BELIEVE US WHEN we say that no brand makes running shoes like On. A quick glance at any of their products’ hole-covered midsoles will be enough to convince you of that. On has always been known for pushing innovation to its limit, from its unique midsoles to, more recently, its 3D-printed shoes with spray-on uppers. If you’re looking for the brand that’s leading the way in innovation, it’s On.
An avant garde approach has always been On’s style. Back when the brand was founded in 2010, its creators set out to make a shoe that had both a highly cushioned landing and an explosive lift-off – two attributes that were previously mutually exclusive. To achieve this blend, they came up with the midsole design you see on On’s shoes today.
Needless to say, but On is at the forefront of innovation in footwear and most of their running shoes will serve you well. That being said, not every shoe will be the right fit for your needs. To help you come to an informed decision about your next On running shoe, we’ve ranked our favourites from ten to one.
What are the best On running shoes?
10. On Cloudrunner 2
The classic daily trainer
One of On’s first ever-silhouettes, the Cloudrunner 2 is a cushioned stability shoe designed for daily runs. Building on the success of its predecessor, this updated version features an improved Helion superfoam midsole that enhances shock absorption and energy return. The redesigned outsole provides better grip and durability, while the breathable mesh upper ensures a secure but flexible fit.
9. On Cloudultra 2
The ultra trail runner
The Cloudultra 2 probably has the smallest target audience of any On shoe, as there aren’t too many ultra-trail runners out there, but that doens’t mean it isn’t a great shoe. Featuring a dual-layer Helion superfoam midsole, it delivers a responsive and well-cushioned ride. The Missiongrip outsole has been upgraded with improved traction lugs, ensuring reliable grip on varied terrain. A reengineered upper provides enhanced breathability and a more adaptive fit, while the FlipRelease system allows for on-the-go adjustments to accommodate foot swelling during long runs.
8. On Cloudstratus 3
The max-cushioned comfort shoe for long runs
The Cloudstratus 3 is a max-cushioned shoe designed for longer efforts when comfort is most needed. It boasts On’s signature dual-layer CloudTec cushioning and Helion superfoam, which delivers a plush and responsive ride. The redesigned Speedboard enhances energy return, while the wider platform improves stability without compromising flexibility. If you’re going to be logging plenty of kilometres while training for a marathon, or if you’re the kind of runner who regularly runs more than 10km in a single effort, this is the shoe for you.
7. On Cloudboom Zone
The pace-pusher for tempo runs
While it lacks On’s trademark midsole holes, the Cloudboom Zone is perfect for when you want to pick up the pace. This is a speed-focused shoe designed for explosiveness in tempo runs and interval work. Engineered with a carbon-infused Speedboard, it has a truly propulsive lift-off. The Helion HF hyperfoam midsole provides lightweight cushioning with maximum energy return, while the streamlined, breathable upper ensures a locked-in fit without unnecessary bulk.
6. On Cloudmonster 2
An even more max-cushioned shoe for long runs
The Cloudmonster 2 takes max cushioning to the next level, delivering an ultra-plush and energetic ride for runners who want comfort without sacrificing performance. It boasts an upgraded Helion superfoam midsole with even larger CloudTec elements, providing exceptional shock absorption and a bouncy, propulsive feel. The reworked Speedboard enhances responsiveness, making transitions smoother and more dynamic. This is the shoe On’s founders had in mind when they designed their first prototype, with extreme cushioning but even more responsiveness.
5. On Cloudvista 2
The go-to trail runner
The Cloudvista 2 is genuinely fun to run in. It’s been completely redesigned from the original Cloudvista to provide more cushioning, more comfort and a faster feel – and it delivers on all counts. In the midsole, you’ll find a reworked, two-prong Speedboard for added rebound and soft Helion superfoam for pillow-like comfort. Underfoot, a sticky Missiongrip outsole keeps your feet fixed where you want them.
4. On Cloudeclipse
The most max-cushioned of all On’s max-cushioned shoes
For all the brand’s well-cushioned shoes, the Cloudeclipse is the most cushioned of them all. It has a double dosage of CloudTec Phase cushioning and a bottom unit made with Helion superfoam for impact absorption. As you’d expect, the Cloudeclipse really does feel like you’re running on a cloud.
3. On Cloudboom Strike
The race day professional
The Cloudboom Strike is built for marathons. It’s a road runner that is ultra-cushioned and ultra-responsive, for optimal performance. The Cloudboom Strike makes use of On’s innovative ‘Bounceboard’, which actively propels you forward with every stride. Meanwhile, On’s patented CloudTec elements hug your foot for ultimate comfort.
2. On Cloudflyer 5
The daily trainer with rock-solid stability
The Cloudflyer 5 is a lightweight stability shoe designed to provide premium support without adding bulk. It features CloudTec cushioning and Helion superfoam, offering a smooth, well-cushioned ride ideal for long distances and daily training. The wider platform and extended Speedboard enhance stability and energy return, making it great for runners who need mild to moderate support.
1. On Cloudsurfer 2
The ultimate daily trainer
If you’re looking for a daily trainer to log countless kilometres in, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more suitable shoe than the Cloudsurfer 2. Designed for a smooth, rolling ride with effortless transitions, the Cloudsurfer 2 has On’s latest CloudTec Phase midsole, delivering a softer, more seamless underfoot feel by compressing and collapsing in a wave-like motion for maximum shock absorption. The lightweight Helion superfoam enhances comfort while maintaining a responsive lift-off, meaning you can use it for easy runs or faster-paced training sessions.
