Two of the most prominent trail running shoe brands, On Cloud and Hoka Speedgoat 5, have garnered widespread acclaim for their innovative designs and high-quality products.
Contents
On Cloud Ultra vs Hoka Speedgoat 5 Shoes
The main difference between On Cloud Ultra and Hoka Speedgoat 5 lies in their intended use. On Cloud Ultra is designed for road-to-trail versatility, offering a balance of cushioning and responsiveness for mixed terrain.
In contrast, Hoka Speedgoat 5 is specifically built for technical trail running, providing maximum cushioning and grip for rugged off-road adventures.
Here’s a detailed comparison table for On Cloud Ultra vs Hoka Speedgoat 5 shoes:
| Feature | On Cloud Ultra | Hoka Speedgoat 5 |
| Intended Use | Road-to-trail | Technical trail |
| Weight | Approx. 295g (M), 245g (W) | Approx. 292g (M), 240g (W) |
| Stack Height | 29mm heel, 20mm forefoot | 33mm heel, 29mm forefoot |
| Drop | 9mm | 4mm |
| Cushioning | Helion™ superfoam | CMEVA foam midsole |
| Upper Material | Engineered mesh | Engineered mesh with recycled content |
| Outsole | Missiongrip™ rubber | Vibram® Megagrip rubber |
| Lacing System | Traditional | Traditional |
| Toe Box | Moderately wide | Wide |
| Stability Features | CloudTec® elements | Meta-Rocker geometry |
| Price Range | $160-$180 | $155-$165 |
Summary: On Cloud Ultra and Hoka Speedgoat 5 are both high-performance trail running shoes, but they cater to different needs. The On Cloud Ultra is more versatile, suitable for both road and trail running, with a higher drop and CloudTec cushioning.
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is specialized for technical trails, offering maximum cushioning, a lower drop, and superior traction for rough terrain.
Durability
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra boasts exceptional durability, thanks to its robust construction and high-quality materials.
The upper is made from a combination of durable mesh and synthetic overlays, providing excellent breathability while protecting against abrasions and tears.
The CloudTec outsole, with its distinctive cloud elements, is designed to withstand the rigors of rugged trails, offering outstanding traction and longevity.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is renowned for its exceptional durability, making it a reliable choice for even the most demanding trail runs.
The upper is constructed with a combination of high-density mesh and reinforced overlays, ensuring protection against rocks and debris.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole, with its aggressive lugs, provides excellent traction and durability, ensuring a long-lasting performance on various trail surfaces.
Breathability
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra excels in breathability, thanks to its well-ventilated mesh upper. The strategically placed perforations and mesh panels allow for optimal airflow, keeping your feet cool and dry even during intense trail runs.
This feature is particularly beneficial for runners who tend to overheat or tackle challenging terrain in warmer conditions.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 also prioritizes breathability with its lightweight and highly breathable mesh upper. The mesh panels are strategically placed to maximize airflow, ensuring that your feet remain comfortable and dry throughout your run.
Whether you’re tackling steep ascents or navigating through humid environments, the Speedgoat 5 will keep your feet well-ventilated.
Cushioning
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra incorporates the brand’s innovative CloudTec cushioning system, which provides a unique and responsive ride.
The cloud elements on the outsole compress and rebound upon impact, delivering a smooth and responsive feel with each stride.
Additionally, the midsole features On’s Helion superfoam, which offers excellent energy return and cushioning for long-distance trail runs.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Hoka is renowned for its exceptional cushioning, and the Speedgoat 5 is no exception. The shoe features Hoka’s signature CMEVA midsole foam, which provides superior impact protection and a plush, responsive ride.
The midsole is also designed with a high stack height, which helps to absorb shock and protect your joints from the rigors of trail running.
Shoe Fit
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra offers a snug and secure fit, thanks to its Speedboard technology and reinforced heel counter.
The Speedboard provides a stable and responsive platform for your foot, while the heel counter ensures a locked-in feel, preventing excessive heel movement.
Additionally, the shoe features a generous toe box, allowing ample wiggle room for your toes.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is designed with a comfortable and secure fit in mind. The shoe features a spacious toe box, accommodating various foot shapes and preventing toe cramping during long runs.
