Best On Running Shoes 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Swiss performance sportswear brand On continues to impress us with its wide selection of gear for every training need—not least its high-quality and supremely comfortable running shoes. The brand has earned attention for the innovative CloudTec cushioning in its footwear, which uses “clouds,” or pockets of air that compress and rebound, to provide cushion and energy return; it’s also known for its dedication to sustainability and use of recycled materials in its products. Our pick for best On running shoe overall is the On Cloudsurfer, which we love for its lightweight profile, versatility and ample cushioning that stays comfortable for miles and miles. We also recommend the supportive On Cloudstratus 3 for daily training and the responsive On Cloudboom Strike for race day.

The best On running shoes, based on expert insights and firsthand testing, include the Cloud 5, ... [+] Cloudboom Strike, Cloudsurfer and Cloudflow 4.

To select our testing contenders and determine the ideal characteristics of various running shoes, we first consulted Stacy Orsborn, a certified personal trainer and cofounder of Victress Mvmt, who regularly wears On shoes and recommends them to her clients. We then analyzed over 20 models in On’s running shoe lineup per Orsborn’s guidance, weighing features like fit, level of cushioning, breathability, responsiveness, versatility and durability, among others. Last, because you can’t really know how a shoe will perform until you run in them, we then tested more than 10 pairs of On shoes for about a month on the treadmill, roads and trails. With all of this in mind, we’ve selected the best On running shoes to address different scenarios—recovery runs, interval sessions, race day and everywhere in between.

On

Cushioning: Plush | Style: Neutral | Weight: 8.6 ounces | Heel-To-Toe Drop: 10 millimeters

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The Cloudsurfer is one of On’s most popular shoes for running because of its versatility; it’s comfortable for short walks and long runs alike. I reach for the Cloudsurfer for all of my easy-effort long runs because I know my hips and ankles will appreciate the stack of soft, cushy foam under my foot. The shoe’s Helion foam cushioning paired with innovative CloudTec Phase technology (designed by a computer to ensure optimal heel-to-toe weight transfer and an ultra-smooth ride, according to the brand) creates an ideal surface for absorbing the harsh impact of pavement. This design has kept my chronic aches and pains, like shin splints and hip discomfort, at bay. I know I’ll have a comfortable run when wearing them.

The upper is made of a smooth mesh that conforms to your foot and feels plush and padded, especially around the ankle and at the tongue. Plus, it has a medium-wide toe box that is accommodating of most foot types, unlike some of the brand’s other models, which run narrow. Note that because the foam midsole is so squishy, this is not the fastest shoe around, so you may want to choose something else for race day or tempo work.

On

Cushioning: Plush | Style: Neutral | Weight: 8.8 ounces | Heel-To-Toe Drop: 6 millmeters

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Where the Cloudsurfer is soft, the Cloudstratus is springy, and especially great for putting a little pep in your step. I used these shoes on both the treadmill and the road, and they struck a nice balance that will appeal to many casual runners. The Cloudstratus features a nylon Speedboard beneath the insole with a flexible rocker-like shape, making it feel easier to propel yourself forward through your stride. Compared to the Cloudmonster 2 (another great daily trainer, and the Best On Running Shoes For Wide Feet named below), it has a much less intense rocker, so proved to be more comfortable and versatile for walks and gym workouts, too.

Helion foam in the midsole and two layers of CloudTec cushioning adds just the right amount of plushness; I found the cushioning is a bit more forgiving than some of the stiffer options in the lineup, but definitely not as soft as the Cloudsurfer. The padding is comfortable yet better ventilated than the Cloudrunner 2 (our daily training pick for beginners), and its structured upper, especially the high collar around the ankle, provides much-appreciated support. This shoe also looks sleek—effectively doubling as a street shoe—so you don’t need to haul around a spare pair if you want to go about your day after your run.

On

Cushioning: Moderate | Style: Neutral | Weight: 7.1 ounces | Heel-To-Toe Drop: 8 millimeters

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The On Cloudflow used to be one of the brand’s entry-level shoes, but recent upgrades have transformed it into a worthwhile and efficient trainer for speed work. It has moderate cushioning that is firm and provides excellent rebound, but isn’t stacked too high that it makes for an unstable experience or slows you down. I’m accustomed to soft shoes, and these are anything but that. After a couple of short speed intervals, I started to see the appeal of firmer shoes (although I’ll probably stick with my amply cushioned Cloudsurfers for most of my runs). The rocker sole was effective at propelling me forward, and the lack of cushy foam meant that toeing off the ground felt much less laborious.

At about seven ounces, it’s also incredibly light, and the upper allows for airflow even in hot weather. However, as someone with wide feet and achy joints, these shoes were much too narrow and not the most comfortable for me—although I did love feeling speedy for a change.

