Best On Running Shoes 2024

Buyer's Guide | Fleet Feet

By Mandy Wahl, Tom Rivett, Evan Matsumoto Updated on

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 is the Cloud elements—the rounded pods beneath each shoe. On designers Swiss-engineered 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.

On designs its shoes for a wide range of workouts, activities and surfaces. From shoes built to eat up the majority of your miles to lightweight trail running shoes, you can find the best On running shoes for any situation. We've also answered some of the frequently asked questions about the brand.

At Fleet Feet through our personalized Fit Process with 3D foot scans, we fit thousands of people in On cloud shoes and more every year. We also personally test and review On shoes by running, walking, traveling and using them in the gym to help you decide which On shoe is right for you.

Here are our expert picks for the best On running shoes:

What It’s Best For

Shoe Model

Best for Everyday Training

On Cloudsurfer

Best for Everyday Activity

On Cloud 5

Best for Cross-Training

On Cloud X 3

Best for High Mileage

On Cloudmonster 2

Best for Beginners

On Cloudgo

Best for Stability

On Cloudrunner

Best for Cushioning

On Cloudstratus 3

Best for Performance in All Conditions

On Cloud 5 Waterproof

Best for Trail Running

On Cloudventure 3.0

Best for Speedwork

On Cloudflow 4

Best for Racing

On Cloudboom Echo 3

Best for Wide Feet

On Cloudflyer 4

Best for Standing All Day

On Cloudeclipse

This article is part of the Fleet Feet Buyer's Guide for The Best Running Shoes 2024. Find all the best running shoes from the top brands for all situations.

Best for Everyday Training
Women's On Cloudsurfer Thumbnail

On Cloudsurfer

Best On Running Shoes for Everyday Training

$120 - $160

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 CloudTecÂŽ 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.

Best for Everyday Activity
Women's On Cloud 5 Thumbnail

On Cloud 5

Best On Running Shoes for Everyday Activity

$105 - $140

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.

Best for Cross-training
Women's On Cloud X 3 Thumbnail

On Cloud X 3

Best On Running Shoes for Cross-training

$112.5 - $150

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.

Best for High Mileage Training
Women's On Cloudmonster 2 Thumbnail

On Cloudmonster 2

Best On Running Shoe for High Mileage Training

$180

When the training miles start to pile up, it can put a lot of wear and tear on your body. The On Cloudmonster 2 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 2 review.

Best for Beginners
Men's On Cloudgo Thumbnail

On Cloudgo

Best On Running Shoes for Beginners

$112.5 - $150

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.

Best for Stability
Men's On Cloudrunner Thumbnail

On Cloudrunner

Best On Running Shoes for Stability

$112.5 - $150

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.

Best for Cushioning
Men's On Cloudstratus 3 Thumbnail

On Cloudstratus 3

Best On Running Shoes for Cushioning

$180

The Cloudstratus 3 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. This makes the Cloudstratus a great option for long runs, marathon training or even standing on your feet all day. Runners love the soft and inviting feel, noting that "It rolls nicely and has just enough oomph for a touch of pep," in our On Cloudstratus 3 review

Built to give you a smooth and stable ride on the road, On’s snappy Speedboard is layered between soft and responsive foam cushioning for extra performance with every step.

Best Waterproof
Men's On Cloud 5 Waterproof Thumbnail

On Cloud 5 Waterproof

Best Waterproof On Running Shoes

$127.5 - $170

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.

Best for Trails
Women's On Cloudventure 3.0 Thumbnail

On Cloudventure 3.0

Best On Running Shoes for Trails

$150

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.

Best for Speedwork
Women's On Cloudflow 4.0 Thumbnail

On Cloudflow 4.0

Best On Running Shoe for Speedwork

$160

Light and fast, the On Cloudflow 4 is the best On running shoe for picking up the pace.

The Cloudflow 4 features On’s Cloud elements and premier Helion foam for exceptional cushioning. Working with a 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 redesigned to make it fit even better, the Cloudflow remains lightweight and nimble.

Best for Racing
Men's On Cloudboom Echo 3 Thumbnail

On Cloudboom Echo 3

Best On Running Shoes for Racing

$217.5 - $290

Built for racing, the On Cloudboom Echo 3 will get you to the finish line in a flash.

