Cloudmonster vs Hoka Shoes

Cloudmonster and Hoka shoes differ in several key aspects that matter to runners. Comfort-wise, Cloudmonster features CloudTec pods that create a bouncy, responsive feel while Hoka offers thick foam cushioning that feels plush and soft underfoot.

For durability, both brands typically last 300-500 miles, with Cloudmonster’s rubber pods showing good wear resistance and Hoka’s foam potentially compressing faster depending on running style.

Price-wise, Cloudmonster shoes generally run $150-$170, slightly higher than Hoka’s popular Clifton model ($130-$150), though Hoka’s premium Bondi line reaches $160-$180.

Style-wise, Cloudmonster has a distinctive look with visible CloudTec pods and modern designs, while Hoka is known for chunky, thick soles that have become increasingly trendy.

Cloudmonster performs better for runners seeking energy return and ground feel, while Hoka excels in maximum cushioning, joint protection, and wider sizing options.

Cloudmonster vs Hoka Shoes

Cloudmonster and Hoka shoes is their cushioning technology. Cloudmonster uses bouncy CloudTec pods that give energy back with each step, while Hoka features thick, soft foam that absorbs impact. Both last about 300-500 miles, but Hokas offer more options for wide feet and cost slightly less.

Before comparing the specifics, here is an overview of Cloudmonster vs Hoka Shoes:

Feature	Cloudmonster	Hoka
Cushioning	CloudTec pods (bouncy)	Thick foam (soft)
Feel	Responsive, springy	Plush, cushioned
Price	$150-$170	$130-$180
Best For	Energy return, medium-width feet	Joint protection, available in wide sizes
Weight	Medium (10-11 oz)	Light to medium (8-10 oz)
Style	Modern with visible pods	Chunky with thick soles
Durability	300-500 miles	300-500 miles

If you’re choosing between Cloudmonster and Hoka shoes, think about what matters most to you. Cloudmonster shoes feel bouncy and give you energy back when you run. Hoka shoes feel super soft and cushioned. Both are good quality, but Hoka offers more options if you have wide feet. Try both if you can to see which feels better on your feet!

What Makes Running Shoes Special?

Running shoes need to protect your feet when you run. They should be comfortable and help prevent injuries. Both Cloudmonster and Hoka make shoes specially designed for runners, but they have different features that might make one better for you than the other.

About Cloudmonster Shoes

Cloudmonster shoes are made by a company called On Running. They started in Switzerland in 2010. Their shoes have a special cushioning system called CloudTec that looks like little clouds on the bottom of the shoe.

About Hoka Shoes

Hoka shoes started in France in 2009. They became famous for their thick soles that give lots of cushioning. Many runners who run long distances like Hoka shoes because they are soft and comfortable.

Comfort: How Do They Feel?

Cloudmonster Comfort

Cloudmonster shoes feel bouncy when you walk or run in them. The CloudTec pods compress when your foot hits the ground and then spring back to give you energy for your next step. Many runners say it feels like running on soft clouds.

The inside of Cloudmonster shoes has soft padding that wraps around your foot. This makes your feet feel cozy and protected.

Hoka Comfort

Hoka shoes have very thick soles with lots of foam. When you put them on, you might feel like you’re standing taller. The cushioning spreads across your whole foot and absorbs shock when you run.

Hoka shoes often feel like you’re running on a soft, squishy surface. Some runners say it’s like running on marshmallows or memory foam.

Cushioning: Protection For Your Feet

Feature	Cloudmonster	Hoka
Cushioning Type	CloudTec pods	Thick foam
Feel	Bouncy	Soft and plush
Best For	Energy return	Shock absorption
Weight	Medium	Light to medium

Cloudmonster Cushioning

Cloudmonster shoes use their special CloudTec pods for cushioning. These pods look like little clouds and compress when you step on them. This design helps absorb shock and then gives energy back to help you push off.

The cushioning is firm but responsive. This means it’s not super soft, but it helps you feel the ground while still protecting your feet.

Hoka Cushioning

Hoka is famous for its thick cushioning. Their shoes have more foam than most other running shoes. This extra padding helps protect your joints when you run, especially on hard surfaces like roads or sidewalks.

The cushioning in Hoka shoes is usually softer than Cloudmonster. This can make your feet feel less tired after a long run, but some runners find it too soft.

Fit: Finding Your Perfect Size

Cloudmonster Fit

Cloudmonster shoes usually fit true to size. This means you can probably order your normal shoe size. They have a medium-width toe box, which is the part where your toes go. If you have wide feet, you might find them a bit tight.

The heel area hugs your foot snugly to prevent your heel from slipping when you run. The shoes have good arch support for most foot types.

