7 On Shoes That'll Have You Walking on a Cloud (2024)

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.

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.

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.

Especially during the summer, it's crucial to find a breathable shoe that prevents your feet from overheating. That's where the Cloudstratus 3 comes into play. These sneakers boast a well-ventilated upper, ensuring trapped heat can easily escape during your walk. I'm particularly impressed by the high-stacked cushioning, which translates to exceptional comfort walking in this shoe.

The generous toe box allows your toes the freedom to move and groove as they please. In fact, the entire shoe tends to run a tad wide, including the midfoot, which sets it apart from other On models. Fortunately, the heavily-padded tongue comes to the rescue, securely locking everything down once the shoe is properly laced.

One noteworthy drawback is the shoe's lack of responsiveness, although it's not a deal-breaker for walking. However, when I've used these for running, they do feel somewhat sluggish. As a result, I wouldn't recommend them for speedy miles.

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.

For those in professions that require extended periods of standing or walking (yes, nurses and doctors, we're talking to you!), the Cloudflyer 4 stands out as an excellent choice. This sneaker offers outstanding traction, ensuring you stay steady on your feet throughout the day. Based on my experience, they also prove to be highly durable, providing long-lasting wear.

The upper construction impresses me, striking a perfect balance between a snug fit and durability without feeling constrictive. Thanks to the perforated mesh upper, your feet enjoy continuous breathability, a definite plus in my book. Say goodbye to sweaty toes!

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

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.

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.

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.

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