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When a sneaker goes viral, there’s the age-old question of: Is it worth the hype? The latest buzz in the sneaker world should leave no such wonder. The highly sought-after On Cloud sneakers are both podiatrist- and ELLE-approved. Running is a big part of the brand’s DNA, but if you’re not clocking daily miles, that doesn’t mean you should skip it. On’s Cloud sneakers are some of the best walking sneakers you can find. Just as they benefit runners, the high-tech cushioning and ample support keep you going with comfort, control, and proper alignment, no matter how fast you move. Plus, the aesthetics are pretty cool.
But, with dozens of options available, it’s hard to choose the one that’s best for you. The ELLE team has tested a handful of On’s styles, and I consulted podiatrists to curate a list of the 10 best On Cloud shoes for walking. Scroll on to shop these viral sneakers that will have you walking on clouds. Your feet will thank you.
Pros
Helion superfoam footbed- Missiongrip rubber outsole for grip on wet and dry surfaces
Cons
- Bulky
Other than the CloudTec cushioning, what sets these sneakers apart from the pack is how lightweight they are. Usually, a waterproof terrain shoe comes with the baggage of added weight to ensure a grippy tread and durability for protection. These are great for daily walks through all types of weather and terrain. They can handle the elements without weighing you down.
Colors: Safari/Ice, Lavender/Ivory, Fog/Mahogany, Alloy/Frost
Sizes: 5-11
Weight: 7.85 ounces
Customer review: “Super comfortable and stylish shoes! I love the pink/coral color way and they feel very well made. I have primarily used them for walking the dogs and running errands and they’ve kept me comfortable on my feet all day!”
Pros
- Stylish
Cons
- Some say they run slightly small
The monochrome colorway covers the laces, outer fabric, and even the foamy bottom. You get Loewe’s flair with On’s high-tech performance features for an efficient and stylish everyday sneaker. The Cloudtilt Stretch has a sock-like fit for snug support without having to adjust the no-tie laces.
Colors: 8 options
Sizes: 36-41
Weight: 8.1 ounces
Best for Speed
On Cloudrunner 2
Pros
- Lace closure locks
- Padded tongue
Cons
- Some say the toe box is not as wide as other On shoes
This style features Speedboard technology, which helps propel your body forward with each stride. Whether you’re power walking or simply a fast walker, your body will benefit from the energized steps these sneakers bring. Plus, the zero-gravity foam is cushy but not so much that it takes away support. It’s designed with a cradle construction and wider bottom so you’ll have a solid platform for balance.
Colors: Undyed/Green, Frost/White, Eclipse/Black
Sizes: 5-11
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Customer review: “I’ve taken these shoes on a few runs and have been wearing them to work for 10-hour shifts. So far, they’ve been great. I took them on a 2-mile run right out of the box without any problems with blisters. Size 6.5 seemed true to size, maybe even with a little extra room. I really have no complaints for this medium-cushioned shoe. They’ve been nice to wear compared to the extremely high-cushioned shoes.”
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Pros
- Grippy tread
- Lightweight
- Breathable mesh
Cons
- Runs slightly small
These sneakers are lightweight, breathable, and feature a grippy tread making them perfect for pavement or light trails. They are super soft and slip on with a single-toggle lacing that secures a personalized fit that won’t untie. Plus, the utility design makes these more stylish than technical, in terms of aesthetics.
Colors: Ice/Glacier, Black, Asphalt/Ivory, Glacier/Seedling
Sizes: 5-11
Weight: 8.64 ounces
Customer review: “I ordered these online for an upcoming trip to Korea. I love the look and feel. Sized up 1/2 size as recommended and it fits perfectly! Says it’s a hiking shoe but honestly they’re too pretty to wear hiking! I got the ivory/pearl color. Very neutral can wear with everything.”
Pros
- Easy to pack
Cons
- Not great for cold weather climates
- Does not have removable insoles
The On Cloud 5 Coast is meant to be packed for summer travel. It’s a super lightweight sneaker with breathable, antimicrobial mesh that’s ready to pack in steps for a day of sightseeing. The kick-down heels make these an easy slip-on for quick errand runs, while the sweat-wicking sock liner will keep you comfortable in the summer heat.
Colors: Ivory/Acacia, Undyed White/White, Zephyr/Sand
Sizes: 5-11
Weight: 7 ounces
Customer review: “I bought these sneakers to travel with, and they are perfect. They pack easy, they are lightweight and super comfortable. Would definitely recommend and buy another pair for myself!”
Pros
- Helion superfoam
- Chunky rocker propels you forward
- Helps Plantar Fasciitis
Cons
- Some say they run small
- Bulky
Typically, a sneaker with this much cushion doesn’t grant equal parts control, but this style defies the norm. They call it the Cloudmonster for its monster energy return. With a soft sock liner and a grippy rubber compound on the outsole, this max-cushioned style is suitable for daily training and long walks—perfect for hybrid workouts. While you get efficient control, if you prefer feet-on-the-ground stability, you may want to skip this for a sneaker with a thinner sole.
