Top 5 Best On Running Shoes

We have compared dozens of models to identify the best sneakers at different price points.

On is a very recent addition to the running community. Although they only began making running shoes in 2010, they have subsequently developed into a well-known brand. Running shoes from On have what it takes to compete with well-known brands like Adidas and Nike, whether they are designed for the road or the trail.

To assist all runners in selecting the finest model for their needs, we have thoroughly tested several On models in several categories. We collect information at our in-house shoe testing lab that confirms our selection of the shoes on this list.

• On running shoes with the best cushioning: On Cloudmonster Hyper
• Best On shoes for race running: On Cloudboom Echo 3
• Best On running shoes for tempo workouts: On Cloudflow 4
• Best daily trainer On running shoes: On Cloudswift 3
• Best On running shoes overall: On Cloudsurfer 7

Over Top Picks:

On running shoes with the best cushioning

1. On Cloudmonster Hyper

In addition to prioritizing comfort, On’s cutting-edge Cloudmonster Hyper provides a solid and dynamic ride that is suitable for a variety of runs and runners. This innovative supertrainer raises the bar for performance footwear by fusing the agility and support of a daily trainer with the pace of a racer. We can declare with confidence that Cloudmonster Hyper is the best-cushioned running shoe available thanks to extensive testing both in the lab and on the streets.

With an outstanding midsole measuring 39.7/33.0 mm, the Cloudmonster Hyper significantly outperforms our lab average by 6.1/8.0 mm. With a softer 21.3 HA top layer for comfort and propulsion and a harder 28.8 HA foam in the heel for stability, its dual-foam design provides a bouncy and forgiving ride. The softer feel underfoot is enhanced by the CloudTec’s compression and bounce.

There was more energy in our toe-offs. For added flexibility, this On shoe surprisingly omits the Speedboard plate. Its adaptability is demonstrated by our bend test, which shows that material is 20.3% more bendable than usual.

Our landings felt controlled and steady despite their height. Its 4/5 torsional stiffness grade in our manual examination demonstrated how well it withstood twisting, aside from the midsole sidewalls that support our feet. It seemed unfathomable that we might unintentionally twist our ankles while running.

However, due to its poor breathability, the shoe is prone to hotspots (3/5). Warmer conditions require more ventilation for runners.

On running shoes with the best cushioning: Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.

Best On shoes for race running

2. On Cloudboom Echo 3

With its tremendous speed, the Cloudboom Echo 3 is a worthy contender for On’s top racer title. As our streets witnessed, its distinctive rockered design, sensitive cushioning, and snappy rigid plate allowed us to soar through the distances. It is a high-performance shoe that can compete with other supershoes in the market, as demonstrated by our lab results.

The strong and curved carbon plate encased in the bouncy Pebax foam provides the unquestionable energy return. The midsole showed remarkable rigidity during our flex test, needing 65.0% more effort than usual to bend to 90 degrees. Our strides were easily spurred ahead by the rocker design and the newest Helion HF foam, which is renowned for its unmatched reactivity.

This racer prioritizes speed over comfort. Our durometer indicates that its foam has a pleasingly firm feel at a balanced 23.5 HA. The towering 38.6/28.4 mm stack is designed to reduce the stress of repeated landings and prevent leg fatigue.

The tight yet incredibly breathable upper further improves our experience and is essential for preventing uncomfortable blisters and hot areas. Its excellent breathability rating can be explained by the outstanding ventilation seen in our light test, which extends from the toebox to the midfoot areas.

Unfortunately, because this pair runs incredibly narrow (107.0/78.1 mm) compared to the average (113.5/90.3 mm), we are unable to suggest it to runners with medium to wide feet.

Best On shoes for race running: Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.

Best On running shoes for tempo workouts

3. On Cloudflow 4

With a midsole that achieves the ideal ratio of firmness, flexibility, and responsiveness, the Cloudflow 4 flawlessly blends breathability and protection in its upper. Among lab-tested running shoes, its airiness easily increased our tempo workouts, making it our best speed trainer.

The Cloudflow 4 weights 8.6 oz (245g), which is less than the 9.6 oz (273g) lab average for on-road running shoes. The thin top, which permits ventilation even in the absence of huge holes, adds to its airiness. Because of its configuration, it is both long-lasting (3/5) and breathable (4/5). Even during lengthy runs, this trainer’s Speedboard plate provides a nice energy return while preserving our form and stability. It is 24.9% more malleable than average, requiring only 22.0N of force to bend to 90 degrees in our flex test. This encourages a supple ride, demonstrating that responsive shoes don’t have to be extremely stiff.

