On Running Walking
Short Answer: Yes — with the right model
On Running shoes work well for walking. CloudTec cushioning is genuinely effective on hard urban surfaces, the shoes are lightweight, and several models in the range are specifically designed for all-day wear. They are not dedicated walking shoes — but for the vast majority of walkers, they perform well and look considerably better than most walking shoe alternatives.
The "running shoe for walking" question comes up constantly in our store. People love the look and feel of On Running shoes, but they're not runners — or they run occasionally but mostly walk. The good news is that CloudTec technology doesn't know the difference between running gait and walking gait. It cushions foot-strike either way.
What matters is choosing the right model — some On Running shoes are better suited to walking than others, and understanding the differences will help you pick the right pair.
Why CloudTec Cushioning Works for Walking
CloudTec was designed for running, but the technology is not running-exclusive. The hollow pod system collapses on impact — whether that impact comes from a 6-minute mile runner or a brisk city walker. The physics is the same: load is absorbed across the pod surface rather than concentrated at a single point, and the rebound helps propel you through your stride.
For walking specifically, CloudTec offers three meaningful benefits:
Hard Surface Absorption
UK pavements and city floors are hard and unforgiving. CloudTec pods compress on contact with these surfaces, softening the impact transmitted through the ankle, knee, and hip. Walkers who switch to On Running consistently report less end-of-day fatigue in their legs and feet compared to conventional trainers — even expensive ones without CloudTec.
Lightweight Construction
On Running shoes are genuinely light — most models weigh 260-310g per shoe. Over the course of a long walk, shoe weight matters: lighter shoes reduce the muscular effort required to lift and place each foot. This adds up significantly over 5,000+ steps.
Responsive, Not Spongy
Some walking shoes cushion well but feel slow and spongy underfoot — you sink in, which makes forward momentum harder. CloudTec is cushioned on impact but firms up at push-off. This means On Running shoes don't rob you of energy return the way deeply cushioned foam platforms can. The result is a cushioned walk that still feels purposeful and springy.
What On Running Is Not Optimised For
- Extended countryside walking — trail On models are capable on light paths, but dedicated walking boots with ankle support and heavy-grip soles are better for all-day hill walking
- Heavily uneven terrain — CloudTec road pods are not designed for rocky, very uneven ground where torsional stability matters more than cushioning
- Cold wet conditions — standard On mesh uppers are breathable, not waterproof. The waterproof Gore-Tex models (Cloud 6 WP) address this
Best On Running Models for Walking
Not every On Running shoe is equally suited to walking. Here are the models we most often recommend to walkers at OD's:
Cloudmonster 2 — Best for Maximum Cushioning
The Cloudmonster features On's largest CloudTec pods — the "monster" pods are significantly bigger than standard CloudTec, delivering noticeably more cushioning. For walkers who spend long hours on hard surfaces (city streets, shopping, travel), the Cloudmonster 2 is the most cushioned option in the On range while still maintaining the propulsive CloudTec feel. Weight: approx 310g. Price: £165-185.
Cloud 5 — Best Everyday Versatile Walker
The Cloud 5 is On Running's most popular lifestyle shoe and one of the best-selling walking trainers in the range. Slightly lower profile than performance runners, the Cloud 5 has a flexible upper that accommodates different foot shapes, standard CloudTec cushioning, and clean styling that works across casual, smart-casual, and gym contexts. Reliable, proven, versatile. Weight: approx 265g. Price: £130-145.
Cloudswift 4 — Best for Active Walking and Light Running
If you walk most days but also run occasionally, the Cloudswift 4 bridges both activities. The Helion foam midsole provides a plush, long-lasting cushioning platform, and the shoe transitions well between walking and running gaits. Popular with commuters who walk to work and run at weekends with the same shoe. Weight: approx 275g. Price: £145-165.
Cloud 6 Waterproof — Best for UK Weather
For walkers in the UK who deal with wet pavements and light rain regularly, the Cloud 6 Waterproof delivers all the CloudTec cushioning benefits with a Gore-Tex membrane that keeps feet dry. The waterproof upper adds minimal weight and doesn't compromise the cushioning feel significantly. Weight: approx 280g. Price: £165-175.
| Model | Cushioning | Walking Use | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudmonster 2 | Maximum | Excellent | All-day hard surface walking | £165-185 |
| Cloud 5 | Standard | Very Good | Everyday lifestyle walking | £130-145 |
| Cloudswift 4 | Good-High | Very Good | Walk/run crossover | £145-165 |
| Cloud 6 Waterproof | Standard | Very Good | UK weather, wet conditions | £165-175 |
| Cloudtilt | Moderate | Good | Casual/lifestyle walking | £130-150 |
Key Features to Look For as a Walker
Cushioning Level
Walkers generally benefit from more cushioning than runners — the longer time on feet and absence of the "launch" phase of running means passive cushioning matters more. For walking, the Cloudmonster 2's larger pods or the Cloudswift 4's Helion foam provide more walking comfort than the lighter road models.
