ON CLOUD REVIEW 2024 [The Best Selling On Cloud Shoes] (2024)

The On Running Cloud has been built with everyday active people in mind, targeting those who love being on the move while in urban environments. Interested in getting a reduced price of up to 40% Off On shoes? Visit On’s Last Season page to see the latest arrivals; this is an account-only exclusive.

NOTE: This On Cloud review has recently been updated to include the additional features of the On Cloud 5 (latest generation, as of February 2022 – I will update again once the Cloud 6 is released, yes we are still waiting… :)) – the images in this review have all been updated too with the latest On Cloud 5 in the All-Black colorway.

Interested in knowing what my favorite On Running shoes for road running is? Hint hint… it’s a total ‘MONSTER‘ of a shoe and one of my top shoe picks if you’re training for a marathon!

✔️ If you plan to use the On Cloud for walking, as well as your all day lifestyle shoe, you’ll be pleased to hear that it is one of the best performing On Cloud shoes for walking too.

I hope this On Cloud review answers your pre-purchase questions of this best-selling shoe but if you want to ask me another question, please leave it in the comments below.

On Cloud shoes fit and design

The ON Clouds, in my opinion, are beautiful shoes that show off some of that design flair that the Swiss are so famous for. They’re also famous for being proud of it too – a reason they include the Swiss flag on every ‘right’ shoe (see pic above).

ON shoes should not be confused with ‘QC shoes’ or ‘OC shoes’ like I hear some people call them due to the potentially confusing On logo on the side – I can see how that may happen in all honesty.

I really like the little details from the reflective decals right down to said tiny Swiss flag towards the rear of the right shoe.

UPDATE on the Swiss flag: Are you wondering what happened to the Swiss flag that used to be on every right On running shoe? Laws within Switzerland have meant that the company can no longer display the Swiss flag on its products.

I have been wearing the On Cloud shoes as my ‘go-to’ lifestyle shoe since the very first release.

Every year sees a new version with design tweaks and fresh new color options, and every year I’m drawn into buying a new pair for reasons explained below.

This year sees the On Cloud (On’s best-selling lifestyle shoes) reach its 5th generation of innovation and re-engineering – touted the ‘On Cloud 5’. To the untrained eye, you may think very little has been updated since the last version of the Cloud.

With all my years of testing On Running gear, and which includes their trail running and hiking shoes, I’m able to notice these subtle tweaks, and I’m going to share them with you as I talk about each section/feature on the On Cloud running shoes.

Other On buying guides you may be interested in:

• Best On Running Shoes Ranked And Reviewed
• Best On Cloud Shoes For Walking
• On Cloud VS HOKA Running Shoes
• ALL On Cloud shoe reviews

On Cloud shoes upper engineered mesh | now more sustainable

The engineered mesh material used for the On Cloud upper is very breathable, has a little bit of stretch, and offers some protection with a plastic-coated toe cap.

The coated toe cap will stop any front-on water splashes from entering the shoe and also prevent any cold wind from hitting your toes.

The Cloud sneakers are made from 44% recycled material overall, which is an awesome move by On Running – we appreciate every move to help improve sustainability in the manufacturing process.

There are areas in the upper that have been protected with strips of ‘no-sew foil’ which will firmly hold fabrics together without the possibility of fraying edges.

The On Cloud 5 upper, sees a few modifications to it including redistributed reflective detailing, a different material above the forefoot, and also a different design in the way it is constructed.

All these subtle changes, for me, make minor improvements to an already great shoe – but improvements nonetheless.

On Cloud running shoes Inner Sock

There’s also an inner sock that attaches the tongue to the forefoot area, similar to the On Cloudflow,and On Cloud X running shoes.

This keeps the forefoot snug and stops the tongue from slipping out of place. The sock should also reduce any chaffing as there are fewer seams inside.

On Cloud tongue

The tongue is slim, soft, and very comfortable to the touch, so you could even wear these shoes without socks if you like doing that sort of thing as this tongue brings extra comfort to the top of your foot.

This tongue really adds to the minimal and super lightweight feel of the On Cloud shoes.

On Cloud speed lacing system

Onuses a speed lacing system for the On Cloud which means you can slip them on and off really quickly if you need to, thanks to the elasticity in the laces.

This is one of the reasons that in its early days, the On Cloud was marketed as a triathlon shoe.

If you prefer classic laces for a more secure fit, then the On Cloud 5 comes with classic laces in the box but you should be able to adjust the elastic speed laces by watching my video below.

Being able to quickly get these Swiss running shoes on and wear them without socks (if that’s how you roll) makes it a winner for triathletes of all distances, including Ironman.

I still believe the on Cloud is best used as an all day lifestyle shoe however, as there are definitely better On running shoes for running and triathlon.

If you’d like to learn more about my other highly rated road running shoes, read my guide to choosing the best road running shoes next, it features a couple of On shoes as well as other running brands.

