Best On Running Shoes Guide

On Running designs shoes that move the way runners do. We’ve selected the best On running shoes to help you find the right balance of comfort, energy return, and lightweight support. From daily runs to goal-driven training, this guide points you to the models that fit your running style. Tie your laces and let’s get started.

Best Lifestyle Shoe- Cloudnova 2

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Best Walking Shoe — On Cloudtilt

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Best Overall Shoes For Running & Hiking — On Cloud 6

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Best Shoes For Technical Trails — On Cloudventure Peak 3

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Best Road-To-Trail Shoes — On Cloudvista 2

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Best Shoes For Superior Performance — On Cloudboom Max

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Best Value Shoes For Hiking — On Cloudrock Waterproof

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Best Shoes For Long Trail Runs — On CloudUltra Pro

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Best Value Lightweight Shoes For Running — On Cloudswift 4

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Best Stable & Plush Cushioning Shoes — On Cloudmonster 1

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Best Shoes For Daily Training — On Cloudnova 2

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Our Top Picks

Best Lifestyle Shoe- Cloudnova 2

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Specs

• Model: Cloudnova 2
• Category: Best Lifestyle Shoes for Everyday Wear
• Color: Dew | Sand
• Edition: Limited Edition, Members Only
• Available Sizes (Women’s): US 5–11
• Weight: 264.2g
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 14mm
• Upper: Recycled polyester with synthetic suede overlays
• Outsole: Durable rubber
• Speedboard®: Nylon 6, attached to heel clip
• Cushioning Technology: Zero-Gravity CloudTec® foam
• Fit Updates: Wider middle bootie, stabilized heel pillow, improved step-in feel

What Experts Love

The Cloudnova 2 nails that rare sweet spot between performance tech and everyday style. Experts point to how effortlessly it carries running DNA into a street-ready silhouette. The cushioning feels plush without losing structure, thanks to Zero-Gravity foam paired with a slightly thicker underfoot wall. It keeps things comfortable and steady through long walks, busy days, and hours on your feet.

One standout detail is the heel construction. The Speedboard® connects directly to the heel clip, locking the foot in place and improving heel hold. Add the stabilized heel pillow and you get a more secure, confident ride that still feels relaxed. The high 14mm heel-to-toe drop adds to that smooth, bouncy sensation, especially noticeable when moving from standing to walking and back again.

Materials matter here, too. The engineered mesh upper takes cues from performance racing shoes, so it feels lightweight, breathable, and soft right out of the box. Sustainability earns quiet respect as well. Dope-dyed yarn significantly reduces water use, while bio-attributed Zero-Gravity foam lowers CO2e emissions compared to standard midsoles.

Best Walking Shoe — On Cloudtilt 

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Specs

• Color: Ivory | Lilac

• Weight: 229g

• Heel-to-toe drop: 7mm

• Lacing: Speed laces for quick on and off

• Upper: Recycled polyester

• Outsole: Durable rubber

• Cushioning technology: CloudTec Phase™ with Helion™ superfoam

• Sustainability note: Dope-dyed upper uses 90% less water

• Best for: All-day city wear, walking, travel, and daily movement

What Experts Love

Footwear specialists often point to the Cloudtilt as a standout choice for long days on your feet. The CloudTec Phase™ cushioning creates a smooth, rolling transition with every step, helping reduce pressure buildup during extended city walking. Precision engineering with Finite Element Analysis ensures each cloud element is placed for balanced support and consistent comfort, making it feel stable yet effortlessly light.

Experts also praise the Cloudtilt for blending performance comfort with everyday versatility. The sock-like construction and speed laces make it easy to slip on and head out, while Helion™ superfoam delivers noticeable energy return without feeling bulky. Add in the minimalist design and sustainable materials, and this shoe becomes a reliable go-to for travel, errands, and all-day urban adventures.

