On Running for Beginners
You've seen the shoes. Those distinctive cloud-shaped pods on the sole. The clean Swiss design. The people at parkrun wearing them. On Running has gone from a Zurich startup to one of the world's fastest-growing sports brands in just 16 years — and you're thinking about buying your first pair. This guide covers everything a beginner needs to know before making that decision.
1 | What Is On Running and Why Are They Popular?
On Running was founded in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2010 by Olivier Bernhard (a former professional triathlete), David Allemann, and Caspar Coppetti. The origin story is now legendary: they prototyped their first cushioning system by cutting garden hoses in half and gluing them to the sole of a running shoe.
That garden hose experiment became CloudTec — the patented cushioning technology that defines every On shoe. It was different from anything else on the market: soft landing, firm take-off, in a shoe that felt nothing like the thick, heavy foam trainers everyone else was making.
On Running By The Numbers
- Founded: 2010 in Zurich, Switzerland
- Athletes: 7+ million runners worldwide wear On
- Countries: Sold in 60+ countries
- NYSE listed: IPO in September 2021 (ONON)
- Notable athletes: Hellen Obiri (marathon), Kristian Blummenfelt (triathlon), Iga Swiatek (tennis), Ben Shelton (tennis)
- Roger Federer: Investor and co-designer of THE ROGER line
On's popularity isn't just about technology. The design is clean, minimal, and instantly recognisable. They look as good with jeans as they do on a run. That crossover appeal — genuine performance shoe that doubles as a lifestyle shoe — is what drove their explosive growth. They solved a problem nobody else was addressing: a running shoe you'd actually want to wear all day.
2 | Are On Running Shoes Good for Running?
Yes — with a caveat. On makes excellent running shoes, but not every On shoe is a running shoe. Their range includes dedicated running models, training shoes, hiking shoes, and lifestyle shoes. Buying the wrong type is the biggest mistake beginners make.
Running Shoes (Built for Running)
- Cloudmonster Void — Daily training, 5K to marathon
- Cloud 6 — Entry-level running, the starting point (£140)
- Cloudswift 4 AD — Urban running, road focused
- Cloudvista 2 — Trail running, off-road
- Cloudboom Strike — Racing, carbon plate
NOT Running Shoes (Different Purpose)
- Cloudtilt — Lifestyle, walking, casual wear
- Cloudzone — Fashion sneaker, casual wear
- Cloud X 4 — Gym training, HIIT, circuits
- Cloudpulse 2 — Strength training, gym work
The Beginner's Mistake
The Cloudtilt looks amazing and feels comfortable — but it uses CloudTec Phase (walking) cushioning, not CloudTec (running) cushioning. It doesn't have a Speedboard propulsion plate. If you want to run, buy a running shoe. If you want a lifestyle shoe, buy a lifestyle shoe. They're engineered for fundamentally different movements.
3 | Which On Shoe Should a Beginner Choose?
For your first pair of On running shoes, we recommend starting with either the Cloud 6 (£140) or the Cloudmonster Void (£160). Here's how to decide.
Cloud 6 — The Entry Point (£140)
On's original running shoe, now in its sixth generation. Lightweight, versatile, and the easiest On shoe to get used to. The Cloud 6 is the most popular On shoe in the world for a reason — it does everything well without being overwhelming. CloudTec cushioning + Speedboard + Helion foam. 245g (men's UK 8.5). Perfect for runners covering 5K-15K, 2-4 times per week.
Cloudmonster Void — The Step Up (£160)
More cushioning, more energy return, more shoe. If you're planning to run longer distances, train more frequently, or want maximum comfort, the Cloudmonster Void is the better investment. Larger CloudTec pods + more Helion foam + full Speedboard. 280g (men's UK 8.5). The choice for serious beginners who know they'll stick with running.
4 | How Much Do On Running Shoes Cost?
On Running shoes sit in the premium performance segment. They're not the cheapest running shoes on the market — but they're engineered to a standard that justifies the price. Here's the full price range across our current stock.
