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

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!

Best On Cloud for Standing All Day – On Cloudmonster

Buy The Shoe – WomenBuy The Shoe – Men
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 most walkers. 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 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.

It’s also going to last a long time! I’ve put in hundreds of miles on mine with no signs of slowing down.

• Weight: 8.11 oz women’s, 10.6 oz men’s
• Heel Drop: 6mm
• Available in 8 colors
• Not available in wide
• Available at On.com for $170 >>
• Our review of the On Cloudmonster for more details>>

Runner Up All Day On Feet Softer Cushion: On Cloudsurfer 2

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 slightly softer cushioned feel than the Cloudmonser.

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 8-10 standing at work. But it will absolutely carry you through a vacation at Disney or your daily 10,000 steps.

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!

Buy ​On Cloudsurfer

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

• 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 – 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.

• • 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

Most Cushioned 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.

It’s a daily trainer, featuring a dual-layer of CloudTec Phase cushion, a recycled polyester mesh upper, and a gusseted tongue.

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.

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.

Buy On Cloudsurfer Max

On’s CloudTec Phase differs from their signature cloud pods with a layout resembling a set of tumbling dominoes.

The stated purpose is to allow the midsole to compress and snap back to shape sequentially as you transition through your stride to toe-off.

• 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 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.

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

• Neutral Hiking Shoe
• 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.

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!

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?

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