7 Best On Running Shoes For Men in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
7 Best On Running Shoes For Men in 2023
We earn affiliate commissions at no extra cost to you when you buy through us. Why trust us

On running shoes don’t only look good. But the brand also backs it up with brilliant performance. If there is any secret to On’s meteoric rise in the running shoe industry, the great combination of innovative technologies and performance-driven design is definitely it.

From newbies to professionals, weekend warriors, triathletes, and ultra runners, On offers a wide array of great fits for every runner of all types.

Whether you want a carbon-plated running shoe for race days or a comfortable daily trainer, we can help you choose the perfect pair. We’ve rounded up and tested 20+ of the best men’s On running shoes available out there. Check out our top picks in different categories.

Best overall
On Cloudmonster On Cloudmonster
$170 From Zappos
Best cushioning
On Cloudflow 3.0 On Cloudflow 3.0
$140 $80 From On Running
Best value
On Cloudrunner On Cloudrunner
$140 From Zappos
Best for trail
On Cloudvista On Cloudvista
$140 From Zappos
Best with wide toebox
On Cloudstratus 2 On Cloudstratus 2
$170 $128 From Fleet Feet
Best stability
On Cloudflyer 4 On Cloudflyer 4
$170 $169 From Amazon
Most popular
On Cloud X 3 On Cloud X 3
$150 From Zappos
See all 31 men's on running shoes

    How we test running shoes

    All the pairs of shoes on this list have been through our meticulous testing process. That means performing mechanical tests and analysis on each shoe in our RunRepeat lab. We also have our wear-testers clocking up high mileage running on each model and reporting back to us their on-foot impressions.

    To make the final cut for our best selections, we strictly follow this approach:

    • We purchase all the men’s On running shoes using our own funds to avoid any brand loyalty.
    • We cut the shoes into pieces in the lab. We then measure 30+ parameters of the shoes from cushioning and energy return, to upper breathability, outsole, and many more.
    • Our runners log 30-50 miles on average on each pair in various on-road or off-road environments.
    • We collect additional info from other shoe experts and regular users.

    To get the overall ratings, we calculate the scores of all On running shoes using our CoreScore. Based on the above data, the CoreScore system gives the final evaluation and assigns each model a rating that ranges from 0 to 100. The best picks are highlighted on this page.

    Best men's On running shoes overall

    On Cloudmonster
    On Cloudmonster
    On-Cloudmonster-review
    On-Cloudmonster-saw%20cutting
    On-Cloudmonster-lab-test.JPG
    On-Cloudmonster-outdoor-heel-stack
    On-Cloudmonster-cushioning
    On-Cloudmonster-softness-check
    On-Cloudmonster-light
    On-Cloudmonster-lightweight
    On-Cloudmonster-springy
    On-Cloudmonster-traction
    On-Cloudmonster-wide-base
    On-Cloudmonster-smoke
    On-Cloudmonster-fit
    On-Cloudmonster-toebox
    On-Cloudmonster-style
    On-Cloudmonster-durability
    On-Cloudmonster-price
    On Cloudmonster
    91
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    The On Cloudmonster is the brand's max-cushioned running shoe that "changed everyone's mind." From firm to forgiving, it's a new take that's perfect for daily training and long runs. True to its name, it has a "monstrous" amount of foam that will keep your feet protected and comfy all day. So much so that you can take it out on your walks as well.

    Pros

    • All-day comfort
    • Bouncy cushion
    • Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
    • Protective for long runs
    • Stable when cornering
    • Weighs less than it looks
    • Grippy on wet roads
    • Can work on light trails
    • Perfect lockdown
    • Built to last
    • Sustainable upper

    Cons

    • Firm for recovery days
    • Not for wide feet
    • Expensive
    Full review of On Cloudmonster

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Frost/Cobalt (6198653)
    Black (6199025)
    White (6198243)
    Eclipse/Turmeric (6198656)
    Grey (6198244)
    Frost Surf (6199023)
    Acai Aloe (6199027)
    All White (6198434)
    Acai/Aloe (6498927)
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $200
    See deal  