On Running Price Guide at OD's
- £120-£140 — Entry-level running (Cloud 6, Cloudpulse Next) and training (Cloud X 4)
- £140-£160 — Core running range (Cloudmonster Void, Cloudswift 4 AD, Cloudvista 2)
- £150 — Lifestyle (Cloudtilt, Cloudtilt Remix)
- £170-£180 — Waterproof and hiking (Cloud 6 WP, Cloudhorizon 2 WP)
- £210+ — Premium hiking (Cloudrock Mid WP) and racing
Is On Running Worth the Price?
Compared to other premium running brands: On sits alongside ASICS Nimbus (£170), Nike Vomero (£160), and New Balance Fresh Foam (£135-165). The difference is that On's CloudTec technology is genuinely unique — no other brand offers the same cushioning mechanism. You're paying for patented Swiss engineering, not just a logo.
For the beginner who wants the best value entry point: the Cloud 6 at £140 is On's most accessible running shoe and matches or beats competitors at the same price point.
5 | The Technology You Need to Know
On doesn't use off-the-shelf components. Every key technology is proprietary and patented. As a beginner, three technologies matter most.
CloudTec
The hollow pods on the outsole. They compress on landing (soft cushioning) and lock together on take-off (firm propulsion). Patented in 2010. Found in every On running shoe. This is what makes On feel different to every other brand — the "landing on clouds" sensation that gives the company its name.
Helion Superfoam
On's proprietary midsole foam. It fills the CloudTec pods and provides the actual cushioning material. Helion is lightweight, responsive, and temperature-stable (performs consistently in cold and hot weather). Different shoes use different Helion densities tuned for their purpose.
Speedboard
A flexible plate between the midsole and outsole. It bends under your forefoot on landing, stores energy, and releases it on toe-off — like a spring that adds forward momentum to every step. Every On running shoe has one. Lifestyle shoes (Cloudtilt) do not.
Missiongrip
On's rubber outsole compound for trail and training shoes. Engineered in the Swiss Alps for maximum grip on wet, rocky, and muddy surfaces. Found on the Cloudvista 2 (trail) and Cloudpulse 2 (training). Road running shoes use standard rubber instead.
The Garden Hose Legacy
The original CloudTec prototype was literally a garden hose cut into sections and glued to a running shoe sole. Olivier Bernhard tested it on the roads around Zurich. The concept worked so well that he brought in David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti to turn it into a company. Sixteen years later, the principle hasn't changed — just the engineering precision behind it.
6 | How On Compares to Nike, ASICS & New Balance
If you're considering On Running for the first time, you're probably also looking at Nike, ASICS, and New Balance. Here's an honest comparison based on what we see in-store every day.
On Running vs Nike
Nike dominates marketing and has more shoe options at every price point. On's advantage is technology focus — CloudTec is genuinely different to Nike's ZoomX or Air cushioning. On shoes tend to be lighter at similar cushioning levels. Nike offers more colourway variety; On offers more consistent quality. For beginners who value engineering over hype, On wins.
On Running vs ASICS
ASICS is the traditional "serious runner's" brand with decades of biomechanical research. ASICS Gel technology is proven and reliable. On's CloudTec feels more responsive and modern. ASICS offers stability shoes with pronation control that On doesn't. If you need structured support for overpronation, ASICS is better. For neutral runners who want a modern feel, On delivers.
On Running vs New Balance
New Balance offers the widest range of widths (narrow to extra-wide), which On doesn't. NB's Fresh Foam v4 is an excellent daily trainer at a similar price. On wins on design and crossover appeal — an On shoe works in more situations than a New Balance. If foot width is a concern, New Balance is more accommodating. For standard-width feet, On's fit is precise and secure.
Why Choose On?
Choose On if you want: (1) a genuinely unique cushioning feel, (2) Swiss engineering precision, (3) a shoe that looks as good off the track as on it, (4) a brand that invests in technology rather than celebrity endorsements. On isn't for everyone — but for the people it's for, nothing else feels the same.
7 | Should I Buy Online or In-Store?
For your first pair of On shoes, we strongly recommend buying in-store. Here's why.
Benefits of Buying In-Store at OD's
- Try before you buy — On's sizing is true to size, but every foot is different. Walking around the shop for five minutes tells you more than any size chart.
