Best Lightweight On Cloud Walking Shoe
On Cloud X3
Cons
Firm
Lightweight shoes for breezy walks? Yes, please. The Cloud X3 stands out with its flexible build and feather-light 243-gram weight. These sneakers excel not only in walks but also seamlessly adapt to cross-training. The roomy toe box ensures your toes can splay naturally and comfortably, regardless of the walk’s length.
Beyond their lightweight nature, these shoes offer excellent ground feel. It’s no surprise that the Cloud X3s are widely popular—they boast a sleek appearance and consistently deliver outstanding performance for all types of walking.
However, despite the inclusion of bouncy Cloudtec cushioning, you’ll notice that the shoe maintains a relatively firm feel (so don’t anticipate maximalist comfort). The laces were longer than many other models I’ve worn, which might be a hassle for some walkers depending on the way they tie their shoes. While the extra length may be justified for individuals with wider feet requiring additional laces, it can be a minor inconvenience for those with narrower feet like mine.
Best Overall On Cloud Walking Shoe
On Cloudmonster
ConsFits large
The Cloudmonster smoothly transitions from an athleisure staple to a robust walking shoe, which is why I’ve crowned it the ultimate top choice. And I’m not alone in this sentiment. Dr. Schaeffer shares my enthusiasm for the Cloudmonster, primarily due to its plush cushioning and rocker-bottom feel.
This sneaker ranks as one of the most cushioned options in On’s lineup. With every step, it feels like a burst of energy propelling you forward. I’m particularly impressed with the recycled upper, which not only offers breathability but also ensures a secure fit, even for narrow-footed individuals like myself. You won’t find your heel slipping in the back during walks.
However, it’s essential to note that these may not be the ideal choice for larger individuals. Because the Cloudmonster features exceptionally cushioned, relatively soft Helion foam, the shoe can compress significantly with each step taken.
Best On Cloud Shoe for Power Walking
On Cloudsurfer
ConsCould be more durable
Ready to power walk with the best of them? Well, the Cloudsurfer certainly is. This shoe offers a responsive and cushioned combination, perfect for those fast-paced walks. What’s particularly appealing is their lightweight design, tipping the scales at just 245 grams. So, when you’re aiming to pick up the pace, you won’t feel burdened by a heavy shoe.
It’s essential to point out that these shoes fall under the neutral category, meaning they’re best for individuals who don’t overpronate, according to Dr. Schaeffer. While some argue that the Cloudsurfers exhibit elements of stability due to their wide platform, there isn’t any specific technology aimed at addressing overpronation, which is the hallmark of a true stability shoe.
I, for one, am quite fond of the snug upper on the Cloudsurfers. It provides a reassuring sense of being locked in without any feeling of constriction. During walking or jogging, I’ve never experienced any discomfort or rubbing. Additionally, the heel counter boasts a more plush feel compared to other On shoes, a feature I genuinely appreciate.
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Most Cushioned On Cloud Walking Shoe
On Cloudeclipse
Now 22% Off
Credit: original photoConsOne of the brand’s pricier models
The Cloudeclipse, one of On’s latest max-cushion shoes, outshines the Cloudmonster and Cloudsurfer in terms of size and cushioning. It boasts a softer Helion foam in a dual-layer CloudTec Phase cushioning system, complemented by a Speedboard positioned just above the outsole at the rear and midfoot to enhance overall stability.
While it offers a firmer feel compared to the Cloudsurfer, the Helion foam provides a relatively soft underfoot experience. The Speedboard runs from the shoe’s center to just above the outsole to encourage the forward rolling motion while maintaining stability. Unlike the Surfer, the Cloudeclipse no longer features pod-like outsole elements, which makes for a more grounded sensation and less of a lightweight, springy feel.
While the price tag may be on the higher side for a shoe dedicated to walking, if your priority is maximum cushioning and you appreciate the aesthetics of a lofty stack, the Cloudeclipse may be an excellent choice.
Best for On Cloud Shoe for Trails
On Cloudwander Waterproof
Trail walking demands a shoe with ample protection and exceptional traction, precisely what the Cloudwonder Waterproof delivers. The outsole features deep lugs crafted from high-quality rubber, ensuring your feet remain safe from any troublesome rocks or sharp sticks. Surprisingly, these shoes are quite technical, allowing for precise navigation on the trail, whether you’re jumping over rocks or other obstacles, all without feeling cumbersome.
While On offers various trail shoes, I prefer the Cloudwonder because it lacks an ankle cuff. If you’re embarking on a more relaxed trail walk, these shoes are an excellent choice. They also boast a relatively lightweight design (for trail shoes), tipping the scales at 390 grams, which I find quite appealing.
