The footwear game has changed. What used to be a long-term battle between Nike and Adidas has now evolved into something bigger, and people are looking more into function and performance than just style. Two big players in the sneaker market right now include Hoka and On. Both brands boast top-notch comfort, stability, and a cute aesthetic to match, so I decided to compare the brands’ top-performing versatile walking shoes, the Hoka Clifton 11 and the On Cloud 6, to see which one performs better.
These popular silhouettes are bestsellers—not just of their respective brands—but in the general footwear market. Both can be used for walking and everyday wear, and both have earned spots on our lists of best walking shoes for women and best shoes for standing all day. But in terms of versatility and comfort, one impressed both me and our testers far more.
Keep reading to see the winner in the Hoka vs. On debate.
Key Differences: Hoka Clifton 11 Vs. On Cloud 6
Hoka shoes have become a cult-favorite in the sneaker world for their top-tier comfort and support. That’s thanks to the brand’s thick EVA midsole, which provides plush cushioning and solid foot support. The Cliftons are a keystone to Hoka’s cushioned shoe lineup for their lightweight body (only 8.3 oz) and their versatility to support the foot through standing, walking, and running. Like its prior iterations, the 11s are often recommended by podiatrists and physical therapists for anything from running or walking with plantar fasciitis and hold the APMA Seal of Acceptance—a seal under the American Podiatric Medical Association that is only awarded to products found to promote good foot health.
Additionally, our Associate Commerce Editor Hannah Jeon wrote a full review on the Hoka Clifton 11, where she said they were “definitely worth the purchase for anyone looking for a reliable, comfortable pair of daily, neutral sneakers for everyday miles and easy paces.”
On has become a standout in the sneaker market for its CloudTec cushioning made with lightweight EVA foam that provides protective cushion without adding on any extra weight. The On Cloud 6 features a neutral profile with neutral cushion, stability, and support and can be used for a wide variety of activities, but I found that it is best used as an everyday walking or lifestyle shoe. Their standout feature? The convenient and speedy lacing system, which makes them ideal to slip on and off. The wide opening is supported by a soft and updated sockliner that provides a fair amount of comfort, but I found they lacked adequate cushion for running.
Fit and design
Hoka on the left, On on the right
Both shoes feel like a hug. For both the Hoka Clifton 11 and the On Cloud 6, the material almost feels like it grabs and covers the entire foot once in. The midfoot in the Hoka Clifton 11 feels slightly more sleek and snug than the On Cloud 6, but that’s balanced out with a roomy toe box—which I fully appreciate. The On Cloud 6 had a narrower toe box that seemed to squish my toes while moving at a faster pace and felt sleeker and closer to the foot overall for a narrower fit.
Both shoes also sit higher and make you feel slightly taller, with the Hoka Clifton 11 measuring at 29 mm and the On Cloud 6 measuring at around 28 mm. Additionally, both shoes come in colorful and neutral colorways.
Besides the snug fit and height, the design totally varies between the two styles. The Hoka Clifton 11 features flat, traditional tie-up laces. Meanwhile, the On Cloud 6 has the speedy pull-on lacing system, which makes putting them on and adjusting the fit much less of a hassle. And overall, the Hoka Clifton 11 looks chunkier.
Cushion and feel
Hoka Cliftons
The Hoka Clifton 11 provides a more plush, cushioned, and supported feel. I personally enjoy the moderate cushion and support, though other testers have reported that they feel the cushion is too chunky and can feel cumbersome because of its thick nature. However, I find that the responsive foam midsole gives me an extra bounce in my step, and the rocker bottom puts me in a position to propel forward at any point (though it did take time to get used to the feeling of being pushed forward with each stride).
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The On Cloud 6 on the other hand, offers light and minimal cushioning. It feels closer to a barefoot shoe while still having a bit of a heel-to-toe drop that helps propel the foot forward. This is nice for users who prefer a more natural, almost sock-like feeling. The minimal cushioning also means a lighter profile, and I really appreciate how easy it feels to lift my foot when walking or running in these shoes. It weighs 7.6 oz, versus the Clifton at 8.3 oz. While a slight difference, I absolutely feel the heavier weight with the Clifton design when standing, walking, and running.
Finally, I wanted to note that out of the box, the Hoka Clifton’s cushion made them feel ready to wear immediately, while the On Cloud 6 required a little bit of break-in time.
Stability and support
The Hoka Clifton 11 offers neutral stability, and Priya Parthasarathy, D.P.M., a podiatrist and a spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), says that they “are a very popular model for a neutral foot type.” Parthasarathy herself is a fan, adding that she likes to remove the included insole and replace it with her own custom orthotics for additional support. She also notes these are not for overpronators—the Hoka silhouette best for that foot type is the Arahi.
On paper, the On Cloud 6 provides neutral stability. However, for not being a stability shoe, they really remain flat and close to the ground. While I probably wouldn’t use them for lifting heavy weights, I use them to perform mild to moderate workouts that require balance with no problem. They were also supportive enough for long walks at a moderate pace, but I found that when I tried to move faster, the support was lacking, maybe because my toes felt slightly more cramped and could not fully spread out to support my stride.
How we tested
On on the left, Hoka on the right
For this comparison review, I tested the Hoka Clifton 11 sneakers and the On Cloud 6 shoes for a month. In that time, I went on many long walks, commuted to and from work, and even took both on a short jog around the park. More casually, I ran errands and spent long hours on my feet at an outdoor concert.
The final verdict
At the end of the day, the plush cushioning and support, roomy toe box, and responsiveness—all features that are present in most Hoka shoes overall—make Hoka Cliftons the big winner for me. On Cloud 6 still makes an awesome casual, walking, and everyday errand shoe. They are perfect for days I need an easy, lightweight shoe or more of a low-to-the-ground feel, plus I love the ease with which the lace system helps me get them on and off. Both will remain regulars in my walking shoe rotation, but when it’s plush comfort I need, the Cliftons are what I will be reaching for first.
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