Best Overall Shoes For Running & Hiking — On Cloud 6

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Specs

• Model: On Cloud 6

• Category: Best Overall Shoes for Running & Hiking

• Color: Eclipse

• Available Sizes (Men’s): US 7–15

• Weight: 267g

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm

• Upper: Recycled polyester with TPU overlays

• Outsole: Durable rubber

• Speedboard®: Nylon 6

• Cushioning Technology: Zero-Gravity CloudTec®

• Fit Updates: Wider opening, upgraded heel construction, new sockliner
  
  

What Experts Love

The On Cloud 6 stands out for its refined balance of comfort, support, and versatility. Experts appreciate the upgraded geometry, which improves stability and cushioning while maintaining the lightweight feel the Cloud series is known for. The Zero-Gravity CloudTec® midsole delivers soft landings without feeling sluggish, making it suitable for everything from short runs to full days on your feet. Its 8mm drop supports a natural stride across mixed activities.

Another highlight is the improved step-in experience. A wider opening and redesigned sockliner make the shoe easy to wear, while the reinforced heel adds noticeable support. Sustainability also earns praise, thanks to bio-attributed foam made from renewable materials. Altogether, the Cloud 6 feels dependable, comfortable, and ready for everyday movement.

Best Shoes For Technical Trails — On Cloudventure Peak 3 

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Specs

• Model: On Cloudventure Peak 3 (Women’s)

• Category: Trail Running

• Color: Frost | Glacier

• Available Sizes (Women’s): US 5–12

• Weight: 185g

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm

• Terrain: Technical terrain

• Cushioning: Low

• Upper (Vamp): Polyester, Polyamide, TPE

• Lining: Recycled polyester with polyurethane collar lining

• Speedboard®: 30% carbon-infused with injected TPU

• Outsole: Missiongrip™ rubber with reversed lugs
  
  

What Experts Love

The Cloudventure Peak 3 earns praise for its race-ready design and ultra-light feel. Experts highlight how the lower-to-ground profile improves agility and ground feedback, making it ideal for fast-paced trail runs on technical terrain. CloudTec® cushioning delivers competitive comfort without dulling responsiveness, while the carbon-infused Speedboard® adds explosive take-offs and controlled stability on uneven ground.

Traction is another standout feature. The reworked Missiongrip™ outsole, paired with reversed lugs, provides confident braking on descents and reliable grip from multiple angles. Combined with its precise fit and breathable single-layer mesh upper, the Cloudventure Peak 3 feels fast, focused, and built to perform when the trail gets demanding.

Best Road-To-Trail Shoes — On Cloudvista 2

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Specs

• Model: On Cloudvista 2 (Men’s)

• Category: Trail Running

• Color: Cream | Desert

• Terrain: All terrain

• Cushioning: Plush

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm

• Weight: 305g

• Upper (Vamp): 100% Thermoplastic Polyurethane

• Lining: 100% recycled polyester (vamp and collar)

• Midsole: Softer Helion™ superfoam

• Speedboard®: Reengineered two-prong design

• Outsole: Missiongrip™ rubber with updated lug pattern

• Fit: True-to-size

What Experts Love

The Cloudvista 2 stands out as a versatile trail shoe built for runners who want comfort without sacrificing responsiveness. Experts point to the softer Helion™ superfoam midsole and slightly higher stack height as major upgrades, delivering a smoother, more forgiving ride on mixed terrain. The enhanced rocker motion helps transitions feel fluid from heel to toe, making longer trail runs feel less demanding while maintaining an energetic ride.

Another highlight is the newly reengineered two-prong Speedboard®, which adds noticeable rebound and makes each stride feel faster and more playful. Combined with the ultra-sticky Missiongrip™ outsole and aggressive lugs, the Cloudvista 2 inspires confidence across dirt, gravel, and uneven surfaces. It’s a trail shoe that balances comfort, traction, and fun in equal measure.

