7 Best On Cloud Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
| Reviewed using methodology 1.6
7 Best On Cloud Running Shoes in 2023
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Born in the Swiss Alps, On Cloud running shoes disrupted the footwear industry with its revolutionary CloudTec cushioning system. The brand’s running on cloud concept has dazzled runners of all types, from newbies to professionals.

If you’ve been a big fan of On Cloud since its inception in 2010, or someone who loves a shoe that delivers softer landings and firm toe-offs, the brand offers an impressive lineup of shoes for road, trail, or gyms sessions.

We’ve compiled 9 of the best On Cloud running shoes available in the market today. We’ve tested, and analyzed each model to come up with our top picks in different categories for your quick reference.

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
$140 From Zappos
Best for trail
On Cloudvista On Cloudvista
$140 From Zappos
Best with wide toebox
On Cloudstratus 2 On Cloudstratus 2
$170 $128 From Fleet Feet
Best stability
On Cloudflyer 4 On Cloudflyer 4
$170 From On Running
Most popular
On Cloud X 3 On Cloud X 3
$150 From Zappos
See all 31 on cloud running shoes

    How we test running shoes

    We’ve been working with our team of wear-testers and lab technicians to review the growing lineup of On Cloud running shoes. We put each model to a whole gamut of mechanical tests to determine its performance, comfort, and reliability. To make the final selections, we follow a meticulous approach such as:

    • We buy all the On Cloud shoes with our own money to ensure an unbiased, 100% honest review.
    • We perform mechanical tests inside our lab, which involves cutting all of them into pieces and measuring 30+ parameters, from the softness of the cushioning system, upper durability, outsole traction, and many others.
    • Our wear-testers go for short and long runs on and off the road averaging 30-40 miles on each pair of shoes. They give us their extensive feedback after each test.
    • We gather more information from other independent shoe experts and regular runners who have tried the shoes.

    To conclude the process, we use our proprietary CoreScore system to make a calculation of all comparable data above. The final score of each model is shown ranging from 0 to 100, giving us their respective overall rankings.

    Best On Cloud running shoes overall

    On Cloudmonster
    On Cloudmonster
    On-Cloudmonster-review
    On Cloudmonster Saw%20cutting
    On-Cloudmonster-lab-test.JPG
    On-Cloudmonster-outdoor-heel-stack
    On Cloudmonster Cushioning
    On Cloudmonster Softness Check
    On-Cloudmonster-light
    On-Cloudmonster-lightweight
    On Cloudmonster Springy
    On-Cloudmonster-traction
    On-Cloudmonster-wide-base
    On Cloudmonster Smoke
    On-Cloudmonster-fit
    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
    • Durable
    • 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
    Frost/Cobalt (6198653)
    Black (6199025)
    White (6198243)
    Eclipse/Turmeric (6198656)
    Grey (6198244)
    All White/Black (6198434)
    Frost Surf (6199023)
    Acai Aloe (6199027)
    Acai/Aloe (6498927)
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  

    On Cloud running shoes with best cushioning

    On Cloudflow 3.0
    On Cloudflow 3.0
    on-Cloudflow-3-01.jpg
    On Cloudflow 3 Cut 1
    on-Cloudflow-3-21.jpg
    on-Cloudflow-3-17.jpg
    On Cloudflow 3 360
    on-Cloudflow-3-19.jpg
    On Cloudflow 3 Cushion
    on-Cloudflow-3-14.jpg
    on-Cloudflow-3-27.jpg
    On Cloudflow 3 Run
    on-Cloudflow-3-03.jpg
    ON-Cloudflow-3-30.jpg
    on-Cloudflow-3-06.jpg
    on-Cloudflow-3-11.jpg
    on-Cloudflow-3-12.jpg
    on-Cloudflow-3-13.jpg
    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
    Rust White (3599236)
    98687 Meadow White (3598687)
    99034 Ink Meadow (3599034)
    Alloy/Magnet (3599235)
    Glacier/Creek (3598211)
    Black (3599238)
    Black/Turmeric (3598398)
    Lake Flare (3599237)
    $80
    See deal  
    $126
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $140
    See deal  
    $159
    See deal  

    Best value On Cloud running shoes

    On Cloudrunner
    On Cloudrunner
    On-Cloudrunner-on-foot
    On Cloudrunner Saw%20cutting
    On-Cloudrunner-lab-review
    On Cloudrunner Smoke%20test
    On-Cloudrunner-comfortable-step-in
    On-Cloudrunner-thick tongue
    On-Cloudrunner-heel-hold
    On-Cloudrunner-upper-width
    On-Cloudrunner-fit
    On Cloudrunner Reflective%20elements
    On Cloudrunner Cushioning
    On-Cloudrunner-midsole-firmness
    On Cloudrunner Stability
    On-Cloudrunner-wide-sole
    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
    Metal Midnight (4699016)
    Eclipse/Frost (4699017)
    Glacier/Black (4698647)
    Shale/Cobalt (4698238)
    White (4698199)
    99021 Alloy Moss (4699021)
    Frost Turmeric (4698644)
    $140
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $160
    See deal  

    Best On Cloud running shoes for trail

    Midnight/Olive
    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/Ink (6499061)
    Blue (6498432)
    Creek/Mint (6498273)
    Midnight/Olive (6498593)
    Glacier Black (6499058)
    Alloy/Black (6498272)
    Sandstone / Alloy (6498928)
    $140
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $176
    See deal  

    Best On Cloud running shoes with wide toebox

    on-cloudstratus-2-d8c1
    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
    $128
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    No stock  

    Best On Cloud running shoes

    Black/White
    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)
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $170
    See deal  
    $189
    See deal  

    Most popular On Cloud running shoes

    Black
    On Cloud X 3
    84
    Good!

    What makes it the most popular?

    The On Cloud X is back with version number 3 and it’s a shoe not meant for just one activity. Offering a very typical On firm feel, it’s a do-it-all workout model that has some minimalist-like features, such as a surprisingly good ground feel and low weight. Besides, it is made with recycled materials and shows off one of the best On looks.

    Pros

    • Extremely versatile
    • Lightweight
    • Stable ride
    • Definitely comfortable
    • Airy upper
    • Excellent ground feel
    • Usual great On design
    • Environmental-friendly

    Cons

    • Not for wide feet
    • Laces are too long
    • Slightly pricey
    Full review of On Cloud X 3

    Today's best price

    Men
    Women
    Any color
    White (6098699)
    Pewter White (6098255)
    Black (6098705)
    White (6098706)
    Olive (6098704)
    Eclipse Magnet (6098703)
    Ivory/Alloy (6098254)
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  
    $150
    See deal  

    Comparison of the 7 best On Cloud running shoes

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    CoreScore
    Users rating
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    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.

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