Which On Running Shoe Should I Buy? The Complete Comparison Guide
On Running makes over a dozen different shoe models and every one serves a different purpose. We stock the full range and fit them daily at our St Helens store. This guide cuts through the marketing and tells you exactly which On shoe suits your feet, your activity, and your budget — based on what we actually sell, see come back, and hear feedback on.
Every shoe listed here is in stock at OD's with real prices and direct links to buy. No filler products, no placeholder images.
1 | On Running Shoes by Category
On Running organises its range into clear families. Each model is engineered for a specific use case. The technology inside changes depending on what the shoe needs to do. Here is the full breakdown of what we stock and where each shoe fits.
Road Running
Designed for tarmac, pavements, and treadmills. CloudTec cushioning absorbs impact, Helion superfoam returns energy, and the Speedboard drives you forward. These are the shoes that made On famous.
Trail Running
Built for off-road terrain with Missiongrip rubber for grip on wet rocks, mud, and loose gravel. These shoes sacrifice some road comfort for traction and stability when the ground gets unpredictable.
Training & Gym
Lower stack height and wider base for stability during lateral movements, HIIT workouts, and circuit training. The Cloud X 4 and Cloudpulse families are built for explosive movements, not straight-line running.
Lifestyle & All-Day Wear
Engineered for comfort rather than performance. CloudTec Phase technology compresses sequentially from heel to toe for a smooth rolling motion that works whether you are walking, commuting, or on your feet all day.
2 | Best On Running Shoes for Beginners
If you are buying your first pair of On Running shoes, you need a model that does one thing well without overcomplicating things. Forget the Cloudmonster and the specialist trail shoes — start with a versatile daily shoe that works for running, walking, and casual wear.
Our Recommendation for First-Time On Buyers
- Cloudswift 4 AD (£150) — the best all-rounder. Responsive on road runs, comfortable enough for all-day wear, and priced below the Cloudmonster. It is the shoe we sell to the most first-time On customers.
- Cloud X 4 (£140) — if you split time between running and the gym. Lower profile, more stable for lateral movements, and the lightest On in our range.
- Cloudtilt (£150) — if you are not running at all. Pure comfort shoe for walking, commuting, and standing all day. CloudTec Phase cushioning is designed for walking gait, not running gait.
What Makes the Cloudswift the Best Starter Shoe?
The Cloudswift 4 AD sits in the middle of On's range by price, cushioning, and weight. It has CloudTec pods for impact absorption, Helion superfoam for energy return, and a Speedboard for forward drive — all three of On's core technologies. It does not specialise in any single area, which is precisely why it works for beginners. You get a taste of everything On does well without paying for technology you don't need yet.
It is also the model with the most colourway options in our range, giving you more choice at the point of purchase.
3 | Cloudmonster vs Cloudswift: Daily Training Compared
This is the most common question we get asked in store. Both shoes are road runners. Both use CloudTec, Helion, and a Speedboard. The difference is in the stack height, the ride feel, and who they are built for.
| Cloudmonster Void | Cloudswift 4 AD | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £160 | £150 |
| Best for | Daily training, long runs | All-round running, commuting |
| Cushioning | Maximum — oversized CloudTec pods with deep Helion foam | Moderate — balanced cushion-to-ground feel |
| Stack height | Higher — more foam between foot and ground | Lower — closer-to-ground contact |
| Ride feel | Bouncy, energetic, responsive on longer distances | Smooth, controlled, versatile across distances |
| Weight | Heavier (more foam) | Lighter |
| Technology | CloudTec + Helion + Speedboard | CloudTec + Helion + Speedboard |
| Who buys it | Runners wanting max cushion for 10K+ distances | Runners wanting a do-everything daily shoe |
Our Verdict
If you run 3+ times a week and regularly cover 10K or more, buy the Cloudmonster. The extra cushioning protects joints on longer runs and the bouncy ride makes distance feel easier. If you run occasionally and want a shoe that also works for walking and travel, the Cloudswift is the smarter buy.
4 | Best On Running Shoes for Trail Running
On's trail range is built for UK terrain — canal paths, park trails, fell running, and wet conditions. Missiongrip rubber outsoles provide traction on surfaces where road shoes would slip. We stock three levels of trail shoe depending on how aggressive you need to go.
