Hoka vs Clove Shoes

These two brands make very different types of shoes for different purposes. Hoka makes super cushioned athletic shoes that feel like walking on clouds. Clove makes special shoes for nurses and medical workers who stand all day.

We’ll compare these two popular brands to help you understand their differences and decide which might be better for you or someone in your family.

Hoka vs Clove Shoes

The main difference between Hoka and Clove shoes is their intended purpose. Hoka shoes are designed for athletic activities with maximum cushioning for running and walking, featuring extremely thick, soft soles to absorb impact.

Clove shoes are specifically designed for healthcare workers who stand for long shifts, with fluid-resistant materials that can be easily cleaned and disinfected.

A Detailed Comparison Table: Finding the Best Choice for Your Comfort and Needs!

Feature	Hoka Shoes	Clove Shoes
Primary Purpose	Athletic activities, running	Healthcare workers, all-day standing
Cushioning	Maximum thickness (up to 1.5 inches)	Moderate, focused on support
Water/Fluid Resistance	Minimal (some waterproof models)	Excellent (fluid-resistant coating)
Cleaning	Difficult, requires washing	Easy, can be wiped with disinfectant
Upper Material	Engineered mesh (breathable)	Clarino™ with fluid-resistant coating
Weight	8-11 oz per shoe	8-10 oz per shoe
Sole Design	Meta-rocker for smooth movement	Slip-resistant for hospital floors
Price Range	$130-$200	$129-$139
Flexibility	Less flexible due to thick sole	Good flexibility with targeted support
Fit	Roomier toe box, secure heel	Secure fit with elastic for foot swelling
Best For	Joint protection, impact absorption	Long shifts, spill protection
Appearance	Athletic with thick visible soles	Professional, sleeker look
Durability	300-500 miles or 6-8 months	8-12 months of daily healthcare work
Founded	2009 for runners	2019 for healthcare workers
Color Options	Many bright colors and designs	Limited professional colors

Hoka and Clove shoes serve very different purposes while both prioritizing comfort. Hoka focuses on maximum cushioning for athletic activities with their distinctive thick soles and meta-rocker design that helps with smooth movement.

Clove targets healthcare professionals with practical features like fluid-resistant materials that can be easily disinfected, slip-resistant soles, and support designed for all-day standing.

Brand Background

Hoka: The Cushion Champions

Hoka (sometimes called Hoka One One) started in 2009 in France. Two runners created these shoes with extra-thick soles to make running downhill more comfortable.

The name “Hoka One One” means “fly over the earth” in the Maori language. Hoka shoes became famous for their amazing cushioning that helps protect your feet and joints.

Clove: Made for Medical Heroes

Clove is much newer – it started in 2019. The founder’s wife was a nurse who complained about not having comfortable, easy-to-clean shoes for her long hospital shifts.

So he created Clove specifically for healthcare workers who stand for 12+ hours and need shoes that can handle spills and be easily cleaned. The brand has quickly become popular with nurses, doctors, and other medical staff.

Cushioning: What’s Under Your Feet?

Hoka’s Maximum Cushioning

Hoka shoes are famous for their super thick cushioning. Their soles can be up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) thick! This soft foam absorbs shock when your foot hits the ground, which many people find very comfortable.

The cushioning helps protect your joints from impact, especially when running on hard surfaces like sidewalks.

“My mom wears Hokas for her morning walks, and she says it feels like walking on marshmallows!” says Jamie, age 12. “She used to get knee pain, but not anymore.”

Clove’s Practical Cushioning

Clove shoes have good cushioning too, but it’s designed differently. Their cushioning focuses on all-day comfort for standing rather than for running or jumping.

The foam is more about providing steady support than the bouncy feeling of Hokas. Clove uses a compression-molded foam that maintains its support even after 12-hour shifts.

“My sister is a nurse and says her Clove shoes keep her feet from hurting even after taking care of patients all day,” reports Alex, age 13.

Comfort: How They Feel On Your Feet

Hoka Comfort Experience

Hoka shoes typically feel very plush and comfortable right away. The thick cushioning cradles your feet and protects them from impact.

