The Best On Cloud Shoes for Walking & Standing

I’ve done a bunch of reviews running in On Cloud sneakers, but there were a lot of questions about On Cloud walking shoes. Let’s take a look at exactly which models are best for being on your feet for a workout or a long day.

One thing many folks may not realize is that I take walks every single day too!

It’s such a great way to break up a day of sitting on the computer and just ensures I get outside to get some fresh air! So not only am I now an avid run shoe tester, but walking shoe tester.

One of the reasons that On Cloud is great for walking or standing all day is the design of the shoe provides more stability to the foot for leg alignment. That’s going to prevent a lot of aches and pains from knees or ankles falling inward.

If you’ve had that aching feet feeling after a day of standing around or a long day of walking on vacation, it’s time to make sure you have the right walking shoes.

Here I’ve put together a detailed On Cloud walking shoes buyer’s guide that is going to help you find the shoe that is perfect for how you’ll be spending your time. Whether that means you are standing all day (hello nurses) or you’re heading out for some power walking.

Is it bad to wear running shoes for walking?

You should absolutely have shoes that are for running and shoes that are for your walks.

The footstrike is different in running than walking.

Your heel will absolutely hit first and then roll through the forefoot to push off the ground. In a running gait, your heel might hit first, but it’s super quick before rolling forward and the way your foot rolls likely changes between a quick paced run and a walk.

You also don’t want to break down your running shoe faster than necessary or ingrain a foot pattern that might cause your foot to pronate.

Best On Cloud Walking Shoe

Our team has tested every pair of On walking and running shoes on the market for the last few years (and myself for years prior to that). We know how the different cushion feels, we know what the feel like after a day of wearing them at the amusement park or for a day of working.

Here we’re going to focus on different use cases for On Cloud from standing all day (hello to all our nursing friends) to getting in a 10,000 steps kind of workout.

Best On Cloud for Standing All Day – On Cloudmonster 3

The Cloudmonster 3 feels very different from past models, but in the absolute best way.

One of the best changes with the cushion is actually under the forefoot. It feels softer and provides a better landing, which we didn’t even realize we wanted until we got it! The cushion is just a little softer, but without taking away the ability to push off.

Technically at 35mm we no longer consider this a max cushioned running shoe. And that’s where the confusion comes in for some runners, this really falls in the moderate cushioned category now and thus is right on in terms of not being too soft or plush.

The Cloudmonster 3 also retains the rocker shape and propulsive Speedboard to help keep you rolling forward. Neither of these feels as dramatic as you’d find in a race day carbon plated shoe, but they nonetheless keep the shoe feeling responsive rather than flat.

The additional layer of Cloudtec foam adds just a little more weight as compared to previous Cloudmonsters, but the extra 5mm of cushioning seems to be worth it. And at the general easy run pace or even marathon pace, the slight change in weight is unlikely to be noticed.

• Weight: 10.8 oz Men’s, 8.5 oz Women’s
• Stack Height: 35 mm
• Heel Drop: 6 mm
• Available in 10 Colors
• Available in regular and wide widths
• Available on.com for $190
• Read our full review of the On Cloudmonster 3 here >>

Most Comfortable On Shoes for Walking: On Cloudsurfer 2

Call this our runner up to the Cloudmonster as a softer cushioned option.

This is a fun one because it too can easily handle some short runs, some long walking days and casual around town. It’s a SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT option that has a softer more cushioned feel than the Cloudmonster.

This is one of the higher heel drop options, which could also feel better if you deal with any Achilles issues.

I don’t believe it provides the needed support for 8-10 standing at work. But it will absolutely carry you through a vacation at Disney or your daily 10,000 steps.

Buy ​On Cloudsurfer

I’d be lying if I said, I didn’t also just love the look of this shoe. It shows why many fell in love with this Swiss brand. There’s some thought that goes in to the style whether for an athlete or everyday wear!

BONUS: Also available in a trail version that’s waterproof. We’ve used the Cloudsurfer 2 Trail for hiking around Ireland and loved it. This is really a road to trail style shoe, so you can easily take it from pavement to gravel or dirt and maybe that’s where you want to spend more time walking this year!

