On is a relatively young Swiss running brand that quickly built a distinct identity around CloudTec, its recognizable midsole design with hollow sections through the foam. Their shoes have traditionally favored a firmer, more controlled feel than many competing brands, with an emphasis on stability and smooth transitions rather than maximum softness or bounce. On has since expanded into a broad road-running lineup, with everything from supportive everyday shoes to highly cushioned trainers and dedicated racing models. One thing that sets the brand apart, though, is price: On doesn't really compete at the budget end of the market, and most of its shoes sit in the mid-range to premium price points.
We've bought and tested over 15 models from the brand, and below are our recommendations to help you find the best On running shoes for your needs.
Updates
- 08/26/2026 On Cloudrunner 3 Max reviewed
- 08/07/2026 On Cloudboom Strike 2 reviewed
- 06/23/2026 On Cloudboom Volt updated
- 05/07/2026 On Cloudmonster 3 reviewed
- 04/22/2026 On Cloudrunner 3 reviewed
We've bought and tested more than 300 running shoes. Every pair purchased with our own money, never supplied or sponsored by brands. Our data-driven tests are designed to go beyond marketing claims, and since every shoe goes through the exact same methodology, you can directly compare results to find the right pair for your needs.
-
Best On Running Shoes
Half/Full Marathon Racing7.55K/10K Racing6.6Long Run7.9Daily Training8.1Energy Return6.5Stability7.4Cushioning8.8True To Size9.7Weight:264.2 g (9.32 oz)See all our test resultsHeel Stack Height:45.2 mmIf you want the best On running shoe to handle most of your weekly miles, the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is our top pick. If you're looking for a dedicated racing shoe, or you've been told by a qualified medical professional that your ankles roll inward when you run and you need extra support, our picks further down the page will be a better fit. Otherwise, this is an excellent all-rounder. Its huge stack of soft cushioning protects your legs amazingly well from road impact, whether you're heading out for an easy run or spending a couple of hours on your feet. It's also very smooth through stride, helping you settle into a rhythm as you run. The broad base keeps the shoe decently stable despite all that foam, too, and you don't have to put up with the bulk or instability that often comes with such a tall shoe, as it's surprisingly light for its size.
That said, though it returns a reasonable amount of energy, it's not a speedy shoe by any stretch and can be tiring to run in when you pick up the pace. The toe box is fairly shallow, and there are no wide sizes, so runners who need more room above the toes or across the foot may find it too tight or notice some rubbing. There aren't many colorways, either, but there is a LightSpray version with On's performance-focused upper, though it's considerably more expensive, and our test results only apply to the standard version.
-
Best Upper Mid-Range On Running Shoes
Half/Full Marathon Racing6.35K/10K Racing5.8Long Run7.3Daily Training6.8Energy Return1.4Stability8.3Cushioning8.0True To Size9.7Weight:296.6 g (10.46 oz)See all our test resultsHeel Stack Height:40.1 mmIf you still want a deeply cushioned On shoe for weekly running but don't want to spend as much as our top pick, the On Cloudmonster 3 is the next best option. You give up some of the plushness and protection of the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, especially over longer runs, and the plated platform is much firmer, but the cushioning still does an impressive job keeping your legs comfortable for regular miles. It's also significantly more stable and not as tall, so you get a more trustworthy, planted shoe, especially if you don't like extremely tall shoes. The ride is quite smooth, too.
That said, it's still a max-cushion trainer and is considerably heavier than our top pick, returning far less energy, so each stride takes more effort, and the shoe gets very tiring if you try to run quicker than easy paces. It's also not great at protecting your legs beyond 10 km, so you'll feel much more of the road as the miles build. Though it's often on sale, it's not cheap at full retail either. The toe box is even shallower than on the pick above, and there are no wide sizes, though there are plenty of colorways.
-
Best On Running Shoes For Stability
Half/Full Marathon Racing5.45K/10K Racing5.1Long Run7.0Daily Training7.5Energy Return1.4Stability8.4Cushioning7.3True To Size9.6Weight:344.3 g (12.14 oz)See all our test resultsHeel Stack Height:44.8 mmIf you've been told by a qualified medical professional that your ankles roll inward when you run and you need extra support, the On Cloudrunner 3 Max is the best stability shoe we've tested from the brand. It uses built-in support elements and a very firm platform to keep your foot centered through each stride, while the broad heel and forefoot give you a reliable base to land and push off from. It's much less assistive and energetic than our top pick, the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, and it's also the heaviest shoe on this list. It does an awful job of returning the energy you put into it, so you'll feel it struggle when you try to run quick. Though it can handle long runs decently, the cushioning is less forgiving the longer you go, and much like our upper mid-range pick, the On Cloudmonster 3, you'll feel it in your legs. It's also not the pick if you don't like being so high off the ground or a very firm platform. The toe box sits fairly low too, and there are no wide sizes, so runners with taller toes or wider feet may find it restrictive.
