On is a relative newcomer to the shoe scene. While the brand was founded in 2010, the shoes only started to gain popularity in the early 2020s. Now, they’ve become a staple for beginner runners, marathon runners, endurance trainers, nurses, and more. With over a dozen models to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to decide what shoe provides you with the optimal support and cushioning to fit your needs. That’s where we come in.
Here at Prevention we dedicated weeks to testing footwear, and On is no exception. After reading through reviews and consulting with our On-loving staff, we found the best On shoes for everyone, whether you’re training for a distance race or are looking for a comfortable shoe to get you through long shifts on your feet.
Keep reading to discover the best On shoes for you.
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This beloved On shoe has earned spots on a number of Prevention’s ‘best of’ lists, including best shoes for nurses, best slip-on walking shoes, and more. The style is what arguably propelled On to being one of the most sought-after athletic shoe brands with the signature CloudTec cushioning that is both lightweight and springy, while still offering plenty of shock absorption to keep you moving. We rely on this shoe for all forms of physical activity, from intense HIIT workouts and runs, to more relaxed walks.
Customer Review: “Amazing shoes, love them. Good for working on your feet for 4-5 hours and good for walking around a theme park all day!”
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 7.6 oz |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Colors | White/White, Cinder/Fog, Black/White, Raspberry/White, and more |
| Sizes | 5-12 |
Pros
- Extreme cushioning creates the softest landing possible
- These keep feet comfortable and ache-free over long distances
Cons
- The pronounced rocker design can take some time to get used to
On, overall, is known for its cloud-like soles, but the Cloudmonster maxes out on cushioning for the softest landing possible. While these are designed for both runners and walkers, Emily Goldman, Prevention’s deputy digital director, prefers wearing these for long walks and errands because of the exaggerated rocker silhouette and bouncy feel. Still, for anyone who is looking to reduce muscle fatigue while marathon training or just wants a reliable walking shoe, these are a great addition to your active footwear lineup.
Customer Review: “It was truly love at first walk! The shoes are super light and give a nice boost. I originally wore them strictly for work to break them in. I worked 16hr days on my feet and had no pain. Running in them is even better. So far I’ve only used them for short distance (3-4 mi), but love them.”
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 8.8 oz |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Colors | Black/Frost, Nimbus/Arctic, Black/Eclipse, White/Frost |
| Sizes | 5-11 |
If you’re determined to overcome achey joints to continue your running journey, On Cloudsurfers can help keep you on the right track and prevent injuries. The lightweight trainer seamlessly transfers weight from heel to toe with each step, creating a bouncy yet responsive stride, and also works to keep your feet in the ideal position to reduce pain.
Customer Review: “After fracturing 2 ribs and shoulder I was looking for shoes to help ease my pain when walking and standing. My pain was relieved instantly after walking in these shoes. I even wore them in the house. They really propel you forward and you walk faster while giving the right amount of balance so you wont feel like you are going fall. I cant wait to run in them.”
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 7.9 oz |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Colors | Dew/Dew, Black/Eclipse, White/White, Lilac/Tangerine, and more |
| Sizes | 5-12 |
On doesn’t offer many of its shoes in wide versions, but the Cloudrunner 2 is one of them. The open structure of this shoe stabilizes those with wider feet for more traction and comfort during both long distance runs and leisurely walks. Compared to other On designs, the cushioning level falls right in the middle to easily absorb the impact of each stride without feeling bulky.
Customer Review: “I’m a nurse who works 12 hr shifts, stands on my feet mostly, clocks in 10k + steps, and these shoes are amazing! No more plantar fasciitis pain and lower back pain. Easy to clean off with wipes.
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 8.1 oz |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Colors | Silver/Mauve, Eclipse/Black, Frost/White |
| Sizes | 5-11 |
Runners know that consistent training schedules can do a number on your joints. The Cloudswift 4s work to protect your body with smart details so you can reach a new PR. Along with On’s CloudTec outsole, this shoe features a Helion super-foam midsole for extra soft landings for minimal—if any—strain on your knees, hips, and back. Paired with the nylon speedboard and the slight rocker style, this shoe continuously propels you forward through the miles with ease.
Customer Review: “I’ve tried tons of tennis shoes. With no luck. I have spent so much money. I have arthritis in my ankles and on top of that I have flat foot. This shoe gives me the ultimate support around the ankle, and sides for the flat foot. They are lightweight and worth every penny.”
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 8.7 oz |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Colors | Wolf/Sand, Pearl/Mauve, White/White, Metal/Heather, and more |
| Sizes | 5-11 |
You might notice that the On Cloudzones aren’t built with the same pronounced honeycomb sole as other styles. While this one still features the same CloudTec technology, this shoe offers more stability—all without skimping on cushioning. This rubber outsole offers more traction, and the woven upper hugs your feet for a fit that feels custom made. We wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for long-distance running, but they work well for shorter runs and everyday activities.
Customer Review: “This is a sleek, stylish sneaker that has decent cushioning without the maximum sole that some On shoes have. Doesn’t turn up at the toe like the running models do. Feels light and good on the foot. Looks good with workout clothes and jeans.”
Features at a Glance
| Weight | 8 oz |
| Drop | 8 mm |
| Colors | White/White, Chalk/Pelican, Alloy/Rock, Ice/Black, and more |
| Sizes | 5-11 |
How to choose the best On shoes
- Think about your needs: When do you plan on wearing your On shoes? Are you marathon training or looking to add an everyday walker to your footwear lineup? Some On sneakers are built for intense physical activity, while others are meant to keep you moving through every day tasks. Consider when—or for what activities—you’ll be wearing the shoes to determine the best style for you.
- Look at the cushioning: All of On’s shoes are built with the signature CloudTec cushioning for softer landings, but each design is slightly different. For example, the On Cloudmonster features the thickest cushioning for extra joint protection, while the On Cloudzone’s sole is thinner for more stability. Plus, other models land somewhere in the middle for a good mix of cushion and stability.
- Take your foot type into account: Do you have high arches? Flat feet? Are you somewhere in the middle? Knowing your foot type can guide you towards finding the best shoe for your anatomy. Typically, stability shoes are ideal for those with flat feet and neutral shoes are great for those with high arches.
How we chose the best On shoes
We spent weeks researching On shoes, testing a variety of styles to select picks our team loves, as well as best sellers. We also sifted through hundreds of customer reviews to get a well-rounded picture of each shoe and ultimately put together our top recommendations.
Why trust us
For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.
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