Whether you’re a trail runner who prefers stability or a road runner who demands cushioning, On has got a pair of running shoes for you. In this article, we explore everything you need to know about On running shoes:
Why Are On Running Shoes So Popular?
So, what makes On shoes so popular in the running community? Much of the answer lies, well, underfoot. Put differently, each pair of On running shoes features their iconic outsole built with the brand’s iconic CloudTec technology.
Based on the best in Swiss engineering, CloudTec produces a welcome combination of soft landings and powerful take offs. These shock-absorbing properties make them ideal for runners looking to reduce excess strain on joints while simultaneously improving cadence.
What’s more, CloudTec is perfectly adaptive to your running style, compressing both vertically and horizontally to cushion exactly where it needs to. No wonder they call it “running on clouds.”
Which On Road Shoes Are Best for You?
Below, we present a chart that visually captures the differences among several On Cloud Performance Running shoes.
Axis definitions:
The horizontal axis defines the amount of arch support of a given shoe, moving from Support to Neutral. As we’ve seen, high support is preferred for those looking to correct over- or underpronation. Neutral shoes are preferred for a more natural biomechanic.
Meanwhile, the vertical axis describes the degree of cushioning, moving from High Cushion to Direct Response. More cushioning means less impact and a softer ride; of course, this comes at the cost of ground feel and precision handling.
Best On Shoes for Long Distance Runs
The Cloudstratus 3 is an embodiment of On's dedication to both comfort and performance. For endurance athletes, these shoes offer a remarkable fusion of cushioning and a 6 mm drop to keep your joints happy and your pace steady.
The dual-layer CloudTec midsole ensures ample padding and support, which is essential for staying comfortable over long distances—especially for heavier strikers. Meanwhile, the well-balanced design boasts moderate arch support to cater to a wide array of runners.
Whether you're training for a marathon or simply unwinding after a long week, the On Cloudstratus 3 promises to help you conquer the miles ahead.
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The Cloudstratus 3 is an embodiment of On's dedication to both comfort and performance. For endurance athletes, these shoes offer a remarkable fusion of cushioning and a 6 mm drop to keep your joints happy and your pace steady.
The dual-layer CloudTec midsole ensures ample padding and support, which is essential for staying comfortable over long distances—especially for heavier strikers. Meanwhile, the well-balanced design boasts moderate arch support to cater to a wide array of runners.
Whether you're training for a marathon or simply unwinding after a long week, the On Cloudstratus 3 promises to help you conquer the miles ahead.
Price: 0.00$
Best On Shoes for Urban or Short Runs
When it comes to urban short runs, the Cloudswift from On is the epitome of soft yet responsive. This lightweight shoe is meticulously designed with Helion superfoam, a re-engineered Speedboard, and more supportive side panels to deliver a faster cadence.
The Cloudswift features signature CloudTec technology, ensuring a low-impact ride that propels you effortlessly through the city streets. Plus, whether running on gravel or pavement, the Cloudswift offers an unmated energy ROI with each step. Features a moderate, 5 mm heel-toe offset.
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When it comes to urban short runs, the Cloudswift from On is the epitome of soft yet responsive. This lightweight shoe is meticulously designed with Helion superfoam, a re-engineered Speedboard, and more supportive side panels to deliver a faster cadence.
The Cloudswift features signature CloudTec technology, ensuring a low-impact ride that propels you effortlessly through the city streets. Plus, whether running on gravel or pavement, the Cloudswift offers an unmated energy ROI with each step. Features a moderate, 5 mm heel-toe offset.
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Most Versatile On Running Shoes
The Cloudflow earns its reputation as the most versatile shoe in On's lineup, thanks to its thoughtfully designed and well-balanced features. This includes the signature CloudTec outsole, Helion superfoam, and Speedboard.
