7 Best On Running Shoes For Women in 2023

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
7 Best On Running Shoes For Women in 2023
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On running shoes for women are more than their sleek and fashion-forward looks. They are performance-oriented, and are ready to swallow miles on the road and trail. 

Want to make the most out of your money? We’ve carefully examined and selected the ten best On running shoes for female runners from across categories. These are On’s best ones yet, and we’re more than confident they can get you through your miles.

How we test running shoes

We have allotted time and money to create our own shoe testing lab. Here, we scrutinize each model, gathering data to compare one against the other. This gives us a clear picture of which is best and second best. 

To be as objective as possible, we strictly follow these: 

  • On running shoes for women can be quite expensive. That said, we buy them with our own money. 
  • Our testers clock up at least 30-50 miles in each model to assess their durability and performance. 
  • To see what’s inside, we slice them open in our lab. 
  • We then measure each aspect of the shoe using our durometers, scales, calipers, and more.
  • Gathering thousands of expert and user reviews, we then generate their CoreScore to see how they stack up against other running shoes.

Best On running shoes overall for women

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
Nimbus/Hay (6198242)
White (6198243)
Frost/Cobalt (6198653)
Black Magnet (6199024)
Fawn/Turmeric (6198652)
Glacier | Meadow (6199022)
99026 Acai Lavender (6199026)

Women's On 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
98687 Meadow White (3598687)
99033 Niagara Meadow (3599033)
99034 Ink Meadow (3599034)
Rock/Rose (3599234)
Mulberry/Mineral (3599231)
Rose/Fiji (3598686)
Marina/White (3599233)
Glacier/Creek (3598211)
More colors

Best value

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
Frost Aloe (4699019)
Eclipse/Black (4698643)
White/Frost (4699015)
Metal Midnight (4699016)
White (4698236)
98641 Heron Black (4698641)

Best women's On running shoes for speed

On Cloudgo
88
Great!

What makes it the best?

The Cloudgo from On Running is a daily trainer that's ready to shift gears if you want to take it easy or go faster on the road. It's light, responsive, and smooth-rolling; getting to your next stride won't be a task. And if you want something that's environmentally friendly, the On Cloudgo is made with sustainability (and good looks) in mind.

Pros

  • Ready to pick up the pace
  • Runs smoothly
  • Stable
  • Doesn't tip the scales
  • Lockdown is 10/10
  • Blister-free wrap
  • Dry-and-wet-ready grip
  • Sustainably made

Cons

  • Lacks cushion for long miles
  • Not for hot, humid days
Full review of On Cloudgo

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Rose/Magnet (5598622)
White/Glacier (5598625)
Frost/Hay (5598232)
Black/Eclipse (5598635)
Indigo/Ink (5598233)
White Meadow (5598624)

Best women's On 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 running shoes for women

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)

Best women's On running shoes for trail

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/Mineral (6499057)
Glacier Black (6499058)
Alloy/Black (6498269)
Midnight/Copper (6498592)
Heather/Rhubarb (6498271)

Comparison of the 7 best On running shoes for women

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Author
Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic

Whether it's a vertical kilometre or an ultra, climbing in the Alps or exploring local mountains, Jovana uses every opportunity to trade walls and concrete for forests and trails. She logs at least 10h/week on trails, with no off-season, and 4x more on research on running and running shoes. With a background in physics and engineering management, she prefers her running spiced with data.