Hoka Fit

Hoka shoes often run a bit narrow, especially in the toe box. If you have wide feet, you might need to go up half a size or look for their wide versions. Some Hoka models now come in wide sizes to fit more foot shapes.

Hoka shoes typically have a secure heel fit and good arch support. They design their shoes to keep your foot stable while still being comfortable.

Stability: Keeping You Balanced

Cloudmonster Stability

Cloudmonster shoes provide good stability through their CloudTec system. The pods spread out when you put weight on them, creating a wider base of support. This helps keep your foot from rolling inward (overpronating) or outward (supinating).

The shoes have a firm heel counter (the back part of the shoe) that helps hold your heel in place. This adds to the stability when running.

Hoka Stability

Even though Hoka shoes have thick soles, they’re designed to be stable. Many models have a wide base that helps prevent wobbling. Some Hoka shoes also have a feature called a “meta-rocker” that helps you roll forward smoothly with each step.

Hoka makes different shoes for different needs. Some have more stability features for runners whose feet roll inward too much when they run.

Durability: How Long Will They Last?

Cloudmonster Durability

Cloudmonster shoes are built to last. The CloudTec pods are made of durable rubber that resists wear. Most runners get about 300-500 miles out of a pair before needing to replace them.

The upper part of the shoe (the fabric part) is made of strong materials that don’t tear easily. The stitching is high quality to prevent the shoe from coming apart.

Hoka Durability

Hoka shoes typically last between 300-500 miles as well. The thick foam eventually compresses and loses its cushioning power. The outsoles (bottom of the shoe) are made with rubber that grips well and resists wear.

Some runners find that Hoka’s softer foam might compress faster than firmer foams, but this depends on your weight, running style, and where you run.

Breathability: Keeping Your Feet Cool

Feature	Cloudmonster	Hoka
Upper Material	Engineered mesh	Engineered mesh
Ventilation	Good airflow	Varies by model
Best For	Warm weather	All seasons
Drying Time	Quick	Medium

Cloudmonster Breathability

Cloudmonster shoes use an engineered mesh upper that allows air to flow through. This helps keep your feet cool and dry during runs. The mesh has small holes that let hot air escape and cool air enter.

The shoes also have moisture-wicking properties that help move sweat away from your foot. This can help prevent blisters on long runs.

Hoka Breathability

Hoka shoes also use mesh materials for breathability, but the amount of ventilation varies by model. Some Hoka shoes have lots of tiny holes for air flow, while others focus more on support and might be a bit warmer.

If you run in hot weather, you might want to look for Hoka models that specifically mention breathability as a feature.

Quality: How Well Are They Made?

Cloudmonster Quality

Cloudmonster shoes are known for high-quality materials and construction. The company focuses on innovative design and premium materials. The shoes are well-built with attention to detail in the stitching and gluing.

Because they use special technologies and high-quality materials, Cloudmonster shoes often cost more than average running shoes.

Hoka Quality

Hoka also makes high-quality running shoes. They use good materials and have consistent manufacturing standards. Their shoes are designed to handle many miles of running without falling apart.

Like Cloudmonster, Hoka uses premium materials which makes their shoes more expensive than basic running shoes. But many runners feel the quality is worth the price.

Style: How Do They Look?

Cloudmonster Style

Cloudmonster shoes have a distinctive look because of their CloudTec pods. They often come in bright, eye-catching colors as well as more subtle options. The shoes have a modern, technical appearance that some runners love.

The unique look of Cloudmonster shoes makes them stand out. Some people like to wear them not just for running but as fashion shoes too.

Hoka Style

Hoka shoes are known for their chunky, thick soles. This gives them a unique look that’s easy to recognize. They come in many colors, from bright and bold to simple black or white.

Some people think Hoka shoes look a bit unusual because of their thick soles. But the brand has become trendy, and many people now wear them for style as well as function.

Materials: What Are They Made Of?

Cloudmonster Materials

Cloudmonster shoes use engineered mesh for the upper part. This mesh is lightweight and breathable but still supportive. The CloudTec pods are made of a special rubber compound designed to be durable and springy.

The midsole (the middle layer of the sole) uses a foam material called Helion that provides cushioning while still being responsive. The insole (inside the shoe) is removable if you want to use your own custom insoles.

Hoka Materials

Hoka uses various types of foam in their midsoles, with names like CMEVA (Compression Molded EVA) and PROFLY. These foams provide the cushioning Hoka is famous for. The outsoles use rubber that grips well on different surfaces.

The upper materials in Hoka shoes are usually engineered mesh or knit fabrics. These are designed to be lightweight and breathable while still giving your foot support.

Weight: How Heavy Are They?