They’re especially comfortable if you have sensitive feet or joint pain. The roomy toe box gives your toes space to spread out naturally.

Clove Comfort Experience

Clove shoes focus on practical comfort for long periods of standing and walking. They have good arch support and cushioning positioned where healthcare workers need it most.

The upper part of the shoe is designed to be soft and flexible while still providing support. Many wearers say Clove shoes feel like a supportive hug for your feet.

Shoe Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size

Hoka Fit Profile

Hoka shoes generally have a roomy fit, especially in the toe box (where your toes go). This gives your toes space to spread out naturally.

The heel is usually secure to keep your foot in place. Hokas typically run true to size, though some models might feel a half-size small.

Clove Fit Profile

Clove shoes are designed to fit snugly but comfortably. They have a secure heel and a slightly wider toe box. One unique thing about Clove is that they offer half sizes and a wider fit option, which can be hard to find in work shoes.

Most Clove wearers find they fit true to size. The shoes also have elastic panels that adjust to your foot shape throughout the day as your feet may swell during long shifts.

Durability: How Long Will They Last?

Brand	Average Lifespan	Best For	Weak Points
Hoka	300-500 miles or 6-8 months of regular use	Running, walking, athletic activities	Foam compression over time
Clove	8-12 months of daily wear	All-day standing, hospital work	Some wear on toe area after months of use
Budget Athletic Shoes	3-6 months	Occasional use	Faster overall breakdown
Regular Work Shoes	6-9 months	Office wear	Less comfort for all-day standing

Hoka Durability

Hoka shoes typically last about 300-500 miles of running or walking. For someone using them a few times a week, this usually means about 6-8 months before they start losing their cushioning.

The outsole (bottom rubber part) is usually quite durable, but the midsole foam will flatten over time with regular use.

Clove Durability

Clove shoes are built to withstand the tough environment of hospitals and medical facilities. Most users report they last 8-12 months of daily wear in demanding conditions.

The special coating on the shoes helps them resist stains and makes them last longer. The most common wear point is the toe area after months of constant use.

Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool

Hoka Breathability

Hoka shoes use engineered mesh uppers that allow decent airflow. However, because they have so much material in the sole, they can feel warmer than lighter shoes.

Most Hokas have good breathability for their category, but your feet might get hotter in them than in more minimal shoes.

Clove Breathability

Clove shoes are designed with breathability in mind since medical workers wear them for long shifts. They use a special knit material that allows air to flow while still being fluid-resistant (to protect from spills).

The material helps keep feet cool and dry even during busy, active shifts in warm hospital environments.

Stability: Keeping You Steady

Hoka Stability Features

Despite their thick soles, many Hokas are surprisingly stable. They use a design called “meta-rocker” that helps your foot roll forward smoothly.

Many models also have a wide base that helps prevent ankle rolls. The cushioning can make them feel a bit wobbly at first, but most people adjust quickly.

Clove Stability Features

Clove shoes focus on creating a stable platform for people who are on their feet all day. They have a wider base and good arch support to help maintain proper foot alignment.

The shoes have a slightly raised heel and a design that supports your foot through long periods of standing and walking. The secure fit also helps prevent your foot from sliding around inside the shoe.

Quality: What Are You Getting For Your Money?

Hoka Quality

Hoka uses high-quality materials in their shoes. The upper materials are durable and well-constructed, and their proprietary foams are designed to be lightweight while still providing cushioning. The attention to detail is generally good, with clean stitching and solid construction.

Clove Quality

Clove shoes show excellent attention to quality, especially for their specific purpose. The materials are carefully chosen to withstand the demands of healthcare environments.

The fluid-resistant coating is applied evenly, and the stitching is reinforced in high-stress areas. Many users are impressed by how well the shoes maintain their appearance even in tough conditions.

Style: Looking Good While Staying Active

Hoka Style

Hoka shoes have a distinctive look with their oversized soles. They definitely stand out! In recent years, Hoka has introduced more color options and sleeker designs, making them more fashionable

Some people love their unique appearance, while others think they look a bit clunky.