Best Shoes For Superior Performance — On Cloudboom Max

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Specs

• Model: On Cloudboom Max (Men’s)

• Category: Road Running

• Color: Honeydew | Lilac

• Running Style: Speed

• Cushioning: Max

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm

• Weight: 296g

• Upper: Recycled polyester mesh with TPU

• Midsole: Double layer Helion™ HF hyper foam

• Speedboard®: Glass fiber-infused PA11 (8% GF)

• Outsole: Durable rubber for road grip

• Lacing: Standard
  
  

What Experts Love

The Cloudboom Max earns praise for delivering marathon-ready performance without feeling harsh or overly aggressive. Experts highlight the CloudTec® cushioning paired with Helion™ HF hyper foam as the standout feature, offering strong energy return while maintaining comfort over long distances. The max cushioning absorbs repeated impact effectively, making it a reliable choice for high-mileage training and race-day confidence.

Another favorite detail is the glass fiber-infused Speedboard®, which adds propulsion without sacrificing stability. Combined with the lightweight, breathable mesh upper that adapts to foot movement, the Cloudboom Max feels supportive yet responsive. It’s a road shoe built to help runners maintain speed, efficiency, and comfort from the first mile to the final stretch.

Best Value Shoes For Hiking — On Cloudrock Waterproof

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Specs

• Model: On Cloudrock Low Waterproof (Men’s)

• Category: Hiking Shoe

• Color: Ivory

• Terrain: All terrain

• Stability: Hiking-focused support

• Waterproofness: Fully waterproof

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm

• Weight: 430.1g

• Upper: Recycled polyester with TPU overlays

• Midsole: Helion™ superfoam for cushioned steps

• Speedboard®: X-shaped Nylon 6 for flex and stability

• Outsole: Missiongrip™ rubber for traction
  
  

What Experts Love

Experts appreciate how the Cloudrock Low Waterproof balances agility and protection for fast, single-day hikes. The Helion™ superfoam midsole delivers plush cushioning without feeling bulky, while the X-shaped Speedboard® adds stability on uneven ground. Smooth heel-to-toe transitions make long walks feel natural and efficient, even when terrain shifts unexpectedly.

The upgraded Missiongrip™ outsole earns high marks for dependable traction across mixed surfaces. Add the fully waterproof membrane, reinforced toe cap, and TPU mudguard, and you get a shoe that feels ready for rain, rocky paths, and river crossings. It’s lightweight, comfortable straight out of the box, and confidence-boosting for hikers who move fast and explore often.

Best Shoes For Long Trail Runs — On Cloudultra Pro

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Specs

• Model: On Cloudultra Pro (Women’s)

• Category: Ultra-Distance Trail Running

• Color: Cinder | Pearl

• Terrain: All terrain

• Cushioning: Max

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm

• Weight: 220g

• Upper: Zoned Leno weave (TPEE, TPU) for breathability and support

• Midsole: Dual-layer Helion™ HF hyperfoam

• Speedboard®: PA11 with 15% glass fiber for rebound and stability

• Outsole: Advanced Missiongrip™ rubber with optimized lug geometry
  
  

What Experts Love

Experts highlight the Cloudultra Pro as a serious endurance weapon built for long, demanding trail runs. The dual-layer Helion™ HF hyperfoam midsole delivers a rare balance of rebound and stability, helping runners conserve energy mile after mile. Paired with an engineered rocker and responsive Speedboard®, each stride feels efficient, controlled, and smooth even late into ultra-distance efforts.

What truly sets it apart is traction. The redesigned Missiongrip™ outsole, developed using Finite Element Analysis and athlete testing, provides confidence on steep climbs, loose gravel, and technical descents. Add the quick-dry, breathable upper and ultra-light build, and you get a shoe trusted by pros for maintaining speed across extreme terrain.

Best Value Lightweight Shoes For Running — On Cloudswift 4

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Specs

• Model: On Cloudswift 4 (Men’s)

• Category: Everyday Road Running

• Color: Flint | Black

• Cushioning: Mid

• Running Style: Forward rolling

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm

• Weight: 278g

• Upper: One-piece engineered mesh with recycled polyester and TPU

• Midsole: Dual-density Helion™ foam

• Speedboard®: Nylon 6 for smooth transitions

• Outsole: Durable rubber with enhanced traction pattern

What Experts Love

Experts often recommend the Cloudswift 4 as one of the best value lightweight shoes for everyday running because it balances performance and comfort at an accessible price point. The dual-density Helion™ foam midsole delivers soft landings followed by energized take-offs, a combination typically seen in higher-end trainers. This makes it a smart choice for runners who want a responsive ride without the weight or stiffness of aggressive race shoes.

