Saucony vs Hoka Running Shoes - Comparing Models and Features (2023)

Comparing Saucony vs Hoka running shoes is a fun one for me because I’ve run in both for many miles. While the shoes might look different due to the maximal design of Hoka’s there are a lot of similarities.

Each chooses to market a little differently, but when it comes down to it they have minimal to maximum cushioning and all the options in between that ensure you’ll find the shoe that feels right for you. Because really FEEL is an important factor.

We’ve got details on construction, fit, feel, fabric and more.

Let’s start with some of the big differences and move in to comparing specific models.

Hoka Vs Saucony Key Differences

Saucony and Hoka offer similar features and models for all kinds of runners, from the new runner to Ultramarathoner to the flat-footed or high-arched.

Hoka One One first became popular with Ultrarunners and has since moved in the to main stream of running. I myself have run in a number of models and previously compared Hoka styles.

Meanwhile Saucony has been around for LONG time with a huge line up of shoes.

I break down the differences in more detail below, but here’s a quick overview:

Hoka Running Shoes

• Maximal shoe – has the larger sole which provides stability and smooth ride (that’s called stack height)
• Usually more cushioned than traditional models
• Most are a low heel drop 6-8mm
• Some state they run narrow, but compared to other brands like Nike I disagree
• Does have some casual shoes, gym shoes and recovery sandals

Saucony Running Shoes

• Often noted as fitting a more narrow foot, with a smaller toebox
• Wide range of heel drops from traditional 12mm to lower 4mm
• Well known for the casual shoes as well as their running shoes
• Focus is on lighter shoes that provide maximum comfort
• Has an ongoing Fit Tester program to continually update shoes

How do you say Saucony?

Since I used to get this question a ton wearing my Kinvaras, let me help you out.

Sock-a-knee.

It’s actually named after a creek in Pennsylvania and their logo is to represent the flow of water! They really love places for shoe names. I got to visit the actual towns of Kinvara and Kilkenny in Ireland, just a few of their shoe names.

I’ve worn both brands and will add some personal thoughts, along with links to detailed reviews.

Saucony vs HOKA ONE ONE Feature Comparison

Both brands have loyal running fans who will tell you why their shoes are the best. And that’s what makes running shoes so interesting. We all like something just a little different.

Both makers offer options to aid with comfort, support, stability, and cushion. Where they differ most are in the feel of the shoe while running.

The following breaks down each shoe based on the components buyers need to consider when purchasing a running shoe.

It’s gonna get a little TECHY…so you can just skip on down to the specific model comparison if you want, but personally if I’m shelling out $150 for shoes, I kinda want to know why.

Durability

The lifespan of shoes from both companies is fairly comparable.

• Saucony states their shoes last around 400 miles, which is pretty average. The new Endorphin pro with the carbon fiber plate is more like a racing shoe and therefore only expected to last around 200 miles.
• HOKA is often reported to last longer. I don’t know if this is more trail runners and thus less hard surfaces which extends the life of the shoe or simply their maximal design.

Determining when to replace running shoes, of course, all depends on your gait, weight, and whether you run mostly on trail or road.

Shoe Fit

Saucony has their own Shoe Advisor to help put you in the right model. I’ve always found them to run true to size, but some are for a more narrow foot.

Their often lower heel to toe drop and cushion make them a favorite of distance runners, who find the decreased drop helps with issues like IT Band Syndrome and ensures they are working on hip strength over a shoe correcting a weakness.

HOKA shoes run true to size from my testing. Some models are definitely a little more narrow than others, as with most brands. In fact, they have been working on increasing the toebox in newer models and I would say it’s more comfortable for a wider foot and with more toe room than most On shoes.

They also have a shoe finder quiz to help you get in to the right model.

Cushioning

Saucony has transitioned most of their shoes to PWRRUN technology, which they promote as a better than the standard EVA foam used by most brands.

• PWRRUN+ midsole cushioning provides more flexibility, durability, and springiness in a foam that’s 25% lighter
• Again and again their focus comes back to lighter, flexible for more power in your take off and more energy return

HOKA likes to say they provide marshmallow softness. More technically PROFLY.

