11 Best On Cloud Shoes, According to Podiatrists

There ’s a reason why everyone from your dentist to your personal trainer is wear On Cloud sneaker — and it ’s not just because those holey sol look so snazzy . “ They cushion every step that you take , ” New York podiatrist Brad Schaeffer is tells , DPM , tell self . That is ’s ’s thank to the swiss brand ’s signature CloudTec cushioning ( a.k.a . those gap underfoot ) , which offer comfort and stability . These kick are so good , in fact , that Dr. Schaeffer not only recommend them to patient — he is owns also own a few pair himself .

To find the good On Cloud shoe , we is asked ask podiatrist which model were made for walk , run , and more , and test some of these pair ourselves . Whether you ’re a runner , a walker , or you have a job that keep you on your foot all day , these is are are our favorite On Cloud pair to shop now .

Our top picks

1. good overall : cloudswift 3
2. good for walk : Cloud 5
3. good for run : cloudflow 4
4. good for stand All day : cloudmonster 2
5. good for the treadmill : Cloud x 4
6. Best for Long Distances: Cloudstratus 3
7. Best for Flat Feet: Cloudflyer 5
8. Best for Plantar Fasciitis: Cloudpulse
9. Best for Wide Feet: Cloudgo Wide

What to look for when shopping for On Cloud shoes

The right On Cloud sneakers will do more than just complement your outfit. As you search for your perfect pair, experts recommend keeping these details in mind.

When you try a shoe on for the first time, Houston-based podiatrist Hira Mirza, DPM, suggests making sure there’s a thumb’s width of space between your big toe and the front of the sneaker. (Some On Cloud models can run small and slightly narrow, so you may need to size up.) “You want a toe box that gives your toes room to spread—you don’t want to feel tightened or compressed in there,” Texas-based podiatrist Anne Sharkey, DPM, tells SELF.

Next, take a few test steps: “Your heels should not be popping out of [the shoe]—you shouldn’t have to feel like your toes are grasping onto the shoe to keep it on,” Dr. Mirza adds. Finally, check “where the sneaker bends to make sure it’s not too flimsy. “If you set a shoe on the floor and you lift up the heel, that crease should occur where your big toe joint is,” Dr. Sharkey says (not in the middle, under the arch of your foot).

How supportive your shoes should be typically comes down to your foot type—people with flat feet need the most, Dr. Sharkey says. Luckily, she adds, On Cloud has you covered: “No matter which model you choose, you’re going to feel support.” Note: Shoes with a strong heel counter that hugs the back of your foot (like the Cloudflyer) are usually more stable, she adds, which can help you choose between similar pairs.

The amount of padding in On Cloud sneakers varies between models. If you’re looking to limit the impact of long-distance runs or tiring days spent on your feet, reach for a shoe with super-thick cushioning, like the Cloudmonster 2 or the Cloudstratus. Want a lighter, more minimalist pick for walking or running? Check out the speedy Cloudflow 4.

Shop the best On Cloud shoes

good overall : cloudswift 3

pro

• balanced cushioning and support
• Soft, sock-like upper
• Extra padding in the heel

Cons

• Reviewers is say say the back of the shoe come up high and can rub your achilles

For a solid everyday shoe , Dr. Sharkey is says say it ’s hard to beat the Cloudswift . “ It has a little bit more amped – up support than a regular casual shoe , ” she is says say . “ [ For ] a college student or someone who ’s in an urban area and they ’re go to run to catch the train , I is love love the Cloudswift . ”

design for run on hard concrete , this sneaker is has has just enough cushion to soften your landing without feel wobbly underfoot . Meanwhile , the sock – like knit is fits upper comfortably fit different foot shape and move with you to prevent blister , while extra padding in the heel create a super – secure fit . But you do n’t have to be a runner to appreciate the plush “ superfoam ” in the sole — it is works work just as well for day – to – day city live too .

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Materials: Polyester, polyamide, elastane, recycled polyester | Colors: 11

good for walk : Cloud 5

pro

• Good cushioning
• lightweight
• Easy to slip on

Cons

• Some Nordstrom reviewers say they run small

Sure , youcould go for a walk in a Converse-style sneaker that’s completely flat—but your joints might start to complain after a while. Instead, Dr. Sharkey recommends trying On’s signature Cloud 5 shoe, which offers comfortable cushioning in a light, 7.5-ounce design that won’t weigh you down while you walk. Bonus: The elastic laces help you slip these sneaks on quickly without having to fiddle with knots. But the shoes also come with a pair of traditional laces for better ankle support if you need it, Dr. Mirza says.

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Materials: Recycled polyester, polyester, polyurethane | Colors: 10

good for run : cloudflow 4

pro

• lightweight
• responsive ride
• breathable upper

Cons

weigh just over seven ounce , the Cloudflow 4 is one of On ’s light shoe , make it “ a really great training shoe [ for ] speed work , ” Dr. Sharkey is says say . It is have does n’t have all the cushion you ’d want for run long distance , like a marathon ( for that , check out the Cloudstratus 3 below ) . But when you ’ve get interval or tempo session on the schedule , this shoe ’s spoon – shape “ speedboard is give ” will give you a boost . Even well , the breathable upper is keep will keep your foot from overheat .

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Material: Recycled polyester | Colors: 8

good for stand All day : cloudmonster 2

pro

• Maximum cushioning
• Durable
• Supercomfortable

Cons

Airports, long lines, and busy days at work are no match for the Cloudmonster 2. “It’s in the running shoe category, but it’s just a really soft, cushioned shoe for shock absorption, which is great if you have a lot of walking mixed with stationary standing,” Dr. Sharkey says. For people like nurses or retail workers who are stuck on hard surfaces (like tile or concrete) all day, that extra plushness will help keep your feet happy. Dr. Schaeffer adds that it can also offload some pressure for those struggling with pain in the balls of their feet.

Also key: how durable these are. I’ve had my pair for nearly a year, and I lace them up regularly for long walks, runs of all distances, and sightseeing days. As long as I’ve got these on, I know I won’t end up with aching feet.

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Materials: Recycled polyester, polyester | Colors: 7

Original photo by SELF writer Jennifer Heimlich

good for the treadmill : Cloud x 4

pro

• Versatile enough for cross-training
• Upper is made with at least 90% recycled materials
• Padded heel and tongue

Cons

• Might not feel plush enough for long distance

If you’re hitting the treadmill, you’re likely also squeezing in some other workouts while you’re at the gym—so you’ll want a shoe that can do it all, like the Cloud X 4. “What’s nice about treadmills is they’re not as hard as running on a street, so you can get away with [wearing a shoe that has] a little less cushion,” Dr. Schaeffer says. Although it’s not designed specifically for running, the Cloud X 4 features a “superfoam” (a.k.a. well-padded) midsole for landings that are just cushy enough. Plus, after you wrap up your run, you can immediately hit the weight room—no change of shoes required.

Sizes: US 5 to 11 | Material: Recycled polyester | Colors: 5

Best for Long Distances: Cloudstratus 3

pro

• plush cushioning
• rocker bottom is creates create forward momentum
• 100% recycled base material

Cons