On Shoes Are Everywhere Right Now—Here Are Our Favorite Pairs

There’s a reason why everyone from your dentist to your personal trainer is wearing the best On Cloud shoes—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.

But what’s the difference between the brand’s top models? To find out, we asked podiatrists which On sneakers were made for walking, running, and more, and tested some of them 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 pairs to shop now.

Our top picks

1. Best Overall: Cloudswift 4, $160
2. Best for Walking: Cloud 6, $150
3. Best for Running: Cloudflow 4, $172 $160
4. Best for Standing All Day: Cloudmonster 2, $180
5. Best for the Treadmill: Cloudsurfer 2, $160
6. Best for Gym Workouts: Cloud X 4, $150
7. Best for Strength Training: Cloudpulse, $150
8. Best for Long Distances: Cloudstratus 3, $125 $105
9. Best for Flat Feet: Cloudflyer 5, $170
10. Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Cloudrunner 2, $165
11. Best for Wide Feet: Cloudgo Wide, $85

Shop the best On Cloud shoes

Best Overall: Cloudswift 4

For a solid everyday shoe, it’s hard to beat the Cloudswift, Texas-based podiatrist Anne Sharkey, DPM, tells SELF. “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 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.

Best for Walking: Cloud 6

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 the Cloud 6, which offers comfortable cushioning in a 7.6-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. (The latest version makes this even easier, with an extra-wide opening.) But the shoes also come with a pair of traditional laces for better ankle support if you need it, Houston-based podiatrist Hira Mirza, DPM, tells SELF.

Best for Running: Cloudflow 4

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.

Best for Standing All Day: Cloudmonster 2

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 offload some pressure for those struggling with pain in the balls of their feet too.

Also key: how durable these are. I’ve had my pair for over 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 achy feet.

Best for the Treadmill: Cloudsurfer 2

For the most part, any solid daily trainer can make for a good treadmill shoe—as long as it’s firm, like the Cloudsurfer 2. “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.

The Cloudsurfer 2 has a subtle rocker bottom with a nine-millimeter heel drop (meaning it’s got that much more foam beneath the heel than the toe). These design features give you a nice, smooth stride, even when you’re running to nowhere on that tread belt. But I’d suggest saving this one for shorter runs—when the mileage really starts to add up, I’ve found that this shoe starts feeling clunkier and heavier.

Best for Gym Workouts: Cloud X 4

The Cloud X 4 can easily transition from bootcamp class to Zumba or the weight room. This shoe features airy mesh over your toes, but has a stiffer cage around the midfoot for some extra stability. Plus, the heel is snug and rigid, to keep your foot right where you want it (whether you’re doing lunges or side steps)—although there’s still plenty of padding to keep you comfy.

Best for Strength Training: Cloudpulse

For strength training, you want a firm, sturdy shoe that helps you feel grounded, like the SELF editor-approved Cloudpulse. Here, On’s Cloudtec pods are far more low-key, with just four small, narrow holes that give you a bit of bounce but mostly keep you stable on the floor.

The shoe is thicker in the midfoot than the forefoot, with a wide platform and a clip near the arch that offers lateral support for step workouts and plyometrics. So if you want to do some burpees, you’re good to go. But I’ve found that these are best for giving me great grip on the ground when I’m lifting heavy during squats or deadlifts. Also appreciated: The fun style levels-up my gym ‘fit.

Best for Long Distances: Cloudstratus 3

Feeling the road too much when your mileage creeps into the double digits? Check out the ultra-cushioned Cloudstratus 3. “[On] takes their CloudTec and puts it in two layers as opposed to one, amping up the shock absorption,” Dr. Sharkey says. “That’s going to give you comfort over the long haul.”

Meanwhile, the nylon speedboard and rocker bottom maximize your forward momentum, so even when your leg muscles start to get tired, you’ll still feel like you’re on a roll.