They also make great nursing shoes or for anyone working on their feet all day long due to their comfort, cushioning, lightweight, and the fact that they are easy to slip on and off.

If you’re wondering how to adjust or tighten On Cloud speed laces to create a more secure fit, I put together this helpful 2-minute video demonstrating how I personally tighten the laces for when I wear the On Cloud for gym workouts or HIIT training where I need the Cloud to be securely on my feet when moving fast.

The On Cloud speed lacing system is such an awesome feature of this shoe and my video above will help you get a more secure fit by adjusting them.

On Cloud shoes outsole (CloudTec Sole)

The outsole used for theOn Cloud shoes is very similar to that of the On Cloud X; one of my current favorite shoes for speed training on the roads!

If you haven’t tried to “Run On Clouds” before, I recommend you give it a try! The CloudTec sole is an innovation that always helps me to run faster, especially when putting on a new pair.

The OnClouds outsole is another area that On has re-engineered this year – more specifically the forefoot has a reduced gulley underfoot.

This means more cushioning and a better distribution of weight, making moving much more comfortable [see image below].

The CloudTec cushioning comes in part from the cloud pods that provides cushioned, soft landings, as they compress under your weight and then provide a barefoot take off as your foot leaves the ground and the pods spring back.

Taking a closer look at the CloudTec outsole reveals that the ‘clouds’ have had their inside edges sliced off, angling outward.

This much-needed design tweak stops any small stones or debris from getting caught in the pods, which used to be a problem shared amongst many.

The Cloud 5 goes one step further and has closed off the gulley at the front of the shoe, and also the rear – two areas that take the most downward force when walking and running.

This extra support provides longer-lasting cushioning, and durability of the outsole.

On Cloud shoes drop and support type

The On Cloud has a heel-to-toe drop of 8mm – this is great for all-daycomfort if you spend much of your day on foot. This drop is another modification from the previous version which used to be 6mm.

The Cloud 5 has a neutral support type which means there’s not much additional arch support in the removable insole insert – this will suit most people who have average feet shape and just want a nice stable ride.

If you do feel you need extra arch support then I would recommend reading our best insoles for running buyer’s guide next to help improve comfort and running form for those who need the extra support underfoot.

Another update to the Cloud 5 is the increased midsole with zero gravity foam
which makes the entire show sit slightly higher off the ground, this al provides the shoe with more cushioning and comfort for even longer days on your feet.

This, in my opinion, is a great move by On as this will also make the responsiveness of the midsole’s zero gravity foam cushioning last longer.

On Cloud sneakers toe box

The toe box is medium width and feels very airy which is important if you lead an active everyday lifestyle.

You’ll likely be wearing these shoes every day, to work, at the gym, and even on impromptu runs but they’re not designed for half marathon or marathon training / racing. A shoe that gets this much use could start to smell if it wasn’t as breathable as it is.

On Cloud running shoes weight

The On Cloud 5 weighs in at 8.82oz (250g) which is super lightweight BUT a touch heavier than the previous version which weighed 8.1oz (230g).

This incredibly light weight is probably what you’ll notice first if you haven’t held a pair of On Cloud shoes before. I think the move to sacrifice a tiny bit of weight in exchange for more cushioning is the right move for On.

The On Cloud shoes come in many different colors for the men’s and for the on cloud 5 womens too, which is fantastic so be sure to check them all out…

On is constantly updating the colorways so I won’t list them all here in case they change next week.

The color scheme of the shoes in my review is…you guessed it “All Black” and there are tons of colors for both men’s and Cloud Womensshoes, you’ll just have to visit the product page to see all the wonderful colors available – On Running changes them up fairly often.

Moving in the On Cloud

The On Cloud is a very comfortable shoe that I wear all day long because it gives such an amazingly responsive ride whether I’m simply moving or jogging with Kepler on our morning walk.

This responsive ride makes me feel free knowing I can break into a run whenever I happen to feel like it or if I’m running late.

On’s running shoes are particularly good when it comes to dedicated road or trail running, the Cloud 5 is definitely more geared towards an everyday lifestyle shoe, so visit my On running shoes buyer’s guide if you’re looking for running shoes.

And the stylish design keeps me looking fashionable, important for me as a creative.

It’s incredible how many people comment on them when I’m out. Some even come up to me asking what brand they are and where they can buy them.

If you’re looking for On trail running shoes, have a look at my Best On Cloud shoes in ranked order list which has a section dedicated to On’s trail running shoes.

If on the other hand, you’d like to know my favorite trail running shoes including those from other brands, read my best trail running shoes post next.

Are On Cloud shoes good for running?

The On Cloud is certainly a popular lifestyle shoe but is not the best choice for running (they’re much better suited as an all-day lifestyle shoe) – Instead, consider the On Cloud Monster or the On Cloudsurfer for a bouncy, responsive run.

