I've Tried Hundreds of Running Shoes. These Are the Best From On Running
Those pod-like outsoles aren't just for show. The shoes on this list are comfortable, fast, and fit great.
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Over the past decade, On has emerged as a popular contender in the race to create the best running shoes. Known for its tech-forward designs, the brand’s various lines tend to emphasize airy stacks of cushioning, lightweight materials, and quasi-futuristic looks.
After extensive testing, we named the Cloudsurfer 2 best overall, thanks to its outstanding comfort, excellent cushioning, impressively light weight, and all-around build quality. That being said, On has a range of popular shoes that are well suited to different situations, so with that in mind, here are our picks for the best On running shoes of 2025.
If you're looking for more of the best footwear on the market, check out our roundups of the best trail running shoes, best running shoes for shin splints, and best running shoes for high arches.
Related: The Best Marathon Shoes to Run Your Next PR
Best On Running Shoes at a Glance
- Best Overall On Running Shoe: Cloudsurfer 2
- Best On Running Shoe for Daily Training: Cloudstratus 3
- Best On Marathon Running Shoe: Cloudboom Strike
- Best On Max Cushion Running Shoe: Cloudeclipse
- Best On Trail Running Shoe: Cloudsurfer Trail Best Budget On Running Shoe: Cloudvista 2
Best On Running Shoes of 2025
Best Overall On Running Shoe: Cloudsurfer 2
Chris Hatler
- Weight: 9 ounces
- Heel-Toe Drop: 9mm
- Price: $160
On Cloudsurfer 2 is one of those shoes I knew was from the moment it was on my foot. The insole hugs perfectly around your sole, and the upper lockdown is excellent. Once you’re on your feet and moving you’ll appreciate the pillowy cushioning and buttery smooth transitions. It also seems to be a fairly durable shoe, which is important as On tends to be at the higher end of the price spectrum. Designed as a daily trainer, it’s good for everything from walking to shorter races.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
360-degree comfort | A bit firm |
Well cushioned | |
Locked down fit |
Best On Running Shoe for Daily Training: Cloudstratus 3
Courtesy Image
- Weight: 10.3 ounces
- Heel-Toe Drop: 6mm
- Price: $105
On has a few shoes that could work as a daily trainer, but I think Cloudstratus 3 stands out in this realm thanks to its run-everyday comfort and excellent shock absorption. The Helion superfoam midsole gobbles up impact; the tongue and upper are nicely padded and feel soft even though the lockdown is secure; and the toe box is pleasantly roomy. A nylon speedboard adds a healthy dose of propulsion, and the ride is stable underfoot. It even looks great. This is a shoe you’ll enjoy running in day after day.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Soft and stable | Could be more flexible |
Comfy upper | |
Spacious toebox |
Best On Marathon Running Shoe: Cloudboom Strike
Courtesy Image
- Weight: 7.7 ounces
- Heel-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Price: $280
While it has its flaws, Cloudboom Strike also has more than enough strengths to make it a top competitor on race day. Equipped with a marshmallowy stack, it’s comfortable through races of any duration. Its speedy carbon plate does much of the work for your stride. And the whole thing is surprisingly lightweight considering its ample cushion. The upper doesn’t lockdown as securely as it could, but it's constructed with an exceptionally breathable material, so you won’t overheat while going the distance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Explosive | Doesn't lock down foot enough |
Excellent cushioning | |
Very lightweight |
Best On Max Cushion Running Shoe: Cloudeclipse
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Heel-Toe Drop: 6mm
- Price: $180
The pillowy stack on Cloudeclipse rivals any other shoe in the max cushion category. Not only is it outstanding in its ability to nullify impact, but it’s decently stable at the same time. The lockdown is above average, and the upper is comfy and breathable. It’s surprisingly lightweight considering all that extra padding. The durability is also excellent, which is a big benefit considering its premium price.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Exceptional cushioning | Low energy return |
Decently stable | |
High durability |
Best On Trail Running Shoe: Cloudsurfer Trail
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
- Heel-Toe Drop: 7mm
- Price: $160
It should come as no surprise that the off-road version of our best overall pick would take the best trail slot. Cloudsurfer Trail delivers the comfort I love in its road sibling, then tailors it to the trail by adding improved all-terrain traction and rugged durability. It’s unusually lightweight for a trail shoe and is surprisingly nimble considering the limited ground feel allowed through its substantial cushioning. I’ve found that it also works as a great travel shoe thanks to its go-anywhere versatility.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
All-terrain traction | Lacks ground feel |
Brand-leading durability | |
Lightweight |
Best Budget On Running Shoe: Cloudvista 2
- Weight: 10.3 ounces
- Heel-Toe Drop: 5mm
- Price: $150
Budget is a relative term when it comes to On. The brand doesn’t offer much in the way of a low priced option. Cloudvista 2, however, makes for a smart budget pick, as it falls on the low end of the company’s price spectrum while delivering excellent versatility and durability.
While it’s technically a trail shoe, it’s still great on the pavement, with plenty of cushioning and smooth transitions thanks to its design. It’s also more durable than most On shoes, meaning it will last long enough to make the still rather high price worth it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Excellent versatility | Narrow toebox |
Good durability | |
Smooth transitions |
What to Look for When Choosing the Best On Running Shoes
Nick Hilden
There are a few key aspects of On shoes that you should keep in mind when determining which is best for your needs.
Cushioning
On is known for its somewhat minimalist design, stripping down the upper to reduce weight and improve breathability. But on the flip side, it is perhaps best known for its big, soft stacks of CloudTec—the hollow spaces or “clouds” in the cushioning. These range in thickness, with the fattest delivering significant shock absorption. If you’re looking to reduce impact to save your joints and boost your comfort, look for On’s more maximalist stacks.
Stability
Higher stacks can have reduced stability. While On has a reputation for decent stability throughout its lines, the tallest of its stacks can get a little mushy when cornering. If you don’t need the extra cushion and instead prioritize nimbleness, you may want to look for a shoe that compromises between the two.
Upper
On’s uppers can vary widely in factors like breathability, lockdown, and durability. Some lean into minimalist uppers to shave off the weight, which in some cases can reduce lockdown, while others offer more padding and durability, sometimes at the expense of breathability. Which is right for you depends on your personal running needs.
Versatility
One of the great things about On is that many of their lines are highly versatile. The taller stacks, however, may be unnecessary for lower-impact activities. If you expect your Ons to double as walking or hiking shoes, consider a more moderate stack that will provide a better balance between cushion and stability.
Why You Should Trust Me
I’ve been running for roughly 30 years, over the course of which I’ve run under all conditions using apparel of every variety. This firsthand experience has been essential to my work reviewing shoes for leading publications like Men’s Journal, Men’s Fitness, Runner’s World, and more. For this list I tested all of On’s most popular lines, including the newest releases, putting them through their paces under a range of running conditions.
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