Best On Running Shoes 2023

The unique look of On running shoes makes a quick statement. The performance backs it up.

One of the main features of On’s running shoes are the Cloud elements—the rounded pods beneath each shoe. The elements make use of the characteristics of traditional foam midsole but take advantage of geometry, too.

Engineers designed these On Cloud shoes to collapse when you land and spring back into shape when you take off. The result is a cushioned landing and a responsive takeoff.

We have tried and tested different On shoes ourselves as well as fit thousands of people in different On shoes to help you figure out the best On running shoes for you.

On designs its shoes for a wide range of workouts. From shoes meant to eat up the majority of your miles to the lightweight trail running shoes, you can find the best On running shoes for any situation.

Here are our editor's picks for the 11 best On running shoes:

[This article is part of the Fleet Feet Buyer's Guide for The Best Running Shoes 2023. Find all the best running shoes from the top brands for all situations.]

Warning: Stepping into the On Cloudsurfer is so comfortable that you’ll immediately want to go for a run.

Made for comfort, this lightweight shoe is great for runners of all abilities. The brand new CloudTec® Phase midsole technology compresses each of the pods in a domino-like fashion for super-smooth runs.

The Helion™ Superfoam gives you responsiveness that puts a spring in your step, while the plush upper wraps around your foot for comfort and support. This shoe gives you enough cushion to finish your long runs comfortably, yet it’s lightweight enough to pick up the pace for speedwork and tempo runs, making it a great daily trainer.

Read more in our On Cloudsurfer review.

The shoes you wear every day need to be comfortable, cushioned and lightweight—the On Cloud 5 is all three.

The classic (and best-selling) On Cloud shoes use On’s CloudTec technology to create its unique look and feel. The company’s Zero-Gravity foam is shaped into Cloud elements—the name for the individual pods that make up the midsole—to give you soft landings.

On re-engineered the Cloud 5, giving it additional cushion in the midsole, a sleeker silhouette and an updated CloudTec configuration for a better fit and feel on your feet.

Designers also threaded quick-tie laces through the soft upper for a performance-minded fit that’s easy to slide on and off.

Read more in our On Cloud 5 review.

HIIT workout, strength training or a tempo run. The On Cloud X 3 does it all.

On designed the well-rounded Cloud X 3 to be agile and versatile. To do that, designers started with Helion foam. The lightweight foam is cushioned on landing and responsive on takeoff to give you a powerful feel.

Raised sidewalls and a refreshed upper help center your foot and give you structure, which creates security whether you’re running, jumping or changing direction. A new star lacing system and updated heel create an even better fit that is great for all sorts of workouts

With On’s signature Speedboard for a snappy ride, the On Cloud X 3 is an ideal training partner for whatever workout you have planned.

Read more in our On Cloud X 3 review.

When the training miles start to pile up, it can put a lot of wear and tear on your body. The On Cloudmonster gives you max cushioning to protect your joints and muscles during your long runs and high-mileage weeks. From an easy 5K to a big-effort 20 miler, it puts a spring in your step making it the perfect shoe to lace up when you need to energize your run.

The Cloudmonster uses On’s biggest CloudTec ever and a hefty dose of springy Helion super foam cushioning underfoot. Combined with the radical rocker shape and snappy Speedboard, these ultra-cushioned shoes give your run a playfully weird ride.

A roomy toe-box keeps your feet comfortable as they start to swell during your run and a soft sock liner wraps around your foot for a supportive fit.

Light, durable and temperature resistant, the Cloudmonster will get you the most out of your runs.

Read more in our On Cloudmonster review.

The On Cloudgo gives you a light and cushioned ride that makes it perfect for beginners. The shoe features On’s outstanding CloudTec cushioning and signature Speedboard to give you shock-absorbing performance and propulsive energy.

The Helion foam cradles your foot to give you a comfortable feel from your first step to your last. In our On Cloudgo review, one runner noted “they created a cushioned, springy running shoe with a smooth ride. It almost feels like this shoe has a slight rocker shape because of the way my feet easily rolled through each step.” The plush and premium upper is soft, wraps around your foot and accommodates many foot shapes for the perfect fit.

The On Cloudrunner adds confident stability to a lightweight, fully cushioned running shoe.

This shoe uses On’s Zero-Gravity foam in combination with their CloudTec® technology to give you a lightweight and responsive ride. The individual pods absorb shock both vertically and horizontally, while On’s signature Speedboard® propels you forward.

To create stability, designers used a wider base and cradle-like construction, making the Cloudrunnner great for people who have flexible arches, overpronate or want a little extra support. In our On Cloudrunner review, one runner stated, “the On Cloudrunner is definitely more stable than other On iterations I’ve worn. Plus, this is the first pair of Ons that have felt truly secure in the heel for me.”

