You’ve seen them everywhere. That distinct, Swiss-engineered silhouette with the weird holes in the sole. On used to be a niche brand for marathoners and hardcore triathletes, but then the On Running Cloudnova showed up and everything changed. It wasn’t just for the track anymore. It was for the coffee shop, the office, and the airport terminal.
But here’s the thing. Most people buying these aren't planning to run a 5K. They're buying them because they want to stop their feet from hurting after standing for eight hours. Does it work? Sorta. It depends on what you're actually doing with your feet. Honestly, the Cloudnova is a bit of a hybrid beast, and if you treat it like a pure performance shoe, you’re going to be disappointed.
What is the On Running Cloudnova exactly?
It’s an "all-day" sneaker. That’s the official marketing speak, anyway. In reality, it’s the bridge between On’s technical heritage and the world of high-end streetwear. Launched in 2020, it was the first time the brand really leaned into the lifestyle segment. They took their signature CloudTec® technology—those little pods on the bottom—and tweaked them for walking rather than sprinting.
The engineering is still there, though. You have the Speedboard®, which is a liquid-injected plate hidden in the midsole. Think of it like a spring. When you step down, it flexes. When you lift off, it snaps back. In a running shoe like the Cloudflyer, that board is aggressive. In the Cloudnova, it’s dampened. It feels more stable. Less like a trampoline, more like a firm, supportive platform.
The weird truth about the "Cloud" feel
If you’re expecting to feel like you’re walking on literal marshmallows, you might feel cheated. On shoes are notoriously firm. Unlike the squishy, sink-in feeling of New Balance Fresh Foam or Nike ZoomX, the On Running Cloudnova offers a "tuned" ride.
It’s about energy return.
When you first slide them on, the inner sock construction feels incredible. It’s plush. But the underfoot sensation? It's sturdy. This is actually a good thing for people with plantar fasciitis or high arches who need structural support rather than just soft foam. If a shoe is too soft, your foot muscles have to work harder to stabilize you. The Cloudnova does the stabilizing for you.
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Let’s talk about the heel
The heel tongue is huge. It looks dramatic, but it serves a purpose. It prevents rubbing. Most sneakers fail at the Achilles notch, leading to those annoying blisters. On fixed this by using a high-profile "heel tongue" and a padded inner sleeve. It hugs your foot. No slipping. No sliding. Just a locked-in fit that feels secure even if you leave the laces a bit loose for the aesthetic.
Why it's not actually a running shoe
Don't run a marathon in these. Please.
Despite the name and the DNA, the On Running Cloudnova is heavy. It weighs roughly 269 grams (about 9.5 oz). For a lifestyle shoe, that’s light. For a performance trainer, it’s chunky. The geometry of the sole is also wider than a standard runner. This gives you a great "footprint" for standing around, but it makes fast transitions—the heel-to-toe roll—feel a bit clunky.
There’s also the "rock problem." If you’ve ever owned On shoes, you know the struggle. The central channel in the sole is a magnet for gravel. Because the Cloudnova is designed for urban environments, this happens less on asphalt, but if you take them on a trail, you’ll be digging pebbles out of your tread within ten minutes. It's a design quirk the brand still hasn't totally moved past in their lifestyle line.
Materials and the "Swiss" Obsession
On is obsessed with precision. You can see it in the mesh. The Cloudnova uses a layered "engineered" mesh that changes density depending on where your foot needs to breathe. Around the toes, it’s open. Around the midfoot, it’s reinforced to keep you from sliding sideways.
- Weight: 269g
- Drop: 7mm (This is the height difference between the heel and the toe)
- Sustainability: About 10% total recycled content, though On is pushing for much higher numbers in newer iterations like the Cloudnova Form.
The laces are thin. Really thin. It looks cool, but some users complain they bite into the top of the foot if you pull them too tight. Pro tip: you don’t need to crank these down. The internal "sock" does most of the work holding your foot in place.
The Competition: Cloudnova vs. The World
How does it stack up against the heavy hitters?