Cloudvista 2 — £140
Entry-level trail shoe. Missiongrip outsole with Helion foam. Lightweight and nimble for park trails, canal paths, and light off-road use. This is the trail shoe most customers buy for mixed terrain walks and jogs.
Cloudhorizon 2 WP — £180
Waterproof hiking shoe. Full waterproof membrane keeps feet dry in rain and puddles. CloudTec cushioning for all-day comfort on long walks. Available in three colours. Our best seller for autumn/winter walking.
Cloudrock Mid WP — £210
Mid-cut waterproof boot. Ankle support for uneven terrain. The most rugged On shoe we stock — built for fell walks, hiking holidays, and serious trail use in all weather conditions.
Cloudhorizon WP (Gen 1) — from £126
Previous generation at a reduced price. Same waterproof protection and CloudTec comfort. Excellent value if you want waterproof On technology without the full £180 price tag.
Waterproof vs Non-Waterproof
- The Cloudvista 2 is NOT waterproof — it is designed for dry-to-damp trail running where breathability matters more than water protection.
- The Cloudhorizon 2 WP and Cloudrock Mid WP have a full waterproof membrane — sealed seams, no water ingress. These are for UK winter walking, rainy commutes, and wet trail conditions.
- The Cloud 6 Waterproof (£170) is a waterproof road shoe, not a trail shoe. It has no Missiongrip traction. Choose it for wet pavements, not muddy paths.
5 | On Running for the Gym: Cloud X 4 vs Cloudpulse
Running shoes are designed for forward motion. Gym shoes need to handle lateral cuts, jumping, squatting, and explosive movements. On makes two families specifically for training — the Cloud X 4 and the Cloudpulse range.
| Cloud X 4 | Cloudpulse 2 | Cloudpulse Next | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £140 | £150 | £120 |
| Best for | Mixed training + short runs | HIIT, circuits, heavy training | Light gym, casual training |
| Outsole grip | Standard rubber | Missiongrip (max traction) | Standard rubber |
| Stability | Good — wide base | Excellent — CloudTec + flat sole | Good — lightweight build |
| Can you run in it? | Yes — up to 5K comfortably | Short runs only | Light jogging only |
| Key tech | Helion + Speedboard | CloudTec + Missiongrip | Lightweight construction |
Our Verdict
The Cloud X 4 is the better buy if you do a mix of gym work and running. It handles both without compromise. The Cloudpulse 2 is the dedicated gym shoe — Missiongrip rubber grips gym floors during box jumps, burpees, and lateral movements better than any other On shoe. The Cloudpulse Next is the budget entry into On gym shoes at £120.
6 | Best On Running Shoes for Walking and All-Day Wear
More than half of the On shoes we sell go to people who will never run in them. Teachers, nurses, retail workers, dog walkers, and travellers buy On for the cushioning technology that makes long days on your feet feel manageable. Here is what works best for pure walking and standing.
Cloudtilt — Best for All-Day Walking
CloudTec Phase compresses sequentially from heel to toe, creating a rolling motion that matches natural walking gait. This is On's purpose-built lifestyle shoe — not a running shoe repurposed for walking. Two colourways in stock at £150.
Cloud 6 Waterproof — Best for Wet Commutes
CloudTec cushioning with a waterproof upper. Keeps feet dry on rainy walks and commutes. The Cloud 6 is On's most iconic silhouette and the WP version means you never have to worry about the weather. £170.
Cloudswift 4 AD — Best Walking-to-Running Crossover
If you walk most days but occasionally run, the Cloudswift handles both. More cushioning than the Cloud X 4, less bulk than the Cloudmonster. The shoe we recommend most to customers who say "I do a bit of everything." £150.
Cloudhorizon 2 WP — Best for Country Walks
Waterproof walking shoe with CloudTec cushioning. Handles footpaths, fields, and light trail conditions. Three colourways at £180. The shoe we sell to Lake District, Peak District, and countryside walkers.