The On Cloudgo is also an excellent option for beginner runners who want a reliable running shoe that will take them from couch to 5k, and from 10km to half marathons.

For more information and reviews on On running shoes, check out my Best On Running Shoes Buyer’s Guide which ranks all of my On running shoe reviews in order from best to worst.

Where to buy On Cloud Shoes

We recommend buying On Cloud shoes for the lowest price of $139.99 at on-running.com as they have fast delivery, the best stock of colors and sizes, and a no fuss returns policy.

It’s worth noting that On never holds sales for their newest items (including these On Cloud shoes), and there’s not even an On Running Black Friday event, BUT you can get last season’s styles heavily discounted on the On Classics discount page.

On Cloud Review Summary

The On Cloud is my ‘go-to’ lifestyle shoe. Many other training shoes just don’t look stylish enough for me to want to wear them all day long, while I’m at work or heading to the city.

They would make great nursing shoes for nurses working on their feet all day long too because of how comfortable, cushioned, lightweight, and easy to slip on and off they are.

I also find that On running shoes are great if you ever find yourself getting lower back pain when running because their zero gravity foam in the midsole has such a great balance between being cushioned and protective while also being remarkably responsive.

I love being able to break into a run, have the comfort of a running shoe without sacrificing style.

This is why I keep choosing On Cloud shoes for my everyday lifestyle. For those look ing for the best On running shoes for running, head over to my On Running Shoes Buyer’s Guide next.

It’s also a very good shoe for running and triathlons due to their easy ‘slip on’ design and comfort while running sock-less.

The new Cloud 5 is less minimal than say the On Cloud X for running, but if you enjoy running in a shoe with good ground feel, and only plan on running short distance runs every now and then, and want to look great while doing so, then these shoes are for you!

On Cloud VS HOKA

On Cloud and HOKA are two very popular athletic footwear brands that offer a large variety of shoes for different activities, including running, hiking, and lifestyle.

On Running is a brand from Switzerland, while HOKA was founded in 2009 in Annecy, France but now it resides in Goleta, California where we used to live – in fact, we used to regularly go running past the Deckers headquarters which is the brand that owns HOKA.

Here are some key differences between the two brands:

CUSHIONING: Both On Cloud and HOKA offer shoes with very good cushioning, but HOKA shoes like the Clifton series for road running, and the Mafate Speed series for trail running, tend to have more cushioning than On Cloud shoes in general.

That’s not to say however, that On Running doesn’t also make some extremely cushioned On Cloud shoes too, like the On Cloudmonster for example – and HOKA also makes more minimally cushioned running shoes too, like the HOKA MACH 5, and the Carbon X series.

HOKA shoes are known for their maximalist design and it’s what makes their shoe silhouette so recognizable (not to mention their bright colors), which provides extra cushioning and support for runners.

STABILITY: HOKA shoes are designed to provide more stability than On Cloud shoes, making them a better option for runners who need extra support.

On Cloud shoes, on the other hand, have the benefit of being designed to be more lightweight and flexible, which can be beneficial for runners who prefer a more natural feel.

RUNNING: Both On Cloud and HOKA offer shoes specifically designed for running (and trail running), but HOKA has a wider range of options for runners in general and shoes for long-distance running.

On Cloud’s running shoes are known for their lightweight design and responsive cushioning with Cloudtech Midsole.

HIKING: HOKA offers a range of hiking shoes, and so does On Cloud with lightweight shoe/boot crossover shoes like the Cloudtrax, and Cloudrock Waterproof, for two examples. Both On Cloud and HOKA’s hiking shoes/boots are designed to provide extra support and protection for hikers on rough terrain.

LIFESTYLE: Both brands offer lifestyle shoes that are suitable for everyday wear. On Cloud’s lifestyle shoes are known for their minimalist design and lightweight feel, while HOKA’s lifestyle shoes offer a more traditional look with added cushioning for comfort.

The On Cloud 5 are by far the most popular On Cloud shoes.

SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES: Both On Cloud and HOKA are committed to sustainable practices. On Cloud uses sustainable materials in its shoe designs, such as recycled polyester and eco-friendly dyes. Both brands are focused on reducing their carbon footprint through sustainable packaging and materials used on their shoes.

COST: HOKA shoes tend to be more expensive than On Cloud shoes although recently I’m finding that some of their running shoes are very affordable considering how durable and cushioned they are.

On Cloud Review Image Gallery

Still not sure which On Running Shoes to buy?

I hope you enjoyed this On Shoes review, if you’re still not sure which On Running shoes to buy, visit our Best On Running Shoes Buyer’s Guide for an ordered list of the top ON Clouds for road and trail running.

On’s running shoes lineup is growing quickly so I understand how it can be overwhelming trying to find the best ones for your needs, and that’s exactly why I designed it in a way to make your buying decisions easier.