The Best Running Shoes from On 2023

If you're like me, you might get easily confused when looking at all the shoes a brand produces. What can they do, and what are the differences? I assure you, by the end of this article, you'll be an expert in On running shoes.

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On is a relatively new company from Switzerland that entered the running scene in 2010. In its humble beginnings, clouds on prototypes were made at home using garden hoses. After gaining attention at the ISPO fair in 2010, On has continued to evolve and never looked back.

See all On running shoes here:

Technologies

First, we'll quickly go through the key technologies On produces. If you already know all this, you can skip ahead, and you'll find the shoes you're looking for.

Midsole

It's impossible to talk about On running shoes without mentioning their unique midsole design. Every midsole interprets a cloud design, either with individual clouds or clouds incorporated into a single foam piece. This is called CloudTec. On's shoes all build on their original CloudTec technology. The technology is designed not only to provide a soft landing but also to deliver an easy and powerful push-off. The latest version of the technology is called CloudTec Phase®.

Foam

On calls their Helion superfoam. However, this should not be confused with the superfoam used in racing running shoes, as Helion lasts many more miles. Helion foam comes in various softness levels but always offers high energy return.

Confidence

The first category we will look at in this overview of On shoes is “Confidence”-category. Here you'll find shoes with a bit extra stability – for those who wish for more support around the foot, so you can feel secure and confident on your daily runs.

On Cloudflyer 5

On Cloudflyer 5 is the most supportive everyday training shoe from On. It's robust and solid, with a durable CloudTec midsole, providing stability for everyday. The midsole is constructed from two different types of foam – a firmer at the heel and a softer at the forefoot – creating a unique combination of stability, cushioning and running pleasure.

Together with a soft and flexible upper you get a shoe that offers both support and comfort on your daily runs.

On Cloudrunner 2

On Cloudrunner 2 is a versatile and stable running shoe from On. Compared to Cloudflyer 5, it offers slightly less support around the foot and weighs a bit less. This makes Cloudrunner 2 a shoe that combines stable comfort with a light and responsive feel – perfect for runs at any pace.

Effortless

The next category is effortless. This category provides shoes with the new CloudTec Phase midsole, designed to respond differently based on where you land and provide a more efficient running experience.

On Cloudsurfer Max

On Cloudsurfer Max features a dual layer of Helion™ Superfoam, providing an extra soft and comfortable running experience. The new CloudTec® Phase midsole ensures a smooth transition from heel to toe, making each step feel light and natural.

The shoe is designed with comfort in focus and is generously cushioned all around. If you want the softest and most comfortable run in an On shoe, Cloudsurfer Max is the obvious choice.

On Cloudsurfer Next

With a slightly lower weight than Cloudsurfer Max, On Cloudsurfer Next offers a more versatile and firmer running experience. You still get a stable and reliable shoe that provides the support you need, but with added lightness and flexibility for everyday use.

If you're looking for a running shoe that can handle a bit of everything– from leisurely jogs to faster runs – the Cloudsurfer is the shoe you should try.

On Cloudsurfer 2 On Cloudsurfer marked the start of On's new era with CloudTec® Phase technology. Version 2 continues with the same light, soft, and comfortable running feel that made the model popular. Compared to Cloudsurfer Next, you get a lighter and softer shoe, but also a model with slightly less stability, making it less versatile for faster runs. On Cloudsurfer 2 is the ideal everyday trainer for those seeking an ultra-light shoe for leisurely jogs or comfortable recovery runs.

On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 At the end of the “Effortless” category, you find On Cloudsurfer Trail 2 – the perfect road-to-trail shoe from On. Ideal for runs from home to the forest, gravel paths, or less technical trails, where extra grip and stability are needed. It's not designed for extreme trail runs but works best as a versatile shoe providing comfort on both asphalt and forest trails. The model is also available in a waterproof version (marked WP), making it especially suitable for winter training and wet conditions.

Forward rolling “Forward rolling” is a category combining the CloudTec midsole with a rocker shape, making the shoe easy and dynamic to run with.

On Cloudmonster 2 On Cloudmonster 2 is a fantastic everyday shoe with a unique combination of comfort and performance, setting it apart from all other On models. The large midsole has a pronounced rocker shape and the perfect balance between softness and responsiveness, allowing long runs without feeling heavy. The thin and snug upper provides a more precise fit, making Cloudmonster 2 the ultimate partner for maintaining speed – even when you want torun comfortably on the weekend long run.

Speed

The last category we will explore in this article is fast shoes. Here you get a mix of new and classic. Shoes designed for speed.

On Cloudflow 5

On Cloudflow 5 is a classic, lightweight tempo shoe, maintaining a bit of old-school minimalist feel. It provides a light, smooth run, ideal for fast runs up to 10 km with many quick turns.

Cloudflow is perfect for interval training on the track and has gained cult status among runners who prefer a more responsive and agile running shoe alternative over the super-soft race shoes that have become standard.

On Cloudboom Max

Want a race shoe that can follow you daily and also perform when needed? Then On Cloudboom Max is the shoe for you. With Helion™ Hyperfoam, a fiberglass plate in the midsole, and ample cushioning, you get a comfy shoe that accelerates as pace increases.

Here, stability, comfort, and speed combine – resulting in pure joy to run in.