Best ON Running Shoes for Long-Distance, Trails, and Everyday Style

Launched in 2010, On emerged from the aspiration to develop a shoe providing an ideal running experience—soft landings coupled with robust push-offs. This Swiss enterprise started in Zürich when Olympic triathlon winner Olivier Bernhard joined forces with his pals David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti to innovate superior footwear technology. running shoe Success was swift. Barely a month after launching the company, their prototype emerged victorious. ISPO Brandnew Award For fostering innovation among athletic startups, and later that same year, On shoes became available in running stores.

Best On Running Shoes

• Best for Speedwork: On Cloudflow Running Shoe
• Most Cushioned: On Cloudmonster Running Shoe

• Lightweight and Stable: On Cloudflyer Running Shoe

• Best for Cross Training : While running with On Cloud X Running Shoes
• Best for Beginners: On Cloudrunner Running Shoe

The Expert: I started running in middle school and have been writing about running and outdoor equipment for many years, both as an employee of Runner’s World And as a freelance journalist, running shoes are the type of equipment I've covered extensively, with personal insights into various models from multiple brands. For pieces such as these, I converse with representatives from companies to discuss their newest footwear and technology. Additionally, I refer RW tester feedback, and draw on my own experience with the running shoe industry. With direction from RW Editors, I compile all that information to decide which shoes make it onto this list.

Growing the Lineup

In 2012, On launched its premium shoe, the Cloudracer . Designed for competitive running, it’s been on the feet of Swiss Olympic runners like Nicola Spirig and 2014 Ironman World Champion Frederik Van Lierde. The more cushioned Cloudsurfer the go-to training shoe for an underdog Jake Riley , who secured the runner-up position at the 2020 Olympic Marathon Trials and Now is sponsored by On as their athlete. Since then, On has broadened its range of footwear offerings with various new models such as the highly cushioned Cloudmonster and the Cloudvista for trail running.

Running on Clouds

On's success can be attributed to the distinctive technologies incorporated into their footwear. One such innovation is CloudTec, a proprietary cushioning system developed by the company. This technology features hollow chambers made from either rubber or foam located at the bottom section of the shoe sole. These chambers are engineered to collapse upon impact during strides, effectively absorbing both upward and sideways shock forces before locking back into position to provide a stable base for powerful propulsion. Additionally, this design reduces overall weight, offering enhanced performance benefits. Thus, you benefit from improved comfort and reduced fatigue. plenty of cushion Without feeling cumbersome, On incorporates its proprietary Speedboard—a slim and responsive (usually) thermoplastic sheet intended to bolster and guide foot movement—in the midsole.

On's exclusive cushioning technology is known as Helion. This innovative material combines EVA with OBC (olefin block copolymer) foams—a mix of firmer and softer components within a single compound. The outcome is a lightweight, high-energy-return cushion that also maintains performance across various temperatures for consistent quality throughout the year.

To offset this padding in their trail running shoes, On introduced an innovative outsole material called Missiongrip with the Cloudventure model during autumn of 2018. This adhesive rubber blend features diamond-shaped patterns interspersed with fine lines. The combination of this compound and the textured design ensures superior traction both in muddy conditions and on firm trails.

A More Sustainable Run

Also, On is a major pioneer in sustainability. Their leading shoe in this area is the environmentally friendly model. Cloudneo This particular shoe boasts an impressive 90% recyclability rate and is crafted partly from castor beans. It can exclusively be obtained via a subscription model known as Cyclon. The concept behind this initiative is to produce footwear that goes through manufacturing, usage, and finally gets transformed back into a brand-new item without generating any waste. Members of the program receive a pair, use them until they become worn down, send them back to On for recycling purposes, and subsequently receive a fresh set in their place. According to On, these shoes should endure approximately half a year or cover around 600 kilometers before requiring replacement.

The Cloudneo boasts an exceptional degree of sustainability due to its use of advanced materials and cutting-edge production techniques. One key component is a polyamide known as PA11, which is derived from castor beans and can be recycled. Although this material has been around since the 1950s, On discovered how to transform PA11 into a yarn and craft the entirety of the shoe's knitted upper using just this substance. Furthermore, the whole upper part is manufactured in one piece to reduce excess material waste during production.

The second material is Pebax, which is notably springy, light-weight foam that is also completely recyclable. Other brands also utilize Pebax. It constitutes the midsole of the Cloudneo, making it feel energetic, swift, and reactive. When it wears out, the whole shoe can be recycled into a new product.

