9 of the best On running shoes for the road and trail, tested and reviewed
From speedy racers to everyday rides, we've put On's running shoes to the test
Tested by The Runner's World Editors
Swiss running brand On has made great strides (sorry) since it launched its first shoe – the Cloudracer – 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.
What are the best On running shoes?
Whether you're new to running, looking for your next recovery shoe or going for a hard effort PB, there's an On shoe for you. Shop our favourite options below, at a glance, or keep scrolling to read our full reviews.
What technology does On use in its running shoes?
On's secret sauce – and the reason behind its unmistakable silhouette – is undoubtedly its unique CloudTec Phase technology; hollow pods strategically placed throughout the outsole, which compress to absorb impact forces for a soft landing and then lock to form a solid foundation for a powerful push-off. On calls this ‘running on clouds’.
Together with its top-notch uppers and swish aesthetic, this 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.
For the road
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- Comfortable heel counter and padded tongue
- Ideal for those wanting a more 'natural' carbon racer
Cons
- Need to hit fast paces to get energy return
- Firmer than other super shoes
We'll be honest, if you're looking for a carbon plate shoe for race day, these are a bit like Marmite (read our full review here). Promising to ‘turbocharge your fastest marathon yet’, the Cloudboom Echo 3 boasts On’s signature CloudTec technology, a full-length carbon speedboard and new Helion HP hyperfoam that claims to combine 'impact protection with supreme energy return’.
It's definitely a firm-feeling shoe, with one of our testers describing it as feeling ‘more akin to that of a racing flat’ than the super-stacked feel of the Nike Alphafly. To get the most out of it, you have to really hit race paces – and the more you put in, the greater the energy return and sense of propulsion.
We found we had to play around with the lacing a bit to get that locked-in feeling, and some testers found that they felt a bit loose around the top of the foot. That being said, the heel was certainly very comfortable, and we really liked the slight padding on the tongue, with no discomfort on the top of the foot.
Key specs
| Weight | 215g (unisex) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 37mm (heel)/28mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 9mm |
| Type | Performance |
Pros
- Sublime softness underfoot
- Smooth rolling sensation
- Versatile in terms of speed
Cons
- May be slightly 'mushy' for some
- Loses energy over longer distances
Now in its seventh generation, On’s original performance shoe is designed to deliver the comfort of a training shoe with racing-flat speed.
The midsole has received a complete redesign from the previous version, removing the Speedboard plate and introducing what it calls CloudTec Phase technology: the hollow pods are now inside the Helion foam midsole rather than underneath it, and positioned at varying diagonal to horizontal angles. The idea is that these collapse like a line of falling dominoes as you transition from footstrike to toe-off, creating a rolling sensation during transition and sublime softness underfoot. This makes the Cloudsurfer an excellent choice for faster sessions, and one of our testers noted finding themselves reaching for these every time they head to the track to do speedwork.
They really do make running hard, feel easier, so if you're after one do-it-all shoe for everything from easy runs to racing, or even a carbon-plate-less shoe for your tempo work and speed sessions, you'd struggle to find better.
Key specs
| Weight | 245g (M), 205g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 31mm (heel), 21mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 10mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
Pros
- Impressive balance of cushioning and responsiveness
- Stable ride
- Capable of handling faster efforts
Cons
- Might be too firm for some
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.
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.
Also featuring a lightweight mesh wrap tongue, thick eyelet lacing and a breathable mesh upper, this is one for cruising through your easy miles but also capable of picking up the pace.
Key specs
| Weight | 275g (M), 230g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 30mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Type | Road/neutral |
Pros
- Maximal yet light cushioning
- Ideal for longer distances
- Speedboard provides explosive take-off
Cons
- Narrow footed runners may find it too wide
Until On finally run out of Cloud-related puns, they’ll no doubt continue to make the best looking shoes around – and the CloudStratus are no exception. They also have the classic On immediate pull-on comfort – though if anything they are a little roomier than most On shoes, particularly in the forefoot. This is great for wider footed runners, but equally, the excellent lacing system means you can adjust for a good fit whatever your foot shape.
As in the v2, there’s a double layer of CloudTec Helion superfoam cushioning and On's speedboard – a plastic plate in the midsole – but there are also some significant changes. For starters, the bottom of the midsole is now closed off, meaning that – rejoice! – you won't get stones stuck in the bottom of those Clouds.
Tweaks have also been made to the upper, and to the wings around the lacing that help lock down the foot.
All this results in a lovely, comfortable ride with maximal yet light cushioning. While these are shoes that are gentle on tired legs and great for recovery miles, they also respond well to an increase in pace, making them a great everyday trainer.
