Best On running shoes of 2026: the full rotation, tested
The 12 best On running shoes of 2026, tested over thousands of miles. Daily trainers, racing, trail, and everyday picks, plus which to skip.
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.
Updated August 2026: racing picks expanded with the max-cushion Cloudboom Max, plus notes on where the standard Cloudmonster 3 fits.
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.
If you purchase gear through links in this article, I may earn a small affiliate commission. For my training tools, exclusive content, newsletter, and more perks become a member, (it's free!). -Alastair ✌🏼
Best Overall On Running Shoe (On's Best Daily Trainer too): On Cloudsurfer 2
Price: $160 at REI
On Cloudsurfer 2 Review [2025]: A New Ride BUT Still Awesome
A balanced daily trainer offering a firmer, more stable ride with refined cushioning, making it ideal for effortless, everyday road runs.
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.
Best On Running Shoes for Speed Work: On Cloudsurfer Next
Price: $150 at REI
On Cloudsurfer Next Review: On’s Daily Trainer with a Kick
The Cloudsurfer Next is designed for speed, stability, comfort - the ideal combo for runners looking to boost their tempo without sacrificing support.
Alastair Dixon
Key Specs: True to size, medium to wide width, 9.6oz (272g), 6mm drop
The On Cloudsurfer Next is a firmer, more stable daily trainer that works especially well for runners who like to pick up the pace without moving into super shoe territory.
It has a solid, supportive platform with a forefoot-focused rocker that helps it feel smooth and efficient during tempo runs, progression runs, and faster daily miles. I think it suits forefoot strikers particularly well, while heavier runners will likely appreciate the stable, controlled ride too.
Just note that it feels firmer than the Cloudsurfer, so this is the better pick if you want speed and structure over softness.
Best Max Cushion On Running Shoes for Long Easy Runs: On Cloudsurfer Max
Price: $180 at REI
On Cloudsurfer Max review: A Touch Softer for Long Runs
This latest addition to the Cloudsurfer range, offers max cushioning and an updated fit for relaxed long miles on the road.
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 REI
On Cloudrunner 3 review: softer cushioning, calm stability, and easy daily miles
A max-cushioned stability daily trainer for beginners and consistency-focused runners who want guidance without feeling ‘over’ corrected.
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 3 Hyper
Price: $220 at On
On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper review: the long-run super trainer to beat
High stack, smooth rocker, and a fresh-legs ride that works best for big weekly mileage and marathon training blocks.
Alastair Dixon
Fit: True to size | Width: Medium | Weight: 9.4 oz (266g) | Drop: 6mm | Stack: 39.5mm heel / 33.5mm forefoot
The On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper is a long-run-focused super trainer built for big weekly mileage, marathon training blocks, and steady aerobic running. Its full-length Helion HF superfoam and CloudTec pods create a high-stack ride that feels protective, energetic, and smooth without tipping into that overly soft, disconnected feel some max-cushion shoes can have.
What makes it especially effective is that it delivers a lot of the bounce and forward roll you want from a super trainer, but without a plate. That gives it a more natural, forgiving feel through the stride, which works really well for high-mileage weeks, long runs, easy days, and those progression finishes where the pace naturally creeps up.
It’s also one of those shoes that helps keep your legs feeling fresher than expected the next day, which is a big reason it earns its place here. The breathable upper, secure lockdown, and reliable traction all add to that easy-to-trust feel.
Worth knowing: the standard On Cloudmonster 3 ($190) is the unplated, firmer sibling. It's dependable and rolls well, but as I said in my review, the Hyper is the one that earns the excitement, so I'd spend the extra $30 unless you specifically want the firmer ride.
Best On Shoes for Racing: On Cloudboom Strike
Price: $280 at DSG
On Cloudboom Strike review: A new breed of mara super shoe
Lightweight, cushioned, and springy, this one is an unconventional marathon racer with a removable Bounceboard layer that takes the ride to Cloud 9 bouncy time!
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 Max-Cushion On Racing Shoe: On Cloudboom Max
Price: $230 at DSG (For the best price and colorway options)
On Cloudboom Max review: plated super trainer for marathon training
The On Cloudboom Max is a plated super trainer built for marathon training that can double as a race day shoe. My honest take after testing it across a mix of runs
Alastair Dixon
Key specs: 9.9oz (281g) US M9 | 8mm drop (40mm heel / 32mm forefoot) | Dual-layer Helion HF (PEBA top, TPEE base) + full-length glass fiber Speedboard | True to size, rounded roomy toe box | No wide widths
The Cloudboom Max is On's best shoe yet for everyday runners doing real marathon training, and it's built for a runner the super shoe market usually ignores: the 4:00 to 5:00 marathoner who wants protection and propulsion rather than featherweight pop.
The dual-layer Helion HF platform delivers protective, fatigue-reducing cushioning with genuine energy return, and the flexible Speedboard plate contributes a controlled, quiet snap instead of the rigid lever feel that cooks legs late in a long run. Stability and durability are class-leading: the wide platform and rising sidewalls track dead straight no matter how tired you are, and after 30-plus test miles mine show barely any wear.
If the Strike is the nimble racer for faster marathoners, the Max is the one that gets steadier striders to the finish line efficiently, protected, and confident, and it doubles beautifully as a plated long-run and recovery trainer during the training block itself.
Best On Running Shoes for Everyday Wear: On Cloud 6
Price: $150 at REI
On Cloud 6 Review: Everyday Comfort With Smart Lifestyle Upgrades
Slip-on ease, a wider fit, and subtle design tweaks make this iconic lifestyle shoe even better for all-day wear.
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 All-Mountain Trail Shoes: On Cloudvista 2
Price: $150 at REI
On Cloudvista 2 Review: All-Mountain Trail Problems, Solved
My honest review of the On Cloudvista 2 all mountain trail running shoes shares what’s improved, what’s not, and if they’re worth the $150 price tag
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 REI
On Cloudultra 3 review: It’s A Great Upgrade Overall!
A smoother ride and better traction define the new and improved Cloudultra 3
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.
The 10 Best All-Mountain Trail Running Shoes, Right Now
The do-it-all workhorses built for everything from mellow fire roads to technical mountain trails, and even ultra running adventures.
Alastair Dixon
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.
Best On Running shoes for competitive ultra running: On Cloudultra Pro
Price: $260 at REI
On Cloudultra Pro review: On’s first true ultra trail racer
Light, snappy, and impressively stable for long mountain miles; the Cloudultra Pro sets a new benchmark for On’s trail line.
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 REI
On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 Review: It’s Back, And Even Better!
Stability and fit improvements make this light trail cruiser even more versatile for road-to-trail runners and casual hikers.
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.
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 are versatile enough for both easy runs and longer distances, while models like the Cloudboom Strike 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.
Frequently asked questions
Are On running shoes actually good for running? Yes, though the lineup splits sharply between lifestyle and performance. The Cloud 6 is a walking and everyday shoe; for real training you want the Cloudsurfer family, the Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, or the racing and trail models above.
Which On shoe is best for walking and all-day wear? The Cloud 6 for pure lifestyle comfort, or the Cloudmonster 3 if you want one shoe that covers easy runs and long days standing.
Which On shoe is best for marathon training? The Cloudmonster 3 Hyper for the training block, and the Cloudboom Strike or Cloudboom Max on race day depending on whether you prioritize nimbleness or maximum cushioning.
Do On shoes run true to size? Generally yes across the range I've tested, with the note that the Cloudultra line runs narrow through the midfoot; details are in each review linked above.
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