ON Cloud Shoes Review: Are they worth it?
Today we’re talking all about the popular ON Cloud sneakers in this unsponsored review. All opinions are my own and this post may contain affiliate links.
ON Cloud Shoe Review
Have you heard of the ON Cloud shoe yet? Maybe you saw someone on TikTok sporting them or you’ve just noticed them on the person in front of you at the grocery store.
The last time I bought myself new workout sneakers was three years ago, a few months after my baby was born. I was trying to find the motivation to get back into exercise and cute new workout gear seems to do the trick (I ordered another pair of APLs that I really like). Here we are six months after my next baby and, sure enough, I started hunting for a new shoe to kickstart my exercise.
The Hunt for the Perfect Workout Sneaker:
My (desired) workouts each week consist of a mix of running, weights, and classes. I was hoping to find a shoe that worked for everything.
I’d tried on the ON Cloud sneakers months ago at my parent’s house (how do my mom AND my 80-year-old grandma have a pair of these before I do?). I knew they were comfortable but I wasn’t looking to get back into exercising at the time (4 weeks postpartum and still sleeping in 3-hour increments).
About a month ago I put a poll out on instagram asking for people’s favorite running and workout sneakers. There were lots of one-off recommendations but the two most popular answers were Hokas and ON Clouds.
I was leaning toward the ON Clouds just because they look cuter but didn’t want to sacrifice function for style when shopping for an exercise shoe.
When my high school’s Boston-marathon-running track star responded that she loved her ON Clouds and runs in them, I was sold.
Picking Which ON Cloud Shoe To Buy:
There are a million different ON Cloud options and purchasing can be a bit tricky. I chose specifically based on style and price (knowing I was using them mostly for running short distances, long walks, and the occasional workout class). I wish I would have used the shoe selector on the ON website which lets you filter by activities. It makes choosing a shoe much more straightforward.
What I ordered:
- On Cloud 5: ideal for light running (less than 5 miles) lifestyle, gym workouts (price $140)
other ones to consider:
- ON Cloudrift: great for road running or treadmill running
- Cloud Runner in Waterproof: Ideal for longer runs
Are ON Cloud Sneakers Worth it?
They are beautiful. They are very comfortable. They are supportive.
The particular style I have also doesn’t require you to tie them and I can slip them on while holding a baby. I am sold.
If you are only trying to find a pair of supportive running shoes, you can find cheaper options. If these are in your budget, you cannot go wrong with the ON Clouds.
six month update: I love these shoes more and more! It really does feel like slipping into a cloud, especially in comparison to other shoes.
twelve month update: My right big toe nail wore a hole in the mesh at the 9 month mark. Maybe I need to get a pedicure more often but this was disappointing. The shoes still work great but there is an obvious hole. I ordered a pair of Nike Metcons to replace them. I am hoping they last a bit longer but will keep you updated.
Pros and Cons of ON Clouds
Pros
- Beautiful These stylish shoes can work with a ton of different outfits.
- Tons of Styles/colorways: There are lots of different styles and colorways.
- Comfortable:
- Slip-on/ no tying necessary in some styles
Cons
- Sizing: Some of the sizing is a bit off in the ON Clouds. The first pair I ordered in my regular size was too small. I sized up half a size and they are perfect. From other reviews I’ve read, some of the styles run half a size small. Additionally, some sizes have a slightly wider toe box and others run a bit more narrow.
- Price
ON Cloud Sneakers FAQ
You can find the widest selection of ON Clouds at onrunning.com
I ordered mine from Amazon (leaving the house with little kids is still hard! and bringing them to a running store? not quite up for that yet).
Your best bit would be to go to a running store and get fitted in person but, if you’re looking for an online option, here are a few places to try:
Amazon
on-running.com/
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Nordstrom
No. I initially purchased these as new running shoes but I have also found myself wearing them regularly for day-to-day because they feel like walking on a cloud. At school pickup these days I can always spot at least one mom wearing them, too.
ON recommends cleaning your shoes by hand and outlines the best method for doing this:
1. Remove the insoles and laces.
2. Wash off any debris, then put everything into the sink filled with warm water.
3. Use a toothbrush or cloth to get into the gritty parts and lightly squeeze around the edges, front and heels of the shoes.
4. Rub the laces between your hands and give the insoles a gentle squeeze too.
5. Let the shoes drain in the empty sink then re-squeeze to remove excess water.
6. Dry in a warm airy place and put scrunched up paper inside the shoe to help speed up the process and hold the shape of the shoe.
7. Depending on where they are left to dry, they should be finished and dry within two to three days.
**Personally, I have only spot-cleaned my ON shoes. I leave the laces on and use a white cloth to wash the fabric. I use some dish soap if needed.
There are SO many different types of ON Cloud running shoes that it can get a bit overwhelming when trying to decide which ones to order.
If you’re looking for a specific activity, my top recommendation is to head to the On Running website and filter by activity. You can select from active life, travel, road running, hiking, trail running, competition, tennis, and workouts.
Here are three great options:
ON Cloud 5: Ideal of an all-around shoe. Comfortable for short runs, weights, and other group fitness (I’ve worn mine for jogs, high fitness, and hip hop).
ON Cloudrift: great for road running or treadmill running
Cloud Runner in Waterproof: Ideal for longer runs
Yes, some ON Clouds run half a size small. I sized up half a size in the ON Cloud 5s and they fit perfectly.
If you have a wide foot, consider ordering half a size up in all of their shoes.
Yes. The full brand name of ON is “ON Running” so you can consider the brand an expert on running shoes. They are also slowly rolling out additional running gear (since I started writing this review I’ve been getting constant ads for shoes and now their new running leggings).
You can buy ON Clouds at just about any running store and most places where sneakers are sold. You can pick up a pair at Nordstrom, order a pair on Amazon, or find some limited options at Madewell or Anthropology. REI even has a selection of used ON shoes you can purchase at a steep discount. Here’s a currently list:
Amazon
on-running.com/
Nordstrom
Anthropology
After lots of research (reading articles and talking to friends and family who use on or the other), it comes down to personal preference and your foot shape/ running style. Head to a running store if you want to take into consideration your foot, your gait, and your particular running needs.
But really, you can’t go wrong with either.
Fans of ON include Zendaya as of now. With collabs with Loewe, we’re sure to see more celebrities sporting ONs.
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