Clove Style

Clove shoes have a more streamlined, professional appearance. They’re designed to look appropriate in medical settings while still being stylish.

They come in several solid colors and some patterned options. The design is simple but modern, making them look more like fashionable sneakers than traditional nursing shoes.

“My mom’s Clove shoes actually look pretty cool,” says Sophia, age 13. “They don’t look like the ugly white nurse shoes from the old days. She got the all-black ones, and they look like nice sneakers.”

Materials: What Are These Shoes Made Of?

Component	Hoka	Clove	Benefits
Upper Material	Engineered mesh, recycled materials	Clarino™ material with fluid-resistant coating	Breathability vs fluid protection
Midsole	EVA foam, PROFLY foam	Compression-molded foam	Cushioning, support
Outsole	Rubber, high-abrasion rubber	Rubber with grip pattern	Traction, durability
Insole	OrthoLite foam	Antimicrobial foam	Comfort, odor control
Special Features	Meta-Rocker design	Fluid-resistant coating, easy cleaning	Movement efficiency vs practical protection

Hoka Materials

Hoka uses lightweight technical materials throughout their shoes. The midsole is made from proprietary EVA foam blends that provide cushioning while remaining relatively light.

The outsoles use durable rubber placed in high-wear areas. The uppers typically use engineered mesh with strategic overlays for support.

Clove Materials

Clove uses materials specifically chosen for healthcare environments. The upper is made from Clarino™, a synthetic material that’s both soft and durable, with a fluid-resistant coating that repels liquids.

The soles are made from rubber with a special grip pattern designed to prevent slips on hospital floors. The insoles contain antimicrobial material to prevent odors during long shifts.

Weight: How Heavy Are They On Your Feet?

Hoka Weight

Despite their chunky appearance, Hokas are surprisingly lightweight for their size. Most models weigh between 8-11 ounces (227-312 grams) per shoe.

The foam they use is very light compared to traditional rubber. The weight is well-distributed, which makes them feel comfortable for long periods.

Clove Weight

Clove shoes are designed to be lightweight for all-day wear. They typically weigh around 8-10 ounces (227-283 grams) per shoe, similar to Hoka

The weight is balanced to reduce foot fatigue during long shifts. Many users report that they “forget they’re wearing them” because of the lightweight feel combined with support.

Flexibility: How They Bend With Your Foot

Hoka Flexibility

Hokas are generally less flexible than many other shoes. The thick midsole restricts how much the shoe can bend.

However, the meta-rocker design helps your foot roll forward smoothly despite this stiffness. Some newer Hoka models have improved flexibility while maintaining cushioning.

Clove Flexibility

Clove shoes offer good flexibility where needed while maintaining support. They are designed to flex at the ball of the foot (where your foot naturally bends).

While providing stability through the arch and heel. This balanced approach helps reduce foot fatigue during long shifts of standing and walking.

Water Resistance: Staying Dry And Clean

Hoka Water Resistance

Standard Hoka shoes aren’t particularly water-resistant. The mesh uppers allow water to enter easily in wet conditions.

However, Hoka does make some waterproof models with GORE-TEX membranes that keep your feet dry in rain and puddles. The regular models will get wet in rain or puddles.

Clove Water Resistance

Water and fluid resistance is where Clove shoes really shine! They’re specifically designed to repel liquids that might spill in medical environments.

The entire upper has a fluid-resistant coating that causes liquids to bead up and roll off rather than soaking in. This feature protects the shoes and makes them much easier to clean – just wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe.

“My aunt is a nurse and showed me how stuff just rolls off her Clove shoes,” explains Tyler, age 13. “She spilled coffee on them and just wiped it off – it didn’t even stain!”

Sole: What’s Under Your Feet?

Hoka Sole Design

The sole is Hoka’s standout feature. It consists of a thick midsole made from lightweight foam, with a rubber outsole attached to high-wear areas.

The distinctive “meta-rocker” shape helps your foot roll forward smoothly from heel to toe. The wide base provides stability despite the height.

