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The best On running shoes for the road and trail, tested and reviewed
From PB breakers to daily trainers, we've put On's running shoes to the test
Tested by The Runner's World Editors
Swiss brand On has made great strides since it launched its first shoe – the Cloudracer – back in 2012. Rewind to 2010, however, and On's success was merely a twinkle in the eye of its co-founders, Olivier Bernhard (a former six-time Ironman champ), Caspar Coppetti and David Allemann, who joined forces in Bernhard’s quest to create a running shoe that delivered a uniquely cushioned landing followed by an explosive toe-off.
Twelve years later, the running brand’s distinctive ‘Cloud’-clad outsole design is instantly recognisable, and the company is touted as being one of the world’s fastest-growing running shoe brands. Whether you're new to running, looking for your next daily trainer or looking to clock a PB, On has plenty of options.
What technology does On use in its running shoes?
Together with its top-notch uppers and swish aesthetic, On's cushioned yet firm and responsive ride has earned the brand a swift upwards trajectory and a growing fanbase worldwide, whether it's on the road or trail. Here's a look at the key technologies On uses in its running line-up.
CloudTec®
CloudTec is On’s original cushioning technology. It provides a cushioned landing and a firm take-off by using a unique arrangement of hollow ‘clouds’ or pods in the sole. Each ‘cloud' compresses upon landing, absorbing impact vertically and horizontally. As you push off, the clouds lock in place to give a firm and responsive transition.
Shoes that utilise the original CloudTec include the Cloudmonster 2 and Cloudstratus 3.
CloudTec Phase®
CloudTec Phase is a more advanced, refined version of the original CloudTec, aimed at creating an even smoother ride. It’s built with staggered or sequential arrangement of the cloud elements, which activates progressively from heel to toe. This phased activation allows for a more fluid transition during each step and in some cases, such as on the Cloudsurfer, it negates the need for a Speedboard. Other shoes that utilise the newer CloudTec Phase include the Cloudeclipse and Cloudsurfer Next.
Speedboard
On’s Speedboard is a rigid, specially engineered plate built into the midsole of On shoes, designed to enhance energy return and stability. It’s positioned between the cushioned CloudTec elements and the upper sole of the shoe, connecting directly to the shoe's structure. When you land, the Speedboard flexes as it absorbs energy. Then, upon push-off, it snaps back into shape, releasing stored energy and propelling the foot forward.
The Speedboard is widely used in On's performance and racing shoes, such as the Cloudboom and Cloudswift, to add responsiveness. In the case of the Cloudstratus, it adds stability and support.
How we choose the best On running shoes
Our team of editors and expert testers have been clocking up the miles in a number of the brand's shoes, with the options below showcasing the best of On's foams, Cloud tech, and other innovations. This guide features a variety of shoes to meet the needs of different runners and running disciplines. For a deeper insight into individual models, check out full-length RW reviews where available.
The best On running shoes, tested & reviewed
Pros
- Smooth rolling sensation
- Fairly versatile
- Roomy upper
Cons
- You want a softer ride
Read our full On Cloudsurfer 2 review
Confusingly, the Cloudsurfer 2 is the successor to the Cloudsurfer 7 – On having reset the numbering on its premium daily trainer. The softest shoe On had produced, the 7 earned our ‘Best in Test’ award in 2023, but some found the heel a little too soft. Enter the Cloudsurfer 2, which, while retaining a lot of the core features of its predecessor, shakes things up a little.
The ride moves away from that extreme softness to a more classically On cushioning system: one that feels supportive, stable and balanced, but leans on the firmer side. This shift, as well as the mild rocker for smooth transitions, adds some responsiveness to faster runs, but fans of the 7 may miss the plushness of that iteration.
The upper is fairly roomy, making it a good option for wider feet. Combine that with great style and a grippy outsole, and you’ve got yourself an excellent daily trainer.
| Weight | 261g (M), 255g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 32mm (heel), 23mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 9mm |
| Type | Road/neutral |
Pros
- Lightweight and bouncy
- Comfortable, secure upper
- Fun ride
- Handles a variety of paces
Cons
- Can feel slightly unstable around corners/heel striking
- You prefer a softer ride
- Noisy
Read our full On Cloudboom Strike review
The Cloudboom Strike is On’s latest super shoe and the superior option over the Cloudboom Echo 3. In fact, the shoes are very different, with the Strike feeling considerably softer than the Echo 3, which felt stiff and lacked cushioning.
