The Best On Running Shoes, Based On Road Testing And Expert Recs

Cushioning: Plush | Style: Neutral | Weight: 8.6 ounces | Drop: 10 millimeters

Pros: 

• Incredibly soft cushioning absorbs impact
• Accommodates a wide range of foot types

Cons:

• Not as responsive or fast as other On shoes

The Cloudsurfer is one of On’s most popular shoes for running because of its versatility; it’s comfortable for short walks and long runs alike. The shoe’s Helion foam cushioning paired with innovative CloudTec Phase technology (designed by a computer to ensure optimal heel-to-toe weight transfer and an ultra-smooth ride, according to the brand) creates an ideal surface for absorbing the harsh impact of pavement. The upper is made of a smooth mesh that conforms to your foot and feels plush and padded, especially around the ankle and at the tongue. Plus, it has a medium-wide toe box that is accommodating of most foot types, unlike some of the brand’s other models which run narrow. Note that because the foam midsole is so squishy, this is not the fastest shoe around, so you may want to choose something else for race day or tempo work. 

What The Writer Says: 

I reach for the Cloudsurfer for all of my easy-effort long runs because I know my hips and ankles will appreciate the stack of soft, cushy foam under my foot. This shoe has kept my chronic aches and pains, like shin splints, at bay, so I know I’ll have a comfortable run when wearing them. 

Cushioning: Plush | Style: Neutral | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Drop: 6 millmeters

Pros:

• Balance of soft and springy
• Durable enough to rack up the miles

Cons:

• Expensive for a daily trainer

Where the Cloudsurfer is soft, the Cloudstratus is springy, and especially great for putting a little pep in your step. It features a nylon Speedboard beneath the insole with a flexible rocker-like shape, making it feel easier to propel yourself forward through your stride. Helion foam in the midsole and two layers of CloudTec cushioning adds just the right amount of plushness; a structured upper, especially the high collar around the ankle, provides support and stability, too. This shoe also looks sleek—effectively doubling as a street shoe—so you don’t need to haul around a spare pair if you want to go about your day after your run. 

What The Reviews Say: 

“The [curved] shape of the soles creates a forward motion with each step, almost like the shoe is asking to go running. I have not felt this before in any shoe. They make running feel like a breeze, floating over the road. Love ’em.”

Cushioning: Moderate | Style: Neutral | Weight: 7.1 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters

Pros:

• Has an incredbily lightweight profile
• Provides a snappy and fast ride

Cons:

• Runs very narrow

The On Cloudflow used to be one of the brand’s entry-level shoes, but recent upgrades have transformed it into a worthwhile and efficient trainer for speed work. It has moderate cushioning that is firm and provides excellent rebound, but isn’t stacked too high that it makes for an unstable experience or slows you down. At about seven ounces, it’s also incredibly light, and the upper allows for airflow even in hot weather. However, this shoe runs quite narrow so we don’t recommend it to those with a wide forefoot, and the foam may be slightly too stiff for comfort on longer runs. 

What The Reviews Say: 

“The rocket outsole really propels you forward. It’s somewhat firm which gives rebound instead of the sinking in feeling. I wear them for speed work and they are very comfy and fast.”

Cushioning: Plush | Style: Neutral | Weight: 6.6 ounces | Drop: 9 millimeters 

Pros:

• Carbon fiber Speedboard enables good energy return
• Blend of cushioning finds the sweet spot between soft and responsive 

Cons:

• Like most race day shoes, lacks durability for everyday training
• Pricey (though comparable with other carbon-plated racing shoes)

Nearly every major running brand has a “super shoe” for race day, which typically means there is a carbon fiber plate between the insole and midsole to improve energy return and give you a little extra boost off the ground. The Cloudboom Echo 3 is On’s version, and the main difference between this shoe and its competitors, like the Nike Vaporfly, is that the Cloudboom is much more rigid and less plush. This can be a huge benefit for some, as the shoe is super snappy and fast; on the other hand, some users felt that it didn’t have enough cushioning for longer distances and was better for shorter races. The upper is also incredibly breathable to stave off overheating and dry quickly to boot. 

What The Reviews Say: 

“The Cloudboom Echo 3 has been an outstanding shoe for me. I ran a half marathon and accomplished a new personal best by a lot! I felt that these shoes kept my stride consistent, strong and fast. Very light, responsive and fast shoes. I would definitely consider buying a second pair once my first pair runs down.” 