Cloudflow 4’s two Helion foams provide a steady and encouraging ride. According to our durometer, the upper layer is even denser at 33.0 HA, while the bottom layer is firm at 28.3 HA. We experienced this during our runs through increased ground feel, confident strides, and our feet doing the work—the latter of which is beneficial for building muscle.

Due to its form-fitting upper and midsole that is 3.5 mm narrower in the forefoot, we do not advise this shoe for people with wide feet.

Best On running shoes for tempo workouts: Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.

Best daily trainer On running shoes

4. On Cloudswift 3

Our extensive lab testing and outdoor runs verified that the On Cloudswift 3 is a fantastic all-arounder that looks as beautiful as it performs. It is the greatest daily trainer in the On range thanks to its excellent durability, premium upper, and smooth and lively ride.

The springiness we experienced during faster-paced workouts can be explained by the structure and stiffness provided by a TPU plate (speedboard) placed in the midsole foam. The shoe’s 9.7 mm heel-to-toe drop, active midsole foam, and rocker design all work in unison to enhance responsiveness. As it turned out, the smooth forward roll just increased our enjoyment of accruing more kilometers.

Comfortable strides are ensured by the visible cushioning around the ankle, heel, and tongue area. Additionally, our smoke test revealed that the Cloudswift 3 has outstanding breathability (4/5). Even on long runs in the heat, our feet were cool and sweat-free.

We tested the shoe’s toebox using the standardized Dremel test (3.4N / 4 seconds) to determine its durability, and the outcomes were outstanding. When other shoes caused holes in the Dremel test, the shoe held up well. Even after several double-digit runs, there were no obvious indications of early deterioration to the outsole. We further confirmed the outsole’s durability by using a HA durometer, which showed that it was 6.9% stiffer than usual.

On the road, the Cloudswift 3 is quick, but it also tops the scales quickly. Compared to the average of 265 g (9.3 oz), the shoe weighs 309 g (10.9 oz), which is an extremely heavy weight. Runners who seek lighter shoes might look at different possibilities.

Best daily trainers on running shoes: Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart.

Best On running shoes overall

5. On Cloudsurfer 7

With Cloudsurfer 7’s supple nature, bouncy toe-offs, and gentle landings, we breezed through our runs. Our test results show that it is our best on-running shoe because it has the ideal balance of high stack, delicious foam, and light weight. We keep returning because of its great energy return and superior impact absorption.

The Surfer 7’s 36.3/21.7 mm stack of incredibly soft and bouncy foam lives up to the brand’s cloud-like hallmark. The cushion’s plushness can be explained by its low 20.4 HA durometer reading. Despite its cushioning, it’s still 1.0 oz (28g) lighter than the typical running shoe, which is amazing.

The firm speedboard that other On models have is not necessary for the Cloudsurfer 7 to be swift. This is made possible by its rockered geometry and high 14.6 mm drop, which provide a smooth forward-rolling ride with rapid and effective rotation.

Its unopposing midsole made our runs seem energizing and manageable. With a flex test score of 57.2% over average, it’s among the most flexible sneakers we tested. This element promotes mobility and a comfortable ride.

Cloudsurfer 7’s emphasis on comfort comes at the expense of pronators’ stability. More supportive shoes are ideal for people who require more direction.

Best On running shoes overall:Amazon, Best Buy, or Wallmart.

How to choose On running shoes

The distinctive midsole of the shoes, which has holes in it, and their name, which always begins with “Cloud,” make them instantly identifiable. They are not interchangeable with other brands.

However, how can you choose which one is best for you?

Let’s examine the terrain type, your pace, distance, pronation, foot strike, and foot width in order to provide an answer to that query.

Trail or Road? Where do you run?

The majority of On’s footwear is designed for road running, however several models are also suitable for trail running.

If you primarily run on asphalt, tarmac, or track, get a road running shoe. For short runs, On offers a road running shoe called the Cloudswift.

As long as they have a sturdy and sticky outsole, like the Cloudmonster, several shoes of this type can also tackle gravel.