When is the best time for a runner to test walking shoes? Honestly, all the time, I never stop walking. But when injured there’s extra time, so I needed to find out if the On Cloudtilt hype was really worth it.
The On Cloudtilt looks enough like a running shoe that we get why runners keep asking about it, but this is really an everyday walking and lifestyle shoe.
And after spending plenty of time in On running shoes, that distinction matters. The Cloudtilt is softer, smoother and more comfortable for long days on your feet than many of On’s casual shoes, but we wouldn’t choose it for regular running.
That being said, I spent 4 whole days with a group of kids on spring break showing them all over Denver and standing through a Nuggets game…so I can definitely say these are comfortable and feel more stylish than many of my sneakers.
Update: We’re a year later and these are still my go to casual shoe for long days. They just look good and feel good.
Our Verdict
Who Is It Good For?
- Walking Workouts: Probably not one I’d pound the pavement in for long miles. But great for walking around all day.
- Wide Feet: Roomier fit than many shoes, but not available in wide.
- Standing All Day: Could definitely hang around in these.
- Daily Wear: Designed with casual wear in mind.
On Cloudtilt Overview
Anyone else never untie their shoes? My first step in was fabulous because there was nothing to consider tying! Instead, we’ve got a nice knotted bungee lace which allows for a roomy fit and easy step in.
Some of On’s casual shoes are really firm, so it was pleasant to find this is a moderately cushioned shoe. This is why I’d say it wouldn’t be my On Cloud walking shoe for standing all day, but I’ve certainly worn it all day to run errands as a comfortable casual shoe.
Interestingly we heard another reviewer say they don’t mind standing all day at work in them, but wouldn’t take them out for a long walk. And that actually makes a lot of sense to us. They are really comfy, but if I’m hoofing it, I want some more cushion.
It’s lightweight and generally available in really classic colors, so you can match it to anything.
Having just spent a lot of time testing the new On Cloudsurfer 2, I feel really biased. If I had to pick between the two, I’d hands down always chose the Cloudsurfer 2 for long days on my feet. It’s $10 cheaper and yet more focused on all day comfort.
I think the Cloudtilt was a go to walking shoe, until they released this even better Cloudsurfer 2. Now the Cloudtilt is absolutely lighter and probably goes even farther in to the casual look, so it’s going to depend on what you need from a shoe!
In terms of bang for buck, I also think the Cloudsurfer is going to be more durable. They’re thinking about runners and long mileage with that shoe. But again, I’ve worn the Cloudtilt for over a year on many a casual a day without any real signs of wear and magically the white is still white.
On the flip side, we’ve also tested out the Cloudflyer 5 and it’s going to be firmer than both of these shoes. It’s going to provide more support and be a better option for some of our heavier walkers who need durability and some foot guidance.
On Cloudtilt Specs
- 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 $170
Is the On Cloudtilt A Running Shoe?
No. Emphatically no.
They aren’t positioning it as one either, but it looks so similar to their running shoes that it would be easy to assume you could make it work. No.
It doesn’t have the support we want to see a running shoe and the cushion will have you feeling the ground pretty quickly if you consider 10X your bodyweight with each step while running.
How Does the On Cloudtilt Feel Walking?
Walking is really where the On Cloudtilt makes the most sense. It has a soft, smooth feel underfoot without being so squishy that you feel like you’re sinking into the shoe with every step and none of the bounce you find in many max cushion running shoes.
The CloudTec Phase cushioning helps the shoe roll forward nicely, which makes it feel especially good for longer walks, travel days or just spending a lot of time on your feet. There’s enough cushion to keep things comfortable, but the shoe still feels fairly stable and controlled. It’s not max cushioned.
If you’re someone who wants one shoe that looks nice for walking the dog, airport days, sightseeing or being on your feet for hours, that’s really where the Cloudtilt shines.
The biggest downside is that you’re paying a premium for that comfort and styling. There are less expensive walking shoes that will get the job done, but the Cloudtilt does a nice job blending cushioning, an easy rolling feel and a more polished everyday look.
On Cloudtilt Fit
True to size: Yes
Wide feet: It’s not narrow, pretty average, not wide in midfoot or toebox
Similar size to what I’d wear in running shoes. If you’ve never purchased running shoes, but are looking for something to wear all day long then I recommend going up 1/2 size from your casual shoes.
I swear you’ll be surprised how much more comfortable your sneakers are after 5 or 6 hours when you size up.
The rest of the fit is a little roomier, but not loose. It has elastic laces which mean easy to slip in, but they don’t really add space to the shoe because of the upper style. While it’s not a wide toe box shoe, it didn’t feel narrow or constricting.
Similar Walking Shoes to On Cloudtilt
Not sure if this is the walking shoe for you, we get it. Here are some others we recommend:
- Kuru Atom 2 – Great for those with Plantar Fasciitis
- Hoka Bondi 9 – A lot more cushion, but a lot less fashionable
- New Balance 860 – Providing a little more stability, similar cushion
Turns out walking shoes are just as much fun to review as running shoes, so maybe I’ll be amping up those miles as well! Perfect excuse to enjoy more of the great weather.
Hopefully this On Cloudtilt review gave you some good insights, but always happy to answer any other questions!
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