The Cloudflow’s lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for a variety of activities, from daily runs to cross-training sessions. Meanwhile, the engineered mesh upper ensures breathability. Plus, the curved heel acts as a rocker that propels you forward for a smooth and stable ride. This natural rolling motion can also increase speed.
Simply put, these are the best running shoes if you’re looking for a single pair that adapts to any situation. Features a high, 9 mm heel-to-toe drop.
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The Cloudflow earns its reputation as the most versatile shoe in On's lineup, thanks to its thoughtfully designed and well-balanced features. This includes the signature CloudTec outsole, Helion superfoam, and Speedboard.
The Cloudflow’s lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for a variety of activities, from daily runs to cross-training sessions. Meanwhile, the engineered mesh upper ensures breathability. Plus, the curved heel acts as a rocker that propels you forward for a smooth and stable ride. This natural rolling motion can also increase speed.
Simply put, these are the best running shoes if you’re looking for a single pair that adapts to any situation. Features a high, 9 mm heel-to-toe drop.
Price: 0.00$
Best On Shoes for Interval Runs
For interval runs that demand agility and support, the On Cloudflyer rises to the occasion. Engineered with a focus on responsiveness and stability, these shoes are perfect for both sprinting and recovery.
The Cloudflyer features CloudTec that’s ideal for sudden pace changes during intervals. The precision-engineered upper adapts to your foot, providing a secure yet breathable fit, while an unusually padded tongue is oh-so comfy. Plus, the substantial 11 mm drop is great for reducing strain on your Achilles tendon, and the wide toe box encourages your feet to splay naturally.
The shoe's wider platform minimises pronation and enhances stability, crucial for maintaining proper form during demanding interval workouts, high-speed sprints, and agility drills. So, if you're looking for stability shoes tailor-made for intervals, the Cloudflyer is a solid option.
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For interval runs that demand agility and support, the On Cloudflyer rises to the occasion. Engineered with a focus on responsiveness and stability, these shoes are perfect for both sprinting and recovery.
The Cloudflyer features CloudTec that’s ideal for sudden pace changes during intervals. The precision-engineered upper adapts to your foot, providing a secure yet breathable fit, while an unusually padded tongue is oh-so comfy. Plus, the substantial 11 mm drop is great for reducing strain on your Achilles tendon, and the wide toe box encourages your feet to splay naturally.
The shoe's wider platform minimises pronation and enhances stability, crucial for maintaining proper form during demanding interval workouts, high-speed sprints, and agility drills. So, if you're looking for stability shoes tailor-made for intervals, the Cloudflyer is a solid option.
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Best On Shoes for Everyday Wear
In the realm of everyday comfort and style, the On Cloud 5 takes centre stage. These versatile shoes seamlessly transition from daily activities to leisurely strolls, making them an ideal choice for all-day wear.
The Cloud 5 features On's iconic CloudTec, offering exceptional cushioning for a soft and comfortable stride during errands, commutes, or romantic walks along the Lachine Canal. With a lightweight yet sturdy construction, they effectively minimise fatigue during extended wear. Meanwhile, a breathable upper keeps your feet feeling fresh.
Thanks to its marriage of timeless design and lightweight comfort, the Cloud 5 is a great shoe for those seeking the best in everyday footwear. Features a versatile 8 mm drop.
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In the realm of everyday comfort and style, the On Cloud 5 takes centre stage. These versatile shoes seamlessly transition from daily activities to leisurely strolls, making them an ideal choice for all-day wear.
The Cloud 5 features On's iconic CloudTec, offering exceptional cushioning for a soft and comfortable stride during errands, commutes, or romantic walks along the Lachine Canal. With a lightweight yet sturdy construction, they effectively minimise fatigue during extended wear. Meanwhile, a breathable upper keeps your feet feeling fresh.
Thanks to its marriage of timeless design and lightweight comfort, the Cloud 5 is a great shoe for those seeking the best in everyday footwear. Features a versatile 8 mm drop.
