The Best On Cloud Shoes for Walking & Standing

I’ve done a bunch of reviews running in On Cloud shoes, 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.

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 is 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.

Best On Cloud Walking Shoe

Let’s start by focusing on shoes for exercise, then we’ll talk travel. Those days where you are aiming to get in 10,000 steps as a workout! Do you know how many steps are in a mile??

These are not my recommendations for hiking, but for walking around the neighborhood, the track or a non-technical gravel path. Or of course for wearing when on your feet all day as a nurse, on vacation, etc.

Let’s find you a new pair of walking shoes!

Most Cushioned – On Cloudmonster

Not only do I like running in these, but my husband has a pair now and thinks they feel great for walks. Which he is forced to do when I drag him to running events. :)

NOTE: you’ll see below that they just launched a new shoe with EVEN MORE cushion, but I still think this is a better go to option for many. And I DO NOT Recommend the Cloudmonster 2 unless you have a really wide foot.

For On the cushion is more about the absorbing of impact, rather than what you might think of as traditional plush cushion. That’s not a bad thing, just different expectations. And for those wearing it all day that additional firmness is actually benefit as it can prevent low back pain.

This absolutely felt like the most cushioned On running shoe I’ve tested. Making it a good daily easy run trainer.

This shoe is probably the closest from On Running to any of the HOKA walking shoes that I recommend. It feels just a bit wider, a bit taller midsole and stable.

See my full review of the On Cloudmonster for more details>>

• Neutral Cushioned Shoe
• Available in 4 colors
• 6mm heel drop
• 8.11 oz women’s, 10.6 oz men’s

See all available Cloudmonster >>

Best For Standing at Work – 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.

I have not worn this model personally! It’s one of the few not tested. But have asked a number of folks who tried it out for thoughts and many said it was the wear it everywhere shoe!

• Neutral shoe (not heavy on cushion)
• 6.7 mm heel drop
• 8.90 oz for women

Casual On Cloud Shoes for Travel – Cloud 5

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!

Not only is this a super popular model, but they actually have it in a ton of styles! Want terry or urban or waterproof, you’ve got options!

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.

• Wide variety of colors and styles
• Neutral shoe
• Moderate cushion
• 8 mm heel drop
• 6.8 oz for women’s (super light!!)

Best On Cloud Power Walking: On Cloudeclipse

This is one of the newest shoes from On and it was love at first step over here. I’ve heard that from A LOT of people and thus I had to add it to this article!!

The previous shoe that was similar is the Cloudmonster. So if you want just a little less cushion that’s a shoe I wore all over London and it still looks a bit more stylish. But the Cloudeclipse is going to give you a great amount of cushion, without losing support.

While there is a double layer of CloudTec Phase® cushioning, I don’t feel like the shoe is TOO plush. Meaning you don’t sink in to it and lose your ability to actually push off the ground. I think is because of the speedboard which is providing both that needed firmness and a light touch of stability.

You’ll also notice this has a different bottom than older On shoes. You won’t find any issues with rocks getting stuck and you will absolutely be able to feel the cushion in this shoe, which didn’t used to be the case.

• 6mm drop
• 8.4 oz women’s, 10 oz men’s
• See my full review of the On Cloudeclipse >>
• Available at On Running and retail stores for $179

Best On Cloud Casual Shoe: On Cloudsurfer

I’ve also recently been testing the new version of the Cloudsurfer and have been truly impressed with this shift in Cloud running shoes. It’s a SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT option that has a slightly softer cushioned feel.

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

I don’t believe it provides the needed support for a long day on your feet. It is a softer shoe than the Cloudmonster, which might make it feel fabulous on a walk, but not quite give you what you need for an 8-10 hour day.

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!

• 10 mm heel drop
• 7.2 oz women’s
• 8.6 oz men’s

Best On Cloud Trail Walking Shoes – Cloud Ultra 2

Welcome to their trail shoe with the highest amount of cushioning. The flip release on the shoe laces, also makes it easy to adjust the tigthness 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 and an excellent addition to the ultramarathon and endurance trail running market.

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.

• 6 mm heel drop
• 9.3 oz women’s, 10.4 oz men’s
• 4 colors
• $179

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.

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!

Bonus for this time of year: Checkout some ideas on the best gifts for runners!

Looking for more walking tips?

• Best Walking Shoes (from other 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
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