7 Best On Road Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best On Road Running Shoes in 2023
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Famous for its uniquely designed platform, a patented cushioning technology that delivers softer landings and firm toe-offs, On running shoes have become a new favorite among runners, and even world-class triathletes.

Whether it's for marathons, a daily trainer on cobbled paths, or all-day wear, On has the shoes for every runner of all types and experiences. They’re also offering its fully recyclable running shoe for eco-warriors out there.

But in a world of information at your fingertips, it’s too easy to find a gazillion of different opinions and choices for choosing the right pair of On shoes. To help navigate it all, we’ve handpicked and tested 20+ running shoes from the On brand and narrow down your best options.

How we test road running shoes

Using our own knowledge and years of experience in both running and the running shoes market, we’ve reviewed the best road running shoes (19 of them as of this writing) that the On brand has to offer. We put each pair to the wringer to see which ones are really the best in different categories.

Here’s exactly how we approach our selection process:

  • In the spirit of transparency and freedom from bias, we purchase all the road running shoes from On using our own funds.
  • Inside our shoe lab, we perform stringent mechanical tests on each model by cutting them all into pieces. We then measure and weigh 30+ parameters of the shoe, from cushioning technology, durability, stability, and many others.
  • Our testers log at least 30 to 40 miles of running on each pair in various training and racing conditions.
  • We collect more extensive feedback from other shoe experts and regular users.

To come up with an overall rating on each model, we go to our proprietary CoreScore system that calculates all the aggregated data above. The final score is assigned on each pair of shoes ranging from 0 to 100, showing their respective rankings on the list.

Best On road running shoes overall

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
Acai Aloe (6199027)
Frost/Cobalt (6198653)
Black (6199025)
White (6198243)
Eclipse/Turmeric (6198656)
Grey (6198244)
All White/Black (6198434)
Frost Surf (6199023)

On road running shoes with best cushioning

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
99034 Ink Meadow (3599034)
Rust White (3599236)
Black (2599781)
98687 Meadow White (3598687)
Alloy/Magnet (3599235)
Black/Asphalt (3599238)
Glacier/Creek (3598211)
Black/Turmeric (3598398)
Lake Flare (3599237)

Best value On road running shoes

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)
98647 Glacier Black (4698647)
98238 Shale Cobalt (4698238)
White (4698199)
99021 Alloy Moss (4699021)

Best On road running shoes with wide toebox

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

Best On stability road running shoes

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)

Best On road running shoes with plush cushioning

On Cloudsurfer 7
87
Great!

What makes it the best?

It’s the best On running shoe to date—as hackneyed as it may sound, that seems to be the consensus about the Cloudsurfer 7. Finally untethered from its stiff Speedboard and having gotten first dibs on next-gen midsole technology, this daily trainer now boasts a softer, more energetic, and immensely enjoyable ride. Top that off with a comfy, luxurious upper, and it’s easy to see how it has quickly become the rare silver lining amidst the rest of the On clouds.

Pros

  • No Speedboard means it’s no longer stiff
  • Good energy return and shock absorption
  • Soft and squishy underfoot
  • Smooth flowing, fun ride
  • Speeds you up without much effort
  • Very comfortable upper
  • Solid sustainability elements
  • Effective lockdown
  • Great for easy days and mild uptempo efforts

Cons

  • Sparse rubber coverage negatively impacts durability
  • Not very grippy
  • Somewhat unstable at longer distances
Full review of On Cloudsurfer 7

Today's best price

Men
Women

Comparison of the 7 best On road running shoes

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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.