Best for Flat Feet: Cloudflyer 5

If you have flat feet (meaning your arches are almost or totally flush with the floor when you stand up, as SELF has previously reported), this stability shoe should be your go-to, according to the podiatrists we spoke with. “Think of the shoe as providing the stability that your own foot is not,” Dr. Sharkey says. That’s because the Cloudflyer 5 has great arch support and doesn’t bend in the middle, which means it will keep your feet stable, Dr. Mirza explains. “And the heel cup of the shoe is sturdier,” she adds.

Dr. Sharkey says the pods on the Cloudflyer are firmer than other models, but it doesn’t feel too stiff and clunky as you walk—it’s got “dual density” cushioning, which means it’s more rigid in the heel for stability and softer in the forefoot for comfort. That said, there’s not a ton of cushioning in the front, so if you deal with pain or a neuroma up there, she suggests looking for something thicker, like the Cloudrunner 2 or Cloudmonster 2.

Dr. Sharkey also notes that the wide platform comes in handy for dance cardio workouts or any training where you’re doing side-to-side movements. “It’s going to prevent those ankle rolls,” she says. (Whew.)

Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Cloudrunner 2

When you’re struggling with plantar fasciitis (or pain under your heel caused by an irritated ligament on the bottom of your foot), Dr. Schaeffer recommends looking for one major feature in your sneakers: “Arch support, arch support, arch support.” You’ll want some extra foam in the midsole to create a strong foundation under your plantar fascia. “If your arch is supported and the heel cup is appropriate, it will decrease the pressure and tension on your heel, which is where plantar fasciitis begins,” Dr. Schaeffer says. Dr. Sharkey adds that it can also help to have a higher heel-to-toe drop, so your foot sits in a less flexed position, taking pressure off the plantar fascia.

One On shoe that fits the bill is the Cloudrunner 2. It boasts a solid amount of cushioning throughout the entire sole to soften your landings. And there’s extra stability in the midsole and the heel cup to give your arch that love it needs. Plus, your heels sit a good 10 millimeters above your toes, taking stress off the Achilles tendon (so it doesn’t end up painfully tugging on your plantar fascia).

Best for Wide Feet: Cloudgo Wide

Some On models can run narrow, so if you need more wiggle room, check out the Cloudgo Wide. I’ve found that it has great cushioning for walking or tackling errands, although it can feel a bit stiff to run in. Just know that the extra width really seems to be focused in the midfoot rather than the toes (so if you’re trying to make room for, say, a bunion, these might still be too small).

Other wide options include the supportive Cloudrunner Wide and the speedy Cloudsurfer Next Wide, which is modeled off of race-day shoes.

More great options

On shoes are mostly made for road running and city living, but there are some styles that are designed to get dirty. Here are our top picks for hitting the trails.

Best for Hiking: Cloudrock Mid WP

Whether you’re looking to stay safe during some off-road adventures or just want to rock a gorp-core style, these hiking boots have you covered. They hit just above the ankle for solid support, but there’s plenty of padding (no chafing here).

I’ve taken these on day hikes with my 30-pound toddler on my back, and the fantastic grip on the soles helps me feel confident trekking up and down steep terrain. (My shaky quads, however, are another story.) Meanwhile, there’s enough foam underfoot to keep my feet feeling fresh after hours on the trails.

The waterproof exterior also does its job effectively, even when trudging through shallow creeks—though it does trap heat inside, so don’t be surprised if your feet end up a bit sweaty.

Best for Trail Running: Cloudultra 2

When your run has you heading off-road, you want something with enough grip to keep you upright. The Cloudultra 2 has deep lugs to help you jog confidently over slippery routes. “It’s a sturdier outsole to grip uneven surfaces, but with cushioning,” Dr. Sharkey says. Plus: There’s stretchy knit all around the ankle—rather than a traditional tongue—which is designed to help keep dirt out.

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.

How we chose the best On sneakers

To build this list, we spoke with multiple podiatrists who gave us their take on the On brand. We’ve also tested hundreds of sneakers as part of SELF’s Sneaker Awards (including some On shoes), so we know a thing or two about what makes a cute, comfy pair stand out from the rest.

Frequently asked questions

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