7 Best On Cloud Sneakers of 2026

The On Cloudrift steps in with a quiet confidence that belies its bold performance, delivering a rare blend of structured support and cloud-like lightness that’s hard to find in everyday sneakers. Built with a performance knit upper and the brand’s signature Helion™ superfoam injected CloudTec® sole, it offers a responsive ride that feels alive underfoot—perfect for urban explorers who want athletic comfort without the gym aesthetic. The speed-lacing system and supportive side panels lock the foot down securely, solving the common issue of slippage in knit uppers, while the reflective accents add a smart safety touch for early morning or late-night walks.

In real-world testing, the Cloudrift shines during extended wear—whether you’re navigating subway stairs or standing through a museum visit, the structured arch support prevents that midday foot fatigue many lightweight sneakers fail to address. At just over 8 ounces, it floats on your feet without sacrificing stability, and the breathable knit keeps things cool in summer city heat. However, while the sole cushions impacts well, it lacks the aggressive rebound needed for serious running—this isn’t a trainer that propels you forward, but rather one that protects and supports with every step.

Compared to the Cloud 6, the Cloudrift trades some breathability for more targeted structure, making it a smarter pick for those who need arch support without orthopedic bulk. It positions itself as the elevated daily driver—more dynamic than a slip-on, more refined than a running shoe. For anyone seeking a do-it-all sneaker that balances style, support, and step-in comfort, the Cloudrift outperforms its category with quiet authority—offering more engineered support than the Cloud X 4, without the stiffness of performance trainers.

The On Cloudmonster doesn’t sneak up on you—it announces itself with every plush, gravity-defying step, delivering the cushioned feel that runners and recovery walkers crave. With its Helion™ superfoam midsole expanded across a wider footprint, this sneaker feels like walking on rebounding foam pads, absorbing impact with a softness that rivals premium max-cushion models. The cushioned collar and removable insole add to the comfort equation, making it a top contender for those with sensitive feet or anyone logging long hours on hard surfaces.

In performance testing, the Cloudmonster excels in low-to-moderate pace activities—perfect for recovery jogs, airport miles, or post-work strolls. The rubber outsole provides reliable grip, though it’s not aggressive enough for wet trails or steep inclines. While the all-white upper looks sleek, it’s prone to scuffing, and the roomy toe box, while comfortable, can cause slight heel lift for narrow-footed wearers. It’s not the most responsive On model—don’t expect snappy turnover here—but that’s by design: this shoe is built for protection, not propulsion.

When stacked against the Cloudrunner 2, the Cloudmonster offers deeper cushioning but less energy return, making it better suited for easy days than tempo runs. It’s the emotional counterpart to technical runners—less about efficiency, more about indulgence. If your priority is a pillowy underfoot experience without the bulk of orthopedic footwear, the Cloudmonster delivers a uniquely soft ride that stands out in On’s lineup—trading agility for a more forgiving, hug-like feel than the snappier Cloud 6.

The On Cloudrunner 2 hits the sweet spot between speed and support, emerging as a running-focused evolution of On’s classic cloud comfort—ideal for daily jogs and weekend long runs. Engineered with a lightweight, breathable mesh and reflective accents wrapping the heel and midfoot, it’s built for visibility and ventilation, especially during early morning or twilight miles. The removable insole and cushioned collar ensure a snug, irritation-free fit, while the Colorblock design adds a modern aesthetic that transitions well from track to street.

On test runs, the Cloudrunner 2 proved its mettle with a balanced ride—not as bouncy as the Cloudmonster, but far more dynamic and efficient. The CloudTec® outsole provides reliable impact absorption, particularly in the heel zone, while the midfoot flexes naturally without over-flexing. It handles pavement and concrete with ease, though it lacks the grip for rainy conditions or uneven terrain. At just under 9 ounces, it’s agile enough for tempo efforts, but long-distance runners may crave more midsole depth after the 10-mile mark.

Compared to the Men’s Cloud 6, the Cloudrunner 2 offers superior breathability and run-specific engineering, making it a stronger choice for serious joggers. It’s not as versatile for training drills as the Cloud X 4, but it outshines it in forward-motion efficiency. For runners who want a daily workhorse that blends performance with wearability, the Cloudrunner 2 delivers a smarter balance of cushioning, weight, and responsiveness than the plush-but-slow Cloudmonster.

