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Best On Running Shoes Of 2023, According To 'Women's Health' Editors And Reviews

Runners, unite!

By Lily Wohlner
best on running shoes
Courtesy / John Francis

Women's Health editors are suckers for a good pair of running shoes, but that's not to say there hasn't been some sneaker flops here and there. That's why our faces lit up with joy when trying On running shoes for the first time. It was truly love at first stride.

Why are On running shoes so popular, you may ask? Aside from their extreme comfort and foot-hugging fit, they're also one of the only sneaker brands that is promoting sustainable practices throughout their supply chain (think: reduced carbon emissions and less waste). What's more, the brand's most recent initiative, called Cleancloud, transforms carbon emissions into a first-of-its-kind high-performance foam that treats your feet just as nicely as it treats our earth.

Peep a few of the best On running shoes, below:

  • 1
    Cloudflyer 4

    The Best On Running Shoes For Walking

    On Cloudflyer 4

    £150 at On Running
    Read more
  • 2
    Cloudsurfer

    Best On Running Shoes For Comfort

    On Cloudsurfer

    Read more
  • 3
    Cloudmonster

    Best On Running Shoes For Road Running

    On Cloudmonster

    Read more
  • 4
    Cloudneo

    Best Environmentally-Friendly On Running Shoes

    On Cloudneo

    Read more
  • 5
    Cloudultra

    Best On Running Shoes For Trail Running

    On Cloudultra

    Read more

From our marathon runners to our treadmill regulars, the editors at Women's Health are constantly testing the best running shoes on the market. Despite trying numerous brands, one name always rises to the top: On.

So, it's time to hop on the bandwagon and give your feet a much-needed treat with a fresh pair of On running shoes. Whether you're training for a marathon, trying out a jog for the first time, or just hoppin' on the tread, the WH team chatted and compiled rave reviews to round up the best On running shoes to get you to the finish line in no time.

1
The Best On Running Shoes For Walking

On Cloudflyer 4

Cloudflyer 4
1
The Best On Running Shoes For Walking

On Cloudflyer 4

£150 at On Running
Pros
  • Features supreme cushioning
  • Contains 90-95% recycled polyester
  • Keeps you stable during your walks
Cons
  • Don't have as much support

When a run is simply not in the picture, but you still want your feet to feel supported while walking, reach for these extremely durable and comfortable shoes. They're also super lightweight for a floaty bounce that will last the entirety of your walk.

Editor Review: "Everybody in my family loves to walk, and they all have a pair of these. They're super lightweight yet offer strong support. Plus, the Cloudflyers are the easiest shoe to throw on when you want to get out the door fast." —Lily Wohlner, WH associate commerce editor

Weight257 g
Cushioning Plush
Drop 11 mm
2
Best On Running Shoes For Comfort

On Cloudsurfer

Cloudsurfer
2
Best On Running Shoes For Comfort

On Cloudsurfer

Pros
  • 30 percent of the shoe features recycled material
  • Weightless transfer from heel to toe
  • Increases speed
Cons
  • Not ultra cushioned

These running shoes may look nice, but they're also tough enough to hit the pavement. Equipped with the brand's computer-generated CloudTech Phase, the super soft cushioning that serves as the base for the shoe, you'll notice a seamless weight transfer from heel to toe throughout your runs.

Rave Review: "The Cloudsurfer feels incredibly comfortable when you step into them, a feeling that continues throughout your whole run. I don’t say this lightly—they’re probably some of the most comfortable running shoes I have ever worn."

Weight205 g
Cushioning Plush
Drop 10 mm
3
Best On Running Shoes For Road Running

On Cloudmonster

Cloudmonster
3
Best On Running Shoes For Road Running

On Cloudmonster

Pros
  • Maximum cushion
  • 10 color options
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • Bulky

Run like the wind with these super lightweight and forward-propelling sneaks. Featuring recycled materials, a bold rocker shape, and an easy step-in, these shoes—they're made for long-distance road running—feel like a second skin on your feet (just with some major cloud-like cushioning).

Rave Review: "No more foot pain, no more back pain, no more plantar fasciitis pain. My hips, knees, and the rest of my body love these shoes. I will purchase more. Enough said."

Weight230 g
CushioningMax
Drop6 mm
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4
Best Environmentally-Friendly On Running Shoes

On Cloudneo

Cloudneo
4
Best Environmentally-Friendly On Running Shoes

On Cloudneo

Pros
  • 100% recyclable
  • Feel soft to run on
  • Once you've worn them down, you can send them back for a new pair
Cons
  • Only available through the brand's Cyclon subscription service

When you find a great pair of running shoes, you want to hold them tight and keep them close forever. But, when you wear them down, it's time to purchase a new pair. Lucky for you, On will send a fresh new pair of their Cloudneo shoes and recycle the ones old once they've been worn down. It's a zero-waste solution to (literally) running through your fave shoes.

Rave Review: "I literally love the idea of not owning your shoes and returning them. Recycling needs to be more present everywhere and, as runners, we can contribute to that."

Weight255 g
Cushioning Mid
Drop 9 mm
5
Best On Running Shoes For Trail Running

On Cloudultra

Cloudultra
5
Best On Running Shoes For Trail Running

On Cloudultra

Pros
  • Super comfortable
  • Provide traction on rough terrain
  • Can run long distances in them
Cons
  • May need to go up half a size

Sometimes, the road less traveled calls your name. If you're on the hunt for versatile trail shoes to get you through your journey, look no further than On's Cloudultra trail running shoe, which is made to withstand all terrain on and off the road.