The breathable one-piece mesh upper keeps runs comfortable, while the updated midfoot cage construction offers secure lockdown on city streets. Paired with reliable road traction, the Cloudswift 4 feels versatile and dependable for daily miles. It maintains a lightweight, fun-to-run feel that appeals to runners looking for strong performance without overspending.

Best Stable & Plush Cushioning Shoes — On Cloudmonster 1

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Specs

• Color: Gobi | Lily

• Weight: 219.5g

• Heel-to-toe drop: 7mm

• Cushioning: CloudTec® engineered for all-day comfort

• Midsole: Helion™ foam for impact absorption

• Speedboard®: Recycled PEBAX for spring and forward momentum

• Upper: Recycled polyester with TPU reinforcement

• Outsole: Durable rubber for everyday grip

• Lacing: Standard with hidden eyelets for a clean look

What Experts Love

Experts highlight the Cloudmonster 1 for women as a standout option for runners who want bold cushioning without sacrificing everyday wearability. The oversized CloudTec® system delivers a springy, energetic ride that feels soft underfoot while still responsive enough for steady training runs or long walks. Helion™ foam helps absorb repeated impact, making it comfortable for extended wear throughout the day.

What truly sets this shoe apart is how it balances performance with lifestyle appeal. The hidden eyelets and streamlined upper give it a polished look that transitions easily from workouts to casual wear. Lightweight, cushioned, and visually striking, the Cloudmonster 1 earns praise as a versatile shoe built for comfort-first runners who still want momentum in every step.

Best Shoes For Daily Training — On Cloudnova 2

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Specs

• Color: Dew | Black

• Weight: 314.6g

• Heel-to-toe drop: 14mm

• Cushioning: CloudTec® with Zero-Gravity foam

• Speedboard®: Nylon 6, attached to heel clip for support

• Upper: Recycled polyester with synthetic suede accents

• Outsole: Durable rubber for everyday traction

• Lacing: Speed lacing system

• Design focus: Street-ready silhouette with performance DNA

What Experts Love

Running specialists often highlight the On Cloudnova 2 for how effortlessly it fits into a daily routine. The cushioning feels plush without being overly soft, thanks to the CloudTec® system paired with Zero-Gravity foam. That balance makes it ideal for low-impact training days, casual runs, and long stretches of standing or walking without foot fatigue setting in.

Experts also appreciate how the Cloudnova 2 bridges performance and lifestyle. The Speedboard® connected to the heel clip adds subtle propulsion and stability, while the higher heel-to-toe drop promotes a smooth stride for heel strikers. Add in the breathable, lightweight upper and refined street-ready design, and you get a shoe that performs quietly well across workouts, errands, and everyday wear.

Inside the Engine Room: How On Builds the Future of Running

CloudTec®: The Art of Running on Air

CloudTec® is where On’s story really takes off. Built for soft landings and powerful push-offs, this cushioning system adapts to how you move, compressing vertically and horizontally with every stride. The result feels effortless, almost floaty. Swiss-engineered for precision, CloudTec® absorbs impact, reduces strain, and creates that signature “running on clouds” sensation loved by athletes worldwide.

Cyclon™: Rethinking Shoes From the Ground Up

Cyclon™ signals a serious shift toward circular design. Using renewable, bio-based materials like PA-11 from castor beans, these shoes are built to be recycled into new products. Add a subscription model into the mix, and ownership changes entirely. You use the gear, return it, and it gets reborn. It’s innovation aimed squarely at reducing waste, not just performance metrics.

LightSpray™: When Speed Meets Robotics

LightSpray™ feels almost futuristic, and that’s the point. By combining robotics with advanced materials, On reduces a complex multi-part upper into a three-minute process with minimal waste. The outcome is striking. No laces, no tongue, just pure performance. The Cloudboom Strike LS weighs only 170g, making it one of the lightest racing shoes ever produced.

