Nobull vs Hoka: Check 8 Differences Before Buying

Nobull and Hoka have an almost cultic following among runners. Most runners have used shoes from both or at least one of the brands at some point.

But which is the better brand between these two?

Well, the truth is that each has its advantages. They can, hence, work for different runners. Nobull makes lightweight and highly breathable shoes that are perfect for sprinters. Hoka makes highly cushioned and supportive shoes. Hokas are ideal for long runs and runners with foot issues.

In this article,  I will do a feature-by-feature comparison of the two brands. I will break down and explain their differences clearly. By the end of it, you should know which brand will suit your needs best.

And the good news is that I am an experienced runner with shoes from both brands. I will hence also share my firsthand experiences. So stick with me to the end!

Nobull Shoes Overview

Nobull is an American shoe brand headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The company was started by Michael Schaffer and  Marcus Wilson, two CrossFit enthusiasts. This explains why the company has always targeted the CrossFit training market. They have, however, expanded their shoe offering and have shoes for most other sports.

Nobull is famous for its high-quality and lightweight shoes. Their shoes are also designed to be supportive enough for highly demanding workouts. They have a minimalist design while still being quite stylish.

Key Features

• Lightweight SuperFabric upper: Nobull uses a premium upper fabric material. The material is highly breathable and abrasion-resistant. It can withstand the most demanding workout conditions.
• Anatomical footbed: The footbed is designed to conform to the natural foot shape. Besides comfort, this reduces fatigue and improves performance.
• Minimalist aesthetics: A typical Nobull shoe has minimalist aesthetics and branding. 
• Durable outsole: Rubber outsole guarantees a long shoe service life. It also delivers excellent traction on most surfaces.

Pros 

• Lightweight and highly breathable
• Perfect for athletes who prefer a minimalist look
• Built from durable materials
• Variety of shoe styles and colors

Cons

• Little cushioning
• Some models can be quite narrow

Hoka Shoes Overview

Hoka has been around for a little longer than Nobull. The company is currently headquartered in Goleta, California. It was founded in 2009 by Jean-Luc Diard and Nicolas Mermoud. The founders started the brand to create shoes that would allow them to run downhill faster. Their solution was to create a shoe with an oversized midsole. The oversized midsole was meant to provide more cushioning. They ended up giving their shoes more cushioning than others in the market.

Hoka is still known for its oversized midsole. This maximalist design has made it popular for runners looking for extra cushioning. Their shoes are very popular with long-distance runners. Professionals like nurses who have to be on their feet for long periods also love them. The extra cushioning keeps the feet comfortable and minimizes foot fatigue.

Their max-cushioned shoes are now available for diverse uses. They have shoes for track, trail, and all-terrain runners. The company has diversified its product offering to include streetwear and everyday shoes.

Key Features

• Maximalist design: The thick cushioned midsole is Hoka’s main feature. The oversized midsole ensures the shoes provide maximum cushioning.
• Wide toe box: Hoka shoes are also known for their wider toe boxes. The extra width is meant to ensure the toes maintain a natural splay.
• Meta-rocker tech: This technology equips the shoes with a curved sole design. The curve helps propel runners forward when running. It improves running efficiency and economy.
• Active foot frame: Most of their shoes use this feature to create a supportive structure for the foot. It prevents the foot from rolling inward when running. This feature is ideal for overpronators.

Pros 

• Extra cushioning minimizes foot fatigue
• Highly supportive design for overpronators
• Wide toe box and base
• Stylish design

Cons

• Relatively pricier
• Bulky for some runners

The Showdown: Feature-by-Feature Comparison

I will use men’s Hoka Bondi 7 and Nobull Ripstop Runner for this showdown. They are some of the most popular models from the two brands. Both are meant for almost the same category of runners. Also, I have owned both shoes and hence have firsthand experience.

1. Weight

Nobull shoes are known for being lightweight. And this is because they were originally designed for CrossFit. This high-intensity training routine requires lightweight shoes. Heavy shoes can hinder an athlete’s movement.