On used a carbon fiber SpeedboardÂŽ and aggressive rocker shape to create speed and explosive power. A brand new Pebax-based foam gives you plenty of snap as you race to the finish line.

This shoe is lightweight thanks to the thin microfiber upper. It has a race-specific fit and silicone inserts on the insole and by the laces to keep you locked in as you take turns at breakneck speeds.

Best for Wide Feet
Women's On Cloudflyer 4 Thumbnail

On Cloudflyer 4

Best On Running Shoe for Wide Feet

$127.5 - $170

The On Cloudflyer provides comfort and support for every run. It features a bigger, dual-density CloudTecÂŽ 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.

Best for Standing All Day
Women's On Cloudeclipse Thumbnail

On Cloudeclipse

Best On Running Shoe for Standing All Day

$180

Whether you are on your feet for work, you’re traveling or you just stand a lot, the On Cloudeclipse provides a ton of cushion that lets you be comfortable all day long. The double CloudTec® Phase technology combined with the partial Speedboard® acts like dominos, collapsing one by one, creating impact absorption and a rolling sensation to take you through your stride.

The luxury doesn’t stop with the cushion either: Our reviewers noted that On combines stylish aesthetics, a minimalist feel and extreme comfort to make an ideal shoe for all day wear in our On Cloudeclispe review.

On Running Shoes Technology

On Running Shoes FAQs

More of the 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 2024 for more great shoes.

How We Tested the Best Running Shoes from On

With over 250 stores in communities across the country, Fleet Feet is the largest running store in the U.S. with over four decades of experience outfitting runners with the best running shoes, apparel and gear. We focus on running and walking gear, so we can be the experts and bring you the best running and walking advice possible.

Through our personalized Fleet Feet fit id® Outfitting process with 3D foot scanning technology, we use data from over 5 million foot scans (and counting) to give us unique insights into how On’s top running shoes fit and perform on a wide variety of feet. Additionally, thanks to 100,000+ runners participating in our local running clubs and training programs each year, we can see firsthand how the newest running shoes and gear perform for all different types of runners, each with different goals in mind.

Collectively, our experienced team of Fleet Feet editors has tried, tested and fallen in love with hundreds of different running shoes from dozens of the world’s top running brands. With this knowledge, we meticulously pour over the smallest details like fit, comfort, materials, durability and weight, to decide which On running shoes are the best. From running shoe and gear reviews to workout tips and inspiration, we are your go-to source for running knowledge and motivation.

With this knowledge and expertise, we’ve tested the best On running shoes based on:

  • Purpose. Comparing apples to apples
  • Performance. How well does it do its job?
  • Real-world testing. We put them to the test on real runs
  • Price. Is it affordable? Does its performance justify its cost?
  • Sales. Best-selling models are best-sellers for a reason
  • fit idÂŽ data. Our 5 million+ foot scans show how shoes fit for different feet
  • Availability. It won’t be good for you if it’s not in stock
  • Designer interviews. We ask the people who made it

Standing Behind Our Picks

Fleet Feet knows running.

We picked the best running trainers from On based on over four decades of experience outfitting runners of all abilities, ages and sizes. If you buy gear from us and you don’t like the way it looks, fits or performs, bring it back within 60 days for a full refund.

Plus, we offer free shipping & returns on all orders over $99 on fleetfeet.com, and we’ll match a lower price from a qualifying retailer. That’s our Happy Fit Guarantee.

fit idÂŽ & Dynamic Pressure Mapping

Buying online isn’t for everyone. To try on your gear before you buy it, visit a local Fleet Feet store for an in-person fitting experience.

We fit you for running shoes through our own fit id® outfitting process. The one-on-one process uses a 3D scanner to take precise measurements of your feet. This in combination with our *Dynamic Pressure Mapping system helps our highly trained Outfitters assess your foot’s path of motion and stride as you walk so they can find the perfect shoes for you. Then, using data points for each foot and decades of experience in the industry, we help you find the right gear for your unique feet and specific needs.

Want to try it for yourself? Find a Fleet Feet location near you.

*Pressure plates are available at select Fleet Feet stores