However, it’s worth mentioning that these shoes tend to be on the stiff side, particularly if you’re accustomed to more cushioned trail sneakers. Additionally, I’ve encountered some difficulty in keeping the Cloudwonder Waterproofs clean, especially the mesh upper, which tends to collect dirt and mud during a trail walk.
How to Choose the Right On Walking Shoes (for You)
Need a little help choosing the right On walking shoes for you? Here are the top three things you should look for before clicking ‘add to cart:’
Cushioning: Some folks live and die by max cushioning sneakers, while others prefer a more responsive feel with less cushioning for walking. Whatever you prefer, ensure you’re choosing a shoe that supports your preference. For example, the Cloudeclipse and the Cloudmonster are great options for people who want a plush ride and don’t care as much about feeling the ground underneath them.
If you prefer minimal cushioning (but still some!), the On Cloud 5 or the Cloud X3 are excellent options for you. Both are responsive and have a good ground feel with a hint of cushioning for comfort.
Stability: If you tend to pronate quite a bit (meaning your foot rolls outwards) as you walk or run, you may want to look for walking shoes that are labeled as ‘stability.’ Stability shoes traditionally have some sort of medial support that keeps your feet in the correct position as you move. If you don’t particularly need that extra support, look for a shoe labeled ‘neutral’. This type of shoe will allow your feet to move exactly as they normally would with no support structure in place to keep from rolling outwards.
The majority of On’s sneakers are neutral shoes, so they’re ideal for people who don’t require much stabilization from their shoes. However, On does have a few pairs that are marked for stability, such as the Cloudflyer 4 and the Cloudrunner. Compared to the best stability shoes from competing brand, these models aren’t standout options. On may not be the best brand for you if you need a significant amount of stability from your shoe.
Surface: Before choosing a shoe, ask yourself where you walk most frequently. Our recommendation for someone walking on a rocky trail versus on a treadmill is completely different.
This is primarily because the outsole on trail shoes provides more traction and durability compared to a shoe that is geared towards walking, which is typically lighter and more flexible. Additionally, you may need more or less protection on the shoe depending on your environment, because no one needs something sharp stabbing their feet on a rocky path
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Can On Running Shoes Be Worn for Walking?
On Cloud running shoes make great walking shoes, too.
Similarly to running shoes, walking shoes need good cushioning and breathability. Every pair of the On running shoes listed above work well for walking, too. However, you may notice that you prefer a certain style for running and a different one for walking. For instance, you likely require more cushioning in a running shoe than in a walking shoe.
A pair of shoes worn only for walking is likely to last longer than a pair worn solely for running, so keep that in mind, too.
Which On Shoes Are the Most Cushioned?
The Cloudeclipse is the most cushioned shoe within On’s collection. This sneaker is newer on the scene and is classified as a ‘max-cushioned shoe.’ The foam through the midsole of the shoe is shock-absorbing and ideal for those who need extra support during a run or walk.
Who Are On Cloud Walking Shoes Best for?
If you’re looking for a stylish, neutral walking shoe, with comfortable, moderate cushioning, On delivers. However, if you need a stability shoe (meaning you pronate or supinate excessively and need additional support), you may want to check out a brand like Brooks, instead.
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Why You Can Trust Us
At Men’s Health, we take great pride in providing our readers with reliable and trustworthy product recommendations. We believe that our readers deserve the best, which is why we always make sure to conduct thorough research and testing before making any recommendations. Our writers and editors thoughtfully select experts for collaboration on product recommendations, and are also experts in their own right, using their informed opinions to select products and ensuring that our content is of the highest quality.
Our product recommendations are purely editorial, and while we may receive free products to test and review, we only recommend the products we are most impressed by. We never let retailers or public relations contacts dictate our content or product coverage. Which is why you can trust us to provide you with reliable and unbiased product recommendations.
How We Selected
Men’s Health’s Fitness editors have spent years testing the top On Cloud shoes for walking, running, standing all day, and everything in between. Experts including Fitness and Commerce Editor, Talene Appleton, NASM, and Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, put countless On shoes through the wringer to evaluate their fit, support, and comfort for walking, as well as the terrains each model is best suited for.
Aside from our personal favorites, we also delved into Reddit reviews to identify the On shoes that have garnered widespread popularity for walking. The list provided above reflects our genuine recommendations for the best On walking shoes to consider this year.
Shop More of Our Favorite Running and Walking Shoes
Bradley Schaeffer, DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon specializing in sports medicine, foot and ankle reconstructive surgery, regenerative medicine, and aesthetic procedures.
Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world.
Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.
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