The upper is plush and comfortable for a great step-in feel while also wrapping around your foot to give you plenty of structure and support. The On Cloudrunner is a great shoe for experienced marathoners and new runners alike.

The Cloudstratus 2.0 is On’s most cushioned running shoe yet. With double the Cloud elements for double the cushion, this shoe feels soft on landings and is springy enough to pick up the pace when you’re feeling fresh.

Comfort and performance jump out as two of the best features of this high cushioned running shoe. In our review of the On Cloudstratus 2.0, testers from Fleet Feet loved the bouncy ride and spacious fit thanks to a wider toe box. This makes the Cloudstratus a great option for long runs and marathon training when your feet swell a little more than usual.

Built to give you a smooth and stable ride out on the road, a snappy Speedboard that comes standard in On’s running shoes is layered between soft and responsive Helion foam cushioning, adding an extra layer of performance with each step.

The On Cloud 5 Waterproof takes the On Cloud and wraps it with a waterproof upper to keep your feet dry in all conditions.

On uses a waterproof, breathable membrane made out of 100% recycled materials to keep rain and puddles out of your shoes while still letting moisture and sweat escape. The result is a running shoe that keeps you dry from the inside and outside.

The rest of the shoe is the same as the stock Cloud: Zero-Gravity foam molded into Cloud elements cushions each step, and a molded heel gives you a secure fit. An embedded Speedboard helps transform landing impact into forward momentum, so you get a more propulsive ride.

Run on clouds when you go off-road. The On Cloudventure 3.0 continually makes our list of best trail running shoes for its responsive ride and ability to grip the trail on any terrain and in all types of weather conditions.

On’s Cloudtec cushioning reacts to your unique stride and lets you feel the trail as you glide over rocks and roots. For extra comfort on long runs and days spent out on the trail, On uses a layer of their Helion foam in the Cloudventure to soften up the ride.

After listening to feedback from athletes and trail runners, On included a split-design Speedboard to keep the Cloudventure flexible and has the added benefit of working as a protective rock plate.

Ready for any adventure, the On Cloudventure 3.0 is a do-it-all trail running shoe that can just as easily replace your hiking boots.

Light and fast, the On Cloudflow 3.0 is the best On running shoe for picking up the pace.

The Cloudflow 3.0 features On’s Cloud elements and premier Helion foam for exceptional cushioning. Working with an On Speedboard embedded in the midsole, the Cloud elements and Helion foam encourage a quick turnover and snappy ride.

Draped in a minimal engineered mesh upper, which On re-engineered to make it fit even better, the Cloudflow remains lightweight and nimble. Small details round out the shoe, like an elastic strap to corral excess laces and an outsole rubber pattern designed to grip even on wet pavement.

Built for racing, the On Cloudboom Echo will get you to the finish line in a flash.

On’s signature Speedboard is infused with carbon fiber to create speed and explosive power. On engineered the Speedboard between two layers of On’s Helion foam, so it’s comfortable enough to run 13.1 or 26.2 miles in. If you are looking for an even faster shoe to race short distances in, check out the On Cloudflash.

This shoe is lightweight thanks to the breathable single-layer mesh upper, that is made with 75% recycled polyester. On thought of everything you need to race at breakneck speeds. They reinforced sections on the toe to add stability while making turns and created more traction on the rubber outsole for better grip.

Race quicker with the On Cloudboom Echo.

The On Cloudflyer provides comfort and support for every run. It features a bigger, dual-density CloudTec® midsole and a wider platform that both provides a bit of stability and support as well as extra roominess for wider feet. Runners noticed that it has plenty of volume and wiggle room for your toes in our On Cloudflyer 4 review. Plus, it is one of the few On shoes that comes in a wide width.

Perfect for those with flexible arches or who overpronate, this shoe gives you stability in all of its details—it has an external heel counter, a star lacing pattern and a new molded sock liner. Lastly, a plush and comfortable upper wraps around your foot to give you plenty of support as you run.

How We Picked the Best On Running Shoes

We used data from our fit id® outfitting process, interviews with designers and real-life wear testing to determine the best On running shoes for most runs and the most runners.

You can shop with confidence at Fleet Feet: We offer free shipping on all orders over $99, and you have 60 days to return any gear if you don’t like the way it looks, fits or feels. Plus, with our price-match guarantee, you can make sure you never pay too much for a new pair of running shoes.

Best Running Shoe Brands

On makes some of the best running shoes in the business, but there are plenty of excellent shoes from other brands. See the best running shoe brands 2023 for more great shoes.

• Best Brooks running shoes
• Best ASICS running shoes
• Best On running shoes
• Best HOKA running shoes
• Best New Balance running shoes
• Best Nike running shoes
• Best Saucony running shoes
• Best Altra running shoes
• Best Karhu running shoes
• Best Mizuno running shoes
• Best Diadora running shoes
• Best adidas running shoes
• Best Topo Athletics running shoes