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If you compare the Cloudnova to the Adidas Ultraboost, the Adidas wins on pure "softness." The Boost foam is iconic for a reason. However, the Cloudnova wins on style and stability. You can wear a Cloudnova with chinos or a casual suit and look like a tech founder. You wear Ultraboosts and you look like you’re headed to the gym.
Then there’s the Hoka Clifton. Hoka is the king of "maximalist" cushioning. If you have joint pain and need zero impact, Hoka is better. But Hokas are loud. They’re massive. The Cloudnova is sleeker. It’s the "adult" sneaker. It’s for the person who wants the tech but doesn't want their shoes to be the only thing people notice about their outfit.
Real-world durability: Will they last?
On shoes used to have a reputation for the Cloud pods collapsing after 200 miles. They’ve mostly fixed that. The Cloudnova uses a reinforced rubber compound on the high-wear areas of the outsole.
If you’re wearing them daily for walking and commuting, you can expect a solid 12 to 18 months of life out of them. The upper mesh is surprisingly tough. It doesn't snag easily. The only thing that really "goes" is the foam's aesthetic; the white midsoles tend to pick up scuffs that are hard to scrub out because of the texture of the Clouds.
What about the "Squeak"?
Yes, some pairs squeak. It’s a known issue with the Speedboard rubbing against the foam. If yours start sounding like a basketball game on a waxed court, a little bit of baby powder under the insole usually kills the noise. It’s a small price to pay for the tech, but it’s something to watch out for.
Who is this shoe actually for?
It’s for the traveler.
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Think about the last time you spent four hours walking through an airport, stood on a plane, and then walked another three miles to your hotel. That’s where the On Running Cloudnova shines. It handles the swelling of your feet during flights because of the flexible mesh. It provides enough support for long city walks. And it looks "expensive" enough to get you into a decent restaurant without a second glance from the host.
It’s also a favorite for healthcare workers. Nurses and doctors have flocked to On because the 7mm drop is a "sweet spot." It’s high enough to take the pressure off your calves but low enough that you don’t feel like you’re on stilts.
Pricing and Value
At roughly $160, they aren't cheap. You’re paying a premium for the Swiss engineering and the brand name. Is there a $100 shoe that does 90% of what this does? Sure. But it won't have the Speedboard. It won't have the unique aesthetic.
In the world of sneakers, $160 is the new $120. When you consider that people are paying $200+ for Yeezys or limited Jordans that have zero actual technology in them, the Cloudnova starts to look like a bargain. You're buying a tool for your feet, not just a logo.
Common Misconceptions
People think the holes in the sole are for air. They aren't. They’re for mechanical compression. When you land, those holes—the Clouds—collapse horizontally and vertically. It’s not just about cushioning the impact; it’s about stopping the "shear" force of your foot hitting the ground.
Another misconception is that they run small. Generally, they are true to size, but they have a narrow midfoot. If you have wide feet, you might want to go up a half size or look at the Cloudnova Form, which has a slightly more forgiving upper.
Actionable Steps for New Owners
If you just picked up a pair or are about to, keep these things in mind to get the most out of them:
- Don't over-tighten: The "limitless" lacing system is designed to be versatile. Let the inner sock do the work. If you tie them too tight, you'll feel the "bite" of the thin laces on your instep.
- Check the tread: If you feel a sudden "click" while walking, you've probably picked up a rock. Check the central groove. Removing rocks quickly prevents the rubber from tearing.
- Clean with care: Don't throw them in the washing machine. The heat can warp the Speedboard. Use a damp cloth and mild soap. For the white models, a magic eraser works wonders on the foam Clouds.
- Rotate your shoes: Like any foam-based shoe, the Cloudnova needs time to "decompress." If you wear them every single day for 12 hours, the foam will fatigue faster. Give them a day off to bounce back to their original shape.
- Use them for the right task: Use them for urban exploration, work, and light gym sessions. Keep your old beaters for the muddy trails or the heavy lifting days at the squat rack where you need a flat, non-cloud sole.