7 Best On Running Shoes in 2023

Jens Jakob Andersen
Jens Jakob Andersen on
7 Best On Running Shoes in 2023
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They may be new to the running scene, but On running shoes have got what it takes to compete against established brands like Adidas and Nike. Whether it’s for the road or the trail, these running models are set for performance. 

We’ve carefully screened different models from On in five different categories to help all runners. Through our own shoe testing lab, we gather data that solidify our decision to choose the shoes on this list.

How we test running shoes

Apart from having our independent RunRepeat shoe testing lab, we also buy all the running shoes from On we scrutinize with our own money. This is to make sure we give you a 100% honest review. 

To be more objective, we also carry out the following: 

  • Run in each shoe for 30-50 miles to see how they perform and how sturdy they are
  • Slice the shoe into pieces to see what’s inside
  • Measure them in 30 different parameters like breathability, softness, thickness, weight, etc. 

And to find out how they stand up against other running shoes, we also collect expert and user reviews to come up with a CoreScore. It’s a rating that ranges from 0-100, showing how good or bad the shoe is. 

Best On running shoes overall

On Cloudmonster
91
Superb!

What makes it the best?

If you’re looking for a shoe that gives a comfy ride but also ensures sufficient energy return, we did all the tests and came to a conclusion that the On Cloudmonster is what you would want to put your feet into. 

 

We are happy to report that the comfort offered by these shoes are second to none. It has a midsole that we measured as being softer than other On running shoes which translates to fatigue-free legs at the end of the day. Also, our smoke test shows how excellent they are at keeping feet sweat-free which makes for breezier strides on the road. 

 

The On Cloudmonster is also a strong contender which provides runners with the help that they need for soaking up the daily mileage. Based on our findings, these are 15 grams lighter than other max-cushioned shoes on our database. Also, the rockered geometry gives runners buttery-smooth transitions that makes forward movement easier. All these put together make for happier days on runners’ feet.

 

It is however, a downer that these max-cushioned shoes are on the pricey end of the spectrum as we found them to be 13% more expensive than others of the same style on our database.

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)

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
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)
98209 Dust Seedling (3598209)

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
Metal Midnight (4699016)
Eclipse/Frost (4699017)
Glacier/Black (4698647)
Shale/Cobalt (4698238)
98199 Undyed White Flame (4698199)
99021 Alloy Moss (4699021)
Frost Turmeric (4698644)

Best 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
Black/Eclipse (5598635)
Black Glacier (5598634)
Black/Shale (5598395)
Indigo/Ink (5598235)
Frost/Hay (5598232)
Orange (5598631)

Best 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 running shoes for race

On Cloud X
89
Great!

What makes it the best?

It's bouncy. It's comfortable. It can do everything. It loves tempo runs. With durability that's way above the average and insanely light design, On Cloud X really has no major cons. Especially if you find a great deal.

Pros

  • Do-it-all shoe
  • Good grip
  • Lightweight
  • Very comfortable
  • Perfect fit
  • Like new after 90 miles
  • Fresh feeling post-run
  • Easy to switch gears

Cons

  • Expensive
Full review of On Cloud X

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/Asphalt (4099703)
Rust/Rock (4099241)
White Black (200007)
Olive Fir (4099242)
Green (4099705)
Alloy Niagara (4099038)
Orange Sea (4099704)
Black (204005)
More colors

Best 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/Ink (6499061)
Blue (6498432)
Midnight/Olive (6498593)
Glacier Black (6499058)
Creek/Mint (6498273)
Alloy/Black (6498272)
Sandstone / Alloy (6498928)

Comparison of the 7 best On running shoes

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CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
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# 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.