Hoka and Merrill did not feel good on my feet. Hoka felt cheap. Merrill felt weird. Also, all the Hoka's I've seen have very high midsoles, higher than most brands. I do not feel this is necessary at all. There needs to be good protection from the ground but too high leads to instability.

I will also add that I believe the best current podiatric medicine would indicate for most people that "cushioning" shouldn't be soft that deforms much, if at all. Shoes also should not bend or twist easily in the hand. Ideally you want shoes that with a firm but shock absorbent midsole that is inflexible. Traditional quality walking shoes were built this way. The trend of high and squishy midsoles is awful.