On

Cushioning: Max | Style: Neutral | Weight: 6.8 ounces | Heel-To-Toe Drop: 4 millimeters

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Nearly every major running brand has a “super shoe” for race day, which typically means there is a carbon fiber plate between the insole and midsole to improve energy return and give you a little extra boost off the ground. The Cloudboom Strike is On’s version, and the main difference between this shoe and its competitors, like the Nike Vaporfly, is that the Cloudboom has cushioning that comes in two parts—the upper layer (which looks like an insole and is fully removable) sits inside the shoe, right on top of the carbon fiber plate.

These shoes are seriously fast—I felt like I was flying. My usual 11+ minute recovery pace turned into an effortless 10-minute pace; you can imagine my surprise when I looked down at my watch mid-run. I felt like they almost taught me how to open up my stride and run faster. And compared to the brand’s first race shoe, the Cloudboom Echo, this pair provides a much softer ride, which makes it suitable for longer distances. The upper is also paper thin and incredibly breathable to stave off overheating and dry quickly to boot. I also got tons of compliments on the—striking—purple and orange colorway. Once again, though, I wished I had a bit more space for my wide feet.

On

Cushioning: Moderate | Style: Stability | Weight: 8.1 ounces | Heel-To-Toe Drop: 1o millimeters

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If you’re just dipping your toes into running, you don’t need all the bells and whistles of the fastest and lightest shoes. You need a reliable, stable pair, and the Cloudrunner 2 is just that. I first used these for a four-mile treadmill run and fell in love. Usually I feel a bit unstable on the treadmill—maybe because I tune out so much—so I have to be careful about my footwear choice. But these shoes have a solid platform so my foot didn’t shift throughout my stride. The footbed sits on an extra-wide base that, from above, looks like it extends beyond the shoe’s upper. But it doesn’t feel as heavy or restrictive as a classic stability shoe, either.

The Cloudrunner 2 also has a very comfortable fit because of the thick, plush fabric in the shoe’s upper. Sure, it’s not lightweight like some of the other shoes in their lineup, but as long as you’re not running in hot weather, it shouldn’t be a problem and you’ll appreciate the extra padding it provides.

On

Cushioning: Low | Style: Neutral | Weight: 7.2 ounces | Heel-To-Toe Drop: 8 millimeters

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Though the Cloud 5 isn’t designed especially for running, it’s one of our favorite walking shoes for both men and women and our top-recommended model for standing all day. “Since I am on my feet all day as a trainer, these are perfect for when I am coaching others. They are also great for walking or traveling,” says Orsborn.“I find them to be the perfect balance of lightweight, stylish and practical for everyday use. Great for anyone that works on their feet or has a long commute.”

As the brand’s most popular model, it’s a solid introduction to the two innovative features On is known for: CloudTec cushioning to absorb impact and a nylon Speedboard that propels you forward. The quick-lace design makes it easy to put on and take off, and the heel cup is snug and deep so your foot won’t slip as you step. This shoe uses Zero-Gravity foam in the midsole, which can be much too firm for running but provides excellent support and durability for walking. If you plan to use this shoe in inclement weather, choose the waterproof version.

On

Cushioning: Moderate | Style: Stability | Weight: 9.7 ounces | Heel-To-Toe Drop: 9 millimeters

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If you tend to overpronate, the Cloudflyer 5 is a structured pick that will help keep everything in place. “I use these for running—particularly when I do my middle range miles of three to five,” says Orsborn. “I absolutely love them. They give support without being heavy.” The model has a molded sock-liner inside to help you achieve a snug fit, a moderately firm midsole that provides cushion with stability and an external heel counter that solidly reinforces the back of the shoe.

The heel collar cradles your foot for more security: “I have very high arches, so if I don’t have [the right shoe], my ankles/knees actually roll inward,” she adds. “The Cloudflyers really help stabilize and minimize any potential knee pain.” Beyond stability, the mesh upper is double-lined for extra comfort, but it won’t be quite as breathable as other options from the brand. For those who require a roomier fit, the Cloudflyer 4 (this shoe’s predecessor) is available in wide as well.

On

Cushioning: Maximum | Style: Neutral | Weight: 8.6 ounces | Heel-To-Toe Drop: 6 millimeters

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On shoes are known to run narrow, so it’s refreshing to see an offering from them with a wider toe box. The Cloudmonster 2 is spacious enough that my toes or forefoot never felt cramped but they didn’t feel too big that I felt sloppy. On is known for its sleek, rigid minimalism, so it was surprising to see a max-cushion shoe from the brand, but it works surprisingly well. Immediately out of the box, I took these on a 10-mile run. The cushioning is relatively dense and feels better at higher speeds—maybe 10-minute-miles and quicker. Once I picked up the pace, I found them springy and enjoyable. Two layers of dual-density Helion foam sandwich a nylon-blend Speedboard in the midsole to provide good propulsion and responsiveness.