That said, it's still a good option for easy daily miles, and the cushioning does a satisfactory job of keeping your legs protected from impact overall. Heavier runners who land on the heel will find it very protective, in fact. It also rolls you decently through stride, so it doesn't feel as awkward as you might think. There are several colorways, including an all-black option if you want to use it for walking or everyday wear too. Like a lot of On shoes, though, it isn't cheap for the performance you get, so if you want to compare options at different prices, check out our top picks for the best stability running shoes.
-
Best Cushioned On For Experienced Racers
Half/Full Marathon Racing8.25K/10K Racing7.2Long Run7.3Daily Training5.9Energy Return8.7Stability4.7Cushioning8.8True To Size9.7Weight:199.6 g (7.04 oz)See all our test resultsHeel Stack Height:40.1 mmIf you're chasing a marathon time under 3.5 hours, the On Cloudboom Strike 2 is the best racing shoe we've tested from the brand. If you're aiming for a slower finish and want something more forgiving, though, our pick below will be a better fit. For faster runners, the Strike 2 is the shoe to get. It's exceptionally light and springy, and returns an amazing amount of the energy you put into it, helping you hold race pace very efficiently. Its stiff carbon-plated forefoot also gives you plenty of leverage through toe-off, so once you're moving quickly, the shoe does a great job of keeping your legs turning over. The cushioning is excellent too, providing a plush, protective platform that holds up excellently over the course of a marathon. It's also not particularly aggressive for a super shoe and has a very accommodating fit, especially for a racer, though there are no wide options.
That said, it's not suitable for relaxed weekly miles like our top pick, the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, and if you're spending longer than the time above on your feet, you may find it too chaotic. The heel is very narrow, and the platform is extremely soft, so it's very unstable if you land farther back or when your form starts to break down late in the race. It's also not the smoothest shoe through the whole stride, relying more on its low weight and springy cushioning to keep you moving quickly. There are a few colorways, and like our top pick, it also comes in a LightSpray version. It's more expensive, though, and our results only apply to the standard model. For other marathon options outside of the brand, check out our picks for the best marathon running shoes.
-
Best On Running Shoes For Most Racers
Half/Full Marathon Racing7.85K/10K Racing7.2Long Run7.2Daily Training6.3Energy Return8.1Stability6.3Cushioning8.4True To Size9.3Weight:209.1 g (7.38 oz)See all our test resultsHeel Stack Height:38.6 mmIf your main goal is to finish a marathon rather than chase a time under 3.5 hours, the On Cloudboom Volt is the better choice than our racing pick above, the On Cloudboom Strike 2. It's more approachable than the Strike 2, with a firmer platform that gives you more room for error, especially when you're going to be spending longer on your feet. It's still a lightweight carbon-plated racer, though, and returns a great amount of energy, so you get plenty of help holding your pace efficiently over the distance. It's also significantly lighter and much lower to the ground than our top pick, the On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, so it's much easier to run faster in. The cushioning is still great overall too and holds up decently over the marathon distance, even if it doesn't protect your legs on extended efforts quite as well as those shoes.
That said, it's still a racing shoe, so while its stability is acceptable, don't expect it to feel as secure as the other picks above. After all, it's not a shoe to take out on your weekly miles. There are no wide sizes, and the arch runs a little snug, so runners with wider feet may find the fit a bit restrictive. The color selection isn't huge either, though some colorways are often discounted, making it one of the rarer On shoes where you can find a good-value way in. It's also a good option if you're looking to buy your first carbon-plated racer.
Compared To Other Brands
-
Inherently stable and accommodating fit.
On shoes tend to fit reliably across the lineup, with good length and enough room through the front for most runners. They also hold the foot securely without usually feeling restrictive. Many models are inherently stable too, which makes them reliable to run in and a fairly easy brand to shop if you've struggled with awkward fit or unstable shoes in the past.
-
Innovative racing technology.
On is very competitive at the top end of its lineup, and its best racing shoes can compete with some of the fastest options from other brands. The brand also experiments with how those shoes are made. Its LightSpray technology uses a robot to spray the upper directly onto the shoe, removing traditional stitching and cutting weight to squeeze as much performance as possible out of its racing shoes.
-
Cushioning can firm up quickly.
The hollow sections in many On midsoles can feel quite plush under lighter forces, but once they're fully compressed, the shoe firms up quickly and loses some of its protection, so they don't tend to stay plush for long. This is especially noticeable on longer runs or for heavier runners, since your legs will start feeling more of the road as the miles add up. That said, the higher-end models that use less of the traditional hollow CloudTec design don't tend to have the same problem.
-
Non-performance models are expensive for what they deliver.
Much of On's regular road lineup doesn't offer the same energy return or responsiveness as similarly priced shoes from other brands, and many models are also quite heavy. Since On rarely competes at the budget end of the market, some of its everyday shoes can be hard to justify if running matters more than fashion.