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Best On Shoes for Gym and Cross-Training
In the world of gym and cross-training footwear, the On Cloud X3 takes first-place as our favourite pick. These shoes are meticulously crafted to meet the demands of dynamic workouts like HIIT, callisthenics, jump rope, and more.
As always, the CloudTec outsole offers a responsive yet cushioned feel, ideal for quick transitions and high-intensity movements in the gym. What’s more, the lightweight and breathable design ensures comfort in any activity, from weightlifting to agility drills.
With a stable platform and secure fit, the Cloud X3 reduces the risk of injury and provides the needed support for versatile workouts. Whether you're lifting, sprinting, or circuit training, these are the best On running shoes for fitness enthusiasts. Features a moderate 8 mm drop.
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In the world of gym and cross-training footwear, the On Cloud X3 takes first-place as our favourite pick. These shoes are meticulously crafted to meet the demands of dynamic workouts like HIIT, callisthenics, jump rope, and more.
As always, the CloudTec outsole offers a responsive yet cushioned feel, ideal for quick transitions and high-intensity movements in the gym. What’s more, the lightweight and breathable design ensures comfort in any activity, from weightlifting to agility drills.
With a stable platform and secure fit, the Cloud X3 reduces the risk of injury and provides the needed support for versatile workouts. Whether you're lifting, sprinting, or circuit training, these are the best On running shoes for fitness enthusiasts. Features a moderate 8 mm drop.
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Which On Trail Shoes Are Best for You?
In the next section, we move away from the road and start hitting the trail. Check out the chart below to see how On’s line of Performance Outdoor shoes stack up.
Axis definitions:
The horizontal axis describes the type of terrain the shoe is built for, moving from Moderate Terrain into Technical Terrain. Moderate terrain can be thought of as gravel roads and other semi-manicured trails. On the more technical end, you’ll encounter steep descents, as well as roots and rocks, streams and mud.
The vertical axis defines the level of ground feel you can expect, from Direct Ground Feel to High Protection. Shoes with lots of cushioning offer a softer, smoother ride over long distances, while shoes with minimal cushioning provide enhanced ground feel and are better suited for fast and shorter runs—especially where precision is essential.
Best Trail Running Shoes for Technical Runs
When it comes to conquering technical terrain, the On Cloudventure Peak summits as the top choice for trail runners. These shoes are precision-engineered to excel in challenging conditions, making them an ideal companion for those seeking adventure on rugged trails.
The Cloudventure Peak features a robust and durable design that stands up to rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces. Thanks to On's signature CloudTec, these shoes provide superior cushioning to absorb impact and reduce fatigue on demanding technical runs. The ground feel is also quite good, thanks to the low 4 mm heel-toe offset.
What puts the Cloudventure Peak into a league of its own is its aggressive outsole with multidirectional lugs. The result is a shoe with exceptional traction on steep ascents and descents. Meanwhile, the lightweight yet protective construction guarantees nimbleness on even the most gruelling trails.
The Cloudventure Peak is not an everyday shoe. But, if you're an avid trail runner looking to tackle technical terrain, they’re a great trail running shoe.
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When it comes to conquering technical terrain, the On Cloudventure Peak summits as the top choice for trail runners. These shoes are precision-engineered to excel in challenging conditions, making them an ideal companion for those seeking adventure on rugged trails.
The Cloudventure Peak features a robust and durable design that stands up to rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces. Thanks to On's signature CloudTec, these shoes provide superior cushioning to absorb impact and reduce fatigue on demanding technical runs. The ground feel is also quite good, thanks to the low 4 mm heel-toe offset.
What puts the Cloudventure Peak into a league of its own is its aggressive outsole with multidirectional lugs. The result is a shoe with exceptional traction on steep ascents and descents. Meanwhile, the lightweight yet protective construction guarantees nimbleness on even the most gruelling trails.