• Weight: 9.2 oz Men’s, 7.9 oz Women’s
• Heel drop: 9mm
• Available in 4 colors
• Not available in wide
• Available at On.com for $160
• Read our full review of the On Cloudsurfer 2

Best Standing Support or Gym Workouts (more lateral stability) – On Cloud X4

If you’re standing all day long you might want to consider wearing compression socks, along with finding great shoes.

The idea is something that will help you maintain good alignment so you don’t have hip, knee or back issues along with tired feet.

Street worthy style is part of their draw for many. But the real benefit comes from also feeling comfortable to wear all day long. The idea is that you could wear these to work or to workout, which means they are designed to absorb impact and keep your feet feeling good.This is a shoe option that’s going to give you the support to stand and the traction to jump in to a class at the gym.  The speedboard provides a little more structure, hence the added stability. 

It’s not an option I’d personally select for walking tons of miles.

This is one we’ve tested, but don’t have a full review write up for, so apologies on that! It’s definitely a popular shoe when looking for an all-arounder to go from gym to casual settings.

• Weight: 8.90 oz Women’s, 9.5oz Men’s
• Heel Drop: 7 mm
• Available in 4 colors
• Not available in wide
• Check it out from On.com for $160

Buy ​O​n Cloud X4

Casual On Cloud Shoes for Travel – On Cloud Tilt

It’s not unusual for us to take 20,000 steps on vacation, beyond my daily run! Which means I want something to look good and feel good for all the miles. While they do have a sportier look, I don’t mind that because I’m a sporty gal, ha!

Unlike the other shoes listed I would not run or do an intense workout in these shoes, but love them for simply moving around all day doing errands or exploring and feeling comfortable.

In fact, I have worn these for some SERIOUSLY long days and they feel good the whole time. They’re light and agile.

When you want that pair of travel shoes that are going to make outfits still look cute, but aren’t going to wreck your legs? These have been a winner for me.

They are not as soft or cushioned as the On Cloudsurfer 2, which would be my runner up pick for long travel days.

• • Weight: 10.6 oz Men’s,  8 oz Women’s
  • Heel drop: 7 mm
  • Available in 7 colors (and some limited edition options)
  • Not available in wide
  • Available from On.com for $160
  • Read our full On Cloudtilt Review

Firm and Max Cushion On Cloud Walking Shoe: On Cloudsurfer Max

The Cloudsurfer Max has replaced the On Cloud Eclipse that we really enjoyed.

After our testing, we can’t say that it’s a true 1:1 comparison because the Cloudsurfer Max is quite different.

This is definitely falling more into the walking workout shoe category now. Again the Cloudsurfer 2 is certainly for workouts we have plenty of folks who run in them, but this one is a firmer feeling under foot and with more stability.

The feel underfoot isn’t too cushy, kinda just the right amount while still giving some ground feel that you won’t get with other max-cushioned trainers. This is actually a good thing as losing too much softeness in these big stack shoes can result in overworking the ankles.

The midsole provides some mild stability and guidance with the raised medial and lateral sidewalls, and with the midsole rising up to cup the heel.

Buy On Cloudsurfer Max

In truth, we highly dislike this shoe for runners. But it can be a good choice for walkers wanting just a bit firmer feel. Some folks find their lower back feels better in a shoe that doesn’t get so plush and squishy.

Still we would put this down the list of our recommendations.

• Weight: 9.2 ounces Women’s/10.3 ounces Men’s
• Stack Height: 37mm
• Heel Drop: 6mm
• Available in 4 colors
• Not available in wide sizes
• Available at onrunning.com for $180
• Check out our full review of the On Cloudsurfer Max here >>

Best On Cloud Hiking Shoes – Cloud Ultra 2

Welcome to the On trail shoe with the highest amount of cushioning. The flip release on the shoe laces, also makes it easy to adjust the tightness of the shoes. Which as we know is often needed during ultras when feet swell.

The On Cloudultra is one of On Running’s newest trail running shoes makes for a stellar hiking shoe. In fact, the more data we dig into the more we see that most folks are leaning to trail shoes over hiking boots and we approve.

