On Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof review

The Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof can make a solid option for people in search of the following:

• a rainy-day shoe with superior grip and waterproofing
• a firm and grounded platform as opposed to a plush, max-cushioned one
• a snug fit that caters to narrow feet

If you like the idea of a more rugged city-to-trail shoe but wish for better shock absorption, you will find greater comfort in the On Cloudhorizon 2 Waterproof and the HOKA Transport GTX.

Both of these shoes also provide a more accommodating, true-to-size medium fit.

On positions the Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof as an 'all-day shoe,' but we have some reservations about that.

Looking at the results of our shock absorption test, where the shoe clocked in at only 105 SA in the heel, we can't say that it offers the most abundant impact protection for spending long hours on your feet.

If you are after a truly max-cushioned experience, the On Cloudtilt might be a more appealing option (132 SA).

The Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof offers a decently responsive ride with a middle-range energy return of 49.8%. It's not particularly springy, but it doesn't feel static either.

As its name suggests, the Cloud 6 Geo stems from the On Cloud 6, inheriting its grounded platform. Our calliper measured the shoe's heel stack slightly below average, at 30.8 mm.

The shoe's forefoot stack also came in at a moderate 21.9 mm, sitting right at the category average. 

And as for the heel-to-toe drop, it doesn't deviate much from the stated 8 mm at 8.9 mm.

It is an optimal offset for a walking shoe, with the heel only slightly elevated above the toes.

Yet again, Zero-Gravity foam proved to be one of the firmest cushioning materials we've encountered in the lab. At 60.9 AC, it is about 30% firmer than the average walking shoe foam.

But because it is integrated into compressible CloudTec pods, it feels more forgiving underfoot than the static durometer reading suggests.

The shoe's toe spring angle is very mild, but it's enough to ensure smooth heel-to-toe transitions for such a moderate forefoot stack.

The On Cloud 6 Gel Waterproof's narrow fit became immediately apparent the moment we put the shoe on, and the gel cast only confirmed it.

Applying our calliper to the broadest part of the replica, we recorded one of the narrowest measurements among walking shoes - only 89.4 mm! That's unusually snug for a medium-width shoe, even a waterproof one.

Unfortunately, wide width is not available for this On shoe.

A snug fit continues into a form-fitting toebox, measuring a modest 69.1 mm at the big toe.

To make matters worse, vertical space is also extremely shallow in this On Cloud shoe.

With a low toebox height of merely 22.6 mm, we could feel the sturdy toecap right on top of our toes. The On Cloud 6 Waterproof is a more accommodating option in that regard.

Intended for both city and light trail use in not-so-dry conditions, the Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof proved to have the perfect grip for the job!

Tested on wet concrete, the Missiongrip rubber in its heel area showed an exceptionally high CoF of 0.79!

Like most On Cloud shoes, the Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof's sole is made of separate pods, and only some of them are covered in rubber.

While this helps keep the shoe's weight down and enhances flexibility, it also makes it less optimal for any serious trail use. The shallow square lugs in its heel and forefoot areas aren't particularly helpful when you need to latch onto dirt and rocks on uneven terrain.

The Cloudhorizon 2 Waterproof is another city-to-trail option from On that has slightly more aggressive chevron lugs for less manicured trails.

Despite its more heavily layered upper, the Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof is no stiffer than the regular Cloud 6!

It takes just about as much force to bend it by 30 degrees (13.4N) as it does to bend the base shoe (12.8N). And that's also a typical forefoot stiffness for most walking shoes.

With an above-average weight of 11.7 oz (332g), the Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof is far from feeling cloud-like. But if we measure it against the other city-to-trail shoes we've tested, it is actually quite reasonable.

The On Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof is a purely neutral shoe with no additional arch support or stabilising components to support conditions like overpronation.

The presence of a stiff nylon Speedboard in its midfoot area adds some essential torsional rigidity to the Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof.

Our lab test showed that at 15.6Nm, this On shoe requires about as much torque to twist as the average walking shoe.

Its heel counter also exhibited moderate stiffness, earning a middle-range score of 3 out of 5. It helps prevent the rearfoot from wobbling excessively without feeling too rigid.

Neither slim nor chunky, the Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof showed average midsole dimensions, measuring 112.0 mm in the widest part of the forefoot.

The same is true of its heel, as our calliper recorded 87.3 mm at its widest point.

The On Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof is reinforced with a mudguard and a toe cap, both made with ballistic nylon. And while the latter sounded promising on paper, its wear resistance was less than impressive in our Dremel test.

Thus, the shoe earned just a moderate toebox durability score of 3 out of 5.

As for the interior lining, it also left much to be desired, tearing way too easily under the Dremel. That lowered our heel padding durability score to only 2 out of 5.

On a positive note, the rubber coverage on the shoe's heel and forefoot promises solid durability with a shallow dent of 0.7 mm.

The rubber showed an above-average thickness of 4.0 mm, contributing to the outsole lifespan.

But please note that the rubber doesn't cover the entire length of the shoe's sole, leaving a large midfoot area exposed to wear and tear.

A thin 3.6 mm insole does little to make the shoe's underfoot experience plusher.

You could potentially use a custom orthotic to increase padding, as the insole is removable. However, the shoe's snug, shallow fit may not pair well with alternative inserts.

Rocking the Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof in chilly weather, you don't have to worry about its midsole getting harder in the cold.

After exposing the shoe to low temperatures in the freezer for 20 minutes, our durometer recorded a minimal 10% loss in foam softness.

A couple of tiny reflective lines, one in the forefoot and one in the back, help make this On shoe a little more visible in the dark.

A moderate foam padding in the tongue buffers the instep from lace pressure. Our calliper measured its thickness at a moderate 7.0 mm.

A fully-gusseted tongue completes the shoe's waterproof construction, preventing water from getting inside.

With its snug fit and narrow shoe mouth, the Cloud 6 Geo Waterproof really benefits from having a finger loop.

This is by far the most expensive walking shoe in our catalogue, and we firmly believe that it is overpriced compared to its close competition.

The shoe's Speedlacing closure allows you to adjust the fit quickly and effortlessly without fiddling with laces.