The On Cloudhorizon is one of just two hiking shoes from the stylish Swiss brand that specializes in running shoes. On's trail running shoes can break down pretty quickly if you hike in them. But the Cloudhorizon is actually built for hikers—with a sturdier base and more robust uppers. So, how does it handle real hiking? Over the past two months, I've put my pair to the test on several trails outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. So far, so good. My On Cloudhorizon hiking shoe review shares what I've learned about this model's support, weight, comfort, fit, weather protection, traction, and value.
Testing the On Cloudhorizon hiking shoe in Embudito Canyon outside Albuquerque
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On Cloudhorizon Review
My On Cloudhorizon review follows from 8 test hikes in Fall 2025. I broke in my pair in the Albuquerque foothills before tackling some moderate trails where I frequently test hiking footwear, including the Embudito, Piedra Lisa, Pino, 3 Guns Springs, and La Luz Trails. These trails have a little bit of everything—from well-graded paths to rock scrambling and steep switchbacks with weathered granite gravel that can be sketch, especially downhill. I tested the non-waterproof Cloudhorizon since I lived in semi-arid New Mexico. However, On's cushiest hiking shoe is also available in a waterproof model, too.
As always, Hiking Feet's reviews are 100% independent (not $pon$ored posts) and based on first-hand testing. I've hiked approximately 17,000 miles since 2011 and managed footwear at an outdoor gear shop. I know my stuff.
Testing the On Cloudhorizon on Albuquerque's La Luz Trail
SUPPORT
The On Cloudhorizon truly is a hiking shoe—not a trail running shoe. It feels moderately stiff underfoot with some flex at the toes. That's a good level of foot support for most hikers on easy to moderate trails (or for casual wear).
On my test hikes, I could feel that sturdy base supplying some torsional ridigity. This resistance to side-to-side twisting makes it tougher to turn an ankle on rocks, roots, and slanting sidehill trails. There are no ankle collars, obviously, but this low-cut shoe's moderately sturdy base adds a little ankle stability. In short, the On Cloudhorizon's support is better than expected given its weight.
My pair of On Cloudhorizons weighs 1 lb 11 oz
WEIGHT
Even though the Cloudhorizon is a hiking shoe, its weight is similar to some trail runners I've tested and reviewed. My shoe (men's size 12) weighs 13+ oz, so it's clearly a lightweight hiking shoe. In the field, though, it doesn't feel quite as nimble as some lightweight hiking shoes, such as the Oboz Katabatic Wind (hiking shoe) or Salewa Pedroc Air. The Cloudhorizon is more of a lightweight hiking shoe for light hiking and travel than one for moving quickly over mountainous terrain.
On's Cloudtec pods compress to boost the Cloudhorizon's cushioning
COMFORT
The "Cloud" in the name of all of On's running and hiking shoes refers to the Cloudtec pods that compress upon landing to give you feeling of running (in this case hiking) on puffy clouds. Gimicky or not, those compressible soles do contribute to this shoe's comfort. Plus, the Cloudhorizon is On's cushiest hiking shoe. This means the shoe feels relatively soft underfoot, even though it's somewhat rigid, too. I've enjoyed this shoe's comfort over my first 50 miles of testing it on the trail and in civilization.
Comfort has a lot to do with fit and your personal preferences. However, this shoe ticks at least three comfort boxes: it's supportive, lightweight, and well-cushioned. If it fits you, there's a good chance you'll find the On Cloudhorizon a comfortable hiking shoe, travel shoe, or working-on-your-feet shoe.
The On Cloudhorizon has a roomier fit in the forefoot & toe box
FIT
The On Cloudhorizon fits true to size length-wise with a slightly roomy fit around the toes. I recommend sizing up a half-size from your everyday shoe size to get the best hiking fit.
I often need to buy wide sizes for my hiking feet (wides not available in the Cloudhorizon). But my moderately wide feet get enough width in this shoe to hike comfortably. If you have narrow feet, you might find the fit slightly large.