    Men's On running shoes with best cushioning

    On Cloudflow 3.0
    On Cloudflow 3.0
    on-Cloudflow-3-01.jpg
    On cloudflow 3 Cut 1
    on-Cloudflow-3-21.jpg
    on-Cloudflow-3-17.jpg
    On cloudflow 3 360
    on-Cloudflow-3-19.jpg
    On cloudflow 3 Cushion
    on-Cloudflow-3-14.jpg
    on-Cloudflow-3-27.jpg
    On cloudflow 3 Run
    on-Cloudflow-3-03.jpg
    ON-Cloudflow-3-30.jpg
    on-Cloudflow-3-06.jpg
    on-Cloudflow-3-11.jpg
    on-Cloudflow-3-12.jpg
    on-Cloudflow-3-13.jpg
    On Cloudflow 3.0
    89
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    The ON Cloudflow 3.0 is an all-rounder running shoe that brings some of the best elements of the previous Cloudflow and improves on as much as it possibly can. The reviewers love the rigidity and durability of the shoe, which make sure to push you further and faster on whatever pavement you pound.

    Pros

    • Fits true to size
    • Great ground feel
    • Durable
    • Surprisingly good grip
    • Steadfast lockdown
    • A super speedy energy return
    • Perfect as an all-rounder

    Cons

    • Outsole catches debris
    • Not highly padded
    • Grip is only good on pavement
    Full review of On Cloudflow 3.0

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Rust White (3599236)
    98687 Meadow White (3598687)
    99034 Ink Meadow (3599034)
    Alloy/Magnet (3599235)
    Black/Asphalt (3599238)
    Glacier/Creek (3598211)
    Black/Turmeric (3598398)
    Lake Flare (3599237)
    $80
    See deal  
    $126
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $159
    See deal  

    Best value On running shoes for men

    On Cloudrunner
    On Cloudrunner
    On-Cloudrunner-on-foot
    On-Cloudrunner-saw%20cutting
    On-Cloudrunner-lab-review
    On-Cloudrunner-smoke%20test
    On-Cloudrunner-comfortable-step-in
    On-Cloudrunner-thick tongue
    On-Cloudrunner-heel-hold
    On-Cloudrunner-upper-width
    On-Cloudrunner-fit
    On-Cloudrunner-reflective%20elements
    On-Cloudrunner-cushioning
    On-Cloudrunner-midsole-firmness
    On-Cloudrunner-stability
    On-Cloudrunner-wide-sole
    On-Cloudrunner-ride
    On-Cloudrunner-weight
    On-Cloudrunner-grip
    On-Cloudrunner-quality
    On-Cloudrunner-style
    On-Cloudrunner-lab-measurements
    On Cloudrunner
    86
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    The On Cloudrunner is a daily trainer with a touch of pronation control and a firmer, more traditional ride. It is an appealing option for entry-level runners who go shorter distances at slower paces and also like to have one shoe for daily wear and the gym. It is an attractive, quality-made shoe that also contains sustainable materials.

    Pros

    • Unintrusive stability
    • Versatile (walking, gym, casual)
    • Well-fitting
    • Doesn’t catch pebbles
    • Good breathability
    • Excellent grip
    • Lasting durability
    • Appealing design
    • Recycled content (30-35%)

    Cons

    • Not for severe overpronation
    • Firm and dull ride
    • A bit heavy
    Full review of On Cloudrunner

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Metal Midnight (4699016)
    Frost Turmeric (4698644)
    Eclipse/Frost (4699017)
    Glacier/Black (4698647)
    Shale/Cobalt (4698238)
    White (4698199)
    99021 Alloy Moss (4699021)
    $140
    See deal  
    $143
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  

    Best men's On running shoes for trail

    Midnight/Olive
    On Cloudvista
    86
    Great!

    What makes it the best?

    Dubbed as the "swiss army knife of shoes," you no longer have to switch gears from road to trail with the Cloudvista from On Running. It's a lightweight road-and-trail hybrid that excels at short-distance runs. Even more, it's not your typical rigid trail shoe; it's a fun and forgiving shoe that makes your daily runs—whether on the pavement or mildly technical terrains—enjoyable and even fast.

