On Running: how to choose the right shoes
Start from how you'll use them
If you want a practical answer in a few sentences: Cloud 6 for everyday comfort and long walks; Cloudrunner for outings with many kilometres and steady support; Cloudsurfer or Cloudflow for fast workouts and transitions; Cloud X4 for mixed training and gym; Cloud Hi or Cloudroam in Waterproof versions for rain and wet surfaces. After choosing the family, check internal volume, heel hold and the feel of the transition by walking or running for a few minutes.
On Running: models and when to prefer them
Below you’ll find families grouped by use, with an advantage and a drawback where relevant. For details on individual variants, check the product page in store or online:
- Cloud 6 — Advantage: great comfort and larger internal volume; drawback: less responsive on acceleration compared with models designed for speed. Good if you alternate walking, urban commuting and easy runs.
- Cloudrunner (es. Cloudrunner 2) — Advantage: stability and consistent cushioning on long outings; drawback: more structure and weight compared with lightweight racing shoes. Choose it if you log many kilometres per week.
- Cloudsurfer / Cloudflow — Advantage: a rocker and Speedboard for quick transitions and a propelled feel; drawback: they may feel less soft for those who only want to walk all day.
- Cloud X4 — Advantage: versatility for mixed training, with a setup designed for agility and grip; drawback: it won't replace a technical trail shoe or a pure racing shoe.
- Cloud Hi / Cloudroam Waterproof — Advantage: water protection via a membrane or DWR treatment; drawback: the membrane or treatment reduces breathability compared with non-waterproof versions.
- The Roger (Spin, Advantage) — Advantage: a refined design for urban use; drawback: less geared toward intense running compared with the running lines.
When to prefer technical or casual
If you run regularly and accumulate significant mileage, give priority to support and responsive midsoles (Cloudrunner, Cloudsurfer). For daily commuting, work and long walks, Cloud 6 or The Roger offer more space and comfort. Avoid choosing a racing shoe thinking of everyday comfort: the feeling of stiffness or lower cushioning can become uncomfortable after hours on your feet.
Criteria that really change the choice
It's not the acronyms that decide, but some practical details worth checking before purchase. First, assess your usual pace and training volume: if you log many kilometres per week, lean toward models with more cushioning and stability; for speed work and intervals, look for more reactive models. Then consider your foot shape: those with a wide forefoot or who need more internal space should try families that offer more volume (Cloud 6 is among the roomier options). Finally, evaluate weather and terrain: for rain or consistently wet surfaces choose the waterproof versions, while for technical trails you need a dedicated trail shoe with aggressive lugs and specific protections.
Materials, weight and useful data to compare
Some information on product pages helps the practical choice: weight is a useful parameter to understand the shoe's direction — for example some Cloud X4 versions list about 243 g in the men's model, while the Cloudrunner has a setup more oriented to support and a slightly higher weight. The Cloudsurfer Next is indicated with a drop designed for quick transitions. Many models use significant percentages of recycled materials in the upper: if sustainability matters to you, check the percentage shown on the product page before buying. Also remember the distinction between DWR (water-repellent treatment on the upper) and a membrane: the membrane offers a greater barrier to water, DWR limits absorption but does not guarantee impermeability in prolonged immersion.
Fit: what to check when trying them on
When you try the shoes, measure your foot at the end of the day — volume changes with use — and make sure there is adequate space in front of the toes to avoid the tip touching during running. Evaluate the heel hold: a slight movement is normal, but if the heel slips a lot the fit is not suitable. Try them with the socks you'll run in, walk and, if possible, run for a few minutes to understand transition and pressure points. Finally evaluate the midsole response by walking or running a few minutes: pressure points and an unnatural transition matter more than the feeling you get by pressing the foam with your fingers.
Where to try them and when to buy online
When fit is decisive, visiting a store to measure your foot and try several models reduces the risk of error; the Biella store offers this type of direct comparison. Buy online if you already know the model and size and have tried the family before, or if you take advantage of convenient return policies that allow you a calm trial at home. In any case, prefer the purchase that lets you try comfortably and return if the fit doesn't work.
Limits of On Running and alternatives
Many models mentioned here are designed for road, urban environments or easy trails; for technical trail with unstable terrain, sharp rocks or deep mud a dedicated trail shoe with aggressive lugs and specific protections is more suitable. If you have orthopedic needs or custom insoles, consider consulting a specialist to understand whether you need to adapt the fit or choose a model with more room or support.
Simple rule to choose
If you log many kilometres and need support → Cloudrunner/Cloudsurfer. If you want everyday comfort and internal space → Cloud 6. If you want a single shoe for mixed training → Cloud X4. If you need protection in rain → Cloud Hi/Cloudroam Waterproof. After selecting the family, confirm the fit in store or use the seller's return policy.
To compare available models and check sizes or variants, explore the On Running Collection or visit the Biella store for a guided fitting.
FAQ
What size should I take for On Running Cloud 6?
Try the Cloud 6 with the socks you'll use for running and make sure there's adequate space in front of the toes to avoid the tip touching. The Cloud 6 generally offers more internal volume compared with other On models: if you're undecided between half sizes, prioritise comfort and test the fit by walking a few minutes before deciding.
Do On Running Waterproof versions really keep your feet dry?
The Waterproof models use a membrane or DWR treatment and protect well from rain and moisture on urban routes or light hikes. They are not designed for prolonged immersion: in very heavy rain breathability can be reduced and internal humidity may increase. Check the product page for the specific technology (membrane vs DWR).
Can I use On Running for light trail running?
Some On models with more structured soles (for example Cloudhorizon versions or specific variants) are suitable for well-kept trails. However the main road lines do not have aggressive lugs: for rocky, muddy or technical terrain it's preferable to choose a dedicated trail shoe with greater grip and protections.
When should you visit a store instead of buying online?
Visit a store if your foot has a particular shape (very wide, very narrow or orthopedic needs), if you want to try several On families before choosing or if you have doubts between half sizes. If you already know your size and model and have tried the family before, buying online is convenient provided the return policy is favourable.
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