7 | On Running Price Guide: What You Get at Each Level
On Running shoes range from £84 to £210 in our current stock. Here is exactly what you get at each price point and whether the extra spend is justified.
| Price | Models | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| £84 | Cloudpulse Next (sale) | Entry-level On gym shoe. Lightweight construction without the premium Missiongrip or CloudTec. Good value if you want the On brand for gym use. |
| £120 | Cloudpulse Next | Updated gym trainer at full price. Solid for light training and casual wear. Step up from the sale models with current-season materials. |
| £126 | Cloudhorizon WP (Gen 1) | Previous-generation waterproof walking shoe. Same core technology as the £180 version at a significant discount. Excellent value for waterproof On performance. |
| £140 | Cloud X 4, Cloudvista 2 | Core On technology — Helion superfoam, Speedboard propulsion. The Cloud X 4 is the training all-rounder. Cloudvista 2 adds Missiongrip for trails. |
| £150 | Cloudswift 4 AD, Cloudtilt, Cloudpulse 2 | The sweet spot. Full CloudTec + Helion + Speedboard in the Cloudswift. CloudTec Phase in the Cloudtilt. Missiongrip in the Cloudpulse 2. Three different technologies at the same price for three different activities. |
| £160 | Cloudmonster Void, Cloudmonster | Maximum road cushioning. Oversized CloudTec pods, deep Helion foam, aggressive Speedboard. The premium running experience. |
| £170 | Cloud 6 Waterproof | Waterproof road shoe with CloudTec and Speedboard. For customers who want On cushioning and rain protection on pavements. |
| £180 | Cloudhorizon 2 WP | Premium waterproof walking shoe. Full membrane + CloudTec + three colourway options. The go-to for serious walkers. |
| £210 | Cloudrock Mid WP | On's most rugged shoe. Mid-cut ankle support, full waterproofing, aggressive outsole. Built for fell walking and hiking holidays. |
Where the Money Goes
- £84–£126: On branding and basic construction. Good shoes, but without the full technology stack.
- £140–£150: Full On technology. This is where the value sits. You get CloudTec, Helion, Speedboard, or Missiongrip depending on the model.
- £160+: Premium materials, waterproofing, maximum cushioning, or specialist construction. Worth it if you need the specific feature (waterproofing, max cushion, ankle support).
Women's On Running at OD's
8 | Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best On Running shoes for beginners?
The Cloudswift 4 AD (£150) is our top recommendation for first-time On buyers. It contains all three core technologies — CloudTec cushioning, Helion superfoam, and a Speedboard — in one versatile shoe that works for running, walking, and daily wear. If you don't plan to run, the Cloudtilt (£150) with CloudTec Phase is built specifically for all-day walking comfort.
Are On Running shoes good for wide feet?
On Running shoes are standard width only — no wide or extra-wide options exist. Road and lifestyle models like the Cloudswift and Cloudtilt accommodate most foot widths at true to size. Trail models such as the Cloudvista run slightly narrower in the midfoot. If you have particularly wide feet, we recommend trying in-store at OD's (44 Barrow Street, St Helens) before purchasing online.
Which On Running shoes are waterproof?
We stock three waterproof On models: the Cloud 6 Waterproof (£170) for road and pavement use, the Cloudhorizon 2 Waterproof (£180) for walking and light trails, and the Cloudrock Mid Waterproof (£210) for hiking with ankle support. All three have sealed membranes that block water ingress while remaining breathable. Non-waterproof models like the Cloudmonster and Cloudswift are not water-resistant.
How do On Running shoes compare to Hoka?
Both brands offer maximum cushioning, but the technology is different. On uses CloudTec pods that compress in multiple directions plus a Speedboard plate for forward propulsion. Hoka uses deep EVA foam stacks with a meta-rocker geometry. On shoes tend to feel more responsive and energetic; Hoka shoes feel softer and more plush. On shoes are also generally lighter at the same cushioning level. The choice comes down to whether you prefer a bouncy, active ride (On) or a soft, sinking-in feel (Hoka).
Are On Running shoes worth the money?
At £140–£160, On Running shoes are priced competitively with Nike Pegasus, ASICS Gel-Nimbus, and Hoka Clifton. The difference is technology: CloudTec cushioning, Helion superfoam, and Speedboard propulsion are patented systems you cannot get elsewhere. Road running shoes last 600–800km, which works out at 8–12 months for regular runners. At that lifespan, the price-per-wear makes them excellent value. The lower-priced models (£84–£126) offer less technology but still deliver the On comfort profile.
Is OD's an authorised On Running stockist?
Yes. OD's Designer Clothing is an authorised UK stockist of On Running. Every pair purchased from us is 100% authentic with full manufacturer warranty, sourced directly from official distribution. Visit us in store at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY (Mon–Sat 9am–5pm) or shop online at odsdesignerclothing.com.