I’ve been testing On running shoes for more than a decade—across mountain trails, city streets, and long race days—so every recommendation here is based on actual wear and experience.
This roundup will help you figure out which On Cloud running shoe is best for each specific type of running (road and trail), and it will help you assemble your entire shoe rotation made up of just On Cloud shoes.
Each recommendation below includes:
- My Youtube review. Subscribe to my channel here.
- A quick summary of what makes it special
- Price, and the key specifications you need to know about
Feel free to drop a comment if you’re unsure which On is best for you—I’m always up for talking running shoes.
Best Overall On Running Shoe (On's Best Daily Trainer too): On Cloudsurfer 2
Price: $160 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Alastair
Key Specs: True to size, medium width, 9oz (254g), 9mm drop
The Cloudsurfer 2 is a daily trainer built for runners who want a smooth, stable ride with plenty of cushioning underfoot.
CloudTec Phase midsole foam delivers soft landings and balanced support that feels comfortable over easy miles or uptempo days. Ideal for runners with a neutral stride who want versatile cushioning without excess bulk.
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Best On Running Shoes for Speed Work: On Cloudmonster 2
Price: $180 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Alastair
Key Specs: True to size, wide width (size down 0.5), 10.2oz (289g), 6mm drop
The Cloudmonster 2 is built for runners who like a cushioned yet stable shoe for speed work and faster training days.
The broad platform and structured upper create a secure feel at higher paces, while the midsole provides a smooth, energetic transition. A great option for tempo sessions or intervals when you need dependable support.
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Best Max Cushion On Running Shoes for Long Easy Runs: On Cloudsurfer Max
Price: $180 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Alastair Dixon
Fit: True to size | Width: Medium to Wide | Weight: 10.3oz / 292g | Drop: 6mm
The On Cloudsurfer Max is On’s latest max-cushioned daily trainer and a direct successor to the Cloudeclipse. It delivers a soft ride thanks to its double layer of CloudTec Phase cushioning and wide platform, making it ideal for long, easy miles or recovery days.
These are also your best option if you have wide feet!
The upper sees small refinements, like a better-fitting tongue and flatter collar, while keeping the same roomy fit and step-in comfort. It offers a soft, protective ride that settles in nicely after a short break-in period. Great for runners who want comfort and stability without the need for speed.
Best On Running Stability Shoe: On Cloudrunner 3
Price: $160 at DSG
Alastair Dixon
Fit: True to size, medium width, roomy toe box | Weight: 10.4oz (295g) | Drop: 8mm (31mm heel / 23mm forefoot)
The On Cloudrunner 3 is a max-cushioned stability daily trainer that’s built for steady, protective miles, especially for beginners or anyone trying to stay consistent with easy running.
The big change here is the softer underfoot feel, which makes it more natural to run in and easier to forget about once you’re moving. Stability comes from the geometry (wide base + longer ground contact) so it feels calm and planted rather than overly corrective, and the plush tongue/heel padding delivers that instant step-in comfort and reassuring lockdown.
Transitions are predictable with a minimal forefoot rocker, so it’s not a “roll-you-forward” shoe, and I wouldn’t pick it for speedwork, but for easy runs, base building, and long miles where you want guidance without feeling over-corrected, it fits the brief really well.
Best On Super Trainer: On Cloudmonster Hyper
Price: $220 at On.com
Alastair
Key Specs: True to size, medium width (with roomy toe box), 9.1oz (258g), 6mm drop
The Cloudmonster Hyper is a high-cushion super trainer designed for runners who want plush comfort and responsive energy return in one package.
Its PEBAX midsole feels lively without sacrificing stability, making it a solid choice for daily training and long runs at any pace. Best for runners who value soft impact protection but still enjoy a snappy toe-off. One of the most versatile On running shoes you can get.
Best On Shoes for Racing: On Cloudboom Strike
Price: $280 at DSG
Alastair Dixon
Key Specs: True to size, medium width, 7.1 oz (201g), 4mm drop
The Cloudboom Strike is a lightweight, cushioned marathon racer built for runners who want a fast, bouncy ride. A thick, removable Bounceboard layer of Helion HF foam sits right on top of the carbon Speedboard, giving each stride a springy, protected sensation that stands out from more rigid race shoes.
It’s a solid option if you’re chasing marathon PRs or long tempo efforts and want a carbon-plated shoe that blends comfort with responsiveness. Just expect to spend a little time dialing in the fit and letting the heel counter soften up before race day.
Best On Running Shoes for Everyday Wear: On Cloud 6
Price: $150 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Alastair
Key Specs: True to size, medium width, 9.4oz (267g), 8mm drop
The Cloud 6 is an everyday trainer built for lifestyle and walking who appreciate lightweight comfort and easy versatility.