- Expert fitting advice — Our staff know the On range inside out. We'll check your fit, recommend the right model for your activity, and make sure you're not buying a lifestyle shoe when you need a running shoe (the number one mistake).
- Feel the difference — CloudTec feels unlike any other cushioning system. You need to feel the landing-to-take-off transition in person to understand why people get hooked.
- Compare models side-by-side — Try the Cloud 6, then the Cloudmonster, then the Cloudtilt. You'll immediately understand the difference between running and lifestyle models.
- Walk out wearing them — No waiting for delivery, no returns hassle.
Visit OD's for Your First Pair
44 Barrow Street, St Helens, WA10 1RY | Mon-Sat 9am-5pm | Phone: 01744 730985. We carry the full On Running range for men and women — shoes and apparel. No appointment needed. Walk in, try on, walk out with the right shoe.
Buying Online
If you already know your On size from a previous pair, or if you can't get to St Helens, our full range is available at odsdesignerclothing.com. Free returns on unworn shoes within 30 days. Every shoe on our website is in stock and ships from St Helens — no drop-shipping, no third-party warehouses.
8 | How to Spot Authentic On Shoes
Counterfeit On Running shoes are a growing problem. The brand's popularity has made it a target for fakes, particularly on marketplace sites and social media ads. Here's how to protect yourself.
Signs of Authentic On Running Shoes
- Authorised retailer: Buy from authorised stockists only. OD's is authorised — every pair comes direct from On's official UK distribution.
- Packaging: Authentic On shoes come in a branded box with tissue paper, a shoe bag on some models, and a hang tag with a QR code linking to on.com.
- CloudTec pods: Genuine CloudTec pods have consistent depth, spacing, and finish. Fakes often have uneven pod sizes and rough moulding.
- Materials: On uses high-quality mesh, rubber, and foam. Fakes feel cheaper — thinner mesh, stiffer rubber, less responsive foam.
- Price: If the price is too good to be true (50-70% off RRP), it's almost certainly fake. On rarely discounts current-season models heavily.
The Safest Way to Buy On Running
Buy from an authorised retailer. Full stop. OD's Designer Clothing is authorised by On Running to sell their products in the UK. Every pair we sell is genuine, sourced from official distribution channels, and covered by On's manufacturer warranty. We've been stocking On since the brand launched in the UK.
9 | Frequently Asked Questions
What is On Running and who founded it?
On Running is a Swiss performance sports brand founded in 2010 in Zurich by Olivier Bernhard (former professional triathlete), David Allemann, and Caspar Coppetti. The brand is known for its patented CloudTec cushioning technology, which was prototyped using cut garden hose segments. On now has over 7 million athletes wearing their shoes worldwide and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (ONON).
Are On Running shoes good for beginners?
Yes. The Cloud 6 (£140) is specifically designed as an accessible entry point — lightweight, versatile, and comfortable for runners at any level. The Cloudmonster Void (£160) offers more cushioning for those planning longer distances. Both use On's core CloudTec + Helion + Speedboard technology stack.
How much do On Running shoes cost?
On Running shoes range from £120 for entry-level models to £210+ for premium hiking and racing shoes. The sweet spot for beginners is £140-£160, which covers the Cloud 6, Cloudmonster Void, Cloudswift 4 AD, and Cloud X 4. Lifestyle shoes like the Cloudtilt are £150.
What is CloudTec technology?
CloudTec is On Running's patented cushioning system. Hollow pods on the outsole compress on impact to absorb shock, then lock together on take-off to create a firm, propulsive push forward. It was invented in 2010 and is the core technology in every On running shoe. The sensation is often described as "landing on clouds, taking off on firm ground."
Are On Running shoes true to size?
Yes. On Running shoes run true to size for most people. Standard width only — On doesn't offer wide or narrow options. If you're between sizes, go up half a size for running shoes. Trail models run slightly snug in the midfoot. We recommend trying on in-store if this is your first pair.
Is OD's an authorised On Running stockist?
Yes. OD's Designer Clothing is an authorised UK stockist of On Running. Every pair we sell is 100% authentic, sourced directly from On's official UK distribution, and covered by the full manufacturer warranty. Visit us at 44 Barrow Street, St Helens (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm) for expert advice on your first pair.