The reinforced heel counter and midfoot support system provide a secure and locked-in feel, ensuring your foot remains stable on uneven terrain.
Stability
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra offers excellent stability, thanks to its low-profile design and Speedboard technology. The Speedboard provides a stable and responsive platform, enhancing your overall control and balance on technical trails.
Additionally, the shoe’s outsole features strategic lugs and a sturdy construction, ensuring reliable traction on various surfaces.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is renowned for its exceptional stability, making it a popular choice among trail runners. The shoe’s wide and stable platform, combined with its high stack height, provides a solid base and excellent ground control.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole, with its aggressive lugs, ensures reliable traction and stability on challenging terrain.
Comfort
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra prioritizes comfort, offering a plush and responsive ride. The CloudTec cushioning system provides a smooth and cushioned feel with each stride, while the breathable mesh upper ensures optimal ventilation and comfort.
Additionally, the shoe’s Helion superfoam midsole offers excellent energy return and cushioning, reducing fatigue during long trail runs.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is designed with comfort in mind, featuring the brand’s signature plush cushioning and a spacious toe box.
The CMEVA midsole foam provides superior impact protection and a responsive ride, while the breathable mesh upper ensures optimal airflow and moisture management.
Whether you’re tackling long distances or navigating technical terrain, the Speedgoat 5 offers exceptional comfort.
Quality
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra is a testament to Swiss engineering and quality craftsmanship. The shoe is meticulously constructed with premium materials and attention to detail, ensuring durability and longevity.
From the robust outsole to the reinforced upper, every aspect of the On Cloud Ultra is designed to withstand the demands of trail running.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Hoka is known for its commitment to quality, and the Speedgoat 5 is no exception. The shoe is expertly crafted with high-quality materials and advanced technologies, ensuring reliable performance and longevity.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole, durable mesh upper, and reinforced overlays all contribute to the Speedgoat 5’s exceptional quality.
Style
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra boasts a sleek and modern design, combining function and style. The shoe’s distinctive CloudTec outsole and unique aesthetic make it stand out on the trails.
Available in a range of colorways, the On Cloud Ultra allows you to express your personal style while enjoying its exceptional performance.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 features a bold and eye-catching design, reflecting its rugged and capable nature. The shoe’s vibrant colorways and distinctive silhouette make it instantly recognizable on the trails.
Whether you prefer a subtle or bold look, the Speedgoat 5 offers a variety of options to suit your personal style.
Size
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra is available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate various foot sizes and shapes.
It’s essential to try on the shoe and ensure a proper fit, as sizing may vary slightly from other brands. On Cloud offers detailed size guides and recommendations to help you find the perfect fit.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
Hoka’s Speedgoat 5 also comes in a comprehensive size range, catering to both men and women. As with any shoe purchase, it’s recommended to try on the Speedgoat 5 and consult Hoka’s size guides to ensure the best possible fit for your specific foot shape and size.
Materials
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra is constructed with high-quality materials designed to withstand the rigors of trail running. The upper features a combination of durable mesh and synthetic overlays, ensuring breathability and protection.
The CloudTec outsole is made from a highly durable rubber compound, providing excellent traction and longevity.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 utilizes premium materials to ensure optimal performance and durability. The upper is constructed with a robust mesh material and reinforced overlays, providing protection and ventilation.
The Vibram Megagrip outsole is made from a specialized rubber compound, offering exceptional traction and durability on various trail surfaces.
Flexibility
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra offers a good balance of flexibility and stability, allowing for natural foot movement while providing support on technical terrain.
The shoe’s CloudTec outsole and Speedboard technology work together to provide a responsive and flexible ride, enabling you to adapt to various trail conditions with ease.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is designed with a flexible yet supportive construction. The shoe’s midsole foam and outsole material work in unison to provide a smooth and adaptable ride, allowing your foot to move naturally while tackling uneven terrain.
This combination of flexibility and support helps reduce fatigue and enhances overall performance on the trails.
Water Resistance
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra offers moderate water resistance, thanks to its water-repellent upper materials and construction.
