Verdict from 9 experts and +100 user reviews

6 reasons to buy

  • Ride: All runners enjoyed the rolling sensation offered by the rocker design and the Speedboard. They say it feels “springy,” has a “smooth toe-off,” and easily “works it up to tempo pace.”
  • Step-in comfort: Runners were quick to notice that the On Cloudswift feels comfortable, “soft-to-the-touch,” snug, and secure, yet “stretchy where you want it.”
  • Quality: With its Swiss Engineering, the shoe is “clearly well-constructed.” No serious durability issues have been reported.
  • Temperature-resistant cushioning: The Helion midsole “combats” both hot and cold weather, maintaining consistent density.
  • Food for athleisure: The style and comfort of this On running shoe makes it suitable for casual wear.
  • Sustainability: The upper unit of the Cloudswift is made of 100% recycled mesh.

2 reasons not to buy

  • Picks up debris: The gaps between Cloud units tend to collect rocks, slush, gravel, and other road elements.
  • Stiffness: More than a few athletes complained about the lack of softness and flexibility underfoot. It’s not Cloudboom stiff, but still “pretty damn rigid.”

Bottom line

The 2021 edition of On Cloudswift makes a solid neutral daily trainer. With a springy vibe to it, the shoe can pick up the pace and, at the same time, serve as an athleisure companion thanks to its comfort and style.

Tip: see the best running shoes.

Expert reviews:

User reviews:

Video reviews

On Cloudswift: Old vs. New

The official On website presents the new generation of On Cloudswift under the same name as the previous edition. This may cause confusion as the two versions look almost identical.

However, from the inside the 2021 edition introduces quite a few changes that are not apparent from the outside:

  • more cushioning and it’s a bit softer (but still on the firm side)
  • a bit more pronounced rocker experience for a livelier ride
  • re-engineered Speedboard gives a snappier response (but not the same as carbon-plated racers)
  • lighter by 0.2 oz (6 g)
  • a bit more breathable (more porous mesh)
  • raised heel collar feels more cushioned and holds the heel better
  • side panels are firmer, offering more midfoot support

As one expert reviewer puts it, the shoe is “not a revolution, but it is a very welcome evolution.”

How Cloudswift compares

This shoe: 91
All shoes average: 82
56 95
This shoe: £140
All shoes average: £110
£40 £280
This shoe: 280g
All shoes average: 269g
79g 437g
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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.

jens@runrepeat.com