Wearing stilettos can make you feel as if you’re walking on rocks. Doesn’t walking on clouds sound a lot better? That’s why it’s worth trying the best On Cloud shoes for walking, running, or simply spending all day on your feet.
The name comes from On cofounder Olivier Bernhard, who hoped these sneakers would give runners an entirely new sensation. “What started as garden hoses glued to the soles of shoes is now the DNA of all of our footwear, called CloudTec technology,” says Gerald Marolf, chief product officer at On. “It gives the soles of our footwear that signature aesthetic. Each hole of the honeycomb bottom is called a Cloud and is engineered for soft landings and powerful takeoffs. The Clouds are the special power in every On shoe.”
On’s Cloud shoes bridge the gap between function and fashion. “Stylish, comfortable footwear is a priority for more and more people in their everyday wardrobes,” says Marolf. “There is a cultural transformation happening where sportswear is showing up in fashion spaces and becoming the everyday style choice.” Not all of On’s sneakers are the same: The brand makes some more minimalist, sleek styles if you prefer a pared-down shoe, and offers chunkier styles with a thick sole and arch support for long walks or even running on trails or pavement.
Ahead, shop 10 styles suited to whatever your walking, running, or hiking needs may be.
Pros
Soft, lightweight
Cons
- Some reviewers say it’s tight in the toe.
This neutral running shoe is made for a comfortable, soft ride. If you’re running or walking on hard surfaces, the CloudTec Phase sole offers ample cushioning.
Sizes: 5–10½
Colors: Pearl, white, black, auburn
Heel drop: 10mm
What reviewers say: “I’m extremely particular about my shoes, and it needs to fit comfortably. These shoes are padded…tongue and back end of shoe is soft and comfy. There’s a bounce to each step, and I look forward to trying them out tomorrow on my daily walks. 10-10 recommend. My feet are wide, and this shoe seems to be fitted for a wider foot.”
Pros
- Comfortable
Cons
- Slip-on design may not be ideal for all runners
This classic slip-on style will never come untied when you’re in motion. CloudTec cushioning is comfortable underfoot, while an embedded Speedboard adds a springy energy to your walk.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Black, ice, rose, fig, and more
Heel drop: 7mm
What reviewers say: “I was a bit skeptical about the hype, but when I saw the Pearl Cloud 5 I decided to give them a try. So very happy that I did these are truly so very comfortable! I found them to be true to size. My foot is on the narrow side so I tend to be picky about fit. I wear them with a medium weight no show sock and they are just right.”
Best Designer Option
On x Loewe Cloudtilt
Pros
- Great fashion-forward option
Cons
- You’ll have to wait.
“The Cloudtilt is a favorite of mine for everyday wear. It’s the shoe used in our most recent collaboration with Loewe and includes a new technology called the CloudTec Phase that gives the shoe a smooth, forward-rolling motion, making it a great all-day walking shoe,” says Marolf. Though it’s currently sold out, you can sign up for a notification for the next drop.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Black, navy, white, blue, rose, beet, sand
Heel drop: 7mm
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Pros
- Very cushioned
Cons
- Not for those who like a sleeker fit
For runners or walkers who prefer a highly cushioned shoe, this chunkier silhouette offers maximum comfort, while a Speedboard ensures you’ll still have momentum on the go. A favorite of On employees, according to Marolf, these are ideal if you love the springy feeling of extra cushioning underfoot.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Black, mist, frost, fawn, and more
Heel drop: 6mm
Pros
- Easy to pack
Cons
- Not recommended for running
This walking shoe is designed with convenience in mind: It’s lightweight and made to pack easily for travel. The collapsible heel makes it so you can also slide these shoes on and wear them as a slipper when necessary.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Un-dyed white, zephyr, hay, acacia
Heel drop: 8mm
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not the most supportive
A favorite of Marolf’s for shorter runs, this lightweight shoe has a lightweight speedy feel on runs, with a silhouette designed to help you feel the forward momentum as you run.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Sand, hay, iron, wisteria, and more
Heel drop: 8mm
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Pros
- Great for city strolls
Cons
- Wearers suggest sizing up.
A sock-fit design hugs your body comfortably when you’re on the move, helping lock your foot in place. A rubber tread is durable for walking or running on city streets. Try these for busy days when you’re buying groceries or checking off your errands.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Black, fade, white, mist and more
What reviewers say: “I have four pairs of these shoes and I can’t live without them. After tearing a tendon on my foot these are the only shoes I have been able to wear. They give me the support I need on both the sides and bottom of my foot. If you’re contemplating whether you should get this or not, the answer is 100% yes. These also help with lower back pain.”
Pros
- Comfortable wide sole
Cons
- May run narrow
If you tend to feel a bit unstable on your feet, a wider base will help keep you grounded in motion. Zero-gravity foam offers soft cushioning, while a CloudTec sole smooths the ride.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: White, iron, frost, aloe
What reviewers say: “I was looking for a pair of running shoes that give extra support and seeing everyone at my gym wear shoes from ON, I decided to give these a shot. The shoes give ample support and are perfect for running (great for your back). I sized up by a full size as these run very narrow. If you are planning to use them for running, you need space around the toe box so sizing up can help.”
Pros
- Stylish for every day
Cons
- Not for those who prefer low profile
For long days on your feet, this sneaker-runner hybrid style is comfortable and cushioned to support you on the go. This style has a more sleek look, so you can wear it even to the office.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Eclipse, orchid, mineral, lavender
Heel drop: 14mm
What reviewers say: “The shoe is weightless and comfortable. In these sneakers, I survived a 10,000-step walk around Cabezon Outlet to long-haul flights from LA to Manila (with a layover in Haneda/Tokyo).”
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Pros
- Durable for mixed terrain
Cons
- Run small
These all-terrain sneakers have a lugged tread that offers maximum grip on slippery rocks, while a stretchy socklike upper keeps pebbles out of your shoes.
Sizes: 5–11
Colors: Mauve, heather, aloe, dew, black
Heel drop: 5mm
What to look for in On’s Cloud shoes
When you’re choosing a walking or running sneaker, it’s best to try on a few styles to find a fit and heel drop that best suits your body and gait. A chunky-soled shoe will be more cushioned, offering a bit more support. A lightweight shoe is more suited to speed.
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