CloudTec Phase™: Cushioning, Perfectly Sequenced

CloudTec Phase™ takes smoothness seriously. Using Finite Element Analysis, On engineers designed a midsole that collapses in sequence, guiding weight from heel to toe without harsh transitions. Every landing flows naturally into the next movement. With dual-layer setups in models like the Cloudeclipse, long runs feel softer, calmer, and remarkably easy on the body.

Speedboard®: Turning Impact Into Momentum

Speedboard® works quietly underfoot, yet it changes everything. Positioned between the midsole layers, it converts landing energy into forward propulsion. Each version is tuned for a specific feel, adjusting material, shape, and curve depending on the runner’s needs. Comfort runs, tempo days, or race pace efforts all get their own tailored response.

Helion™: One Foam, Many Personalities

Helion™ is On’s answer to the limits of traditional cushioning foams. Crafted in the On Lab, this superfoam blends rigid stability with flexible rebound along the same molecular chains. That means smoother transitions, better energy return, and reliable performance on city streets or open roads. It works seamlessly with CloudTec® to keep runs feeling light and controlled.

Missiongrip™: Confidence on Unpredictable Terrain

Missiongrip™ is built for trails that refuse to play nice. Its specially developed rubber compound and lug pattern deliver strong traction on mud, rock, and loose surfaces. Stability stays consistent even when terrain shifts unexpectedly. For trail runners, that grip builds confidence, letting focus stay on pace, flow, and the path ahead.

Inside the Engine Room: How On Builds the Future of Running

CloudTec®: The Art of Running on Air

CloudTec® is where On’s story really takes off. Built for soft landings and powerful push-offs, this cushioning system adapts to how you move, compressing vertically and horizontally with every stride. The result feels effortless, almost floaty. Swiss-engineered for precision, CloudTec® absorbs impact, reduces strain, and creates that signature “running on clouds” sensation loved by athletes worldwide.

Cyclon™: Rethinking Shoes From the Ground Up

Cyclon™ signals a serious shift toward circular design. Using renewable, bio-based materials like PA-11 from castor beans, these shoes are built to be recycled into new products. Add a subscription model into the mix, and ownership changes entirely. You use the gear, return it, and it gets reborn. It’s innovation aimed squarely at reducing waste, not just performance metrics.

LightSpray™: When Speed Meets Robotics

LightSpray™ feels almost futuristic, and that’s the point. By combining robotics with advanced materials, On reduces a complex multi-part upper into a three-minute process with minimal waste. The outcome is striking. No laces, no tongue, just pure performance. The Cloudboom Strike LS weighs only 170g, making it one of the lightest racing shoes ever produced.

CloudTec Phase™: Cushioning, Perfectly Sequenced

CloudTec Phase™ takes smoothness seriously. Using Finite Element Analysis, On engineers designed a midsole that collapses in sequence, guiding weight from heel to toe without harsh transitions. Every landing flows naturally into the next movement. With dual-layer setups in models like the Cloudeclipse, long runs feel softer, calmer, and remarkably easy on the body.

Speedboard®: Turning Impact Into Momentum

Speedboard® works quietly underfoot, yet it changes everything. Positioned between the midsole layers, it converts landing energy into forward propulsion. Each version is tuned for a specific feel, adjusting material, shape, and curve depending on the runner’s needs. Comfort runs, tempo days, or race pace efforts all get their own tailored response.

Helion™: One Foam, Many Personalities

Helion™ is On’s answer to the limits of traditional cushioning foams. Crafted in the On Lab, this superfoam blends rigid stability with flexible rebound along the same molecular chains. That means smoother transitions, better energy return, and reliable performance on city streets or open roads. It works seamlessly with CloudTec® to keep runs feeling light and controlled.

Missiongrip™: Confidence on Unpredictable Terrain

Missiongrip™ is built for trails that refuse to play nice. Its specially developed rubber compound and lug pattern deliver strong traction on mud, rock, and loose surfaces. Stability stays consistent even when terrain shifts unexpectedly. For trail runners, that grip builds confidence, letting focus stay on pace, flow, and the path ahead.