The foam in the shoe is stiffer than you may expect from looking at its tall stack height, but this helps make it much more stable and sturdy than traditional max-cushion models. I took them on some trails (and accidentally ended up running a lumpy grass-covered farm road) and they were surprisingly stable. My foot never collapsed inward, even on some seriously uneven terrain.

If the firm ride of the shoe isn’t right for you and you’re looking for a pair that’s similarly wide but a little bit softer, check out the Cloudeclipse (note that you may sacrifice some stability and pop offered by the Cloudmonsters). The Cloudmonster 2 also run big, so On itself suggests that users should pick a half-size down from their normal size. I did and am happy with the fit—even as a runner with wide feet.

At Forbes Vetted, our team is passionate about athletic and functional footwear. We’ve spent hours researching and testing the latest options to make sure we stay up to date on product releases.

To determine the best On running shoes, we carefully researched and compared all of the brand’s current models for running, as well as a few models for beginners or individuals who primarily want a walking shoe.

If you’re deciding between a few of the brand’s top models, here are some considerations:

When you’re thinking about cushioning in On’s shoes, it’s worth noting two factors: the type of cushioning and the amount of it. On uses multiple types of foam, including the Zero-Gravity foam, which is dense and firm, and the Helion foam, which is plush and soft.

Then, take a look at how high the shoe is stacked. Some of the models listed above have minimal cushioning, like the On Cloud 5 (one of the reasons why this shoe is better for walking than running), while others are max-cushion designs, like the Cloudmonster 2 (a great option for longer runs). Most fall somewhere in the middle, with a moderate-to-plush amount of cushioning. The more cushioning, the more that lies between you and the ground to disperse and absorb some of the impact. But with higher cushioning also comes a lack of stability, as you’re essentially standing on a platform.

On’s proprietary “Speedboard” is a flexible plate (made of nylon or carbon fiber, depending on the shoe model) that gets sandwiched between layers of foam in the midsole of the shoe. It’s designed to increase runner’s speed and propulsion by absorbing impact and improving energy return. This basically means the shoe provides a little extra boost and takes some of the work of running away from you, making each stride feel a bit easier. The design of this varies between shoes, both in its materials and its placement within layers of foam, but the overall purpose stays the same.

Some runners may want a Speedboard for specific workouts—especially for race day, interval training or tempo runs. However, without a Speedboard, you’ll get a much softer, gentler running experience. You won’t be as fast, but you’ll protect your joints. Shoes without a Speedboard are better for recovery runs and long, slow miles.

The upper design affects the fit and breathability of the shoe. On uses various materials and constructions to achieve different desired results. For example, some uppers are made from engineered mesh for a breathable and sock-like fit, while others use more structured materials for added support. You should also consider whether you need ventilation for hot weather, waterproofing for unpredictable conditions or flexibility to accommodate your foot type.

On is popular in part because of its innovative CloudTec cushioning technology, which not only provides a distinctive look but also delivers a uniquely responsive running experience. Originally gaining traction with their comfortable running shoes, On has quickly risen to prominence in the running community with the release of shoes like the Cloudsurfer and Cloudboom Strike that now compete with industry giants like Nike and Brooks.

Yes, On sells a wide variety of running shoes that cater to all types of runners—whether you want a super-soft, max-cushion shoe or a responsive, lightweight option for race day. The brand’s signature CloudTec cushioning system delivers compression with every step, while the Speedboard technology propels you forward with enhanced energy return. As the brand has grown, it has become a popular choice for both casual joggers and serious competitors.

On Cloud 5 is one of the most popular models from the brand, but it’s not designed for running—mainly for walking or standing. For people specifically looking for daily trainers for running, the On Cloudsurfer and On Cloudmonster 2 both stand out as top choices. The Cloudsurfer offers a smooth ride that takes stress off your joints, making it a worthwhile options for long runs, recovery jogs and easy miles. The Cloudmonster, on the other hand, is perfect for those looking for a bit more firmness in their cushioning.

So far, no models from On have impressed us for trail running shoes, compared to the high-quality options from other brands like Hoka, Salomon and La Sportiva. The Cloudsurfer Trail is designed as a road-to-trail shoe, which means you can theoretically take it on anything from pavement to dirt paths, but probably want to avoid technical trails. Based on our testing, it was much more rigid than the Cloudsurfer (because of the addition of a Speedboard, it feels like a different shoe) but it didn’t provide enough lateral support that we would like to see in a trail shoe. The grip also wasn’t impressive—I felt just as confident in the Cloudmonster 2 off-road. I We also tested the Cloudventure Peak and found that they are way too minimal for most trail runners.

We reevaluated our product selection based on weeks of rigorous testing and made the following changes to our previous picks: We named the On Cloudrunner 2 the Best On Running Shoes For Beginners, the On Cloudstrike as the Best On Running Shoes For Racing, the On Cloud 5 as the Best On Running Shoes For Everyday Use and the On Cloudflyer 5 as the Best On Running Stability Shoes.