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The Ideal Footwear for Plantar Fasciitis | Hoka vs. Oncloud

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that affects many people, especially those who love traveling. It is an inflammation of the fibrous tissue (plantar fascia) along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. 

This can cause intense heel pain, making it difficult to walk or stand, and definitely makes traveling less enjoyable.

Read Detailed Guide: Hoka vs. On Cloud For Waling 

The causes of plantar fasciitis are multifactorial, but some common factors include age, obesity, occupations that require prolonged standing, and certain types of exercise. 

Symptoms typically involve sharp pain near the heel, which is usually worse in the morning or after long periods of standing or sitting.

A diagram of plantar fascia tear

When traveling with plantar fasciitis, it’s important to take extra care of your feet as the condition can cause discomfort and pain. This is particularly true when you have to walk and stand for long periods. 

Thus, investing in the right shoes is crucial. Two shoe brands that are highly recommended for people with plantar fasciitis are Hoka and Oncloud

These brands are known for their excellent cushioning, which helps to reduce the impact on the feet and prevent discomfort. They also provide good arch support, which is vital for individuals with plantar fasciitis.

 Hoka shoes, for instance, come with a thick sole that offers both stability and comfort. They’re designed to be lightweight, making them perfect for traveling. 

Oncloud shoes, on the other hand, are known for their cloud-like cushioning that provides a comfortable and smooth ride. In conclusion, when traveling with plantar fasciitis, it’s essential to choose the right shoes to avoid pain and discomfort. 

Hoka and Oncloud are two shoe brands that are highly recommended due to their excellent cushioning and arch support.

Table of Contents

Hoka Bondi 8 in "Goblin Blue"

Hoka Shoes: Comfort and Support

Hoka is a well-known brand of running shoes that has gained a reputation for its maximalist approach to cushioning. Their shoes are equipped with thick and soft midsoles that provide exceptional shock absorption, making them a popular choice among runners, especially those suffering from plantar fasciitis. 

This feature reduces the impact on the heel and plantar fascia, promoting a more comfortable and pain-free running experience.

In addition to their excellent cushioning, Hoka shoes are carefully designed with a meta-rocker geometry. This design combines a low heel-toe differential with a sculpted outsole to promote a smooth and natural gait. 

This feature helps reduce the strain on the plantar fascia, minimizing the risk of injury and ensuring a more efficient stride.

While Hoka shoes are known for their superior cushioning, one drawback is that they tend to be quite heavy due to their thick soles. This makes them less practical for travel and may be a concern for runners who prioritize lightweight shoes.

Additionally, their unique design may take some time to get used to, especially for first-time users.

Overall, Hoka shoes are an excellent choice for travelers and daily users who prioritize comfort and shock absorption. With their thick midsoles and meta-rocker geometry, they offer a smooth, natural gait that will help keep you running pain-free and injury-free. 

However, their weight may be a factor to consider, especially if you plan on using them for travel or if you prefer lighter shoes.

ON Cloud Monster are the highest cushion On makes

Oncloud Shoes: Lightweight and Beautifully Designed

Oncloud shoes are highly regarded for their CloudTec technology, which is a feature that sets them apart. The CloudTec technology is highlighted by hollow pods on the outsole, which are designed to provide a soft landing while offering a firm push-off. 

This unique feature helps to distribute pressure evenly across your foot, which can help reduce strain on your plantar fascia.

Oncloud shoes are not only practical but also stylish and well-designed. They come in a range of colors and styles to suit various needs and preferences. The Cloudflow, for instance, is a popular choice for runners and travelers alike. 

It has a sleek design and is made with breathable mesh material, keeping your feet cool and comfortable even on hot days.

Furthermore, Oncloud shoes are generally lighter and more compact than other shoes on the market, such as Hoka shoes. This makes them a great choice for travelers who are always on the go. 

They are also known for their durability, which is essential for those who walk a lot while traveling.

However, some users have reported that they find Oncloud shoes to be less cushioned than Hoka shoes. Additionally, the unique outsole design of Oncloud shoes can sometimes trap small rocks or debris, which could be inconvenient for travelers. 

Despite this, the overall design and performance of Oncloud shoes make them a popular choice among travelers and athletes alike.

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The three volcanic lakes of Kelimutu on Flores

Personal Experiences

JLV: As an avid traveler who has suffered from plantar fasciitis, I have had many personal experiences with both Hoka and Oncloud shoes. When it comes to working out, both brands are great in the gym. 

However, I found that Hoka shoes are simply better for wide sizes, as they provide greater support and stability during weightlifting and other exercises.

On the other hand, Oncloud shoes are no doubt faster and are favorites for dedicated runners who prioritize speed and responsiveness over cushioning and support.

Overall, I would recommend Hoka shoes for those who need more cushioning and support due to foot pain or other conditions, while Oncloud shoes are great for those who prioritize speed and agility in their workouts.

A Recent Volcanic Hoka Experience

RG: One of our team members at Voyage Through recently shared their experience of hiking Bali’s volcanoes with plantar fasciitis. Despite the pain, they refused to let it stop them from exploring the beautiful landscapes of Bali. 

They tried different remedies to alleviate the discomfort, such as creams and stretching exercises. However, the pain persisted throughout the hike, making it a challenging and painful experience for them. 

Enter the bulky invention of Hoka’s Torraigon – yeah they are ugly but by adding massive support to the heel, the hiker spreads the pressure out and avoids inflammation in the chronic areas. 

Plantar Fasciitis usually takes over a year to heal, and that’s if you baby it! So mitigating inflaming the tissue is crucial for enjoying hikes. So for hiking and trekking, it’s hard to compete with the Tooraigon.

The results were impressive and the next hikes were far more enjoyable after bringing the Hokas along. 

But these are hikers and plantar fasciitis affects us every day. So how do the everyday Hoka’s stack up against the much more stylish hybrid shoes of On Cloud?

Conclusion

Both Hoka and Oncloud offer unique advantages for travelers with plantar fasciitis. 

While Hoka offers superior cushioning and support, Oncloud provides a more lightweight and durable option. It ultimately comes down to personal preference, and it might be worth trying both brands to see which one suits you better.

Always remember that while shoes are important, they are only part of the solution. If you’re suffering from plantar fasciitis, it’s also important to rest your feet, do stretching exercises, and seek professional help if necessary. Safe travels!

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