7 Best On Road Running Shoes in 2023

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



















What makes it the best?
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
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On road running shoes with best cushioning


















What makes it the best?
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
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Best value On road running shoes






















What makes it the best?
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
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Best On road running shoes with wide toebox

What makes it the best?
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
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Best On stability road running shoes

What makes it the best?
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
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Best On road running shoes with plush cushioning

What makes it the best?
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
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Most popular On road running shoes

What makes it the most popular?
Pros
- True to size
- Secure, sock-like fit
- Breathable
- Durable outsole
- No lace bite
- Fresh feeling even after a half-marathon
- Responsive, bouncy ride
Cons
- Traps stones, mud
- Toes can't wiggle
- Laces too thin
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Comparison of the 7 best On road running shoes
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