We Ranked On's Best Running Sneakers

On does everything. There are sneakers for running, of course. There's pairs that do walking for exercise and walking for fun. It's carved out a huge market share in tennis. Now, there's even strength training. The brand is in a state of expansion, and we're always looking for the small updates and upgrades the designers made to make one of our favorite footwear brands just a little bit better.

To help you navigate On's ever-expanding catalog, we're breaking down some of the brand's key pairs. Whether you're a marathon runner trying to find your next training sneaker or just a guy, standing in front of his closet, searching for a shoe to wear, On has a style that fits. Likely in a waterproof version and an extra color option, just in case.

Here, we're looking at some new iterations of classics, focused on running—like the CloudMonster and CloudRunner—and some style-forward pairs—in collaboration with Loewe and PAF—that fit a variety of shoe needs. The best On shoes for you ahead.

Pros

• A great supportive shoe

• Feels fun to wear

Cons

• Rocking motion may take a little time to get used to

• More of a lifestyle shoe than a running one

Features at a Glance

• Weight 10.2 oz

• Heel drop 6 mm

The Cloudmonster Void is chunky and bouncy and lovely to wear. If you like the support of a chunky dad sneaker but could do without feeling weighed down by it, the Cloudmonster Void is an excellent alternative. It keeps the brand's signature CloudTec cushioning front and center, and it does indeed feel supportive all day long. This one is designed for lifestyle rather than straight running, but we think it's a great option for walking.

Pros

• A beloved runner

• Stable feeling

Cons

• Lace cage not my favorite

• Can feel firm for some runners

Features at a Glance

• Weight 11 oz

• Heel drop 8 mm

The Cloudrunner 3 is one of the brand’s most beloved sneakers, and that’s because it can do everything. It is a running shoe first and foremost, and a stable one at that. The heel clip and support up the sides keep your foot locked in and supported.

It is also great for long walks or any time you might be standing a lot. Maybe if you have a job that keeps you on your feet. Or if you are me, waiting in long lines at Disneyland with your niece and nephew, for example. It transitions easily from your workout to your everyday life.

Pros

• Incredibly lightweight

• Breathable upper

Cons

• We are concerned about the upper durability

• Not as plush as earlier iterations

Features at a Glance

• Weight 9.2 oz

• Heel drop 8 mm

The Cloudsurfer 2 is one of our favorite training sneakers, offering one of the softest and most cushioned steps On currently makes. The Helion foam sole ensures a smooth stride. It has strong shock absorption, though it hits slightly firmer underfoot than some runners may expect. The sneaker is extremely lightweight, though, which helps offset that firmer feel.

The shoe feels stable underfoot and breathable up top. We are somewhat skeptical of the lacing system, which pulls inward under pressure, and we are unsure how it will hold up over time.

Pros

• A very cool sneaker design overall

• Comfy for wearing all day

Cons

• Pricey

• Especially pricey for a non-performance shoe

Features at a Glance

• Weight 10.4 oz

• Heel drop 6 mm
  

On has come a long way, in terms of style, since its first sneakers, which, I will admit, put me off the brand for a long time. I do not fear a cool-ugly sneaker, but these used to feel too light on the cool for me. The Cloudflow 5 AD is everything those earlier versions were not.

It works well for all-day wear and feels like a much better fit for styleheads than earlier On models. The CloudTec air pockets are more streamlined (and less Lego-like), and the upper has been completely redesigned.

Pros

• Great forward motion for long walks

• Sock construction comfier than other On tongues

Cons

• Not the most breathable option

Features at a Glance

• Weight 10.7 oz

• Heel drop 7 mm

The Cloudtilt is designed for running, but the best walking shoes often are. And that's what this is: On's best walking shoe. The Cloudtec absorbs shock from tough ground but still gives a slight push forward. The foam is stacked high and you can feel it. That height can make the sneaker feel slightly clunky when running, but the heavier midsole works well for cushioned, supported walks. We also appreciate the slightly more padded tongue.