    Pros

    • Grippy on mud, soft trail, and wet rocks
    • Great for road-to-trail transitions
    • Bouncy ride
    • Secure and snug fit
    • No heel rubs
    • No lace bites
    • Breathable for summer runs
    • Environmentally friendly upper
    • Also for hiking

    Cons

    • Firm on hard-packed trails
    • Lacks grip on technical terrains
    • Not for wide feet
    Full review of On Cloudvista

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Frost Ink (6499061)
    Blue (6498432)
    Midnight/Olive (6498593)
    Creek/Mint (6498273)
    Glacier Black (6499058)
    Alloy/Black (6498272)
    Sandstone / Alloy (6498928)
    $140
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  

    Best men's On running shoes with wide toebox

    on-cloudstratus-2-d8c1
    On Cloudstratus 2
    93
    Superb!

    What makes it the best?

    The second version of the Cloudstratus doesn’t officially have the number 2 in the name, but it’s a very different shoe compared to the first one. This time On steered a little away from the overly firm midsoles we have come to know the brand for, and delivered a more pleasant ride, tons of comfort, more versatility, and overall a much better daily trainer. What’s more, the materials are clearly of high quality, and the design is as beautiful as it can be.

    Pros

    • Highly protective underfoot
    • Stable and smooth ride
    • Supreme comfort
    • Plenty breathable
    • Grippy even on wet
    • Solid lockdown
    • Good ground feel
    • Stunning design
    • Welcomes wide feet

    Cons

    • Ride is not very lively
    • Rather expensive
    Full review of On Cloudstratus 2

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    $128
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    No stock  

    Best On stability running shoes for men

    Black/White
    On Cloudflyer 4
    84
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    As an update to On’s line of stability daily trainers, the On Cloudflyer 4 has an improved lockdown and overall cush. The overall structure of these Cloudflyers is geared toward providing you with a very secure run. Also, more padding on the shoe’s interior means more comfortable miles ahead. These runners perform with an excellent blend of comfort, responsiveness, and stability that’s worth every penny.

    Pros

    • Superb lockdown
    • All-day comfort
    • Ensures a lively ride
    • Cushy all around
    • True to size
    • Provides great stability
    • Wide option available
    • Doesn't feel heavy despite the added weight
    • Also great for HIIT workouts

    Cons

    • A bit on the heavy side
    • Top-half of the upper is not breathable
    Full review of On Cloudflyer 4

    Today's best price

    Unisex
    Any color
    Black/White (8198663)
    Metal | Lapis (7198675)
    Nimbus/Cobble (7198668)
    White Hay (7198251)
    98249 White Hay (7198249)
    $169
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  

    Most popular On running shoes for men

    White
    On Cloud X 3
    84
    Good!

    What makes it the most popular?

    The On Cloud X is back with version number 3 and it’s a shoe not meant for just one activity. Offering a very typical On firm feel, it’s a do-it-all workout model that has some minimalist-like features, such as a surprisingly good ground feel and low weight. Besides, it is made with recycled materials and shows off one of the best On looks.

    Pros

    • Extremely versatile
    • Lightweight
    • Stable ride
    • Definitely comfortable
    • Airy upper
    • Excellent ground feel
    • Usual great On design
    • Environmental-friendly

    Cons

    • Not for wide feet
    • Laces are too long
    • Slightly pricey
    Full review of On Cloud X 3

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Pewter White (6098255)
    Black (6098705)
    White (6098706)
    Olive (6098704)
    White (6098699)
    Eclipse Magnet (6098703)
    Ivory/Alloy (6098254)
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $173
    See deal  

    Comparison of the 7 best On running shoes for men

    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    + + Add a product
    Best
    CoreScore
    Users rating
    Experts
    Best price
    Ranking
    Popularity
    # of colorways
    Author
    Jens Jakob Andersen
    Jens Jakob Andersen

    Jens Jakob is a fan of short distances with a 5K PR at 15:58 minutes. Based on 35 million race results, he's among the fastest 0.2% runners. Jens Jakob previously owned a running store, when he was also a competitive runner. His work is regularly featured in The New York Times, Washington Post, BBC and the likes as well as peer-reviewed journals. Finally, he has been a guest on +30 podcasts on running.

    Email Email All articles and reviews

    Similar buying guides

    Best On running shoes
    Best On running shoes
    Best running shoes for men
    Best running shoes for men
    Best trail running shoes for men
    Best trail running shoes for men