5 Best On Trail Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
5 Best On Trail Running Shoes in 2023
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Whether you're into short or long-distance trail running, or just want a reliable everyday trail companion, the Swiss-engineered trail shoes from On are definitely a good steal.

Praised by many in the trail running community for its lightweight trail running kicks with unique design, superb grip, and CloudTech cushioning, the limited On the lineup for competitive trail runners and off-road adventurers is simply one of the best out there.

To help you get the right fit, we’ve tested and reviewed the best On trail running shoes available on the market. After a meticulous testing process, we’ve highlighted our top-rated pick(s) in specific categories with their corresponding in-depth reviews. Read on to learn more.

Best overall
On Cloudvista On Cloudvista
$150 $140 From Zappos
Best cushioning
On Cloudventure On Cloudventure
$160 $150 From Zappos
Best for long distance
On Cloudultra On Cloudultra
$180 $135 From Fleet Feet
Best for marathon
On Cloudventure Waterproof On Cloudventure Waterproof
$170 From Zappos
Best for supination
On Cloudventure Peak On Cloudventure Peak
$150 $100 From On Running
See all 5 on trail running shoes

    Best On trail running shoes overall

    On Cloudvista
    On Cloudvista
    On Cloudvista
    On Cloudvista
    On Cloudvista
    On Cloudvista closeup
    On Cloudvista
    On Cloudvista light
    On Cloudvista closeup 2
    On Cloudvista Toebox durability
    On Cloudvista
    On Cloudvista Heel padding durability
    On Cloudvista Outsole hardness
    On Cloudvista dremel outsole
    On Cloudvista Outsole durability
    On Cloudvista outsole
    On Cloudvista Weight
    On Cloudvista Heel stack
    On Cloudvista Forefoot stack
    On Cloudvista Drop
    On Cloudvista Insole thickness
    On Cloudvista
    On Cloudvista
    On Cloudvista
    On Cloudvista Midsole softness in cold
    On Cloudvista Lateral stability test
    On Cloudvista Torsional rigidity
    On Cloudvista Heel counter stiffness
    On Cloudvista Midsole width in the forefoot
    On Cloudvista Midsole width in the heel
    On Cloudvista Stiffness
    On Cloudvista grip
    On Cloudvista lugs
    On Cloudvista
    On Cloudvista Toebox width at the widest part
    On Cloudvista Toebox width at the big toe
    On Cloudvista Toebox feel
    On Cloudvista Tongue: gusset type
    On Cloudvista Tongue padding
    On Cloudvista Heel tab
    On Cloudvista Reflective elements
    On Cloudvista Lace garage
    On Cloudvista
    85
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    Unassuming at first glance, the On Cloudvista is actually a highly versatile shoe that can comfortably switch from road to trail without skipping a beat. Its flexibilty, rockered design and energetic midsole made our shorter test runs fast, fun and forgiving on the foot. What's more, the Cloudvista is comfortable enough for walking or hiking without feeling too blocky, and its upper made from mostly recycled material is stylish to boot.

    Pros

    • Works great as a hybrid shoe
    • Grippy and durable outsole
    • Fun at high speeds
    • Highly breathable
    • Rockered for smooth heel-to-toe transitions.
    • Secure lockdown
    • No heel rub
    • No Lace bite
    • Environmentally friendly upper
    • Suitable for walking or hiking
    • Stylish for a trail shoe

    Cons

    • Not for technical trails
    • Not a distance shoe
    • Doesn’t accommodate wide feet
    • Midsole catches debris
    Full review of On Cloudvista

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Frost Ink (6499061)
    Blue (6498432)
    Midnight Olive (6498593)
    Glacier/Black (6499058)
    Alloy/Black (6498272)
    Creek/Mint (6498273)
    Navy/Wash (6498061)
    Ivory Endive (6498318)
    $140
    See deal  
    $149
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  

    On trail running shoes with best cushioning

    On Cloudventure
    On Cloudventure
    On Cloudventure
    85
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    After all the hype around the Swiss engineering of ON running shoes, I really think these shoes are nothing special. I’m not sure if I just set my expectations too high, or if these are just not the right shoes for my feet, but I would certainly not pay the high price tag for these shoes in the future. Although the grip is exceptional, I ultimately didn’t find these trainers comfy.

