Editor’s Note, July 14, 2026: We are currently evaluating and testing several new models from On, including the upcoming Cloudboom Strike 2 and Lightspray versions. We will update as reviews come in.
On has come a long way since the days of cobbling together a running shoe from cut pieces of garden hoses and a dream for a springier shoe. The Swiss shoe manufacturer has evolved into a powerhouse of a brand with design and innovation leading its strategy. Founder and retired athlete Oliver Bernhard along with Caspar Coppetti and David Allemann have driven On forward with determination to make exceptional gear that’s high-performing and also sustainable and approachable for runners at all levels of experience and types. Whether you’re a casual road runner or hardcore trail trekker, On wants to match you with one of its pairs.
I have had the opportunity to test several On shoes, as has our Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate, alongside runners in our wear-tester program. We have narrowed it down to our favorites that we highlight in this list.
Best On Running Shoes
- Best Everyday Trainer: On Cloudmonster 3 (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best Value: On Cloudsurfer 2 (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best for Trails: On Cloudsoma (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best for Heel Strikers: On Cloudswift 4 (Men’s/Women’s)
- Best for Ultra Trail Running: On Cloudultra Pro (Men’s/Women’s)
How We Selected
Many of the On shoes below have been through our extensive testing process. That means getting each model on the feet of our team of over 300 avid runners, who then put at least 100 miles on the shoe before providing their feedback. We’ve relied on our own in-depth research and experience in the running shoe industry, personal consultation with brand representatives, and nearly a decade of lab data and tester feedback to select the best models below.
Full Reviews
Pros
- Really comfortable upper
- Really solid footing even on tricky surfaces
- Great combination of cushioning and snappy return
Cons
- A bit stiff in the beginning
| Weight | 10.4 oz (M), 8.5 oz (W) |
| Drop | 35 mm |
On has put in serious work on the upper this time around, and the fit on the Cloudmonster 3 versus the 2 is noticeably more dialed-in, hugging the midfoot without that sloppy, I-might-lose-this-shoe feeling you’d get midrun. The engineered mesh breathes well and moves with—instead of against—your foot.
Fair warning, though, out of the box, the ride is a bit stiff, but give it a couple of runs, and you can sink into it like your favorite hoodie you definitely did not steal from your husband.
Once you’re about 15 miles deep, the CloudTec cushioning opens up and the signature CloudTec pods really carry you, giving you an energetic feel and a snappy return. What surprised me the most was how stable the shoe felt in spite of its impressive stack height. Thanks to the relative firmness of the cushioning, I felt surefooted and stable even on uneven surfaces like gravel and rocky terrain.
Shop Men’s at on.com|Shop Women’s at on.com|On Cloudmonster 3 review
Pros
- Upgraded tongue
- Great for daily miles
Cons
- May be firmer than you like
Key Specs
| Weight | 9.2 oz (M) 7.9 oz (W) |
| Drop | 9 mm |
At $160, the On Cloudsurfer 2 lands right in the sweet spot of On’s lineup—priced well for a brand that often hits past $170 or $180, and a good value pick if you want On quality without stretching to the top of their usual range. So what does that money get you? A firm ride, first and foremost. This is noticeably firmer than the softer original, so if you’re chasing a super responsive, bouncy daily trainer, this likely isn’t the one to win you over.
Explosive energy return has never been On’s calling card. But that firmness is the whole point. It’s solid, consistent, and thanks to the chunked-up outsole rubber, it’s built to ride those miles. If durability and a dependable, no-drama ride are what you want, the Cloudsurfer 2 has it.
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Pros
- Natural ride
- Upper sock keeps you locked in
- Breathable
Cons
- Not waterproof
| Weight | 7.9 oz (M), 8.7 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
What you’ll notice first with the Cloudsoma is the adaptive grip that the sole of the shoe provides. It’s built to tackle different surfaces with ease. This is thanks to the combination of the Missiongrip outsole, the Helion foam, and the CloudTec Connect cushioning system that allows your foot to flex onto surfaces while still being protected.
The upper is cool and breathable, but that also means it’s not waterproof, so beware of rainy days. However, that also means that on hot days, this shoe will be your ride or die, and that ride is comfortable and easy, because this shoe moves more naturally than any other runner in its lineup.
The upper sock keeps you locked-in and dirt out, and the tuned-in midfoot keeps your whole foot stable even on steep inclines where you’d normally start to shift and slide.
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Pros
- Great for heels strikers
- Cool, locked-in upper
- Great lacing system
Cons
- Not super responsive
| Weight | 9.8 oz (M) 8.8 oz (W) |
| Drop | 10 mm |
If you’re a heel striker looking for protection and comfort on daily runs, the Cloudswift 4 will keep those heel pads from getting wrecked. With a roughly 10mm drop and a 32.7mm heel stack, the geometry naturally favors a rearfoot landing, giving you a smoother heel-to-toe transition. The dual-density Helion midsole layers a softer foam up top for impact absorption over a firmer base for stability, and the newly shortened three-quarter Speedboard plate adds a stable, speedy feel for heel and midfoot strikers.
That said, a couple of caveats. The foam runs firm by 2026 standards, so “cloud-like” oversells it, while it’s great for mid distance, long haul runners may want more cushion. The engineered-mesh sock upper is breathable and comfortable, though the toebox is on the narrow side.
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On Cloudultra Pro
Pros
- Fast and comfortable even at high mileage
- Very breathable
- No foot or leg fatigue even on long runs
- Great grip and traction
Cons
- Not for sandy trails
| Weight | 9.2 oz (M) 7.8 oz (W) |
| Drop | 6 mm |
Both Dengate and I agree that this is a helluva shoe. As an ultrarunner, particularly an ultra trail runner, what I wear when I am hitting 50, 75, 100 miles in the backwoods is critical, and these are my new go-tos for those races.
They have plenty of cushioning, and it’s not quite firm, and not super plush, but Goldilocks-level cushioning that helps you deal with the percussive nature of long hauls over rocky terrain while giving you enough spring to keep up your forward momentum. That reinforced fiberglass speedboard really does help you power through, helping you at mile “I paid for this.”
Like the Cloudsoma, it has Helion, CloudTec, and Missiongrip, just more of it, and the 3.5 lugs on the bottom of the Cloudultra Pros can comfortably go between the road and the trail, which is another reason it is so fantastic for ultra running.
The grip is impressive, even on muddy, slippery surfaces, and the upper is extremely breathable and comfortable. However, the mesh is so breathable that sand gets right inside, so save these from marsh trails.
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What to Consider
Q&A
Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides. Passionate about women’s health and neurodivergent inclusion, she advocates for closing research gaps and helping others—especially AudHD people—find joy in running and fitness.
Amanda Furrer, Editor, Running Reviews, studied journalism at NYU and writing at Emerson College. She has reviewed gear and covered other topics in the running space for almost 10 years. Since 2013, she has consecutively run the Boston Marathon. She also has a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and was formerly a professional baker for two years before hanging up her apron.