Clove Sole Design

Clove soles are designed for the specific needs of healthcare workers. They have excellent grip to prevent slips on slick hospital floors

The sole has a slight rocker design, though less pronounced than Hoka’s. The rubber compound is chosen to be quiet (no squeaky shoes in patient rooms!) while still providing good traction.

Price Comparison: What Will They Cost?

Shoe Type	Hoka Price Range	Clove Price	Value Rating
Entry-level	$130-$140	N/A	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Standard model	$140-$165	$129-$139	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Premium/Specialized	$165-$200+	N/A	⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Replacement insoles	$15-$25	Included	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
With discount programs	Varies	$109-$119 (healthcare workers)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Hoka shoes typically cost between $130-$200, depending on the model. Clove shoes are priced at $129-$139, and they offer discounts for healthcare workers.

Both represent an investment compared to budget shoes, but their quality and special features make them worth considering for their specific purposes.

User Reviews: What Do Other People Think?

Hoka User Ratings

Model	Comfort	Durability	Style	Overall Rating
Clifton 9	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Bondi 8	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐☆☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Mach 5	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Speedgoat	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐½

“My dad’s physical therapist recommended Hokas for his knee pain, and he says they’ve made a huge difference. He can walk the dog with us now without his knees hurting!” – Olivia, age 12

“My track coach wears Hokas and says they help her recover faster between training days.” – Miguel, age 13

Clove User Ratings

Model	Comfort	Durability	Style	Overall Rating
Original (All Colors)	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wide Fit	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Limited Editions	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“My mom is an ER nurse and says her Clove shoes saved her feet! She used to come home with achy feet but not anymore.” – Emma, age 12

“My older sister just started nursing school and got Cloves. She says all the experienced nurses told her they’re the best shoes for hospital work.” – Jackson, age 13

Pros and Cons

Hoka Shoes

Pros	Cons
Super thick cushioning feels like walking on clouds	Not resistant to spills and fluids
Great for running and athletic activities	Harder to clean when they get dirty
Helps protect knees and joints when running	Can look bulky and chunky
Many different models to choose from	More expensive ($130-$200)
Available in lots of bright, fun colors	Not ideal for people who stand all day
Good for people with foot pain	Take longer to dry if they get wet
Wide toe box gives toes plenty of room	Mesh material can tear on rough surfaces
Can help with knee and back pain	Not professional looking for work settings

Clove Shoes

Pros	Cons
Resists spills and fluids that just wipe off	Not designed for running or sports
Super easy to clean with disinfectant wipes	Limited color options
Perfect for nurses, doctors, and healthcare jobs	Not as cushioned for high-impact activities
Good support for standing all day	Only one main model to choose from
Look professional for work settings	Not available in kids’ sizes
Stay clean-looking even after months of wear	Less bouncy feeling than Hoka
Special grip to prevent slipping on wet floors	Not as widely available in stores
Healthcare worker discounts available	Not as well-known as other shoe brands

Remember, the best shoe depends on what you need it for! Hokas are better for running and exercise, while Cloves are better for jobs where you stand all day and might encounter spills.

Conclusion

After comparing these two specialized shoe brands, which should you choose? Here’s a simple way to decide:

Hoka shoes might be best for you if:

• You’re looking for shoes for running, walking, or athletic activities
• You need maximum cushioning for joint protection
• You have sensitive feet or conditions like plantar fasciitis
• You want shoes for everyday casual wear
• You prefer a roomy toe box and a lighter, bouncier feel

Clove shoes might be best for you if:

• You work in healthcare or another job where you stand all day
• You need shoes that can be easily cleaned or resist spills
• You’re looking for shoes with medical-grade grip to prevent slips
• You want comfortable shoes that look professional
• You prefer a secure fit with good arch support for long shifts

Remember, these brands were created for different purposes! Hoka excels at cushioning for athletics and everyday comfort.

While Clove specializes in meeting the specific needs of healthcare workers. Your choice should match your specific needs or the needs of the person you’re buying for.

Frequently Asked Questions