Hokas, on the other hand, tend to be heavier. The thicker midsole material adds significant weight to the shoe. Hokas focus more on making the shoe as comfortable as possible. And they achieve this with the extra chunky midsole.

The Bondi 7 weighs around 10.7 ounces, while the Ripstop Runner weighs 10.3 ounces. The 0.4-ounce difference is quite significant. Although it looks like little, as someone who has worn both shoes, the difference is quite clear.

2. Cushioning and Feel

Nobull shoes are built to give runners a firmer, more responsive feel. For Hoka, it is more about comfort. The soft, pillowy cushioning of Hokas is hard to beat. Hokas make my feet feel like I am running on the clouds. I just love their cushioning, especially on my recovery days. They allow me to recover my tired feet without overworking them.

With Nobull, it is all about performance. The firmness of their ride will keep you at peak performance. And can also minimize the risk of injuries. These shoes can handle constant abuse from high-intensity workouts. They also give you a locked-in feel, thanks to the stiff uppers.

Besides the plush feel, the chunky cushioning on Hokas also minimizes foot fatigue. This massive cushioning also makes the shoes perfect for long runs.

3. Traction & Durability

Hoka and Nobulll use heavy-duty materials for their outsoles. Hoka outsoles are mostly made from EVA foam. They have one chunky EVA foam midsole and outsole. The brand, however, has rubber lugs on high-impact areas. The addition of rubber improves traction and durability.

Some  Hoka shoes, like the Bondi 7 have rubber soles. The soles are much more durable.  They will last longer than what is on most traditional Hoka shoes. Hokas will provide excellent traction for outdoor tracks and trails.

Nobull running shoes almost always have a rubber outsole. Their soles are some of the toughest, as the company uses high-grade carbon rubber. The soles have less aggressive traction patterns compared to Hoka. The lugs are also shallower. Nobull shoes provide good traction, especially on indoor tracks or smooth surfaces. 

4. Uppers and Breathability

Hoka running shoes have either an open or engineered mesh upper material. This highly breathable material ensures adequate air circulation. You can, hence, be sure your feet will remain cool and dry. The material is, however, a little thicker compared to Nobull. The extra thickness makes it less flexible.

Nobull uses a wide variety of upper materials depending on the model. They use both polyester and mesh. For instance, the Ripstop Runner features a perforated polyester ripstop upper material. Generally, Nobull fabrics are less breathable compared to Hoka. They, however, make up for this by being more flexible.

I love that Nobull running and workout shoes will move with your feet. You can move and bend your feet almost the same way you would when not wearing any shoes.

5. Fit and Sizing

Both Nobull and Hoka are mostly true to size. But, it is essential to remember that sizing depends on your foot type and preferences. And so, it is always better to try out the shoe before buying. You should get a feel of the fit and decide which size suits you.

That said, Hokas tend to be roomier. They can sometimes feel too loose if you prefer something snug. It is often better to go half a size down. The opposite is true for Nobulls, as they can be pretty snug. I usually prefer to go at least half a size up.

If you have wide feet, Hoka is better for you. Besides being roomier, the brand offers regular and wide options for most of their shoes. Some models even have an extra-wide option. Most Nobull shoes are often available in just the standard width.

6. Ideal Uses

Ultimately, you can wear your Hoka or Nobull anywhere you want. Still, each has its best uses. For instance, Hoka is perfect for runners who prefer extra cushioning. Nobull is better for those looking for something flexible and highly responsive. This fits what many athletes prefer for intense workouts.

There are still many other ideal uses for both shoe brands. Here is a quick overview:

Best uses for Hoka shoes:

• Long distances running.
• People who have to be on their feet for long.
• Overpronators and runners with other foot issues.
• Recovery runs.

Best uses for Nobull shoes:

• CrossFit and other high-intensity workouts.
• Indoor and other smooth surfaces runs.
• Streetwear for people who prefer something minimalist but still stylish.