Cloudmonster Weight

Cloudmonster shoes are typically medium weight for running shoes. A men’s size 9 usually weighs about 10-11 ounces (283-312 grams). This puts them in the middle range – not the lightest racing shoes but not heavy training shoes either.

The CloudTec pods add some weight, but the company tries to use lightweight materials in other parts of the shoe to balance this out.

Hoka Weight

Despite their thick soles, many Hoka shoes are surprisingly lightweight. They use lightweight foam that provides cushioning without adding too much weight. A typical men’s size 9 Hoka might weigh between 8-10 ounces (227-283 grams), depending on the model.

Some Hoka models designed for racing are even lighter, while those built for trail running or extra stability might be a bit heavier.

Flexibility: How They Bend

Feature	Cloudmonster	Hoka
Flexibility	Moderate	Varies by model
Bending Point	Forefoot	Meta-rocker design
Feel	Natural toe-off	Smooth roll
Best For	Natural foot movement	Forward propulsion

Cloudmonster Flexibility

Cloudmonster shoes have moderate flexibility. The CloudTec pods allow the shoe to flex where your foot naturally bends – right behind your toes. This helps your foot move in a natural way when you run.

The shoes aren’t the most flexible on the market because the CloudTec system provides some structure. But they flex enough to allow comfortable running.

Hoka Flexibility

Hoka shoes often use a “meta-rocker” design instead of focusing on flexibility. This means the shoe is shaped like a rocker to help roll your foot forward rather than bending a lot in the middle.

Some Hoka models are more flexible than others. Their racing shoes tend to be more flexible, while their max-cushioned models might be stiffer to provide more support.

Water Resistance: Keeping Your Feet Dry

Cloudmonster Water Resistance

Cloudmonster shoes aren’t fully waterproof, but they do shed light rain pretty well. The mesh upper is treated to repel some water, but heavy rain will eventually soak through.

The CloudTec pods can channel water away from the center of your foot, which helps keep your feet drier when running on wet surfaces.

Hoka Water Resistance

Most regular Hoka running shoes aren’t waterproof either. They’re designed to be breathable, which means water can get in. However, Hoka does make some trail running models with water-resistant coatings or membranes.

If you often run in wet conditions, look for Hoka models that specifically mention water resistance or Gore-Tex linings.

Sole: The Bottom Of The Shoe

Cloudmonster Sole

The sole of Cloudmonster shoes is what makes them unique. The CloudTec pods act as individual cushions, compressing independently when you run. This helps the shoe adapt to different surfaces and running styles.

The outsole (the very bottom layer) uses durable rubber in high-wear areas to provide grip and protect the CloudTec pods. The pattern of the outsole gives good traction on roads and paths.

Hoka Sole

Hoka soles are thick and cushioned. The midsole foam is much thicker than in traditional running shoes. This design helps absorb impact when your foot hits the ground.

The outsole of Hoka shoes usually has a wide base for stability. The rubber outsole provides good grip on various surfaces. The meta-rocker shape helps roll your foot forward smoothly from heel to toe.

User Reviews And Ratings

Here’s what real runners say about these shoes:

Model	Comfort Rating	Durability Rating	Value Rating	Overall Rating
Cloudmonster	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)	⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Hoka Clifton	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
Hoka Bondi	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)	⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)

Cloudmonster User Reviews

“I love how bouncy these shoes feel! They give me energy on my runs, especially when I start to get tired.” – Maria T.

“The CloudTec pods took a little getting used to, but now I love how they cushion my steps. Great for my long runs on the weekend.” – James K.

“These shoes look cool and perform well. The only downside is they’re a bit pricey.” – Alex S.

Hoka User Reviews

“The cushioning in my Hokas saved my knees! I can run longer without pain now.” – Sarah M.

“I was worried about the thick soles, but they’re actually very stable and comfortable. Great shoes for daily training.” – Michael B.

“These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn for running or walking. Worth every penny!” – Lisa R.

Price Comparison

Model	Typical Price Range	Best For
Cloudmonster	$150-$170	Runners wanting responsive cushioning
Hoka Clifton	$130-$150	Everyday runners seeking cushioning
Hoka Bondi	$160-$180	Maximum cushioning for long distances
Hoka Mach	$130-$150	Faster-paced running with cushioning

Prices may vary depending on sales, store location, and specific models.

Conclusion

Both Cloudmonster and Hoka make excellent running shoes, but they feel different when you run in them. Cloudmonster offers a bouncy, responsive ride with their CloudTec pods. Hoka provides plush cushioning with their thick foam soles.

The best way to know which one works for you is to try them on if possible. Your feet are unique, and what feels great to someone else might not work for you. Both brands offer quality shoes that can help you enjoy running more.

Frequently Asked Questions