The Cloudventure Peak is not an everyday shoe. But, if you're an avid trail runner looking to tackle technical terrain, they’re a great trail running shoe.
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Best Shoes for Gravel and Forest Trails
When venturing into the great outdoors, navigating gravel and forest trails demands a trail running shoe that can handle rugged terrain. Enter the On Cloudultra, a trail running shoe meticulously crafted to excel over challenging surfaces.
The Cloudultra's design is a testament to performance and durability: The robust construction offers protection against sharp gravel and uneven trails to ensure a comfortable, impact-absorbing, and supportive ride. One standout feature is the versatile outsole with multidirectional lugs, which offers exceptional traction across a variety of terrain.
If you're an outdoor enthusiast seeking the best footwear for gravel and forest trails, the On Cloudultra is the perfect choice for all your wilderness adventures. Features a hefty 10 mm drop and moderately spacious toe box.
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When venturing into the great outdoors, navigating gravel and forest trails demands a trail running shoe that can handle rugged terrain. Enter the On Cloudultra, a trail running shoe meticulously crafted to excel over challenging surfaces.
The Cloudultra's design is a testament to performance and durability: The robust construction offers protection against sharp gravel and uneven trails to ensure a comfortable, impact-absorbing, and supportive ride. One standout feature is the versatile outsole with multidirectional lugs, which offers exceptional traction across a variety of terrain.
If you're an outdoor enthusiast seeking the best footwear for gravel and forest trails, the On Cloudultra is the perfect choice for all your wilderness adventures. Features a hefty 10 mm drop and moderately spacious toe box.
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Best On Shoes for Hiking
When it comes to conquering hiking trails, the On Cloudwander is our top choice. These shoes are meticulously designed to excel in rugged terrain, making them ideal for hikers who want a blend of comfort and durability.
The Cloudwander's robust construction stands up against rocks, roots, and unpredictable trail conditions. Bolstered with On's signature CloudTec, this trail shoe provides ample cushioning to reduce impact and fatigue during long hikes. Plus, the outsole’s multidirectional lugs are super grippy, while the drop 9 mm keeps your heel protected.
Whether you're navigating rocky paths or muddy trails, this cushioned shoe offers exceptional traction to keep you stable and secure. If you're looking for the best Cloud waterproof shoes to tackle diverse hiking terrains, look no further than the Cloudwander.
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When it comes to conquering hiking trails, the On Cloudwander is our top choice. These shoes are meticulously designed to excel in rugged terrain, making them ideal for hikers who want a blend of comfort and durability.
The Cloudwander's robust construction stands up against rocks, roots, and unpredictable trail conditions. Bolstered with On's signature CloudTec, this trail shoe provides ample cushioning to reduce impact and fatigue during long hikes. Plus, the outsole’s multidirectional lugs are super grippy, while the drop 9 mm keeps your heel protected.
Whether you're navigating rocky paths or muddy trails, this cushioned shoe offers exceptional traction to keep you stable and secure. If you're looking for the best Cloud waterproof shoes to tackle diverse hiking terrains, look no further than the Cloudwander.
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Best On Boots for Hiking
For those who crave the kinds of adventures that demand peak performance, the On Cloudrock will help you get the job done. These boots are built to overcome technical terrain by offering a blend of durability, comfort, and protection around your ankle and heel areas.
The Cloudrock boasts a robust and weather-resistant design that ensures your feet stay dry and protected—even in the harshest conditions. Plus, CloudTec provides superior cushioning and support, reducing fatigue during long hikes and steep ascents.
One of the standout features of the Cloudrock is its advanced grip, thanks to The Missiongrip outsole: Advanced, multidirectional lugs provide exceptional traction on rocky, slippery, and uneven terrain, keeping you sure-footed and confident. Features a 9 mm drop.
If you're an avid hiker ready to take on challenging trails and unpredictable weather, the On Cloudrock is an airtight choice.
