Founded in 2010, On is a relatively young Swiss running brand that quickly carved out a distinct identity in the market. Its shoes became known for CloudTec, a distinctive midsole design made up of Swiss-cheese-like holes in the foam that compress on landing, then firm up to create a more structured toe-off. That design still gives many On shoes a very distinct look and ride, and the brand often prioritizes a stable, controlled feel over the softer, bouncier tuning many modern rivals chase.
Today, the lineup is much more extensive than it once was, ranging from support trainers to top-end racing models, but we can help narrow down the options to find the best ones for your needs.
We've tested over 190 running shoes, and below are our recommendations for the best On running shoes.
Updates
- 04/22/2026On Cloudrunner 3 reviewed
- 04/17/2026On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper reviewed
- 01/27/2026On Cloudrunner 2 reviewed
- 01/07/2026On Cloudboom Max reviewed
- 12/16/2025On Cloudsurfer Max reviewed
We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
-
Best On Running Shoes
Marathon Racing8.45K/10K Racing7.8Responsiveness7.6Cushioning8.5Lateral Stability6.9True To Size9.8Weight:207.2 g (7.31 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:4.0 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:Carbon FiberThe best On running shoes we've tested are the On Cloudboom Strike. Their combination of very low weight, exceptional forefoot cushioning, and efficient geometry makes them especially well-suited to the marathon. They also work well for shorter races, interval sessions, and steady long runs when you want a fast, protective shoe. This model stands out among super shoes for its cushioning, which keeps absorbing impact better than many rivals as the miles add up, and its lower-drop geometry, which makes the ride feel smooth and rolling. That said, it isn't built for easy cruising, so it's more of a weapon to lace up on days you want to feel fast than an everyday companion for your recovery jogs.
-
Best Upper-Mid Range On Running Shoes
Marathon Racing7.05K/10K Racing5.3Energy Return6.5Cushioning8.8Lateral Stability6.8True To Size9.7Weight:264.2 g (9.32 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:8.0 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is a premium unplated trainer built for daily miles and easy long runs, with a PEBA-based top layer that adds some bounce and especially strong cushioning that stays comfortable deep into longer runs. Unlike many max-cushion shoes, it also feels fairly stable and controlled for its height, thanks to its broad platform and firmer bottom layer. It isn't nearly as light, responsive, or efficient as the On Cloudboom Strike, so it makes a lot less sense for going hard, but it's the more practical choice for runners who want a protective shoe they can use regularly for training.
-
Best Mid-Range On Running Shoes
Marathon Racing5.15K/10K Racing4.9Energy Return0.7Cushioning7.0Lateral Stability7.8True To Size9.7Weight:295.1 g (10.41 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:6.4 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:NoneThe best mid-range On running shoe we've tested is the On Cloudsurfer Max. It's a comfort-focused daily trainer that works best for easy runs and everyday mileage, with a smooth, controlled ride that feels very confidence-inspiring and relatively protective. Compared with the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, it gives up a lot of bounce and cushioning. However, it still delivers a stable, predictable experience that makes sense if you want something simpler and more approachable for regular training.
If you want a more performance-oriented alternative and manage to find it discounted, the On Cloudboom Zone is also worth a look. It's an older uptempo trainer that works best for interval sessions and faster workouts, with a lighter, firmer, more direct ride, but it's much less suited for easy miles than the Cloudsurfer Max. It uses the same Helion HF PEBA-based midsole as the On Cloudboom Strike, but without a carbon plate, so while you can still pick up the pace in it for workouts, it feels more demanding and less propulsive than a true super shoe.
-
Best Budget On Running Shoes
Marathon Racing5.95K/10K Racing5.8Energy Return2.0Cushioning7.3Lateral Stability7.6True To Size9.4Weight:295.8 g (10.43 oz)Heel-To-Toe Drop:7.5 mmSee all our test resultsPlate:PlasticThe On Cloudmonster 2 is a high-stack daily trainer that works well for regular mileage, especially if you want a stable, protective ride without spending as much as On's premium options. Now that the On Cloudmonster 3 has been released, the second-generation shoe is easier to find at a discount, which makes it a more appealing value pick in the brand's lineup. Its plastic Speedboard adds more structure and stability than real propulsion, which suits easy runs better than faster sessions. Compared with the more refined On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, you give up a lot of liveliness, and it also feels noticeably heavier. Still, it makes sense if you want a trainer that feels stable and dependable for daily mileage.