A thin upper with a minimal tongue provides breathability, with just the right amount of structure. The heel counter consists of just two cushioned patches, though, which some testers found caused irritation.
The ride has a propulsive feeling you’d expect from a carbon-plate shoe and you can feel the responsiveness. It’s still firmer than some super shoes, but that’s not a criticism this time around; it’s not uncomfortable or harsh, it just offers a solid platform for push-off.
| Weight | 194g |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 39.5mm (heel), 35.5mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 4mm |
| Type | Neutral/performance |
Pros
- Impressive balance of cushioning and responsiveness
- Capable of handling faster efforts
- Stable
- Bouncy and fun ride
- Breathable, secure upper
Cons
- New heel counter caused some slippage
- Might be too firm for some
Read our full On Cloudmonster 2 review
With its amped-up CloudTec midsole, lightweight Helion foam stack and snappy midsole Speedboard, On’s Cloudmonster promises to deliver ‘massive cushioning and max energy’ during long and easy-pace runs, making it a great all-rounder for beginners and experienced runners alike.
Despite its chunky looks and hefty wedge, testers described it as lightweight, soft and ‘bouncy’ underfoot, with a stable fit. Yes, it’s firmer than the marshmallowy ride of some maxi-cushioned shoes, however, they still enjoyed the cushioned run experience and the gentle rocker geometry, which is designed to propel you forward and keep your legs feeling fresh.
Up top, there's a breathable mesh upper and revamped lacing system with bungee cord-like eyelets that ensure a more adaptable and locked-in fit. Though it's worth noting that one tester found the heel collar on the v2 caused some heel slippage.
All in all, though, this is a great shoe for cruising through your easy miles, and also capable of picking up the pace.
| Weight | 300g (M), 230g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 35mm (heel), 29mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
Pros
- Light
- Fast, smooth ride
- Comfort and build quality
- Good value
Cons
- A little firm for easy/recovery days
- Narrow fit may not suit very wide feet
- May not work as well for extreme heel strikers
Read our full On Cloudsurfer Next review
While the two might share a name, the Cloudsufer Next is much less the soft, cushy cruiser you get in the Cloudsurfer 7 and much more built for the faster stuff. Of course that’s not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, the Clousdurfer Next is made for those looking for something firmer, peppier and more responsive over plush cushioning for their training miles, but as it’s still pitched as a daily trainer, adding enough comfort to make sure those daily miles aren’t too punishing.
Its narrower silhouette is inspired by On’s pinnacle race-day shoes – and even though our tester has pretty wide feet, the fit didn’t cause them any issues on the run. The toe box isn’t the roomiest, but there were no problems with friction or constriction and the slimmer shape delivered a more race-like feel.
The midsole features On’s Cloudtec Phase technology, which delivers a ride that feels both dynamic and very smooth. A late forefoot rocker also sits very near the front of the shoe, adding a more propulsive toe-off. For mid-to-forefoot strikers, this clicks really well at faster paces, though the geometry might not be as effective for pronounced heel-strikers.
If you want something that emphasises plush, soft cushioning over speed then stick with the Cloudsurfer, but for pacier sessions or those who prefer a firmer ride, the Next is a winner.
| Weight | 273g (M), 225g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 30mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Best for | Tempo, progression, interval and speed sessions |
Pros
- Bouncy and smooth ride
- Premium upper
- The plushest On shoe underfoot
- Eats up long, easy miles
Cons
- Lacking some propulsion for the price
Read our full On Cloudmonster Hyper review
On’s take on the super trainer, the Cloudmonster is designed for running further and faster. It uses a hefty wedge of Helion Hyperfoam – the high-energy return PEBA foam used in On’s racing shoes – encapsulated by the brand’s traditional EVA foam. There’s a noticeable absence of a Speedboard, though – On's version of a carbon plate. The result is a shoe that encroaches into the 'plush' realm more than any On shoe that's come before it. However, while the shoe does have a bouncy and smooth ride, it’s not quite got the snappy toe-off our testers expected. It does, however, deliver a comfortable, forgiving and stable ride that lends itself to easy runs and longer miles.
