On Cloud Shoes Are Everywhere Right Now—Here Are the Best Pairs for Every Activity
October 26, 2024
There’s a reason why everyone from your dentist to your personal trainer is wearing On Cloud sneakers—and it’s not just because those holey soles look so snazzy. “They cushion every step that you take,” New York podiatrist Brad Schaeffer, DPM, tells SELF. That’s thanks to the Swiss brand’s signature CloudTec cushioning (a.k.a. those gaps underfoot), which offers comfort and stability. These kicks are so good, in fact, that Dr. Schaeffer not only recommends them to patients—he also owns a few pairs himself.
To find the best On Cloud shoes, we asked podiatrists which models were made for walking, running, and more, and tested some of these pairs ourselves. Whether you’re a runner, a walker, or you have a job that keeps you on your feet all day, these are our favorite On Cloud pairs to shop now.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Cloudswift 3
- Best for Walking: Cloud 5
- Best for Running: Cloudflow 4
- Best for Standing All Day: Cloudmonster 2
- Best for the Treadmill: Cloud X 4
- Best for Long Distances: Cloudstratus 3
- Best for Flat Feet: Cloudflyer 5
- Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Cloudpulse
- Best for Wide Feet: Cloudgo Wide
What to look for when shopping for On Cloud shoes
The right On Cloud sneakers will do more than just complement your outfit. As you search for your perfect pair, experts recommend keeping these details in mind.
When you try a shoe on for the first time, Houston-based podiatrist Hira Mirza, DPM, suggests making sure there’s a thumb’s width of space between your big toe and the front of the sneaker. (Some On Cloud models can run small and slightly narrow, so you may need to size up.) “You want a toe box that gives your toes room to spread—you don’t want to feel tightened or compressed in there,” Texas-based podiatrist Anne Sharkey, DPM, tells SELF.
Next, take a few test steps: “Your heels should not be popping out of [the shoe]—you shouldn’t have to feel like your toes are grasping onto the shoe to keep it on,” Dr. Mirza adds. Finally, check “where the sneaker bends to make sure it’s not too flimsy. “If you set a shoe on the floor and you lift up the heel, that crease should occur where your big toe joint is,” Dr. Sharkey says (not in the middle, under the arch of your foot).
How supportive your shoes should be typically comes down to your foot type—people with flat feet need the most, Dr. Sharkey says. Luckily, she adds, On Cloud has you covered: “No matter which model you choose, you’re going to feel support.” Note: Shoes with a strong heel counter that hugs the back of your foot (like the Cloudflyer) are usually more stable, she adds, which can help you choose between similar pairs.
The amount of padding in On Cloud sneakers varies between models. If you’re looking to limit the impact of long-distance runs or tiring days spent on your feet, reach for a shoe with super-thick cushioning, like the Cloudmonster 2 or the Cloudstratus. Want a lighter, more minimalist pick for walking or running? Check out the speedy Cloudflow 4.
Shop the best On Cloud shoes
Best Overall: Cloudswift 3
On
Cloudswift 3 Sneakers
Pros
- Balanced cushioning and support
- Soft, sock-like upper
- Extra padding in the heel
Cons
- Reviewers say the back of the shoe comes up high and can rub your Achilles
For a solid everyday shoe, Dr. Sharkey says it’s hard to beat the Cloudswift. “It has a little bit more amped-up support than a regular casual shoe,” she says. “[For] a college student or someone who’s in an urban area and they’re going to run to catch the train, I love the Cloudswift.”
Designed for running on hard concrete, this sneaker has just enough cushion to soften your landings without feeling wobbly underfoot. Meanwhile, the sock-like knit upper comfortably fits different foot shapes and moves with you to prevent blisters, while extra padding in the heel creates a super-secure fit. But you don’t have to be a runner to appreciate the plush “superfoam” in the sole—it works just as well for day-to-day city living too.
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Materials: Polyester, polyamide, elastane, recycled polyester | Colors: 11
Best for Walking: Cloud 5
On
Cloud 5 Running Shoes
Pros
- Good cushioning
- Lightweight
- Easy to slip on
Cons
- Some Nordstrom reviewers say they run small
Sure, you could go for a walk in a Converse-style sneaker that’s completely flat—but your joints might start to complain after a while. Instead, Dr. Sharkey recommends trying On’s signature Cloud 5 shoe, which offers comfortable cushioning in a light, 7.5-ounce design that won’t weigh you down while you walk. Bonus: The elastic laces help you slip these sneaks on quickly without having to fiddle with knots. But the shoes also come with a pair of traditional laces for better ankle support if you need it, Dr. Mirza says.
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Materials: Recycled polyester, polyester, polyurethane | Colors: 10
Best for Running: Cloudflow 4
Pros
- Lightweight
- Responsive ride
- Breathable upper
Cons
- Not a ton of cushioning
Weighing just over seven ounces, the Cloudflow 4 is one of On’s lightest shoes, making it “a really great training shoe [for] speed work,” Dr. Sharkey says. It doesn’t have all the cushion you’d want for running longer distances, like a marathon (for that, check out the Cloudstratus 3 below). But when you’ve got intervals or tempo sessions on the schedule, this shoe’s spoon-shaped “speedboard” will give you a boost. Even better, the breathable upper will keep your feet from overheating.
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Material: Recycled polyester | Colors: 8
Best for Standing All Day: Cloudmonster 2
Pros
- Maximum cushioning
- Durable
- Supercomfortable
Cons
- Runs narrow
Airports, long lines, and busy days at work are no match for the Cloudmonster 2. “It’s in the running shoe category, but it’s just a really soft, cushioned shoe for shock absorption, which is great if you have a lot of walking mixed with stationary standing,” Dr. Sharkey says. For people like nurses or retail workers who are stuck on hard surfaces (like tile or concrete) all day, that extra plushness will help keep your feet happy. Dr. Schaeffer adds that it can also offload some pressure for those struggling with pain in the balls of their feet.
Also key: how durable these are. I’ve had my pair for nearly a year, and I lace them up regularly for long walks, runs of all distances, and sightseeing days. As long as I’ve got these on, I know I won’t end up with aching feet.
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Materials: Recycled polyester, polyester | Colors: 7
Original photo by SELF writer Jennifer Heimlich
Best for the Treadmill: Cloud X 4
Pros
- Versatile enough for cross-training
- Upper is made with at least 90% recycled materials
- Padded heel and tongue
Cons
- Might not feel plush enough for long distances
If you’re hitting the treadmill, you’re likely also squeezing in some other workouts while you’re at the gym—so you’ll want a shoe that can do it all, like the Cloud X 4. “What’s nice about treadmills is they’re not as hard as running on a street, so you can get away with [wearing a shoe that has] a little less cushion,” Dr. Schaeffer says. Although it’s not designed specifically for running, the Cloud X 4 features a “superfoam” (a.k.a. well-padded) midsole for landings that are just cushy enough. Plus, after you wrap up your run, you can immediately hit the weight room—no change of shoes required.
Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Material: Recycled polyester | Colors: 5
Best for Long Distances: Cloudstratus 3
Pros
- Plush cushioning
- Rocker bottom creates forward momentum
- 100% recycled base material
Cons
- Only a few color options
