On trail running shoes may be on the verge of blowing up in the hiking world. The Swiss brand specializes in running shoes that supposedly feel like "running on clouds." But curious hikers have been picking up On trail running shoes in the hopes that they also feel like hiking on clouds. There's no doubt that On Running shoes are comfortable—and look absolutely sick. But will they stand up to hiking? That depends on where you hike and how you hike. Learn more in my On brand review—where I also recommend the best On trail running shoes for hikers and On's best lightweight hiking boots.
brand review: On Running
On (also known as On Running) is a Swiss brand known for its high performance running shoes and stylish logo (pictured above). The name “On” alludes to the sensation of “running ON clouds.” They're design to provide runners— and potentially hikers— a cloud-like landing and firm take-off. That feeling comes from the brand's Cloudtec outsoles:
On's unconventional soles are made to feel as soft as clouds
On specializes in running footwear, not hiking footwear. And there's nothing in the brand's line up that resembles a traditional hiking boot or hiking shoe. Still, their "performance outdoor" collection includes some lightweight trail running shoes and a fast-packing boot that may appeal to the fast-and-light niche of hikers.
Highlights: On trail running shoes
On trail running shoes look great and feel great on your hiking feet. For hikers, On may be a good brand for men and women who care more about weight than price or support. You should target another brand if you're on a limited budget or mostly care about durability and support. You may want to try On for these features:
Cloudtec outsoles
The sensation of "running on clouds" starts with hollow pods (“clouds") that set on a stiffer speed board to compress for a cushioned landing and rebound for some energy return on take off. Their squared shape also bites into soft ground for decent traction. Those unconventional soles help On running shoes feel more cushioned.
Lightweight
On may be a good brand for men and women who value lightweight trail shoes over budget-friendly shoes or supportive hiking shoes. On trail running shoes and fast-packing boots shave ounces to save energy.
Ventilation
Most On trail running shoes feature lightweight ventilating mesh that dries quickly if it gets wet. That ventilation—plus optional breathable waterproofing—makes Ons lighter and cooler on your feet. That's nice for fast hikers, speed hikers, and men and women who wear trail runners as outdoor lifestyle shoes or work shoes.
Overall, On features a standard fit with lightweight builds. Even though the brand is focused on runners, On Running may be a good brand for light hiking and urban hiking—not hardcore hiking. It's a great brand for travel shoes and outdoor lifestyle shoes with trail to town performance. The Cloudventure is the best On trail running shoe for hikers while the Cloudrock is a light-weight fast-packing support with some ankle support and plenty of comfort.
best On trail running shoe for hikers
On Cloudventure: best trail running shoe for hiking
Main Benefits:
The Cloudventure is On's best trail shoe for hiking. It's a lightweight trail runner with high-quality, ventilating mesh and plenty of backbone and foot protection for a trail running shoe. On's unique outsoles provide extra cushion (without feeling mushy) and solid traction on technical trails. The Cloudventures quickly became my favorite trail running shoe—until the brand’s unusual outsoles started falling apart on Pennsylvania's rocky trails. (Small rocks and gravel tear up those soles in a hurry.) The Cloudventure might be a comfortable, high performance shoe for milder terrain and soft forest floors. And it's a great splurge for everyday wear—which is how I now wear mine.
best On hiking boot
On Cloudrock 2: best lighweight hiking boot
Main Benefits:
The Cloudrock is a "speed hiking" boot that blurs the boundaries between a mid-cut trail running shoe and a mid-duty hiking boot. It weighs a few ounces less than the average hiking boot while almost matching conventional hiking boots in foot and ankle support. More importantly, Cloudrocks totally rock the comfort factor. The Cloudrock's biggest fans seem to be people who splurge on them for comfortable work boots or everyday (trail to tavern) shoes. Honestly, I was skeptical at first—and still worry about their durability. But my On Cloudrocks exceeded my expectations. Cloudrocks are not as light or plush as Hoka hiking boots; however, this niche boot may be a good pick for speed hikers or fast packers looking for a lightweight, mid-cut alternative to low-cut hiking shoes and trail running shoes.
On Running: Pros vs Cons
On Running offers expensive trail running shoes and hiking boots. However, they may or may not appeal to hikers. That's why it's important to weigh On's pros against its cons:
Overall Recommendations:
At their best, On Running trail shoes are stylish and super-comfortable with a cloud-like feel. At their worst, Ons may not be durable enough for hard hikes. That makes On trail running shoes and speed hiking boots a better fit for fast-and-light hikers—not hikers who prefer the most supportive and durable hiking shoes.
Best Fit
standard fit
Best Match
light hiking
soft terrain
everyday "trail to town" shoe
buying On Running for hiking
hiking Pennyslvania's Mid-State Trail in the On Cloudrock hiking boots
On got a lot of hype in 2020 when "The Rock" (Dwayne Johnson) rocked a pair of Ons for a Superbowl promo video. For hikers, though, the buzz centers on the brand's innovative outsoles, ventilating and breathable mesh, and cloud-like cushioning on technical terrain. Ons are definitely light, comfortable, and stylish. But will they hold up to your hikes? If so, the Cloudventure or Cloudrock might be a fun splurge for fast and light hikers.
Are you vibing with On Running? If you’re going to buy the Cloudventure or Cloudrock 2, please consider buying them through the affiliate links above. Hiking Feet may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Those commissions fund this site (and compensate me for the hundreds of unpaid hours I spent creating free content to help you buy the right hiking boots or shoes). If this site hooked you up, please consider hooking me up, too. Thanks, I appreciate it!