Up top, there’s an engineered woven upper – one of the best we've seen from On – which strikes the right balance between comfort, weight and breathability. That’s coupled with a gusseted tongue, padded heel collar and traditional lacing system, which provides a fantastic lockdown around the midfoot with no heel slippage. Overall, very premium stuff , though one tester did have a few gripes with the laces coming undone at times.
A shoe you’ll need deep pockets for, yes, but a solid option for high mileage runners seeking a durable workhorse.
| Weight | 272g (M), 210g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 37.5mm (heel), 31.5mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 6mm |
| Type | Neutral |
Pros
- Smooth and consistent ride
- Comfortable, premium-feeling upper
- Protective cushioning
- Great for steady, easy miles
Cons
- True overpronators will need more support
- Too wide for narrow feet
Read our full On Cloudrunner 2 review
The Cloudrunner 2 is a rare mild stability shoe, for runners who need a bit of extra support. Our testers found the stability tech very subtle — in fact, you wouldn’t necessarily know this is a stability shoe except for the heel clip, wider platform, and some extra cushioning around the heel collar to lock you into place.
The Cloudrunner 2 is designed for new and casual road runners, with the aim being to help you build your confidence to run further, push the pace or a try a new route. To help you with this, you've got On's signature CloudTec (hollow pods) in the midsole, along with its Helion superfoam. It’s not pillowy soft, yet it’s not overly firm or harsh either; it just creates this lovely, smooth ride that lends itself to a variety of paces and distances.
In terms of fit, there’s plenty of space in the midfoot and forefoot – in fact, this is a fairly wide shoe overall, which might be something to bear in mind if you’ve got narrower feet. You’ve also got lots of plush padding around the heel collar and tongue to keep you comfortable, without weighing the shoe down.
| Weight | 277g (M), 230g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 31mm (heel), 21mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Mild stability/road |
Pros
- Plush and padded upper
- Wide, stable base
- Smooth transitions
- Good for those who want a more traditional ground-feel
Cons
- Will be too firm for some
- Can feel heavy over longer miles
The Cloudflyer 5 is On’s stability trainer, designed for those looking for a firmer, stable daily trainer. In the latest version, On has actually opted to remove the Speedboard, which helps to give the shoe a bit more flexibility than the v4. That said, it’s still a pretty firm feeling shoe overall.
The upper is extremely plush, with a padded heel collar and tongue providing plenty of comfort. Stability comes in a few different forms, including a wide sole, an external heel clip and a midfoot stability tube that supports the medial side of the foot.
The Cloudflyer 5 isn’t the bounciest shoe around, but it’s great for shorter, easy miles, light workouts and walking. And if you’re someone who overpronates but doesn’t necessarily want high-stack cushioning, it’s a solid choice.
| Weight | 320g (M) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 31mm (heel), 21mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 9mm |
| Type | Stability/road |
Pros
- Padded heel collar
- Bouncy ride
- Ideal for mixed terrains
- Grippy outsole
Cons
- Not suitable for muddier terrains
- Lacks cushioning for longer distances
Aimed at runners taking to the trails for the first time, the Cloudvista is designed for mixed terrain. It elicited happy ‘oohs’ from testers for its step-in softness and padded ankle collar.
Tested on woodland trails, dirt paths and grassy fields, On’s mix of Helion foam, impact-absorbing CloudTec and a two-prong Speedboard made for a bouncy and responsive ride. However, like many On running shoes, it’s definitely on the firmer side, despite On’s claims of ‘plush’ cushioning. For this reason, the Cloudvista probably works best for shorter distances up to half-marathons.
The Missiongrip outsole includes small rubber lugs which performed well, providing traction on all but the muddiest of trails. A solid road-to-trail shoe for newbie and everyday trail runners alike.
| Weight | 305g (M), 245g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 29mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 5mm |
| Type | Neutral/trail |
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