Hoka vs. On Cloud Review: Which Running Shoe Offers the Cushiest, Springiest and Most Comfortable Step?

As a commerce editor, I tend to pay close attention to what the people around me are wearing, whether it’s at brunch, the gym or the airport. Now, while I wouldn’t consider myself a “sneakerhead,” I can certainly spot a specific brand of sneaks from a mile—or treadmill—away. Lately, these two brands have been popping up everywhere I go: Hoka and On Cloud. From TSA lines to running trails, I always spot someone rocking a colorful pair emblazoned with one distinct logo or the other. It’s not hard to imagine why. Both brands are hailed by runners, fitness enthusiasts and my fellow PureWow editors for offering prime performance and comfort while you get your sweat on.

When I resolved to take my Hot Girl Walks up a notch and get back into running this year, I considered it the perfect opportunity to put both brands to the test. After consulting my peers, online reviews and two podiatrists (whew!), I decided to try out and compare the Hoka Bondi 8 (from $165; $132) and On Cloudmonster (from $170; $130) running shoes, which are both touted to be the cushiest of their respective brand’s offerings, to see what all the hype was about. So, which popular sneaker offers the comfiest, springiest and most supportive step for running, walking and other forms of high-impact cardio? Read on for my full review.

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• Dr. Najwa Javed, DPM, MPH, AACFAS, is a board-certified podiatrist with Silicon Valley Podiatry Group and the founder of the shoe brand E’MAR Italy. Through surgical innovation, biologic therapies and modern science, she aims to mitigate foot and ankle injuries and help her patients achieve an optimal state of foot health. Dr. Javed holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry/Ethno-Anthropology from the University of Oklahoma, a Master’s of Public Health in Biostatistics/Clinical Research from the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center and a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Samuel Merritt University.
• Dr. Emily Splichal, DPM, MS, CPT, is a board-certified podiatrist and human movement specialist with the Arizona-based Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatry. She is also the founder and CEO of sensory technology company Naboso. Dr. Splichal focuses on functional and regenerative medicine and the role of anti-aging science as it relates to movement longevity. She holds a Master's degree in Human Movement from AT Still University and a Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine.

To choose the right running shoes for your personal needs and activity level, it’s important to understand exactly which features to look for. I tapped board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Emily Splichal and Dr. Najwa Javed for their insights. “Running is a pronatory sport,” Dr. Javed explains, referring to “pronation,” or the foot’s natural movement when striking the ground. According to the Cleveland Clinic, overpronation—when your feet roll in too much—can both cause and be caused by weakened arches, which may develop due to age, injury or a high-impact sport like running. "If you already have collapsing arches or flat feet, always buy an anti-pronation shoe,” she continues, adding that the key features to look for in an anti-pronation shoe are a reinforced heel counter, a denser midsole and a forefoot rocker, which can all “help control any excessive foot pronation.”

When it comes to protecting your feet and lowering your risk for strain and injury, Dr. Javed says that “a shoe with ample shock absorption, a stable midsole and a thick heel counter is best. This allows for reduced stress on your knee joints as well as on the lower back.” But while both doctors agree that extra cushioning (like what’s featured in both the Hoka Bondi 8s and On Cloudmonsters) can be beneficial for some folks, Dr. Splichal notes, “As a functional podiatrist, I favor connecting and feeling the ground [with your feet], which means less cushion in a shoe. However, if [more] cushion is desired due to personal preference or injury history, I try to offset that with a sensory insole, such as those by Naboso ($55). This can help support foot awareness as well.”

Above all, though, “the one key shoe feature is stability,” says Dr. Javed. “The more stable the sole of the shoe is, the better overall protection there is for your joints.”

Both the Hoka Bondi 8 and On Cloudmonster sneakers check all the boxes when it comes to podiatrist-approved features. First and foremost, they each boast generous cushioning and thick foam soles to absorb impact and keep feet padded as they make contact with the ground. While the shape is slightly more pronounced on the Cloudmonsters, both shoes also have the podiatrist-cited forefoot rocker design to promote smooth, easy strides. And, in my opinion, both models look as good as they feel—in their own ways.

Now, their notable differences: Whereas the Cloudmonsters are firm and springy, the Bondi 8s are actually the more “cloudlike” of the two, offering plush, pillowy comfort from collar to toe. And though they’re technically a speck heavier than the Cloudmonsters (the sneaks weigh in at 8.90 ounces and 8.11 ounces, respectively), the Bondi 8s maintain a more lightweight feel throughout the duration of my workouts. The wider base of the Bondi 8s also makes them more stable and grounded than the Cloudmonsters (and, therefore, more functionally versatile); but what the latter shoe lacks in stability, it makes up for in solid support and responsiveness.

Well, it really comes down to what you’re looking for. If you primarily want cushiness, turn to the Hoka Bondi 8s. They’re the gentle parenting of sneakers, making everything nice and comfortable for folks who may be easing into more high-impact workouts due to injury or age, or are simply looking for a dependable shoe to wear for leisurely runs, walks or trips to the gym. The On Cloudmonsters, on the other hand, are made for fierce running action, driving speed and energizing momentum. In that case, I think they are ideal for a slightly more experienced runner, or someone who is really training to cut down on their pace. Personally, I discovered that I run faster in the Cloudmonsters, but I run longer in the Bondi 8s. In either case, I finally get the hype—and will certainly be making the most of ‘em both during my running journey.