Midsole Flexibility
Walking requires a shoe that flexes naturally at the ball of the foot through your toe-off. Most On Running models flex well here. The more race-focused models (Cloudboom) are stiffer due to carbon plates — not ideal for walking. Stick to road running and lifestyle models.
Upper Breathability
On Running's engineered mesh uppers are highly breathable — important for all-day wear where feet heat up. For wet conditions, the waterproof models seal in heat more but prevent soaking. Choose based on your typical walking conditions.
Grip
On Running road models have adequate grip for pavements and light paths but are not designed for wet grass, mud, or rough terrain. For park walks, weekend walking, and hard-surface commuting, the road outsole is fine. For anything more demanding, the Cloudvista trail model provides better traction.
Walker's Features Checklist
- CloudTec pods — standard feature across the range; adequate for all walking
- Helion foam midsole — found in Cloudswift 4, Cloudsurfer 2 — higher cushioning density for long walks
- Waterproofing — Cloud 6 WP uses Gore-Tex; Cloudhorizon WP available for outdoor use
- Flexible forefoot — check by bending the shoe in-store; if it's stiff, it's a carbon plate model not suited to walking
Sizing On Running Shoes for Walking
On Running shoes generally fit true to size. However, for walking specifically — particularly all-day walking or occasions where you'll cover significant distances — we recommend trying a half size up from your normal size in running shoes.
Why a Half Size Up for Walking?
There are two reasons this often works better for walkers:
- Foot swell — feet swell during extended walking, more so than during shorter runs. A half size of extra toe room prevents the front of the shoe compressing toes on a 3-hour walk
- Walking gait — the walking foot-strike is heel-dominant, with more time spent on each foot than in running. A slightly longer shoe allows the foot to roll forward more naturally without restriction at the toe
Sizing Rule of Thumb
For running: true to size. For all-day walking: consider half a size up. For casual/lifestyle wear: true to size. This applies across the On Running range. Never go up a full size — this creates heel slippage which is uncomfortable and potentially causes blisters.
The best way to get this right is to come into OD's in-store and be fitted properly. We fit shoes every day and can advise on the exact size and model for your foot shape and intended use.
On Running vs Dedicated Walking Shoes
Dedicated walking shoes — from brands like Clarks, Ecco, Merrell, and specialist walking boot manufacturers — are engineered specifically for walking biomechanics. How does On Running compare?
| Feature | On Running | Dedicated Walking Shoe |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Good-Excellent (CloudTec) | Good-Excellent (varies by model) |
| Aesthetics | Strong — wearable in all contexts | Often clunky outside walking use |
| Weight | Light (260-310g) | Heavier (300-500g typical) |
| Ankle support | None (low-cut) | Available in mid/high versions |
| Waterproofing | Select models (Cloud 6 WP) | More widely available |
| Terrain grip | Road-optimised (light grip) | Walking-specific grip patterns |
| Versatility | High — gym, run, walk, casual | Low — mainly walking |
| Price | £130-185 | £80-200 (wide range) |
When On Running Wins
- Urban and paved walking — pavements, city streets, shopping, travel
- Mixed use — you want one shoe for gym, running, and casual walking
- Style matters — On Running looks good; many walking shoes do not
- Lightweight walking — day trips, commutes, park walks
When a Dedicated Walking Shoe Wins
- All-day countryside or hill walking — ankle support and terrain grip matter more
- Consistently wet and muddy conditions — specialist grip patterns and full waterproofing
- Flat feet or strong pronation requiring dedicated orthotics — On Running doesn't offer stability models
The Practical Answer
For most of what UK walkers actually do — cities, parks, mixed urban/suburban walking, travel — On Running shoes are genuinely good enough, and significantly more versatile and better-looking than a dedicated walking shoe. For serious countryside walking or anything beyond light trails, a walking-specific shoe is the better tool. Most of our customers who buy On Running for walking are delighted with the choice.
Shop On Running at OD's
Every pair below is in stock at OD's Designer Clothing — authorised UK stockist, full manufacturer warranty.