Cushioning: Low | Style: Neutral | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Drop: 8 millimeters 

Pros:

• Extremely comfortable and supportive for hours
• Features a convenient quick-lace design

Cons:

• Not specifically designed for running

Though the Cloud 5 isn’t designed especially for running, it’s one of our favorite walking shoes for both men and women and our top-recommended model for standing all day. As the brand’s most popular model, it’s a solid introduction to the two innovative features On is known for: CloudTec cushioning to absorb impact and a nylon Speedboard that propels you forward. The quick-lace design makes it easy to put on and take off, and the heel cup is snug and deep so your foot won’t slip as you step. This shoe uses Zero-Gravity foam in the midsole, which can be much too firm for running but provides excellent support and durability for walking. If you plan to use this shoe in inclement weather, choose the waterproof version. 

What The Experts Say: 

“Since I am on my feet all day as a trainer, these are perfect for when I am coaching others. They are also great for walking or traveling,” says Stacy Orsborn, a certified personal trainer and cofounder of Victress Mvmt. “I find them to be the perfect balance of lightweight, stylish and practical for everyday use. Great for anyone that works on their feet or has a long commute.”

Cushioning: Moderate | Style: Stability | Weight: 9.1 ounces | Drop: 11 millimeters 

Pros:

• External heel counter keeps your foot in line
• Has a plush, comfy tongue 

Cons:

• Relatively heavy compared to other models
• Expensive for a daily trainer

If you tend to overpronate, the Cloudflyer 4 is a structured pick that will help keep everything in place. The model has a molded sock-liner inside to help you achieve a snug fit, a moderately firm midsole that provides cushion with stability and an external heel counter that solidly reinforces the back of the shoe. The “star” lacing system, which extends onto the forefoot, also allows you to cinch laces down for more security. The mesh upper is double-lined for extra comfort, but it won’t be quite as breathable as other options from the brand. Overall, the Cloudflyer 4 is best for people who need a stability shoe to address overpronation or want something a little more structured to support them over moderate distances. For those who require a roomier fit, the shoe is available in wide as well. 

What The Experts Say: 

“I use these for running—particularly when I do my middle range miles of three to five,” says Orsborn. “I absolutely love them. They give support without being heavy. I have very high arches, so if I don’t have [the right shoe], my ankles/knees actually roll inward (pronation). The Cloudflyers really help stabilize and minimize any potential knee pain.”

Cushioning: Maximum | Style: Neutral | Weight: 8.6 ounces | Drop: 6 millimeters 

Pros:

• Features a wide forefoot design
• Has max cushioning to rival brands like Hoka

Cons:

• Slightly firmer ride can take some getting used to
• Sizing is inconsistent with other On shoes
• Expensive for a daily trainer

On shoes are known to run narrow, so it’s refreshing to see an offering from them with a wider toe box. The Cloudmonster 2 is a max-cushion shoe from a brand known for its sleek, rigid minimalism, but it works surprisingly well. Two layers of dual-density Helion foam sandwich a nylon-blend Speedboard in the midsole to provide good propulsion and responsiveness, and the brand’s CloudTec cushioning technology at the bottom of the shoe (the biggest size they offer in any of their shoes, according to On) can amply absorb impact from long miles. 

The foam in the shoe is stiffer than you may expect from looking at its tall stack height, but this helps make it much more stable and sturdy than traditional max-cushion models. If the firm ride of the shoe isn’t right for you and you’re looking for a pair that’s similarly wide but a little bit softer, check out the Cloudeclipse (note that you may sacrifice some stability and pop offered by the Cloudmonsters). Some reviewers who wore the original Cloudmonsters mention that the sizing of the 2s differs greatly, running much bigger than their predecessors; On itself suggests that users should pick a half-size down from their normal size.

What The Experts Say: 

“As someone with high arches and slightly wider forefoot, more mainstream runners like Nike and Adidas aren’t only uncomfortable, but can cause me injuries,” says Chris Willis, coach at Powdermill CrossFit. “On Cloudmonsters tend to have a more generous forefoot, but without giving up the agility required of CrossFit running workouts. I get the cushioning I need, along with OK stability for such a cushioned sole.”