11 Finest On Cloud Sneakers, In line with Podiatrists | 2025 Picks

There’s a purpose why everybody out of your dentist to your private coach is sporting the very best On Cloud sneakers—and it’s not simply because these holey soles look so snazzy. “They cushion each step that you simply take,” New York podiatrist Brad Schaeffer, DPM, tells SELF. That’s because of the Swiss model’s signature CloudTec cushioning (a.ok.a. these gaps underfoot), which gives consolation and stability. These kicks are so good, in truth, that Dr. Schaeffer not solely recommends them to sufferers—he additionally owns just a few pairs himself.

However what is the distinction between the model’s high fashions? To search out out, we requested podiatrists which On sneakers had been made for strolling, operating, and extra, and examined a few of them ourselves. Whether or not you’re a runner, a walker, or you’ve got a job that retains you in your toes all day, these are our favourite On pairs to buy now.

Our high picks

1. Finest General: Cloudswift 4, $160
2. Finest for Strolling: Cloud 6, $150
3. Finest for Operating: Cloudflow 4, $172 $160
4. Finest for Standing All Day: Cloudmonster 2, $180
5. Finest for the Treadmill: Cloudsurfer 2, $160
6. Finest for Fitness center Exercises: Cloud X 4, $150
7. Finest for Energy Coaching: Cloudpulse, $150
8. Finest for Lengthy Distances: Cloudstratus 3, $125 $105
9. Finest for Flat Ft: Cloudflyer 5, $170
10. Finest for Plantar Fasciitis: Cloudrunner 2, $165
11. Finest for Extensive Ft: Cloudgo Extensive, $85

Store the very best On Cloud sneakers

Finest General: Cloudswift 4

For a strong on a regular basis shoe, it’s laborious to beat the Cloudswift, Texas-based podiatrist Anne Sharkey, DPM, tells SELF. “It has just a little bit extra amped-up assist than an everyday informal shoe,” she says. “[For] a school pupil or somebody who’s in an city space they usually’re going to run to catch the practice, I like the Cloudswift.”

Designed for operating on laborious concrete, this sneaker has simply sufficient cushion to melt your landings with out feeling wobbly underfoot. In the meantime, the sock-like knit higher comfortably suits completely different foot shapes and strikes with you to forestall blisters, whereas further padding within the heel creates a safe match. However you don’t should be a runner to understand the plush “superfoam” within the sole—it really works simply as effectively for day-to-day metropolis dwelling too.

Finest for Strolling: Cloud 6

Certain, you might go for a stroll in a Converse-style sneaker that’s utterly flat—however your joints may begin to complain after some time. As an alternative, Dr. Sharkey recommends making an attempt the Cloud 6, which gives snug cushioning in a 7.6-ounce design that gained’t weigh you down whilst you stroll.

Bonus: The elastic laces enable you to slip these sneaks on rapidly with out having to fiddle with knots. (The most recent model makes this even simpler, with an extra-wide opening.) However the sneakers additionally include a pair of conventional laces for higher ankle assist should you want it, Houston-based podiatrist Hira Mirza, DPM, tells SELF.

Finest for Operating: Cloudflow 4

Weighing simply over seven ounces, the Cloudflow 4 is certainly one of On’s lightest sneakers, making it “a extremely nice coaching shoe [for] pace work,” Dr. Sharkey says. It doesn’t have all of the cushion you’d need for operating longer distances, like a marathon (for that, try the Cloudstratus 3 beneath). However while you’ve received intervals or tempo periods on the schedule, this shoe’s spoon-shaped “speedboard” offers you a lift. Even higher, the breathable higher will hold your toes from overheating.

Finest for Standing All Day: Cloudmonster 2

Airports, lengthy strains, and busy days at work are not any match for the Cloudmonster 2. “It’s within the operating shoe class, however it’s only a actually smooth, cushioned shoe for shock absorption, which is nice if in case you have a number of strolling combined with stationary standing,” Dr. Sharkey says. For folks like nurses or retail employees who’re caught on laborious surfaces (like tile or concrete) all day, that further plushness will assist hold your toes comfortable. Dr. Schaeffer provides that it could possibly offload some stress for these scuffling with ache within the balls of their toes too.

Additionally key: how sturdy these are. I’ve had my pair for over a yr, and I lace them up repeatedly for lengthy walks, runs of all distances, and sightseeing days. So long as I’ve received these on, I do know I gained’t find yourself with achy toes.

Finest for the Treadmill: Cloudsurfer 2

For essentially the most half, any strong each day coach could make for a superb treadmill shoe—so long as it is agency, just like the Cloudsurfer 2. “What’s good about treadmills is that they’re not as laborious as operating on a avenue, so you may get away with [wearing a shoe that has] rather less cushion,” Dr. Schaeffer says.

The Cloudsurfer 2 has a refined rocker backside with a nine-millimeter heel drop (that means it’s received that rather more foam beneath the heel than the toe). These design options provide you with a pleasant, easy stride, even while you’re operating to nowhere on that tread belt. However I’d counsel saving this one for shorter runs—when the mileage actually begins so as to add up, I’ve discovered that this shoe begins feeling clunkier and heavier.

Finest for Fitness center Exercises: Cloud X 4

The Cloud X 4 can simply transition from bootcamp class to Zumba or the burden room. This shoe options ethereal mesh over your toes, however has a stiffer cage across the midfoot for some further stability. Plus, the heel is comfortable and inflexible, to maintain your foot proper the place you need it (whether or not you’re doing lunges or facet steps)—though there’s nonetheless loads of padding to maintain you comfortable.

Finest for Energy Coaching: Cloudpulse

For energy coaching, you desire a agency, sturdy shoe that helps you’re feeling grounded, just like the SELF editor-approved Cloudpulse. Right here, On’s Cloudtec pods are way more low-key, with simply 4 small, slender holes that provide you with a little bit of bounce however principally hold you steady on the ground.

The shoe is thicker within the midfoot than the forefoot, with a large platform and a clip close to the arch that provides lateral assist for step exercises and plyometrics. So if you wish to do some burpees, you’re good to go. However I’ve discovered that these are greatest for giving me nice grip on the bottom once I’m lifting heavy throughout squats or deadlifts. Additionally appreciated: The enjoyable model levels-up my fitness center ‘match.

Finest for Lengthy Distances: Cloudstratus 3

Feeling the street an excessive amount of when your mileage creeps into the double digits? Take a look at the ultra-cushioned Cloudstratus 3. “[On] takes their CloudTec and places it in two layers versus one, amping up the shock absorption,” Dr. Sharkey says. “That’s going to offer you consolation over the lengthy haul.”

In the meantime, the nylon speedboard and rocker backside maximize your ahead momentum, so even when your leg muscle mass begin to get drained, you’ll nonetheless really feel such as you’re on a roll.

Finest for Flat Ft: Cloudflyer 5

When you have flat toes (that means your arches are nearly or completely flush with the ground while you get up, as SELF has beforehand reported), this stability shoe ought to be your go-to, in response to the podiatrists we spoke with. “Consider the shoe as offering the steadiness that your individual foot will not be,” Dr. Sharkey says. That’s as a result of the Cloudflyer 5 has nice arch assist and doesn’t bend within the center, which implies it can hold your toes steady, Dr. Mirza explains. “And the heel cup of the shoe is sturdier,” she provides.