Key specs
| Weight | 290g (M) 250g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 32mm (heel), 26mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
Pros
- Comfortable and stable ride
- Smooth rolling sensation
- Great for easy days
Cons
- You're after 'plush' level cushioning
The Cloudeclipse is On’s thickest midsole yet, packing in plenty of its Helion superfoam (37mm in the heel, 31mm in the forefoot) and a double layer of On’s signature CloudTec technology, creating a smooth rolling sensation alongside softer landings.
While the shoe does have that immediate pull-on level of comfort, most noticeably in the toe box where it feels like there's a pillow hugging the top of your foot, it's still on the firmer side of the cushioning spectrum underfoot. In fact, it's almost like a lovechild of the Cloudsurfer and Cloudmonster; where the former is quite 'mushy' and the latter is quite firm, the Cloudeclipse finds a middle ground in delivering a soft yet fun and balanced ride.
A speedboard 'shank' in the midfoot adds stability to the shoe (necessary when you've got a thick wedge of cushioning) and injects an element of stiffness which helps to provide a poppy toe-off, but overall it's a very forgiving shoe, best suited for easy recovery days.
The upper is lovely and breathable too and it fits true to size, with no hotspots or blistering.
| Weight | 285g (M), 240g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 37mm (heel), 31mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Type | Neutral/road |
Pros
- Subtle stability tech
- Good for those who want a traditional ground-feel
- Comfortable, knitted inner liner
Cons
- Can feel heavy over longer miles
The Cloudflyer has everything you need from a mild stability shoe. With a stack of smart tech designed to keep pronators comfortable (including some of the brand’s largest Cloud elements, a bespoke Speedboard, 3D moulded heel and a wider sole), it features a midfoot stability tube that supports the medial side of the foot for comfort and stability. Testers felt snug and comfy in the shoe without feeling the support – something our neutral runners reported, too.
| Weight | 300g (M), 257g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 28.5mm (heel), 18.5mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 11mm |
| Type | Stability/road |
For the trails
Pros
- Great over longer distances
- Sock upper keeps dirt out
- Fantastic grip on mixed terrains
Cons
- Minimalist design might not be for everyone
On’s cushioned, all-terrain trail racing shoe is worn by its speediest trail athletes, and we can see why.
Lightweight and responsive with a flexible forefoot and grippy, multi-directional lugs, it includes a split Speedboard design to allow the foot to adapt to changing trail terrain (no ankle rolling here). There's also new softer-than-ever Helion superfoam in the latest version to keep you comfortable over longer distances.
Testers were impressed with the grip – its textured Missiongrip outer sole (which has been updated for enhanced traction) delivered during muddy trail intervals, hill sprints, rapid descents and rock-hopping mixed terrain runs, even in the wet. Granted, the more minimalist design might not be for everyone, but our testers couldn’t fault the shoe.
The newest version also receives a knitted sock upper to keep dirt out and lock the foot in. If you're taking on an ultra, this shoe is sure to help propel you along, mile after mile.
Key specs
| Weight | 295g (M), 265g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 27mm (heel), 21mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Type | Max-cushioned/trail |
Pros
- Toe box for protection on rocky terrains
- Improved outsole for grip
Cons
- Ride might be too firm for some
Thanks to its roster of mountain athletes, On had plenty of feedback to draw upon for the third iteration of its technical trail shoe. The result is an improved design finely tuned for better ground feedback, with an upgraded textured sticky rubber Missiongrip outsole, a new midsole Slingshot Speedboard and a closed CloudTec midsole channel.
Testers noticed the ride felt a tad firmer than their usual trail kicks but were impressed with the grip; although geared for rocky, technical trails, its lugs deftly navigated muddier terrain and wet descents, too. The softer-feeling upper is a welcome addition, as is the plastic-coated toe box for the clumsy rock-kickers among us.
Key specs
| Weight | 310g (M), 250g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 24mm (heel), 20mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 6mm |
| Type | Trail/neutral |
Pros
- Soft and bouncy ride
- Padded for comfort
- Ideal for mixed terrains
Cons
- Not suitable for muddier terrains
Aimed at runners taking to the trails for the first time, the Cloudvista is designed for moderate and urban off-road conditions. Sitting closest to the Cloudultra in terms of cushioning, 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 and impact-absorbing CloudTec made for a comfy ride (the term ‘bouncy’ was used). 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 – our testers were converts.
Key specs
| Weight | 280g (M), 235g (W) |
|---|---|
| Stack height | 33mm (heel), 24mm (forefoot) |
| Drop | 7mm |
| Type | Trail/neutral |
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