities, including runs, walks and everyday wear, but the Hoka Clifton 10s claimed my top spot — though just barely.
While the added bounce and lighter weight of the On sneakers make them a slightly better choice for running, the Hoka Clifton 10 shoes can also easily serve as a shorter-distance shoe. Plus, their plusher feel makes them more comfortable for lower-intensity activities where the above factors may not have as big of an effect. As someone with recurring pain on the top of my foot, my physical therapist has recommended Hoka's cushioned shoes to me, and the softer landings that they provided helped keep any discomfort at bay. Personally, I also prefer the more conventional look of the Hokas.
That being said, someone who doesn't like the sink-in feel of plush cushioning might prefer the structure of On's shoes and those running longer distances might say that the lighter weight is a must. Basically, if you're looking for comfort, support and shock absorption, you really can't go wrong with either.
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How we chose
We chose the two sneakers highlighted because they are both bestsellers from each brand and are similar in style, cushioning and benefits. Both of the brands have previously been recommended to us by podiatrists and are popular in the fitness space.
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Why trust Shop TODAY?
Emma Stessman is a writer for Shop TODAY. She has over a decade of experience in digital media — with nearly half of that time being focused on the health and wellness space. She has interviewed dozens of podiatrists and other experts for her coverage of sneaker trends, foot health and top shoe brands. At Shop TODAY she covers a range of topics, from wellness products to expert-approved beauty trends.