7. Price

Overall, Hoka is the more expensive brand compared to Nobull. It is, however, important to remember that both are premium brands. Their shoes will cost much more than your average running shoes.

Hokas typically range between $140 and $200. Bondi 7s are currently retailing in the $150 to $160 range. I was lucky to buy mine for much cheaper than this during a sale. The service you get from these shoes and comfort are worth every buck.

Nobull shoes are relatively cheaper. While they also retail for over $100, the price for most models hardly goes above $170. Their Ripstop Runner is currently retailing for around $130 to $150.

8. Style/Aesthetics

I can tell you from experience that not everybody loves how the Hokas look. Some people love the maximalist design, while others find it awkward. The brand, however, tries to cater to everyone regarding colorways. Most of their models are available in at least a dozen colorway options. Some even come in several dozen color options.

The minimalist aesthetics of Nobull appears to appeal to more people. Their shoes are often sleeker and more streamlined. The only shortcoming is that you will get fewer color choices. Nobull does not offer as many colorway options as Hoka.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Them

Ultimately, the choice between these two brands will be personal. It will largely depend on your preferences and likes. Still, you need to consider some important things to ensure you make a more informed choice:

1. Cushioning needs – What are your specific cushioning needs? Do you prefer a firm, responsive ride or a soft, cushioned feel? If you want something firm and responsive, Nobull is your best bet. If you prefer plush cushioned shoes that make you feel like you are walking on a cloud, go for Hoka.

2. Intended use – How and where do you intend to use the shoes? Are you looking for an all-around training shoe or a race-day shoe? Nobull will work well for you if you want a flexible, all-round trainer. Hoka is ideal for long race days. Their extra cushioning minimizes foot fatigue.

3. Fit – The fit largely depends on your foot shape and width. Runners with wider feet will love Hokas as they are roomier. Those with narrow feet will enjoy wearing Nobull. Their shoes will be more snug. I would advise trying out the shoes before buying, if possible. Also, try to wear them late in the afternoon. Your feet will be widest in the afternoon. You will, hence, get a true feel of the fit.  

4. Durability requirements – I have been running long enough. And so I know you rarely get over 500 miles from any shoe. This includes even high-quality shoes like Hokas and Nobull. But between these two, Hokas may wear out faster. Nobulls are built to be relatively sturdier, so they should give you a few extra miles.

5. Terrain – Will you run indoors, on trails, or roads? You need to have a clear answer when choosing between these two. Knowing your typical terrain helps you determine your grip needs. For instance, Hokas are built for trails. They can hold up pretty well on uneven terrains. The traction on Nobulls is better suited for indoor and smooth surfaces.

6. Budget – How much do you want to spend on your running shoes? Well, these two are premium brands. They will hence be costlier than regular running shoes. Still, Hokas tend to be more expensive compared to Nobull. If you are looking to save a few bucks, go for Nobull.

In our exploration of the top running shoe brands, we’ve delved into the unique features and benefits of Nobull and Hoka footwear. However, if you’re looking for an even deeper comparison that also includes the renowned Brooks running shoes, check out our comprehensive ‘Hoka vs. Brooks‘ article for a holistic view of the top contenders in the running shoe market.

Conclusion

Nobull and Hoka are two premium brands with some of the best shoes in the market. Nobull makes shoes for athletes looking for something flexible and responsive. Their shoes are also made to be highly durable to withstand high-intensity workouts. Nobull shoes are also perfect for running indoors and on smooth surfaces.

With Hoka, it is all about comfort. Their maximalist cushioned shoes are super cozy thanks to their plush cushioning. These shoes are also more supportive, especially for runners with foot problems. Hokas are also the best for long runs and trail running.

Ultimately, the right brand for you depends on what you want and your foot type. The best idea would be to try out both. You can then settle for what feels best on your feet.

Do you have experience with these two fantastic brands? Which one is your favorite? Please share your answers and any other remarks in the comments section.