The Methodology Behind Our Testing and Evaluation

A lot of the On footwear listed here has undergone our rigorous testing procedure. This involves having every shoe model tested by more than 350 passionate runners from our team, who wear them for at least 100 miles each before sharing their thoughts. While gathering these firsthand accounts from both our testers and employees, we simultaneously conduct various mechanical assessments in our lab. RW At Shoe Lab, we assess every detail, ranging from the energy rebound provided by On’s Speedboard midsole technology to the plush feel of their Helion foam. Drawing upon extensive internal studies and insights gained over years within the running footwear sector, along with direct discussions with company officials and almost ten years of empirical testing and user reviews, we have curated a list featuring the top 10 models as follows:

Full Reviews

$139.00

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The Cloudflow offers a blend of minimal weight alongside adequate cushioning, making it ideal for fast-paced training sessions—your feet will stay comfy and secure without feeling burdened (notably, it's much lighter compared to our former top choice for speed workouts, the Cloudswift). The shoe features CloudTec pods along with Helion foam that absorb shock effectively. Additionally, On’s distinctive Speedboard provides a springy response, enhancing performance during quicker runs. Strategic rubber sections on the outer sole ensure excellent traction both on tracks and streets.

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$185.70

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The Cloudmonster prioritizes softness greatly. It utilizes extra-thick CloudTec elements—the most substantial ones On has produced—together with a layer of Helion foam in the midsole, providing a plush sensation. A polypropylene Speedboard further enhances this by adding an element of energy return. Additionally, the outsole incorporates a pronounced rocker geometry at the forefront designed to drive you ahead during each step. Completing the package is a soft sock liner for added comfort upon initial contact.

Testers and RW The staff adored these shoes. Test editor Morgan Petruny remarks that they feel soft and accommodating yet still energetic. "This particular sensation was lacking in certain On models until now," she explains. "It offers a truly pleasant bouncy experience." When you're looking for maximum comfort during your recovery runs or anytime you desire extra padding, these are the go-to shoes.

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$169.90

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Much lighter compared to other supportive running shoes such as the Cloudace, the Clouflyer offers a balanced combination of support and speed. In this iteration, the Cloudflyer features Helion-infused CloudTec elements providing excellent cushioning, complemented by a molded heel piece, a broader outsole, and a stability bar positioned near the middle foot to enhance additional support. The updated mesh top ensures great airflow, while the notably soft tongue adds comfort during wear.

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$213.99

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These agile shoes make an excellent option for workouts and gym sessions. Constructed with versatility in mind, the Cloud X incorporates several key design elements: Its thick, wide Helion-enhanced outsole enhances steadiness, robust "side panels" on the top provide extra lateral reinforcement, and strategically placed padded inserts within the footwear secure your heel position. Additionally, this model includes a seamless tongue ensuring a comfortable fit, while the specially designed breathable mesh fabric keeps feet ventilated during intense activities.

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$135.07

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The Cloudrunner holds a distinctive place within On’s range of shoes; it caters specifically to newcomers and those returning to running. This model emphasizes comfort, aiming to strike a perfect balance between softness and stability. Its CloudTec units crafted from Zero-Gravity foam—the brand's earlier EVA-based cushioning technology—effectively absorb shock. Additionally, the broader Speedboard combined with a supportive sole and an encircling upper design keeps your foot secure as you run. Furthermore, the breathable mesh upper enhances ventilation during hot weather conditions or extended runs.

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$158.57

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If you find that one layer of CloudTec doesn't provide sufficient support, consider the Cloudstratus. This model includes two rows of Helion-based CloudTec units layered atop each other. These dual layers collaborate to effectively manage impact forces, complementing the shoe's Speedboard design to offer rapid rebound and an energizing sensation underfoot. The mesh upper ensures excellent ventilation, while enhancements such as a wider toe box, updated heel construction, and a distinctive star-shaped lace-up system contribute to a secure yet comfortable fit. Unlike the softer Cloudmonster, this sneaker has a more robust feel, making it ideal for those who enjoy a firmer cushioning experience during runs.

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$148.45

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The Cloudvista is a sleek trail shoe and among the most lightweight options in On’s collection of off-road footwear. Featuring Helion-infused CloudTec technology, these shoes provide a featherweight yet reactive running experience. Additionally, they boast a Missiongrip sole equipped with multi-directional studs that firmly grasp tough trails ensuring stable traction. The upper part is crafted from polyester to minimize bulk, complemented by a TPU guard that shields against environmental hazards. Users found the Cloudvista highly appealing. RW I initially tested them on an unpaved road and was amazed at how well they performed," remarked one of the testers. "The experience was quite comfortable, and the footwear responded excellently to each step I took.

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$29.99

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First, some basic terminology: Cyclon The subscription service you sign up for determines what you receive, with the Cloudneo being the specific sneaker model. This footwear stands out significantly compared to conventional running shoes due to both its payment structure and construction method. The upper part of the Cloudneo uses undyed PA11 yarn sourced from castor beans, which also forms the basis for the shoelaces and Speedboard component. Applying heat press techniques to this upper fabric generates reinforced sections offering enhanced support along with more breathable panels towards the front foot area thanks to broader knitting patterns. Its design omits traditional overlays making it notably light. Additionally, the midsole incorporates Pebax—a highly responsive compound increasingly favored across various athletic footwear lines.

The shoe boasts more than 90 percent recyclability, and On will happily recycle it for you when your current pair eventually wears out—possibly as frequently as every six months. However, this eco-friendly feature isn’t merely a marketing ploy; thanks to its lightweight construction and sleek design, it holds promise as both a high-speed training and race-day companion.

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