7 Best On Running Shoes For Women in 2023

Jovana Subic
Jovana Subic on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
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.

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
$150 From Zappos
Best for speed
On Cloudgo On Cloudgo
$140 From Zappos
Best with wide toebox
On Cloudstratus 2 On Cloudstratus 2
$170 From Running Warehouse
Best stability
On Cloudflyer 4 On Cloudflyer 4
$170 $169 From Amazon
Best for trail
On Cloudvista On Cloudvista
$140 $110 From On Running
See all 31 women's on running shoes

    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 outdoor_001
    On-Cloudmonster-saw%20cutting
    On-Cloudmonster-saw%20cutting
    On Cloudmonster lab test
    On Cloudmonster outdoor heel stack
    On-Cloudmonster-cushioning
    On-Cloudmonster-cushioning
    On-Cloudmonster-softness-check
    On-Cloudmonster-softness-check
    On Cloudmonster outdoor_013
    On Cloudmonster lightweight
    On-Cloudmonster-springy
    On-Cloudmonster-springy
    On Cloudmonster traction
    On Cloudmonster wide base
    On-Cloudmonster-smoke
    On-Cloudmonster-smoke
    On Cloudmonster outdoor_008
    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
    Nimbus/Hay (6198242)
    White (6198243)
    Frost/Cobalt (6198653)
    Black Magnet (6199024)
    Fawn/Turmeric (6198652)
    Glacier | Meadow (6199022)
    99026 Acai Lavender (6199026)
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $200
    See deal  

    Women's On running shoes with best cushioning

    on Cloudflow 3 01
    On cloudflow 3 Cut 1
    On cloudflow 3 Cut 1
    on Cloudflow 3 21
    on Cloudflow 3 17
    On cloudflow 3 360
    On cloudflow 3 360
    on Cloudflow 3 19
    On cloudflow 3 Cushion
    On cloudflow 3 Cushion
    on Cloudflow 3 14
    on Cloudflow 3 27
    On cloudflow 3 Run
    On cloudflow 3 Run
    on Cloudflow 3 03
    ON Cloudflow 3 30
    on Cloudflow 3 06
    on Cloudflow 3 11
    on Cloudflow 3 12
    on Cloudflow 3 13
    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
    $80
    See deal  
    $132
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  

    Best value

    On Cloudrunner on foot
    On-Cloudrunner-saw%20cutting
    On-Cloudrunner-saw%20cutting
    On Cloudrunner lab review
    On-Cloudrunner-smoke%20test
    On-Cloudrunner-smoke%20test
    On Cloudrunner comfortable step in
    On Cloudrunner thick%20tongue
    On Cloudrunner heel hold
    On Cloudrunner upper width
    On Cloudrunner fit
    On-Cloudrunner-reflective%20elements
    On-Cloudrunner-reflective%20elements
    On-Cloudrunner-cushioning
    On-Cloudrunner-cushioning
    On Cloudrunner midsole firmness
    On-Cloudrunner-stability
    On-Cloudrunner-stability
    On Cloudrunner wide sole
    On-Cloudrunner-ride
    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
    Frost Aloe (4699019)
    Eclipse/Black (4698643)
    White/Frost (4699015)
    Metal Midnight (4699016)
    White (4698236)
    98641 Heron Black (4698641)
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $179
    See deal  

    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)
    $140
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  

    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
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    No stock  

    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)
    $169
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  

    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)
    $110
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $185
    See deal  

    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.

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