    Pros

    • Durable
    • Great traction
    • Reflective details
    • Looks good
    • Roomy toebox
    • Feels light

    Cons

    • Very thin laces
    • Expensive
    Full review of On Cloudventure

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Olive (3298267)
    Ice/Kelp (3298569)
    Yellow (2299619)
    Cooper Orange (3298582)
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $185
    See deal  
    $197
    See deal  

    Best On trail running shoes for long distance

    on-cloudultra-midsole-1.JPG
    on-cloudultra-midsole-1.JPG
    On Cloudultra Intro 2 New
    on-cloudultra-upper-1.JPG
    on-cloudultra-on-feet-1.JPG
    on-cloudultra-outsole-1.JPG
    On Cloudultra Laces New
    on-cloudultra-side-1.JPG
    On Cloudultra
    85
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    Although a devoted trail running shoe. the On Cloudultra made our runs equally surefooted on both the trail and the road. Not only is it very stable, but it's also highly cushy (cloud-like even), making it a star in long-distance runs. And if you're to tackle the technical terrain, take this shoe. It's VERY grippy, we had zero issues with slippage.

    Pros

    • Comfort for long runs
    • Good traction
    • Cloud-like feeling
    • Feels light
    • Stable
    • Breathable
    • Durable
    • Great midfoot lockdown

    Cons

    • Break-in is a must
    • Not for cold days
    • Not true to size
    Full review of On Cloudultra

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black (4499543)
    Glacier/Frost (4499045)
    Indigo/Copper (4498574)
    Olive Eclipse (4499541)
    Limelight Eclipse (4499542)
    Vine/Meadow (4499043)
    Grey (4499092)
    $135
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $162
    See deal  
    $180
    See deal  
    $186
    See deal  

    Best On trail marathon running shoes

    On Cloudventure Waterproof
    On Cloudventure Waterproof
    On Cloudventure Waterproof
    81
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    There’s no denying, the On Running Cloudventure Waterproof is a ruggedly handsome shoe with an array of innovative technology. Although prone to hyperbole, creativity and enthusiasm for the design, the result is an over-engineered shoe which ultimately is less than the sum of its parts - too heavy for faster outings and lacking the comfort for longer runs. Whilst not for me, the Cloudventure Waterproof may suit those looking for a sturdy, stiff shoe for muddy obstacle races or fell running over shorter distances.

    Pros

    • Waterproof
    • Roomy toebox
    • Breathable
    • Gusseted tongue
    • Looks

    Cons

    • Loose fit
    • Stiff heel collar
    • Heavy
    Full review of On Cloudventure Waterproof

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    Black (3298577)
    Green (2299616)
    black (229995)
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $199
    See deal  

    Best On trail supination running shoes

    Black Rock
    On Cloudventure Peak
    84
    Good!

    What makes it the best?

    The On Cloudventure Peak, owing to its unparalleled professional attributes, outperforms its competitors in the market and establishes a large number of fans. The shoe has stylish looks, a sturdy build, excellent grip, and remarkable durability. The majority recommended that the shoe, being perfect, should make no further changes in its current design for its future models.

    Pros

    • Superb cushioning
    • No break-in required
    • Solid rock protection
    • Minimized impact load
    • Appealing
    • Blister-free running
    • Snug fit
    • Grips on wet surfaces

    Cons

    • Shoe size
    Full review of On Cloudventure Peak

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    white (3499849)
    Black Rock (3499613)
    Orange (141464)
    $100
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $159
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  

    Comparison of the 5 best On trail running shoes

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    Best
    CoreScore
    Users rating
    Experts
    Best price
    Ranking
    Popularity
    # of colorways

    How we test trail running shoes

    To make our recommendations, all the old and latest models on this list have been thoroughly checked and rechecked using our rigorous testing process. That means analyzing all the shoes inside our RunRepeat shoe lab. We also do real-world wear testing with our trail runners clocking up solid mileage.

    Before we make our top selections, we follow these steps:

    • We buy all the trail running shoes from On from our own pocket. This is to avoid brand loyalty and bias.
    • We cut the models into pieces in the lab. We then analyze and measure 30+ parameters from cushioning technology, energy return, and waterproof effectiveness, to upper durability, outsole traction, and many more.
    • We log at least 30-50 miles of running on each pair in technical trails, muddy paths, and other off-road environments, and report back to with our respective feedback.
    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.

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