7 Best On Running Shoes for 2018

Like other On running shoes, the Cloudracer 2 cushions impact and powers your stride with hollow Cloudtec elements in the outsole. The Cloudracer 2 is designed for race performance and interval workouts. At just 7.7 ounces in a men’s size 9, it’s also the lightest On shoe, with a firm forefoot and heel that emphasize speed.

While the other running shoe start-ups have opted for a low heel-toe drop (Hoka), even lower (Newton), and absolutely none at all (Altra), On shoes all have a more moderate drop of 6-7 mm from heel to toe. What characterizes On’s shoes instead is the differential between gentle cushioning in the heel and a firm forefoot. In a display of Swiss engineering, shoes like the Cloudster have very different cushioning profiles in front and back, with a notably soft landing in the heel and a cirm and snappy toe-off up front. Only the Cloudsurfer offers a higherdistinction between levels of front and heel cushioning than the Cloudster.

Next in our On shoes review is the Cloud, an uptempo trainer that at 7.9 ounces is just barely heavier than the Cloudracer. If you think you would prefer a moderate version of the On ride, with a softer heel and firmer forefoot, similar to the Cloudcruiser but with less contrast than the Cloudster or Cloudsurfer, the On Cloud is an attractive option for faster road running or interval workouts.

On the other hand, if you see no need to water down On’s Swiss engineering, running shoes like the Cloudsurfer might be your top choice. The heel is extremely soft, while the forefoot is exceptionally firm. If you like the On ride, theCloudsurfer is as On as it get. The approach seems to work better for runners who don’t require additional stability features in their running shoes.

The Cloudcruiser is a neutral daily trainer that rides similarly to the uptempo On Cloud, with a firm forefoot and a somewhat softer heel. Thanks to the On Swiss engineering, shoes like the Cloudcruiser let you try the On ride at moderate levels; if you decide you need something with more heel/forefoot distinction than the Cloudcruiser or Cloud, you can move up to the Cloudster, or to the Cloudsurfer for full effect.

The Cloudflow is an uptempo shoe designed for faster running like the Cloud and the Cloudracer, and the weight of all three shoes is within a fraction of an ounce of each other. On has tuned these Cloudtec running shoes so that the heel and forefoot are similarly firm, with a ride similar to the Cloudflyer, but softer and more forgiving than the Cloudracer racing shoe.

The Cloudflyer is a daily trainer with a ride like the uptempoCloudflow, with similar firmness in the forefoot and heel. The Cloudflyer adds premium cushion and just enough stability for runners who prefer support shoes, while retaining the firm, fast feel of the Cloudflow. It’s a combination that seems to be working well for On, as runners give it the top spot in ourOn running review.

Best Men's On Running Shoes 

The best-selling shoe in On's lineup, the On Cloud keeps things simple. It's fairly lightweight, weighing in at around 8 ounces, and it offers a flexible, breathable design. 
The outsole features the brand's CloudTec foam, which keeps you comfortable whether you're out for a stroll or coming in for a landing. The upper's mesh has antimicrobial properties, so your feet stay fresh, and the speed-lace system is a convenient feature for keeping feet secure.
Since these shoes are made to accommodate daily wear, they're available in a wide range of colors to match every outfit. Go for a simple black and white style or stand out with bright red. Options like clay or forest green offer a good balance of subtle but stylish. Whatever color you decide on, these cheap On running shoes feature a 6mm heel-toe drop. 


The Cloudsurfer shoes weigh around 11.6 ounces, so they're a little on the heavy side, especially compared to the standard Cloud shoes. These training shoes are built primarily for short to medium runs though, rather than just casual strolls (although they can serve that purpose as well).  
The increase in weight comes with an increase in cushioning. Two layers of EVA foam in the midsole offer protection from hard landings and promote responsive movement. The Speedboard layer gives you an extra boost of energy during your initial push off. While the overall shoe is fairly heavy, the upper uses breathable mesh, and the padding on the tongue is thin.  
Men's Cloudsurfer shoes are available in cool colors like green and blue and have a 6mm heel-toe drop. 