While not fully waterproof, the shoe is designed to provide protection against light rain and shallow puddles, ensuring your feet remain relatively dry during wet trail conditions.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 is not specifically designed as a waterproof shoe, but it does offer decent water resistance.
The mesh upper and overlays provide some protection against light rain and splashes, but prolonged exposure to heavy water may cause the shoe to become saturated.
It’s recommended to use additional waterproofing measures for extremely wet conditions.
Sole
On Cloud Ultra
The On Cloud Ultra features the brand’s innovative CloudTec outsole, which is designed to provide superior traction and cushioning on various trail surfaces.
The outsole’s distinctive cloud elements compress and rebound upon impact, delivering a smooth and responsive ride. Additionally, the outsole is made from a durable rubber compound, ensuring excellent grip and longevity.
Hoka Speedgoat 5
The Hoka Speedgoat 5 utilizes the Vibram Megagrip outsole, which is renowned for its exceptional traction and durability. The aggressive lugs are designed to provide reliable grip on a wide range of trail surfaces, from loose dirt to rocky terrain.
The outsole’s specialized rubber compound ensures long-lasting performance and excellent traction, even in wet conditions.
User Reviews and Ratings
| Shoe Model | Rating | User Review (5-star rating) |
| On Cloud Ultra | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “The On Cloud Ultra is the perfect balance of cushion and responsiveness. I’ve never had a more comfortable shoe for long runs on varied terrain. The traction is excellent too!” |
| Hoka Speedgoat 5 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | “As a trail runner, the Hoka Speedgoat 5 is my go-to shoe. The grip is unbeatable on technical terrain, and the cushioning keeps my feet happy mile after mile.” |
Price Comparison
| Shoe Model | Average Price (USD) |
| On Cloud Ultra | $180 |
| Hoka Speedgoat 5 | $155 |
Please note that prices can vary depending on the retailer, sales, and specific colorways. The prices provided are approximate average retail prices as of my last update in April 2024.
Pros and Cons
Pros: On Cloud Ultra
- Versatile for both road and trail use
- Lightweight design
- Responsive cushioning
- Good breathability
Cons: On Cloud Ultra
- Less aggressive tread pattern for technical trails
- Higher price point
- May not provide enough cushioning for ultra-long distances
Pros: Hoka Speedgoat 5
- Excellent cushioning for long-distance comfort
- Superior traction on technical trails
- Wide toe box for comfort
- Durable construction
Cons: Hoka Speedgoat 5
- Less suitable for road running
- Maximal cushioning may reduce ground feel
- Bulkier appearance
- May feel less responsive on smoother terrain
In conclusion: Both the On Cloud Ultra and the Hoka Speedgoat 5 are exceptional trail running shoes, offering exceptional performance, durability, and comfort on various terrains
The On Cloud Ultra stands out for its innovative CloudTec cushioning system, responsive ride, and sleek design, while the Hoka Speedgoat 5 excels in plush cushioning, aggressive traction, and a secure fit.
Are these shoes suitable for road running as well?
While both the On Cloud Ultra and the Hoka Speedgoat 5 are primarily designed for trail running, they can also be used for road running, albeit with slightly reduced performance and durability on paved surfaces.
How do I determine the right size for these shoes?
It’s recommended to try on both shoes and consult the brand’s size guides to ensure the best fit. Additionally, consider factors like foot width, arch support, and any potential swelling during long runs.
Can these shoes be used for hiking or other outdoor activities?
Yes, both the On Cloud Ultra and the Hoka Speedgoat 5 can be used for hiking and other outdoor activities, thanks to their durable construction and excellent traction on various terrains.
How often should I replace these trail running shoes?
The replacement frequency depends on factors like your mileage, weight, running style, and the type of terrain you typically run on. As a general guideline, most trail running shoes should be replaced every 300 to 500 miles (480 to 800 kilometers) or when you notice significant wear or loss of cushioning.
Are these shoes suitable for wet or muddy trail conditions?
While both shoes offer some water resistance, they are not designed as waterproof trail running shoes. For extremely wet or muddy conditions, it’s recommended to use additional waterproofing measures or consider dedicated waterproof trail running shoes.