Choose the waterproof Cloudhorizon for rain, mud, and snow
WEATHER PROTECTION
I chose the non-waterproof Cloudhorizon to test since I mostly hike in semi-arid New Mexico. My feet don't get as hot and sweaty in non-waterproof hiking shoes for hot-weather hikes and (especially) for indoor use. My feet didn't get too damp when I hiked through shallow snow a couple of times. However, I'd obviously recommend the waterproof version.
I can't give an honest assessment of the Cloudhorizon's waterproofing since I tested the non-waterproof version. However, I've previously tested a waterproof On hiking boot with mixed results. The waterproofing started off great—but deteriorated rapidly in the 200-300-mile range. So my best guess is that this shoe's waterproofing would be average at best (not as reliable or breathable as GORE-TEX).
On's shallow lugs have their pros and cons
TRACTION
Traction was the On Cloudhorizon's weakest link on my test hikes. The tread was fine on easy to average terrain but had some hiccups when I hiked on wet rock and descended steep switchbacks with loose gravel.
The shoe's soles have shallow, square lugs. This means they don't have a ton of bite to dig into dirt, mud, scree, or snow. I found the shallow lugs and soft rubber good on rough rock and dry rock (which is what you'd expect from its tread). However, if either the rubber or the rock were remotely damp, I found the footing slick. This was especially obvious on my test hike in Embudito Canyon. After my soles got damp walking in shallow snow, I struggled up and down smooth rock—even though it was dry.
In my experience, the Cloudhorizon's traction is better for light hiking, not ambitious trails or off-trail adventures.
Hikers pay a premium for On's Swiss Engineering
VALUE
If you've been lucky enough to visit Switzerland, you know it's expensive. Not surprisingly then, Ons cost a pretty penny. The waterproof On Cloudhorizon costs $200 (MSRP). That's expensive for a hiking shoe. On doesn't have the best rep for durability, either. That being said, I haven't noticed bad signs of wear, so far—the Horizon feels more robust than other Ons I've worn or sold. I'll update this review if I notice any durability issues down the road.
This shoe may be worth its premium price if you like its roomy fit, comfort perks, and stylish look. Plus, there's a good chance you'll see it on sale at the links below.
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Men's On Cloudhorizon
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On Cloudhorizon hiking shoe: PROS VS CONS
Based on my test hikes, the On Cloudhorizon's pros outweight its cons:
Should you buy the On Cloudhorizon hiking shoe?
The On Cloudhorizon can be a good hiking shoe for less aggressive hikers and travelers who prefer lighter and cushier hiking shoes for comfort. It's more cushioned than the On Cloudrock Low hiking shoe with more support at a lighter weight than most hiking shoes. Still, the Cloudhorizon feels more robust and reliable than On's trail running shoes. But it's not not the best pick for badass hikers, due to its lighter build, proprietary waterproofing, and traction limitations. It's a better fit for men and women with standard to wide feet.
Based on my personal testing experience, I'm comfortable recommending the On Cloudhorizon for light hiking, traveling, and working on your feet. Now that I'm done testing the Cloudhorizon, I plan on wearing mine mostly for travel and trail-to-town applications.
Conclusion
The On Cloudhorizon is expensive and not the best choice for hikers in beast mode. But I had no issues with this light hiking shoe on moderately difficult trails—minus some slips on scree and wet rocks—and loved its roomy fit and comfort features.
But the point is buying something that fits YOUR feet (not mine) and YOUR hiking style. If the Cloudhorizon isn't your best fit or your best match, feel free to browse my other hiking shoe reviews and my recommendations for the best hiking shoes for men and women.
But if this post did pique your interest in On's cushiest hiking shoe, please consider purchasing your new pair by clicking on the affiliate link buttons in this review. That doesn't cost you a cent, but the billion-dollar retailers may send a few pesos my way if you buy something. That's the only way this small site stays afloat since Hiking Feet doesn't host ads or publish sponsored content (like the review sites run by marketing and media companies).
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Men's On Cloudhorizon
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Women's On Cloudhorizon
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