The On Cloud 6 doesn’t just earn the title Best Overall—it commands it with a versatile, precision-tuned design that excels across workouts, walks, and weekend errands. Featuring an ultra-lightweight, breathable upper and the elastic speed-lace system, it slips on like a second skin, delivering step-in comfort that few performance sneakers match. The Helion™ superfoam and removable insole combine to create a responsive yet forgiving ride, while the reflective accents ensure visibility without compromising style—making it a true 360-degree performer.

In real-world use, the Cloud 6 handles everything from HIIT sessions to grocery runs with equal ease. The low-profile CloudTec® sole offers just enough cushioning for short runs but shines brightest in lateral movements and quick transitions, thanks to its stable base and snug fit. It’s not waterproof, so puddles are best avoided, and the elastic laces, while convenient, may feel too loose for high-intensity jump training. Still, for a single shoe that bridges gym, street, and travel, few match its agile adaptability.

When compared to the Cloud X 4, the Cloud 6 lacks the lateral stability cage, making it slightly less ideal for aggressive cross-training. But it beats the Cloudrift in breathability and outperforms the Cloudmonster in responsiveness. It’s the Swiss Army knife of On’s lineup—less specialized, more capable. For those seeking a single, reliable sneaker that balances lightweight design, training readiness, and all-day comfort, the Cloud 6 offers broader utility than any other model here.

The On Cloud X 4 is built for multidirectional mayhem, transforming chaotic gym sessions into controlled, confident movements with its X-shaped Speedboard and midfoot cage system. Crafted with a 100% recycled polyester upper, it’s not only breathable and eco-conscious but also durable enough to withstand rope climbs and burpees without fraying. The Helion™ superfoam midsole delivers a softer underfoot feel than previous versions, while the rubber outsole pads provide targeted grip in high-wear zones—essential for plyometric drills and agility ladders.

During training tests, the Cloud X 4 proved its worth in lateral stability and flexibility, bending naturally with side lunges and squat jumps without losing structural integrity. The star lacing system wraps the foot like a glove, eliminating heel slip even during rapid direction changes. However, the flexible nylon-blend Speedboard, while great for mobility, doesn’t offer the same energy return as stiffer plates—so don’t expect a pop on long runs. It’s also less cushioned than the Cloud 6, making it less ideal for extended standing.

Stacked against the Cloud 6, the Cloud X 4 is the specialist to the generalist—less versatile for casual wear, but superior in dynamic training environments. It outperforms the Cloudrift in gym-specific stability and beats the Cloudmonster in agility. For fitness enthusiasts who demand precision, grip, and lockdown during high-intensity routines, the Cloud X 4 is the most technically advanced training shoe here—offering sharper control and better lateral support than any other On model in this lineup.

The On Men’s Cloud 6 Waterproof redefines urban resilience, merging iconic Cloud comfort with a fully sealed waterproof membrane that laughs at puddles, slush, and sudden downpours. With a closer fit and improved geometry, it hugs the foot with precision while the step-in comfort ensures no break-in period—ideal for commuters and city dwellers who refuse to let weather dictate their stride. The olive/evergreen colorway adds understated sophistication, and the rubber outsole maintains reliable traction on wet pavement.

In wet-condition testing, the shoe excelled—no moisture seeped in even after 20-minute walks through rain-soaked streets. The waterproof lining, however, reduces breathability, leading to mild heat buildup during extended wear in mild temps. While it shares the CloudTec® sole and lightweight DNA of the standard Cloud 6, the added membrane increases weight slightly, dulling the snappiness just enough to notice during quick turns. It’s not designed for intense training, and the lack of reflective elements is a surprising miss for a weather-ready shoe.

Compared to the regular Cloud 6, this version sacrifices ventilation for weather protection, making it a seasonal specialist rather than an all-year staple. It doesn’t match the Cloud X 4 in training agility, nor does it cushion like the Cloudmonster. But for those who need dry feet and daily comfort in unpredictable climates, it fills a critical gap—delivering more weather-ready practicality than any other shoe here, without losing On’s signature comfort DNA.