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The first time I put on a pair of On shoes, I was impressed by both their performance and their comfort. Living in New York City, commuting to both the gym and my office, I spend a lot of time on my feet. Many of us already incorporate walking more into our daily routines because it is one of the most accessible and beneficial forms of exercise. To truly enjoy and stick with this healthy habit, you’ll need a well-fitting pair of walking shoes that provide comfort and support (a little style can’t hurt, either).
On, a Swiss-based brand that we have been following since its inception, is one of the shoemakers that makes the best shoes for this purpose. Whether you’re a power walker, a trail enthusiast, or prefer the treadmill, the On lineup likely has a great pair for you. The brand’s trademark podded sole are thanks to its CloudTec technology, an exclusive midsole cushioning system which features small, circular cushioned pods. These pods compress to absorb as little impact as possible with each step without overdoing it with a sky-high stack, making them ideal for walking comfort and fashion. In short, they’re sort of like walking on clouds (sorry, not sorry).
How fitness products are thoroughly tested and evaluated by Men’s Health According to board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, Brad Schaeffer, DPM, On strikes a great balance between cushioning and support with its neutral shoes, making them a top footwear choice for extended periods of walking or standing. He provides the following explanation: “I love On sneakers because they feature exceptional offloading features with a rocker bottom sole.” “This unique design provides excellent foot support without exerting excessive pressure on the heel and ball of the foot.”
I’ve been wearing On shoes for years to do everything from workouts to walks to the grocery store, and know how great they can be in the rotation. Our full team of fitness editors, contributing writers, and podiatrists like Dr. Schaeffer are here to guide you in selecting the ideal On Cloud shoes for walking for you. So, if you’re ready to find your new favorite pair of On walking shoes, you’re in the right place. Take a look at our six choices below and learn why they stand out from the rest.
What to Consider
Some people swear by sneakers with maximum cushioning, while others prefer sneakers with a more responsive feel and less cushioning for walking.
Stability
If you tend to pronate quite a bit (meaning your foot rolls outwards) as you walk or run, you may want to look for walking shoes that are labeled as ‘stability.’ Typically, stability shoes have some kind of medial support to keep your feet in the right position while you move. If you don’t particularly need that extra support, look for a shoe labeled ‘neutral’. Without a support structure to prevent your feet from rolling outward, this kind of shoe will allow you to move your feet exactly how they normally would.
Surface
Ask yourself where you walk the most frequently before selecting a shoe. Our recommendation for someone walking on a rocky trail versus on a treadmill is completely different. This is primarily due to the fact that trail shoes’ outsoles offer more traction and durability than those of walking shoes, which are typically lighter and more flexible. Additionally, because no one wants something sharp to stab their feet on a rocky path, you might need more or less protection from the shoe depending on the conditions.
How We Chose
I have tried the best On shoes for years for everything from walking to running to standing all day. Even while wearing On shoes and standing at a desk, some of this story was written. Men’s Health Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, also has put countless On shoes through the wringer. While testing each On shoe, we evaluated their fit, support, and comfort for walking, as well as the terrains each model is best suited for.
In addition to our personal favorites, we looked at reviews on Reddit to find the On shoes that are most popular for walking. The guide below reflects our genuine recommendations for the best On walking shoes to consider this year.
Beyond their lightweight nature, these shoes offer excellent ground feel. It’s no surprise that the Cloud X4s are widely popular—they boast a sleek appearance and consistently deliver outstanding performance for all types of walking. I’ve worn the Cloud X series of shoes for years at this point, but for walks with my daughter and light workouts mainly now.
While the price tag may be on the higher side for a shoe dedicated to walking, this is model also serves as a great road running shoe. If your priority is maximum cushioning and you appreciate the aesthetics of a lofty stack, the Cloudeclipse is an excellent choice.
These are super stable shoes that look great on the foot, at the office or on a stroll around the town. The wide base provides a good degree of support, which surpasses most other On models in terms of stability, but falls short compared to some competing stability shoes from other brands.
On Cloudhorizon
Trail walking demands a shoe with ample protection and exceptional traction, precisely what the Cloudhorizon delivers. The outsole features deep lugs crafted from high-quality rubber, ensuring your feet remain safe from any troublesome rocks or sharp sticks. Surprisingly, these shoes are quite technical, allowing for precise navigation on the trail, whether you’re jumping over rocks or other obstacles, all without feeling cumbersome.
However, it’s worth mentioning that these shoes tend to be on the stiff side, particularly if you’re accustomed to more cushioned trail sneakers. Additionally, I’ve encountered some difficulty in keeping the Cloudhorizon clean, especially the mesh upper, which tends to collect dirt and mud during a trail walk.
Can Running Shoes Be Worn for Walking?
Similarly to running shoes, walking shoes need good cushioning and breathability. Every pair of the On running shoes listed above work well for walking, too. On the other hand, you might discover that you have different preferences when walking and running. For instance, you likely require more cushioning in a running shoe than in a walking shoe. A pair of shoes worn only for walking is likely to last longer than a pair worn solely for running, so keep that in mind, too.