Colors: 10 options
Sizes: 5-11
Weight: 9 ounces
Customer review: “I usually don’t write reviews, but these shoes deserve the praise! After reading other reviews, I decided to give them a try, even though I honestly have not had great luck with shoes. It was truly love at first walk! The shoes are super light and give a nice boost. I originally wore them strictly for work to break them in - I worked 16-hour days on my feet and had no pain. Running in them is even better. So far I’ve only used them for short distance (3-4 mi), but love them so much I want both colors! Of note: I have high arches, so I added my own insoles. I wear a 7 in everyday shoes, and ordered an 8 in these.”
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Pros
- Pull tabs
- Breathable mesh
Cons
- Lacks durability
On’s Cloudnova Foam balances a cushioned footbed with feet-on-the-ground stability. It’s part of the brand’s athletic lifestyle series, offering technical features in an everyday sneaker.
Colors: White/Eclipse, Lavender/Fawn, Mineral//Ivory
Sizes: 5-11
Weight: 8.57 ounces
Customer review: “As a teacher on my feet all day, it feels as if I’m walking on a yoga mat. Not as tired as usual. Actually energized. On top of that, they are cute, cute, cute!”
Pros
- Good energy return
Cons
- Some say they run small
- Not the best for control
The On Cloudsurfer is a versatile sneaker for road running, walking, training, and recovery. It has a high heel-to-toe drop and plenty of cushioning that keeps you moving fast. It’s super lightweight with efficient cushioning angled forward to help propel you forward. This sneaker is best for neutral or supinated foot motion.
Colors: 7 options
Sizes: 5-11
Weight: 7.2 ounces
Customer review: “I am a Brooks fan, but these are now my new favorite! I am a size 9 but did a refund and got a size 9.5 due to it being a little snug.”
Pros
- Grippy traction
- Energizing rocker
Cons
- Some say they run small
- Heavier than others
The lug sole on this style provides traction meant for the outdoors. These sneakers are made for all types of terrain. From slippery rocks to uneven gravel, On’s Cloudultra 2 is all about keeping your foot from slipping while delivering the signature foamy footbed and an energizing return.
Colors: Black/White, Dew/Moon, Heather/Iron, Mauve/Flame
Sizes: 5-11
Weight: 9.3 ounces
Customer review: “These seriously felt like slippers right out of the box, and the color is awesome (I bought the mauve and orange). I have slightly wide feet and these are great in my normal size. The only thing I would note is that these *feel* like super cushioned road running rather than trail shoes and, based on the material, I plan to use these for shorter runs on well maintained, packed trails, and will use my more rugged (but less flexible) pair for rougher trails with a lot of rocks and roots. Very happy with this purchase!”
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Pros
- 3-layer mesh for ultimate breathability
- Star lacing
- Removable cushioned insoles
Cons
- Does not have intense cushion
According to Google’s recent Spring Try Guide, the On Cloud X 3 is one of the most sought-after styles of the moment. With a minimal yet still cushy footbed, it delivers efficient shock absorption to propel you without added bulk. It works harder, not smarter, for dynamic movement. Your feet will be super stable and controlled in these low-profile sneakers.
Colors: 11 options
Sizes: 5-11
Weight: 8 ounces
Customer review: “I want to start by saying you can’t compare these to the On runners. They are cross-training shoes. They won’t be as cushy for stability purposes by design. Having said that, these shoes are amazing. I have been wearing Nanos for several years, and my feet always hurt. These shoes are very supportive while offering a good amount of cushion. My feet never hurt with these. On is my new love for sneakers, running and training. Highly recommend.”
Why Choose On Sneakers
On’s futuristic designs play into the patented technology behind its shoes. The Swiss company launched in 2010 with a groundbreaking cushioning system called CloudTec. As the foundation of every On Cloud sneaker, this unique system reacts to your body’s specific movements. The system compresses horizontally and vertically to precisely cushion your landing, absorbing impact, reducing strain, and adapting to your walking style, making them some of the most comfortable sneakers on the market.
New York-based podiatrist Dr. Parker Gennett often recommends On’s Cloud sneakers to his patients for their control, cushioning, and roomy toe box. While the shoes offer a sleek, slightly narrower fit for a secure feel, the toe box remains spacious enough to accommodate bunions and prevent toe cramping. “The general key to finding the best walking shoes is to find a pair with the right balance between shoes with the right cushion and amount of control,” he says.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Parker Gennett, DPM, is a podiatry specialist in Binghamton, NY, with over 31 years of experience in the medical field. He’s also part of the New York Foot & Ankle Care Center, which maintains the highest levels of accreditation and pursues ongoing education to stay abreast of the latest trends in podiatry.
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