On Cloud 5 Waterproof
Pros
- Perfect for all-day wear
- Super light for its kind
- Easy on-and-off
- Amazing in-shoe feel
- Sustainable materials (40%)
- Regular laces are added
- Reflective elements
Cons
- Catches rocks and debris
- Can get smelly
Key Features
- Lightweight and Waterproof - Ensures comfort without adding weight.
- Signature Speed-lacing - Features elastic laces for quick adjustments.
- Updated Speedboard - Designed to enhance propulsion and efficiency.
- Zero-Gravity Foam - Provides excellent impact absorption.
- Round Toe Design - Offers ample space for toe movement.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Polyester
- Inner Material: Foam
The On Cloud 5 Waterproof is a top choice for those seeking a reliable waterproof walking shoe that excels in comfort and durability. This model allows for extended wear without discomfort, making it suitable for all-day use.
To assess the shoe's material quality, we analyzed the upper both visually and microscopically. The upper exhibited no light penetration, confirming its airtight and watertight properties, while the microscope revealed a tightly interwoven structure.
In terms of durability, the outsole demonstrated impressive metrics, with a hardness measured at 84.0 HC and a thickness of 3.3 mm. These values exceed average benchmarks by 10.7% and 22.22%, indicating that the outsole is designed to withstand significant wear over time.
During extensive testing, the On Cloud 5 Waterproof proved to be non-exhausting, supported by lab findings showing a midsole hardness of 30.4 HA, which is 7.8% firmer than average. This characteristic contributes to an optimal balance of cushioning and support.
However, performance diminishes in colder conditions. After placing the shoe in a freezer for 20 minutes, we observed a 41.9% increase in midsole firmness, resulting in a final hardness that is 10% harder than average. Therefore, we advise considering alternative footwear specifically designed for winter weather.
Hoka Clifton 9 GTX
Pros
- Exceptionally cushioned
- Comfortable and long-lasting upper
- Ideal for winter conditions
- Only $15 more expensive than the non-waterproof Clifton
- Still remarkably lightweight even with Gore-Tex
- Excellent for easy and moderate-paced runs
- Incredibly stable for neutral runners
- Ultra-durable Durabrasion outsole
Cons
- May be too narrow for many
- Heel-to-toe drop significantly differs from Hoka's claims
- Not enough energy return
Key Features
- GORE-TEX Invisible Fit: Provides waterproof protection without compromising breathability.
- Weather-ready traction pods: Offers enhanced grip on various surfaces, ensuring stability during wet conditions.
- 360-degree reflectivity: Increases visibility in low-light conditions for safer night runs.
- Closed mesh construction: Adds an extra layer of protection against the elements while allowing for airflow.
- Eco-friendly materials: Made with recycled content for environmentally conscious consumers.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber for optimal durability and grip
- Outer material: Canvas that enhances breathability
- Inner material: Fabric for added comfort and moisture management
The Hoka Clifton 9 GTX stands out among Gore-Tex running shoes, making it an excellent choice for those seeking comfort and protection during their runs. Its lightweight yet sturdy design has been verified through lab testing, demonstrating notable performance.
The Clifton 9 GTX features significant cushioning that facilitates gentler landings for various foot strikes, characterized by an above-average stack height of 37.2/28.6 mm. Its balanced feel is enhanced by a wide design measuring 120.9/97.2 mm, contributing to stable landings.
This shoe incorporates a Gore-Tex membrane that provides reliable waterproofing in wet conditions, achieving an impressive 3/5 breathability score in our lab tests—this is a notable achievement compared to other GTX shoes that typically score 1/5. The tightly knitted jacquard mesh also demonstrated solid durability, earning a score of 4/5.
Equipped with a Durabrasion rubber outsole, the Clifton 9 GTX offers strong protection against abrasions, showing 50.0% less damage than the average. Despite its numerous features, it maintains a relatively light weight at just 9.6 oz (271g), making it suitable for longer runs.
However, individuals with wide or squared feet may experience some restriction due to the aggressive tapering of the toebox, which measures 69.4 mm in the big toe area compared to the 73.3 mm average. This aspect may impact overall comfort for some users.
HOKA Transport GTX
Pros
- Top-class waterproofing
- Cushioned and supportive for all-day wear
- Smooth strides thanks to rockered shape
- Very stable platform
- Highly durable construction
- Excellent grip on dry and wet city streets
- Quick and easy lacing system (regular laces included in the box as well)
- Reflective elements all throughout the upper
- Sustainable materials in almost every shoe part
Cons
- A bit heavier than average
- Major stack and drop discrepancy with official specs
Key Features
- Waterproof GORE-TEX bootie: Keeps your feet dry with its robust construction made from 71% recycled polyester.
- Eco-friendly materials: Made with 100% rPET mesh and 30% sugarcane EVA midsole, showcasing Hoka's commitment to sustainability.
- Vibram® Megagrip outsole: Provides exceptional traction with 4mm multi-directional lugs, ideal for navigating various terrains.
- Reflective elements: Increases visibility during low-light conditions, making evening walks safer.
- Molded PU sockliner: Offers superior cushioning and comfort, incorporating 50% soybean oil in its composition.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA)
- Outer material: Polyester
- Inner material: Textile
The Hoka Transport GTX is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a waterproof walking shoe. Its design effectively protects against external elements, making it suitable for wet and abrasive conditions.
Laboratory assessments reveal that the shoe features a robust construction, utilizing Cordura in the upper and world-class Vibram rubber in the outsole. The combination of these materials, along with the Gore-Tex membrane, ensures impermeability, confirmed by a low 1/5 breathability rating during our smoke test, keeping users warm and dry.
Additionally, the toebox exhibits notable durability, achieving a 4/5 rating in our Dremel test. The rigid design of the Transport GTX provides significant support, achieving a 5/5 torsional rigidity score, which resists lateral movement and minimizes the risk of ankle twists, ensuring a stable ride.
The Vibram outsole offers exceptional grip and strength, evidenced by a strong 0.56 performance in our traction test, enhancing confidence on various surfaces. Furthermore, the shoe demonstrated impressive wear resistance, showing 28.6% less damage in our Dremel test.
However, the robust protective features may limit agility and freedom of movement. Those who prioritize flexibility in their footwear might consider alternative walking shoe options.