You’ve seen them. Those weird, hollow pods on the bottom of sneakers that look like someone sliced up a garden hose and glued it to a sole. They’re everywhere now—at the airport, in the gym, and definitely at the start line of your local 5K. On Cloud running shoes have successfully transitioned from a niche Swiss engineering project into a global footwear juggernaut. But here’s the thing: most people buying them don’t actually understand how the tech works, or why some hardcore runners still refuse to wear them.
It’s not just about looking "techy."
When Olivier Bernhard, a three-time world duathlon champion and multiple Ironman winner, started tinkering with prototypes in Zurich, he wasn’t trying to make a fashion statement. He was trying to solve a specific problem: vertical and horizontal impact. Most shoes handle the "down," but they don't do much for the "forward." On’s CloudTec was designed to collapse under your weight and then lock into a firm platform for a powerful takeoff.
Does it work? Well, it’s complicated.
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The Polarizing Reality of CloudTec
If you talk to ten different runners about On, you’ll get ten different reactions. Some swear the firm, responsive ride saved their knees. Others think they feel like running on bricks. This divide exists because On Cloud running shoes are fundamentally different from the plush, max-cushion trend dominated by brands like Hoka or New Balance.
Most modern running shoes use a "slab" of foam. Think of it like a mattress. On uses "Clouds." These open elements are designed to compress both vertically and horizontally. This is what the brand calls "cushioned landing, firm takeoff." Honestly, if you’re looking for that "walking on a marshmallow" feeling, most On models will probably disappoint you. They are notoriously firm.
Take the Cloudsurfer, for example. It’s one of the few models that actually feels soft. Why? Because it uses "CloudTec Phase," a computer-optimized version of the tech that does away with the traditional Speedboard. Most other models, like the Cloudflyer or the Cloudrunner, feature a rigid plastic plate (the Speedboard) sitting right above the clouds. This plate is great for energy return, but it makes the shoe feel stiff.
Why Your Local Trail Runner Might Hate Them (and Love Them)
Let’s talk about the pebble problem. If you’ve ever worn the classic Cloud 5 or the older Cloudventure, you know the struggle. The gap in the middle of the sole—the "central channel"—is a magnet for rocks. You’re two miles into a beautiful trail run, and suddenly, click-clack, click-clack. You’ve picked up a hitchhiker.
On has been listening, though. Newer designs, like the Cloudvista and the massive Cloudmonster, have started closing those gaps or reshaping the pods to prevent "stone catching."
The Cloudmonster was actually a massive turning point for the brand. Before that shoe dropped, On was stuck in this cycle of making very firm, very narrow shoes. The "Monster" changed the game by using much larger Cloud elements and a more forgiving foam called Helion superfoam. It’s arguably the shoe that made On a "serious" contender for long-distance marathon training, not just a lifestyle shoe for doctors and architects.
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Performance vs. Lifestyle: The Great Blur
It is impossible to discuss On Cloud running shoes without acknowledging that they are the new "it" shoe for people who don't run. The Cloud 5 is basically the unofficial uniform of the healthcare industry. Go to any hospital, and you’ll see nurses and surgeons in them.
Why? Because they’re easy. The speed-lacing system—those stretchy bungees that mean you never have to tie a knot—is a stroke of genius for someone who is on and off their feet all day. But here is a pro tip: if you are actually going to run in a pair of Clouds, swap those bungees for the real laces that come in the box. You cannot get a proper "lockdown" with bungee cords. Your heel will slip, and you'll end up with blisters. Trust me.
Engineering the Speedboard
We need to talk about the Speedboard. This is the unsung hero (or villain) of the On experience. Almost every On shoe has a liquid-injected plate of thermoplastic polymer. When you land, the Cloud elements compress, and the Speedboard flexes, storing energy like a bow being pulled back. When you push off, that energy is released.
This is why On shoes feel "fast." They encourage a quick turnover. If you’re a "shuffler" who barely lifts your feet off the ground, you might find the Speedboard a bit intrusive. But if you have a high cadence and stay on your midfoot or forefoot, the shoe feels like it’s catapulting you forward.