Compared To Other Brands
-
Recognizable, modern design.
On shoes often pair stylish, modern colorways with an instantly recognizable visual identity, thanks to the CloudTec pods, which make them stand out much more than most traditional running shoes.
-
Consistent, accommodating fit.
On running shoes generally offer a reliable fit, with proper length, a toe box that gives most runners enough room, and secure lockdown that still feels fairly accommodating overall.
-
CloudTec isn't so cloud-like after all.
While On markets the hollow CloudTec pods as cloud-like, in practice, having less foam underfoot means there's simply less material to absorb impact. It can feel quite plush at first under lighter forces, but once the small holes are fully compressed, the midsole tends to firm up quickly and can even bottom out. At least, the higher-end models that don't feature the full hollow CloudTec design generally don't have the same behavior.
-
Lacks truly lively midsoles.
On's midsoles often feel quite dull, so the brand still lacks the kind of fun, bouncy shoes many runners now expect. Even its premium models with Helion HF don't feel especially propulsive compared with the top performance options from other brands, which makes the lineup feel less cutting-edge overall.
-
Premium pricing without premium performance.
On shoes often carry elevated prices that reflect the brand's Swiss image and fashionable appeal, but the performance doesn't always justify the price. In many cases, you're paying more for the branding and design than for top-notch engineering.
On vs HOKA
On and HOKA are two relatively recent running brands that rose to prominence in very different ways, with HOKA building its identity around high stacks of cushioning and On around its distinctive CloudTec design. HOKA generally feels softer and more protective at step-in, while On tends to feel firmer, more structured, and more controlled through the stride. HOKA also offers greater depth and variety in the performance side of its lineup. That said, that gap isn't as big for HOKA's more basic trainers, as some tend to lose that plush feel over longer runs and can start to bottom out as well, making them feel closer to some On models than the initial impression suggests.
On vs Nike
Nike and On appeal to very different runners. Nike has a much broader lineup, with stronger options at both ends of the spectrum, from highly cushioned models like the Nike Vomero Plus to industry-leading racing shoes like the Nike Alphafly 3. Its best shoes also tend to feel bouncier, so Nike generally feels more modern if you want either true race-day performance or a genuinely lively daily trainer. On, by contrast, built its identity around CloudTec pods, which gives the brand a much more distinctive visual language and usually produces a firm but stable ride. On's lineup is also more hit-or-miss. There is plenty of hype around each new release, but in practice, some models are outstanding (like the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper) while others end up feeling underwhelming (such as the On Cloudboom Max).
On occupies a somewhat unusual place in the running market, blending genuine performance ambition with a strong visual identity. It’s one of the few brands whose shoes would be instantly recognizable even if the logo was covered, due to their distinctive midsole design. In recent years, the brand has pushed harder into the performance side with developments like its robot-made LightSpray spray-on upper and a growing presence among top-sponsored runners and triathletes, but that ambition isn't evenly matched across the lineup. The best On models show that the brand can make genuinely compelling shoes when it leans into more modern constructions and premium foams, while several of its more standard trainers still feel closer to fashionable walking shoes than true standout performance products. Overall, On makes the most sense if you value sleek design and a ride that's on the firmer end, but other brands generally offer better value and place more emphasis on performance than marketing.
Conclusion
On has grown into a much broader running brand than it once was, with a lineup that now spans everything from everyday trainers to marathon-focused options. Its shoes still stand out most for their distinctive design language and structured ride feel, but the lineup remains less complete and less consistently high-performing than some of its top rivals. If there's a specific On model you'd like us to test, you can vote for it to help decide what we buy next. To learn more about each model, check our full list of the best On running shoes in the table below.