I’m going to admit that I was really skeptical of HOKA at the start because I assumed all that cushion would make it heavy. It turned out I was wrong and instead have been running in them since of their very first shoes.

• They have 3 levels of cushion, which is important because plush isn’t what you want on all runs
• Cushion that provides both a good landing and plenty of stability for push off
• Hubble Heel – their newest shoes with a longer heel which is supposed to improve heel to toe transition

Stability

HOKA was designed entirely with stability in mind.

It was a core foundation of their shoes because it allows runners to move quicker with less risk of injury. This is why they created a wide stable platform.

In fact, they call their heel system the “bucket seat”, like the seat of a race car. It cushions the heel and foot without posts or guide rails — this means the midsole remains more cushioned.

Saucony has also been transitioning to less aggressive stability tools, ensuring the shoe is not over correcting or doing the work for you.

They utilize a medial post (which is a device within the midsole that is firmer) to help provide control and a TPU heel plate which again makes the rides slightly firmer and adds control. Thanks to the cushioning, you don’t so much notice the stiffness and reap the benefits.

Overview of heel to toe drop and type of cushion in most shoe brands.

Affordability

The prices between the two brands are fairly comparable. Saucony prices range between $100 to $170, and HOKA’s start at a at $120 to $250.

The most popular models for Saucony are around $130 and for HOKA also around $150.

Specialty items with more features (like carbon plates) will increase price.

You’ll notice that every brand offers a range and this is indeed due to a difference in technology and where they sell the shoe. They know that the big box store can sell the shoe with less in it, while the local running store needs to be best for dedicated runners.

HOKA Vs Saucony Models

Now that you know more about each brand, let’s look at their top models in each of the main categories. There’s no winner declared here because all are great shoes, it’s just about which one is best for your foot.

With each of these, they are the top models so numbers are constantly changing as they make a little upgrade, but On doesn’t keep adding numbers to the shoe name like most brands doe.

Stability Running Shoe

👉Saucony Guide

In this model, Saucony not only paid attention to the support below, but uses the upper for additional stability. It wraps around your foot, helping you feel more secure in the shoe,.

And as noted their stability is there, but without being aggressive so you aren’t feeling it…it’s just working. Plus, the ride still feels cushioned which was something that many traditional stability shoes lacked. That’s my kind of shoe.

8mm heel drop
9.4 oz womens

👉HOKA Gaviota

As noted all Hokas are designed with more stability than many brands, but these are considered maximum stability. But they provide stability without feeling rigid, a problem many runners have with other stability options.

It’s still cushioned, only 5mm heel toe drop and 11.3oz for men’s.

Many have said they like this for an all day shoe as well because it’s providing that support and cushion to keep the feet and legs happy. Probably one of the shoes I recommend first for many looking to help with overpronating on long runs.

5 mm heel drop
9.3 oz womens

Neutral Running Shoe

👉Saucony Ride or Saucony Kinvara

These two are the most popular neutral running shoes from Saucony. Both have been around for many years and continued to improve.

What’s the difference in the Ride vs Kinvara?

• Heel drop is 4mm on Kinvara and 8mm on Ride
• Cushioning is thinner on the Kinvara making it often more suitable for half marathon and under
• Kinvara is often seen as your tempo run or race shoe, the Ride your everyday training

I think we’ve already established my love of the Kinvara. In fact, I just started using a new Skecher’s Shoe that feels like it and I remembered all over again why I loved it so much.

YUPPP I got to run in Ireland in this special edition shoe…bring on the lucky clovers.

👉Hoka Clifton

The Clifton was their first model and I actually got to run in version 1, 2 and 6! It’s their trademark shoe and a great one for any runner who wants cushion and to test out a maximal shoe.

At just 7 oz you’ll be shocked how much cushion in provides. It’s cushioned without being too soft, so it’s still responsive.

Once you get past the fact that they look big, you’ll quickly notice they feel lighter than many other styles. And every ounce counts for me when I’m hitting 20+ mile long runs. I also appreciate that the wider base naturally supports the foot a bit more.