Rave Review: "I already owned these in a different color, and I had to purchase these. The inner liner/sock is fitted so I found I needed to go up half a size compared to all my other On styles. A huge plus for me is the sole—it's thick and makes me taller!"

Weight245 g
Cushioning Max
Drop 10 mm
6
Best On Running Shoes For Maximum Cushioning

On Cloudstratus

Cloudstratus
6
Best On Running Shoes For Maximum Cushioning

On Cloudstratus

Pros
  • Fit true to size
  • Can reduce muscle fatigue
  • Can run long distances in them
Cons
  • Heavy feel

Some of On's shoes feature one layer of its patented CloudTec cushion technology at the base of the shoe, but Cloudstraus goes the extra mile and features two. The result? Cloud-like cushioning that delivers soft landings and forceful takeoffs.

Rave Review: "Amazing running shoes! As a somewhat seasoned runner, I would highly recommend the On Cloudstratus shoes. They provide awesome stability as well as incredible comfort. I also suffer from some knee issues and I have to say my knees feel good."

Weight305 g
CushioningPlush
Drop6 mm
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7
Best On Running Shoes For Treadmills

On Cloudgo

Cloudgo
7
Best On Running Shoes For Treadmills

On Cloudgo

Pros
  • Extra soft cushion
  • Available in a wide fit
  • Heel area features extra cushion
Cons
  • The fit runs narrow

Whether it's pouring rain or too chilly, sometimes the treadmill is your best friend when you're craving a run. And, these shoes provide the perfect amount of cushion for your poor knees so you're completely pain-free after you get off and go about your day.

Rave Review: "These shoes are very comfortable and provide a lot of support and cushion for urban running. I use these shoes mainly for road running. They're a perfect match for my lifestyle."

Weight214 g
Cushioning Mid
Drop 11 mm
8
Best Waterproof On Running Shoe

On Cloud 5 Waterproof

Cloud 5 Waterproof
8
Best Waterproof On Running Shoe

On Cloud 5 Waterproof

Pros
  • Waterproof
  • Features "speed lacing system"
  • Features reflective design for visibility in low light
Cons
  • They run small

Caught in the rain? Worry not—these waterproof versions of the brand's most popular Cloud 5 shoe will have you back home and completely dry in no time. This shoe also features what the brand calls a "speed lacing system," which takes the hassle out of tying your shoes by eliminating shoe strings altogether.

Rave Review: "Was a bit wary of the price on these, but the added perk of them being waterproof sealed the deal for me. I have a high-energy dog that needs to be walked in rain or shine, so these have been perfect for those gross rainy days."

Weight227 g
CushioningNot available
Drop 8 mm
9
Best On Running Shoes For Marathons

On Cloudboom Echo

Cloudboom Echo
9
Best On Running Shoes For Marathons

On Cloudboom Echo

Pros
  • Good for long distance runs
  • Waterproof
  • Designed with light materials
Cons
  • Pricey

Designed with the brand's lightest materials, these marathon-approved running shoes take your pace to new heights. Featuring what On calls Speedboard—it's an in-shoe technology that transforms speed into forward motion—your feet will be propelled ahead from start to finish. Say hello to your fastest race time yet.

Rave Editor Review: "These are PRICEY, but the On Cloudboom Echos are my go-to whenever I am dealing with foot pain (#formerdancerproblems). The sole is incredibly squishy and responsive and I feel extra supported during long bouts of walking. That being said, they are a known awesome running/racing shoe (they have a carbon plate for extra efficiency and speed)." —Jacqueline Andriakos, WH executive health & fitness director

Weight190 g
CushioningLow
Drop9 mm
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10
The Best On Running Shoes For Speed

On Cloudventure Peak 3

Cloudventure Peak 3
10
The Best On Running Shoes For Speed

On Cloudventure Peak 3

Pros
  • Provide great balance
  • Rubber sole provides strong grip
  • Suitable for all terrain
Cons
  • Low cushioning

Trying to beat your PR time? On's lightweight and ultra stable Cloudventure Peak aims to decrease race time with its two-feature speedboard, which is made of 30 percent carbon and injected TPU to create stability on uneven ground. The shoe has also been designed to stay closer to the ground for increased foot-to-shoe feedback.

Rave Review: "All I buy is On now because they're super durable and easy to clean. My wife never understood why I was so impressed with this brand until I got her a pair—it’s all she wears now."

WeightNot available
CushioningLow
Drop 4 mm
11
Most Lightweight On Running Shoes

On Cloudflow

Cloudflow
11
Most Lightweight On Running Shoes

On Cloudflow

Pros
  • Offer a snug fit
  • Super lightweight
  • Suitable for long runs
Cons
  • Surface feels hard

If you want to feel like you're floating through your runs, these ultra airy running sneakers will have you gliding through every step. The mesh on the top of the shoe also offers a nice, snug fit.

Rave Review: "These shoes are very lightweight and extremely comfortable. I feel like I don't have any shoes on when I wear them—they're the only shoes I can wear as I'm dealing with severe injuries."

Weight198 g
CushioningLow
Drop 9 mm
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Lily Wohlner
Associate E-Commerce Editor

Lily Wohlner is the Associate E-Commerce Editor of Women’s Health. An expert in recommending the best products to add-to-cart, she knows what it takes for a product to receive a solid five stars (especially when it comes to beauty!). Starting her career as a freelance makeup artist, Lily has since moved to the editorial world, where she has generated content for brands including Oribe, NewBeauty, Dermstore, SkinStore, and LOOKFANTASTIC. When she’s not zenning out with a pore-clearing mask, the Lower East Side dweller is cheffing up a new recipe with her roommate or thrifting for the perfect pair of blue jeans. Follow her on Instagram

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