The first two shoes are for men who only need neutral footwear. But what if you want a pair of shoes that help promote stability? On's Cloudace shoes might be the solution. Whether you're recovering from an injury or planning to tackle a 10K or half marathon, Cloudace shoes have stabilizing elements that keep you safe and in motion. They're also great for heavier runners.
Part of the shoe's supportive strength comes from the liquid-injected Speedboard feature that's attached to the outsole. It guides your gait in a way that reduces overpronation. By correcting this habit, the Cloudace's Speedboard helps you avoid potential injury and pain during hard runs. 
In addition to the Speedboard, Cloudace footwear also uses features such as adaptive memory foam in the sockliner and a 3D-molded heel to keep you comfortable. The upper relies on engineered mesh, which isn't quite as breathable as the uppers found in other shoes, but it does add support to the overall structure.
The shoes weigh about 11.8 ounces and have a 7mm heel-toe drop. They're available in cool and subdued colors such as a navy, shadow, and stone.


While options like the Cloudsurfer and Cloudace can feel heavy, this next shoe is one of the lightest On running shoes for men. The 7.4-ounce Cloudflash is a racing shoe that can help you complete your next 5k or 10k race with ease. A 5mm heel-toe drop keeps your feet closer to the ground than any of the other shoes on this list. 
The shoe's design aims for minimalism. After all, too many bells and whistles will only slow you down. The Speedboard technology is here to provide flexibility and comfort, and the Cloudtec Elements in the midsole ensure a springy ride. The upper has Nano-mesh technology to keep the shoe breathable. The exoskeleton helps maintain the shoe's structure without adding on too much weight.
You want to look good as you're zipping down the track at high speeds. The Cloudflash's eye-popping design makes that possible. It's hard to ignore the neon and white colors on the shoe's sleek shape.


You're done with road running and looking to mix things up by tackling a trail? You'll need to rely on a more robust shoe in On's lineup – the Cloudventure. The shoe's Missiongrip outsole helps you maintain traction on uneven terrain. It's also durable enough to handle frequent runs through the wilderness. The midsole has plush, full-length foam, so your feet will feel comfortable but not stiff.
The Cloudventure's upper is designed to stand up to the elements. The two-layer mesh is breathable and light, but it also manages to be water-resistant. Whether you decide on a cool green color or a brighter orange, the shoe has reflective strips that help keep you visible and safe in dim conditions. 
The shoe weighs around 10 ounces and has a 6mm heel-toe drop.


The Cloud X has a mysterious name. What's it hiding? Versatility. This On shoe is ideal for mixed-sports training and quick runs, so it's a good go-to shoe when you have an eclectic workout routine.
 The shoe's CloudTec sole and Speedboard technology help you achieve comfortable and natural movement. The upper's knit-weave engineered mesh is strong yet breathable, supportive yet non-restrictive. 
The Cloud X is available in a wide variety of colors. Options like midnight blue, forest green, and sienna red allow you to express your personality. You can also keep things simple with a sleek black version or a bright white one. The shoe weighs about 8 ounces and has a 6mm heel-toe drop.


In terms of lightness, the Cloudflow is about on par with the Cloudflash. It weighs around 7.7 ounces and has a 6mm heel-toe drop. With that in mind, the Cloudflow is another smart option for anyone preparing to conquer a 10K, half-marathon, or full marathon. In fact, when it comes to On's selection of shoes, the Cloudflow is the go-to model for elite athletes. 
Zero-Gravity EVA foam in the midsole balances durability with responsiveness. The upper has engineered mesh and antimicrobial properties to help keep your feet fresh as you work up a sweat on longer runs. Many of the color combinations, such as the moss/neon combo, are bright enough to turn heads. However, there are a few subdued options as well, including a simple black design.


On a list that's mostly dominated by neutral shoes, the stable Cloudflyer takes the top spot. This shoe should delight any runners who are trying to reduce overpronation and maintain a stable, comfortable gait. This model is especially useful for longer runs, such as 10ks or half-marathons. 
The Cloudflyer is wide, light, and well-cushioned, thanks to 12 Cloud Elements on the outsole. In the midsole, the footwear relies on Cloudtec technology to create a firm, cushioned feel. The inclusion of a V-molded heel cap and memory foam offer enhanced stability. 
The shoe is around 9 ounces with a 7mm heel-toe drop. Color combinations like rust/stone, blue/white, black/white, and grey/lime give you plenty of options when it comes to aesthetics. 


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