11 Greatest On Cloud Footwear, In response to Podiatrists | 2025 Picks

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

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

Our high picks

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

Store the perfect On Cloud sneakers

Greatest Total: Cloudswift 4

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

Designed for working 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 matches totally different foot shapes and strikes with you to stop blisters, whereas further padding within the heel creates a safe match. However you don’t need to be a runner to understand the plush “superfoam” within the sole—it really works simply as effectively for day-to-day metropolis residing too.

Greatest for Strolling: Cloud 6

Certain, you may go for a stroll in a Converse-style sneaker that’s utterly flat—however your joints would possibly begin to complain after some time. As a substitute, Dr. Sharkey recommends attempting the Cloud 6, which gives snug cushioning in a 7.6-ounce design that received’t weigh you down when you stroll.

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

Greatest for Operating: Cloudflow 4

Weighing simply over seven ounces, the Cloudflow 4 is one among On’s lightest sneakers, making it “a very nice coaching shoe [for] velocity work,” Dr. Sharkey says. It doesn’t have all of the cushion you’d need for working longer distances, like a marathon (for that, try the Cloudstratus 3 beneath). However whenever you’ve obtained intervals or tempo classes on the schedule, this shoe’s spoon-shaped “speedboard” will provide you with a lift. Even higher, the breathable higher will maintain your toes from overheating.

Greatest for Standing All Day: Cloudmonster 2

Airports, lengthy traces, and busy days at work are not any match for the Cloudmonster 2. “It’s within the working shoe class, but it surely’s only a actually tender, cushioned shoe for shock absorption, which is nice in case you have a variety of strolling combined with stationary standing,” Dr. Sharkey says. For individuals like nurses or retail employees who’re caught on laborious surfaces (like tile or concrete) all day, that further plushness will assist maintain your toes glad. Dr. Schaeffer provides that it may well offload some stress for these fighting 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 recurrently for lengthy walks, runs of all distances, and sightseeing days. So long as I’ve obtained these on, I do know I received’t find yourself with achy toes.

Greatest for the Treadmill: Cloudsurfer 2

For probably the most half, any stable each day coach could make for an excellent 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 working 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 (which means it’s obtained that rather more foam beneath the heel than the toe). These design options offer you a pleasant, clean stride, even whenever you’re working to nowhere on that tread belt. However I’d recommend 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.

Greatest for Fitness center Exercises: Cloud X 4

The Cloud X 4 can simply transition from bootcamp class to Zumba or the load 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 cosy 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.

Greatest for Energy Coaching: Cloudpulse

For power coaching, you need a agency, sturdy shoe that helps you are feeling grounded, just like the SELF editor-approved Cloudpulse. Right here, On’s Cloudtec pods are way more low-key, with simply 4 small, slim holes that offer you a little bit of bounce however largely maintain you secure 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 help 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 finest 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.

Greatest 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 tissue begin to get drained, you’ll nonetheless really feel such as you’re on a roll.

Greatest for Flat Ft: Cloudflyer 5

You probably have flat toes (which means your arches are nearly or completely flush with the ground whenever you get up, as SELF has beforehand reported), this stability shoe must be your go-to, in accordance with the podiatrists we spoke with. “Consider the shoe as offering the soundness that your individual foot just isn’t,” Dr. Sharkey says. That’s as a result of the Cloudflyer 5 has nice arch help and doesn’t bend within the center, which suggests it would maintain your toes secure, Dr. Mirza explains. “And the heel cup of the shoe is sturdier,” she provides.