Choosing the Right Cloud for Your Foot
Not all Clouds are created equal. In fact, picking the wrong one is the #1 reason people end up hating the brand. Here is a rough breakdown of how the current lineup actually functions in the real world:
- The Cloudsurfer: This is the "odd one out." It’s the softest shoe they make. It doesn’t have a Speedboard, so it’s flexible and plush. Great for recovery runs or people who hate firm shoes.
- The Cloudmonster: The maximalist. Big cushion, big energy return. This is your daily trainer for half-marathon or marathon prep. It’s chunky but surprisingly light.
- The Cloudrunner: This is the stability shoe. If your ankles roll inward (overpronation), this has a wider base and a "cradle" shape to keep you straight. It’s a bit heavier, but it’s dependable.
- The Cloud 5: Lifestyle. Period. You can run in it, but it’s really meant for errands, walking the dog, and looking sharp in casual clothes.
The Sustainability Factor
On has been doing some genuinely cool stuff with materials that most people ignore. They launched a subscription service called Cyclon. You don't own the shoes; you "rent" them. When they wear out, you send them back, and On grinds them down to make new shoes. The shoe itself, the Cloudneo, is made from castor beans. It’s 100% recyclable and high-performance.
This isn't just greenwashing. Most running shoes are an environmental nightmare—a mix of glues, foams, and plastics that will sit in a landfill for a thousand years. Creating a "circular" shoe that actually performs at a high level is a massive technical hurdle that On cleared before most of the "big" legacy brands.
The Verdict: Are They Worth the Premium?
On shoes aren't cheap. You’re usually looking at $140 to $180, with some high-end carbon models pushing $280. You are paying for Swiss engineering, but you’re also paying for the brand.
If you have wide feet, be careful. Historically, On shoes run narrow. They’ve started offering "Wide" versions of the Cloudrunner and Cloudflyer, but the standard fit is still pretty snug.
Also, keep an eye on the outsole durability. Because the Cloud pods are individual units, they can sometimes wear down faster than a solid rubber outsole, especially if you’re a "scuffer." If you see the foam wearing through to the hollow part of the cloud, it’s time to retire them.
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How to Get the Most Out of Your On Clouds
If you’ve just bought a pair or are about to, don't just take them out for a 10-mile run immediately. The firm ride and the Speedboard require a bit of an adaptation period for your calves and Achilles.
- Start with short walks: Let the Speedboard "break in" a little bit. It’s a stiff piece of plastic; it needs a few miles to find its flex.
- Check your lacing: As mentioned, use the traditional laces for exercise. Use the "runner’s loop" (the extra eyelet at the top) if you feel your heel moving.
- Clean the "Clouds": If you run in mud, hose them off immediately. Once mud dries inside those hollow pods, it’s a nightmare to get out and adds weird weight to the shoe.
- Listen to the sound: On shoes are surprisingly loud on pavement. It’s normal. That "slap" is just the pods compressing. You’ll get used to it.
On Cloud running shoes have successfully bridged the gap between serious athletics and everyday aesthetics. They might not be for everyone—no shoe is—but the engineering behind them is legitimate. Whether you're chasing a PR or just trying to survive a 12-hour shift on your feet, there's likely a "Cloud" that fits, as long as you know what you're actually looking for.
Stop by a dedicated running store and try on at least three different models. Feel the difference between the Cloudsurfer’s foam and the Cloudmonster’s bounce. Your feet will tell you immediately if you’re a "Cloud" person or if you should stick to the traditional foam slabs.
Practical Next Steps for Potential Buyers
Before you drop $150 on a new pair, take a quick look at your current shoes. Look at the wear pattern on the bottom. If the outside of your heel is toasted, you might be a supinator, and a neutral shoe like the Cloudrunner or Cloudsurfer will work wonders. If the inner edge is gone, look specifically at the Cloudflyer for that extra support.
Also, remember that On updates their models frequently. You can often find the "previous generation" Cloudmonster or Cloud 5 at a significant discount when the new version drops. Since the core tech doesn't change drastically between every single version, the "v1" or "v2" is often a better value than the shiny new "v3" on the front shelf.