Partially because they shifted the pod set up, so you will catch less rocks than with the road shoes!! They add lugs for more grip and took the pods way, way down.

The slip-resistant outsole is a must for us in feeling confident and comfortable on the trails!

• Weight: 10.4 oz Men’s, 9.3 oz Women’s
• Heel drop:  5mm
• 4 colors available
• Not available in wide
• Available from On.com for $180
• Check our full review of the On Cloud Ultra 2 here >>

On has satisfied the request of thousands of trail runners with this shoe, thanks to its ability to tackle tricky terrain effectively and remain comfortable over long distances on trails and highways with its Helion midsole foam.

What about the On Roger Advantage?

Noticeably missing from our list are all the Roger shoes and some might disagree with that choice. But we found the shoes to be rock hard. Hard. Seriously no one wants to take 10,000 steps in those shoes.

Ok fine, those seeking only style will probably happily walking around in them. But we’ve tested plenty of other fashionable athletic shoes that were comfortable and so that’s why they just don’t make the cut around here.

Why Are On Cloud Shoes Good for Walking?

Walking shoes are often heavier because they focus on arch support and aren’t as focused on creating a breathable shoe as you might find in running. But On Cloud sneakers are going to provide you with both the support, average weight and moderate cushion.

In fact, I actually prefer many On Running Shoes for walking!

On uses CloudTec technology which is what makes their shoe look and feel different. They have little pods on the sole that compress with each step to absorb impact and in their words feel like a cloud. And in recent years they have started to figure out how to make the shoes feel a bit less stiff, which I like.

In fact, those clouds are different sizes based on the shoe and the goal for that shoe.

Additionally, while we tend to recommend a lower heel to toe drop for runners, we really like it for walkers.

As noted, your heel will hit first so we don’t want to exaggerate that even farther. On Cloud shoes all tend to be in that 6mm-10mm range. Ideally, we like to stay on the lower end if there’s a shoe that feels comfortable there.

NOTE: If you have Achilles issues, it’s actually better to look for that 12mm height in a more traditional running shoe from Brooks or Asics.

And finally, I’m a fan because most walking shoes have a lot less cushioning and that’s fine as walking it not high impact, but for long days on the feet sometimes it just feels freaking nice!

• Options for different cushion levels
• Variety of shoes in colorway options that you actually want to wear for all day comfort
• Claims to reduce muscle fatigue with the pod style
• Roomy toe box helps as the foot swells to prevent blisters or hot spots
• They are a durable shoe that will easily last 500+ miles walking
• Breathable upper mesh keeps your feet comfortable and from overheating to cause blisters or hot spots

Rarely are the best running shoes also good walking shoes, but you’ll find a HUGE number of runners who love these shoes. I’m recommending a few for walking that I wouldn’t for running as well.

Hopefully this On Cloud walking shoes buyer’s guide has helped to steer you in the right direction.

As always the best walking shoes are the ones that feel good on your foot! You can find most of the models at any running store, so head in and test them out.

Trust me they want to help you and don’t care that your primary focus is walking. We know that runners need walks and that lots of us runners started as walkers!

You can take them for a walk around the block to see if there’s any discomfort and see how the pods feels for you. Remember that even if you buy them, take them home and go for walk to discover you dislike them, YOU CAN TAKE THEM BACK!!

Whether you’ve decided to start walking to help lower your stress, work on high cholesterol or diabetes, your feet deserve good shoes!

If they feel better then you’re more likely to want to wear them and keep going.

👉Checkout this guide on How to Lace Running Shoes, you’ll be amazed at how you can make most shoes fit better!

What to read next?

• Best Walking Shoes (across all brands)
• Tips for walking a marathon
• How to walk a half marathon
• What is the run/walk method?
• Couch to 5K plan to go from walk to run
• How many steps in a mile?

Other ways to connect with Amanda
Instagram Daily Fun: RunToTheFinish

Facebook Community Chatter: RunToTheFinish

Sign Up to Receive a Weekly Newsletter with Top Running Tips and Laughs