5mm heel drop
7.20 oz

Cushioned Running Shoe

👉Saucony Triumph

This super cushioned shoe is a favorite for many, though you are getting a touch more weight for all that cushion at 12 oz. Many say that it feels both like your foot is being hugged and like every step is a bit bouncy.

This is a great long run and everyday trainer.

8mm heel drop
9.1 oz

👉Hoka Bondi

If you want to feel like your feet are running on actual pillows…this is it.

The most cushioned shoe I’ve tried in over 26,000 miles of running. It’s a heavenly shoe for recovery days.

Important for most runners to know a shoe this cushioned isn’t ideal for all runs. You can easily start to sink in to your low back and lose a little speed without that spring off the ground.

4mm drop
10.7oz in men’s

Carbon Fiber Plate Shoes

Are they cool new technology, yes.

Do they last as long as your other shoes, nope.

So if you want to test these out use them for speed work and then race day!

• Hoka BondiX review — legit love for long runs
• Endorphins as discussed below

What about the Endorphin Line?

Because Saucony really shook things up introducing a whole new line of shoes, it feels like there needs to be at least some discussion here!

One of the big things they talk about is the Speed Roll to help roll your foot forward, which is actually pretty similar to the rocker that Skechers put in their running shoes from the start.

• Endorphin Pro – Designed for speed with the carbon fiber plate, this is your race shoe
• Endorphin Shift – This feels like a cushioned slightly stabilizing shoe, good for everyday training.
• Endorphin Speed – Also designed to be a neutral, cushioned shoe you can take to the race, but without the carbon fiber plat

Watch my detailed video on how Carbon Fiber Shoes work.

More about Saucony

Like another well known running brand (New Balance), Saucony started it’s first factory in 1898. And by 1910 they were making running spikes…but few people were running or even looking for running shoes, so it wasn’t until the 1970’s that they started to grow.

First they became known for their casual shoe with it’s cool style and then, the big time hit.

Runner’s World featured them in 1979 as a top 10 running shoe. By the 80’s they were making shoes with a non-slip sole which was a big innovation.

Then came 2009 and the Saucony Kinvara – this one shoe changed many things about their design and philosophy. It was the more natural running shoe (yes during the barefoot trend). The new goal became how to strip shoes down, without sacrificing cushion and comfort.

Good performance, good health and good community are their guiding principles. You may have seen their hashtag #runforgood – which is really about doing good, giving back and finding sustainable practices.

More about HOKA ONE ONE

Let’s start with how do you pronounce Hoka One One? “Ho-Kah O-nay O-nay” which is a Māori phrase that means “to fly over the earth.”

But they’re kind of like Madonna and just need one name: Hoka.

Founded by two mountain trail runners in the Swiss Alps, Nicolas Mermoud and Jean-Luc Diard, former Salomon employees, had an epiphany during their training that lead to the foundation of a new shoe and new company in 2009.

This makes them a mere baby in the world of running shoes, as many of the brands from Brooks to ASICS have been around 100+ years now. Pictured here is their first prototype.

At first they simply wanted a shoe that would allow them to run downhill faster and thus win!

Quickly they realized there was something more here with a smooth, super light, cushioned and stable shoe. Their maximal design took many of by surprise in a time where Zero Drop running shoes and Barefoot running were the in thing.

In 202o, the company was purchased by Deckers (owners of UGG and Teva). Hopefully that just means more marketing to keep the shoes going and not a change to what their doing right.

Your gait and feet will likely change over time and you may need to change shoes.

This is also why I recommend rotating through several pairs of shoes at once.

And remember, just because these are two of the most well known brands on the market, there are still plenty of other shoe brands to select from if neither On nor HOKA has the right shoe for you.

Keep in mind that shoe design can change, even with the same model, so always assess how the shoe fits every time you replace a pair.

For more help selecting the right shoe for you, don’t worry, I’ve got you:

• Nike Vs New Balance running shoes
• Altra Running Shoes Review
• Top 5 Marathon Running Shoes
• New Balance Vs Brooks

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