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For those who crave the kinds of adventures that demand peak performance, the On Cloudrock will help you get the job done. These boots are built to overcome technical terrain by offering a blend of durability, comfort, and protection around your ankle and heel areas.
The Cloudrock boasts a robust and weather-resistant design that ensures your feet stay dry and protected—even in the harshest conditions. Plus, CloudTec provides superior cushioning and support, reducing fatigue during long hikes and steep ascents.
One of the standout features of the Cloudrock is its advanced grip, thanks to The Missiongrip outsole: Advanced, multidirectional lugs provide exceptional traction on rocky, slippery, and uneven terrain, keeping you sure-footed and confident. Features a 9 mm drop.
If you're an avid hiker ready to take on challenging trails and unpredictable weather, the On Cloudrock is an airtight choice.
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How We Ranked the Best On Cloud Shoes
At the heart of our On Cloud shoes recommendations is a commitment to thorough research and unbiased testing. We don’t just rely on marketing materials or anecdotal evidence—we dig deep into the details and are always ready to get our hands (or, in this case, feet) dirty.
Our diverse team comprises avid runners and outdoor enthusiasts who have put these shoes through the ringer, testing them on various terrains and in diverse conditions. The goal is not to push a particular product, but to help you make an informed decision that aligns with your unique needs.
To put each pair of On running shoes to the test, we devised four categories to score them on.
1. Cushioning
Cushioning refers to the level of padding and shock-absorption provided by the shoe’s midsole. In other words, how comfortable and impact-resistant are the shoes during a run?
Different shoes offer different degrees of cushioning to cater to individual preferences and running styles. Some brands are renowned for their minimal cushioning (creating a more natural, “barefoot” feel), while others are known for their maximalist cushioning (providing comfort and protection over long distances and dense terrain).
2. Drop
When we talk about a running shoe’s drop, we’re referring to its “heel-to-toe drop.” This is defined as the difference in height between the back of the shoe and the tip. Drop is measured in millimetres and can be roughly parsed into four types:
- Low drop = 1 mm – 4 mm
- Mid drop = 5 mm – 8 mm
- High drop = 9 mm +
- Zero drop = 0 mm.
Zero drops and low drops promote a more natural midfoot or forefoot strike, preferred by minimalist and barefoot-style runners; high drops offer additional heel cushioning and are favoured by those seeking a more traditional, heel-first running mechanic.
Be careful not to confuse drop with sole thickness. The latter, also called stack height, simply refers to the overall thickness of the shoe’s outsole, while the drop is what actually exerts an influence on your biomechanics and running form.
3. Weight
Weight simply refers to how heavy or light a pair of running shoes is. It’s a key factor to consider when shopping for On running shoes, because it directly impacts your overall running experience.
Lighter shoes are often preferred by those aiming for speed and agility, while slightly heavier shoes tend to provide more stability and support. The choice of shoe weight depends entirely on the runner’s preferences and intended use.
4. Usage
Different running shoes are tailored to various running environments, such as road running, trail running, track running, or even cross-training. The Usage category therefore defines the specific purpose for which a running shoe is intended.
When evaluating the best On running shoes, we made sure to test shoes with shared use cases against one another. The design and features of the shoe—including tread pattern, outsole durability, and water resistance—are optimised to perform at their best under specific conditions.
In conclusion
In the world of running and outdoor adventures, choosing the right footwear is paramount. We’ve explored a range of On Cloud running shoes, each tailored to different activities and terrains. Whether you’re sprinting through the city, tackling technical trails, or embarking on an epic hike, On’s running shoes have got you covered.
From the urban agility of the Cloud 5 to the rugged resilience of the Cloudrock boots, On’s commitment to innovation and performance is unparalleled. With their signature mix of comfort, durability, and style, On’s running shoes will push you further—one step at a time.
Not sure if On running shoes is the right brand for you? Check out our favourite running shoes in 2023, or discover the 10 best running shoe brands!
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