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 hollow midsole design. HOKA shoes generally feel softer and more protective when you first put them on, while On models tend to feel firmer and more controlled through the stride. HOKA still has more depth across its performance lineup, but the difference is smaller in more traditional running shoes, where some HOKA models lose some of their softness over longer runs and start to feel closer to On. HOKA shoes also generally fit a bit narrower than On models.
vs Nike
Nike and On appeal to different runners. Nike has the broader lineup and still offers more choice across everything from highly cushioned shoes to top-end racing models. On lagged behind in performance for a while, but that has changed significantly. Shoes like the Cloudboom Strike 2 now compete with some of the best racing shoes on the market, while the Cloudmonster Hyper 3 offers deep cushioning and good stability without the bulk of traditional max-cushion shoes. Nike still has more depth across its road-running line-up, but On isn't as clearly behind in high-end road shoes as it once was.
On stands out for its distinctive hollow midsole design and inherently stable shoes, which tend to feel firmer than much of the market. Its road lineup now covers everything from regular running shoes to top-end racers, and the brand has made huge strides in performance in recent years. That said, some of its more traditional models are heavy, and their cushioning can firm up over longer runs, while their energy return doesn't always justify the premium price. Overall, On has one of the clearest identities in running and now has genuine performance credentials to match, but its standard road shoes can still offer less value than competing options.
Lineup
On's lineup is easier to understand once you group shoes by family rather than by individual model names. While the brand's Swiss-cheese midsoles can make many shoes look similar at first glance, each family serves a distinct purpose, from daily training to racing (and everything in between).
Support Shoes
Cloudrunner: The everyday stability trainer. A dependable daily shoe with light guidance, moderate cushioning, and a stable platform that offers a little extra support without feeling overly corrective.
Cloudflyer: The premium cushioned stability option. More protective underfoot than the Cloudrunner, with a softer ride and more guidance for runners who prefer extra comfort during daily miles.
Daily Trainers
The Surfer Line
The core daily trainers are meant for everyday mileage, with options ranging from lower-stack trainers to more cushioned long-run models.
Cloudsurfer: On's classic daily trainer. It delivers a stable, fairly firm ride with smooth rocker-assisted transitions, making it best suited to easy daily mileage rather than faster running.
Cloudsurfer Next: A less cushioned version of the Cloudsurfer. It keeps the smooth-rolling geometry but is firmer underfoot and best for runners who want more ground feel during daily miles.
Cloudsurfer Max: Advertised as On's premium max-cushion trainer, in practice, the cushioning is only satisfactory, and the midsole is dull. However, the rockered geometry smooths transitions well, so the shoe is best for runners who want a steady cruise over a plush, sink-in feel. If you're looking to prioritize comfort over everything else, check out our picks for the most comfortable running shoes.
Max Cushion
The Monster Line
On's more cushioned daily training shoes provide more protection and stack height than the Surfer models, making them better suited to long runs and higher-mileage training.
Cloudmonster: On's max-cushioned daily trainer. Despite its firm foam and trademark Swiss-cheese midsole, it offers great protection overall and is suited to runners who want a comfortable, cushioned ride for daily miles.
Cloudmonster 3 Hyper*: On's lighter, livelier take on the standard Cloudmonster. Its dual-density midsole pairs softer race-day foam up top with a firmer lower layer, giving it the most cushioned ride in On's lineup. With its tall stack and excellent long-run protection, it's best suited to long runs and high mileage.
Performance
The Boom Line
The Cloudboom family contains On's performance-focused shoes, from shorter-distance racers to full-on marathon super shoes.
Cloudboom Volt: On's shorter-distance super shoe. Built with premium race-day foam and a carbon Speedboard, it's best suited for distances up to the half-marathon.
Cloudboom Max: On's approachable marathon racer for four-hour-plus marathoners. It uses premium racing foam, a plastic Speedboard, mild rocker, and a wider-than-usual race platform to prioritize stability and protection over speed. It's especially suited to heel strikers who want a forgiving race-day shoe with plenty of rearfoot cushioning.
Cloudboom Strike*: On's flagship super shoe. Built around premium race-day foam and a carbon plate, it has amazing cushioning and suits marathon runners looking for a lightweight, highly protective racer that helps keep legs fresh over the distance.
* Also available with On's LightSpray upper, a single piece of thermoplastic filament sprayed directly by machine for an ultra-lightweight experience.
Recent Updates
-
Oct 19, 2026 at 03:40 pm:
We've overhauled the article structure to better reflect On's lineup and make the differences between each pick clearer: the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is now our top pick, as it handles the widest range of weekly mileage; the Cloudmonster 3 is our upper-mid-range pick for its performance on regular miles; the Cloudrunner 3 Max and Cloudboom Strike 2 are our best stability and marathon racing picks, respectively, after being recently released; and the Cloudboom Volt is our top pick for finishing a marathon, thanks to its approachable design.
-
Jul 16, 2026 at 04:06 pm:
We've updated this article to tweak the wording across our picks, as well as update the introduction to reflect the number of shoes we've bought and tested.
-
Jun 09, 2026 at 10:27 am:
We've updated this article with a new usage-based pick structure, replacing the pricing-based recommendations with usage-based ones. We also added a new section breaking down the shoes in On's current lineup and updated the recommendation boxes accordingly. The article now includes five main picks instead of four, with the On Cloudmonster 3 and On Cloudrunner 3 added, while the On Cloudboom Zone and On Cloudsurfer Max were removed.
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.