The refined CloudTec cushioning softens impact on roads and sidewalks, while the updated upper offers a secure, flexible fit. A solid pick for casual daily wear, or travel when you want a simple, comfortable shoe that’s easy to slip on, and ready for anything.
Best On Running Shoes for Wide Feet: On Cloudeclipse
Price: $117 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Alastair
Key Specs: True to size, wider fit, 9.8oz (278g), 6mm drop
The Cloudeclipse is a max-cushion trainer built for runners who need extra room and stable support during long miles. The wide forefoot and plush CloudTec Phase cushioning create a comfortable fit that reduces pressure on your feet.
This one is a great pick for easy runs or recovery days when comfort takes priority.
Best On All-Mountain Trail Shoes: On Cloudvista 2
Price: $150 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Alastair
Key Specs: True to size, medium width, 10.2oz (289g), 6mm drop
The Cloudvista 2 is a trail shoe designed for runners who tackle a mix of smooth and technical terrain. The MissionGrip outsole delivers dependable traction, while the cushioned midsole absorbs impact on descents.
It's ideal for trail runners who want a responsive feel without compromising grip or stability.
Best On Running Shoes for Ultra Running: On Cloudultra 3
Price: $190 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Alastair Dixon
Key specs: True to size (narrow midfoot), 10.1oz (286g), 6mm drop
The Cloudultra 3 is On’s best-performing ultra-distance trail shoe for middle of the pack runners looking to take in the experience, rather than compete for the podium, delivering a smoother ride and noticeably better grip than the Cloudultra 2.
The dual-density Helion™ HF hyperfoam midsole feels softer and more refined, offering reliable protection and comfort over long, technical mountain runs. Traction is excellent thanks to the redesigned Missiongrip™ outsole, which grips confidently on loose or rocky terrain without collecting debris.
For those who find the fit works, the Cloudultra 3 is a premium, long-distance mountain shoe that feels smooth, stable, and secure over big trail days.
Alastair Dixon
Best On Running shoes for competitive ultra running: On Cloudultra Pro
Price: $260 at On.com
Alastair Dixon
Key specs: True to size (moderate width), 9.5oz (269g), 6mm drop (38mm heel / 32mm forefoot)
The Cloudultra Pro is On’s first true ultra-distance trail racer, a lightweight, fast, and stable shoe built for long mountain efforts. It’s a big step up from the Cloudultra 3, with a smoother, more efficient ride and better stability underfoot.
The dual-layer Helion™ HF midsole and Nylon Speedboard® strike a near-perfect balance of cushion and control, keeping the ride responsive without feeling harsh. The engineered rocker works beautifully across climbs, flats, and descents, making the Pro feel efficient and fluid over hours of running.
Traction is excellent on hardpack, dry dirt, and rocky trails, and the Leno weave upper keeps things light, breathable, and fast-draining. If you’ve been waiting for a genuine On trail racing shoe that can go the distance, the Cloudultra Pro finally delivers.
Best On Running Shoes for Road-to-Trail: On Cloudsurfer Trail 2
Price: $170 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Alastair Dixon
Key Specs: True to size, medium width (forgiving fit with wider lacing), 9.9oz (281g), 8mm drop
The Cloudsurfer Trail 2 keeps the smooth, cushioned feel but adds a touch of stability with a slightly firmer Helion CloudTec Phase midsole and better bite from an updated chevron Missiongrip outsole.
Breathability is average (warmer than v1), while the padded collar and heel make them easy to wear all day. Great for mixed road, park paths, gravel, and light trails, plus casual hikes, just not for hugely technical or muddy terrain.
Best On Running Shoes for Trail Racing: On Cloudventure Peak 3
Price: $160 at On.com
Alastair
Key Specs: True to size, narrow width, 8.6oz (244g), 4mm drop
The Cloudventure Peak 3 is a trail racing shoe built for runners who want lightweight precision on technical courses.
Its minimalist design keeps weight down, and the sticky MissionGrip outsole provides secure traction on loose surfaces. Best for trail runners who prefer a nimble, connected feel at race pace.
Final Tips for Choosing the Right On Shoe
When selecting your On Cloud shoe, consider the distance, terrain, and fit that best suit your running style.
Shoes like the Cloudsurfer 2 are versatile enough for both easy runs and longer distances, while models like the Cloudboom Echo 3 are more specialized for high speed race days.
If you’re after a hybrid option, the Cloudsurfer Trail performs well across both road and light trail.
Looking for more insights, or still not sure which On running shoes are going to be best for you? Drop me a comment below and I’ll get back to you with my recommendation.