The upper is made with a poly blend, which adds durability but tends to trap heat and make feet run warmer. This sneaker is a strong option for travel and long days spent exploring on foot.

Pros

• Stylish af

• Cushioned and bouncy

Cons

• The tongue on these needs to go

• Pricey

Features at a Glance

• Weight 11 oz

• Heel drop 6 mm

For a casual activewear sneaker, the Cloudmonster Hyper PAF does it all. You can go from the airplane straight to the hotel gym and out to dinner without changing shoes. (Do change your clothes, though.) The dual foam midsole delivers a cushioned landing, so whatever you do in this sneaker, you do it supportively.

The sneaker feels cushioned with a little bounce, though it's overall less of a functional shoe and more of a cool one. We like the perforated sockliner but are less enthusiastic about the tougher, scratchier tongue. It is a fun-looking sneaker, though she is pricey.

Pros

• We like the added toe/abrasion resistance

• Durable

Cons

• Significantly heavier than non-hikers

• Run a bit narrow

Features at a Glance

• Weight 15.2 oz

• Heel drop 8 mm

So you’re the outdoorsy type? It’s the waterproof Cloudrock Low for you. Whether you intend to go trail running or set off on a hike, this is the sneaker that gets you from Point A to Point B dryly and stylishly. The Cloudrock is extremely durable, and we like how both underfoot and overfoot feel secure and stable.

However, they are significantly heavier than other On styles—though, if you’re comparing them with other hikers, that weight is pretty standard. This sneaker may not be ideal for speed trail runners, but it works very well for trail walkers.

Pros

• Super stable

• Still feels like you can move comfortably in all directions

Cons

• Not as great for running

• A bit heavy for speedier gym movements

Features at a Glance

• Weight 12.9 oz

• Heel drop 6 mm

Strength trainers and cross trainers can rejoice at last: On has a good shoe for you, too. Sometimes runners get all of the attention because running does tend to be hard on the feet, joints, and spirit of those doing it. But we love a good gym sneaker, too, and the Cloudpulse Pro is one of them.

You’ll feel stable on the floor, and your foot feels secure inside the sneaker. Though, it really is a gym shoe. It is not the comfiest option for casual walking. (Feels a bit hard, without any of that cushioned softness in the other runners.) You can also tuck the laces away, which we appreciate functionally and aesthetically.

Pros

• Quick-toggle laces

• Extremely cool

Cons

• Very expensive

• Run small

Features at a Glance

• Weight 10.4 oz

• Heel drop 7 mm

While On and Loewe have released co-branded sneakers before, the Cloudsolo is the first model the two brands designed together. Do you need these shoes? Probably not. But if you've got the funds, we say do it.

The Cloudsolo is cool and comfortable, done with a toned-down CloudTec cushioning and a smoothed-out upper for something sleeker than a standard On shoe is. The neutral-neon high-contrast colorways feel luxe (they are).

Terrain

If you wear sneakers to walk on sidewalks, run trails, or lift in the gym, your outsole needs vary. On has a options for all terrains, although the majority of the sneakers are designed for daily running. Look for grippier outsoles or waterproof uppers for gritty outdoors, and flatter, more stable soles for in.

Weight

Heavier shoes can be great if you need more stability and like to feel grounded. For lifting, hiking, or everyday walking, added weight might be a non-issue or even a plus. But if you're trying to PR or get the perfect shoe for your gait, you'll want to pay more attention.

Price

In the realm of sneakers, On tend toward pricey. For serious runners looking for a serious shoe, that higher price point might feel familiar. For shoppers used to a $100 sneaker, the jump can feel steep. On really isn't a budget sneaker. But if you're OK with a high price point as long as the quality matches, here it often reflects the advanced foam systems, thoughtful construction, and, in some cases, designer collaborations. Whether it is worth it depends on how often (and how hard) you plan to wear them.

This story originally appeared on Esquire.com. Minor edits have been made by Esquiremag.ph editors.

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