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On Running Shoes Explained: History, Technology And Models
Updated: Oct 16
On has grown from a small Swiss running shoe company into one of the most recognisable brands in modern running. Its distinctive CloudTec cushioning helped establish the company, while shoes such as the Cloudsurfer, Cloudmonster and Cloudboom have taken the range far beyond the original cloud shaped sole units.
Today, On produces shoes for everyday road running, maximum cushioning, additional stability, faster training, racing and trails. The Cloudsurfer focuses on smooth everyday running, the Cloudmonster provides a more responsive cushioned ride and the Cloudrunner is designed around additional stability. Move towards faster running and the Cloudflow and Cloudboom families take over.
This guide explains what On running shoes are known for, how technologies including CloudTec, CloudTec Phase, Helion foam and the Speedboard work and some of the current models worth knowing about. It is a starting point rather than a complete catalogue, with numerous models, previous generations and regional variations available at the same time.
Who Is On?
On was founded in Switzerland in 2010 by former professional athlete Olivier Bernhard together with David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti.
Bernhard had competed internationally in duathlon and triathlon and became interested in creating a running shoe that could provide a cushioned landing followed by a firm, responsive take off. His early experiments famously included attaching pieces of garden hose to the soles of running shoes to explore how compressible elements could change the experience underfoot.
Those experiments contributed to the development of CloudTec, the cushioning system that became one of On's defining features. Rather than relying entirely on a conventional solid layer of foam, early On shoes used hollow elements beneath the foot that compressed under load.
The company launched its first shoes in 2010 and expanded rapidly beyond Switzerland. The distinctive appearance of the CloudTec sole helped On stand apart from established running brands, while its collection gradually expanded into road running, trail running and specialist racing footwear.
On has continued developing the original concept rather than relying on one version of CloudTec. Technologies including Helion foam, CloudTec Phase and the Speedboard have become important parts of the range, while the Cloudboom family has moved the company into specialist road racing footwear.
The company now produces clothing, accessories and lifestyle footwear alongside its running shoes. Running, however, remains central to the brand and the area in which many of its most distinctive technologies are used.
What Makes On Running Shoes Different?
The most recognisable feature of On running shoes is CloudTec cushioning. The hollow structures visible beneath many of its shoes are designed to compress under load and have given On footwear a distinctive appearance since the company's earliest years.
There is no single On running experience, however. The company now uses different versions of its cushioning technology alongside different foams, geometries and Speedboard constructions to create shoes for very different types of running.
The Cloudsurfer family focuses on smooth transitions using CloudTec Phase, while the Cloudmonster takes visible CloudTec cushioning in a larger and more responsive direction. The Cloudrunner is built around a stable ride, while the Cloudflow moves towards faster training.
On's Cloudboom range takes the technology further into performance footwear. Different models cover everything from shorter road races to the marathon, using different combinations of Helion HF foam, CloudTec and Speedboard technology.
The result is a range that is considerably more varied than the visual similarity between many On shoes might initially suggest. Choosing between them should begin with the type of running you want to do rather than simply deciding that you want CloudTec.
How Do On Running Shoes Fit?
Fit varies across the On range, so experience with one model does not guarantee that another will feel the same.
An everyday Cloudsurfer, stable Cloudrunner and specialist Cloudboom have different purposes, and their uppers and internal shapes reflect those differences. On also changes the construction of individual shoe families between generations.
Several current models are available in wide versions, including shoes within the Cloudsurfer, Cloudmonster and Cloudrunner families. Availability can vary according to model and market, so check the particular shoe if you need additional width.
Check that there is sufficient room around your toes while your heel and midfoot remain secure. Feet can expand during longer runs, so how a shoe feels after several miles matters more than how snug it feels when you first put it on.
What About Heel Drop?
There is no standard heel drop across On running shoes. Different parts of the range use different geometries according to the purpose of the shoe, and those figures can change when a model is redesigned.
Heel drop describes the difference in height between the heel and forefoot. It can be useful when comparing a new On shoe with something you already run comfortably in, particularly when the difference between the two is substantial.
Do not use heel drop alone to decide whether a shoe will suit you. Stack height, cushioning, rocker geometry, stiffness and the way the shoe interacts with your stride all contribute to how it feels when you run.
What Is On Running Shoe Cushioning Like?
There is no single On cushioning experience. CloudTec remains central to the brand, but the way it is used varies considerably across the range.
Traditional CloudTec uses hollow structures that compress as the foot loads the shoe. Their size, shape and positioning can be changed according to the type of ride On wants to create.
CloudTec Phase takes a different approach. The structure is designed to collapse
sequentially as the foot moves through the stride, with the technology particularly associated with the Cloudsurfer family and its emphasis on smooth transitions.
The foam surrounding those structures is equally important. Helion is widely used across On's running collection, while Helion HF is a more performance focused foam used in faster footwear.
Do not choose an On shoe solely because it contains a particular version of CloudTec or Helion foam. The amount of cushioning, geometry, Speedboard and overall construction can substantially change the finished ride.
What Is CloudTec?
CloudTec is the cushioning technology that helped establish On and remains one of the most recognisable elements of the company's footwear.
Its distinctive hollow structures are designed to compress when loaded. On can change their dimensions and arrangement depending on whether a shoe is intended for everyday running, greater cushioning, stability or performance.
The technology has developed considerably since On's earliest shoes. Modern CloudTec works alongside increasingly sophisticated foams, rocker geometries and other components rather than functioning as an isolated cushioning system.
That development is important when comparing different models and generations. The presence of visible CloudTec elements does not mean that two On shoes will provide the same experience.
What Is CloudTec Phase?
CloudTec Phase is a development of On's cushioning concept designed to create a particularly smooth transition through the stride.
Instead of focusing on separate Cloud elements compressing independently, CloudTec Phase uses a sequence of structures designed to collapse progressively as weight moves through the shoe. The aim is to create a rolling transition from landing towards toe off.
The technology is particularly important within the Cloudsurfer range. The Cloudsurfer 2 uses CloudTec Phase with Helion foam for everyday road running, while the Cloudsurfer Max increases the cushioning for longer runs.
CloudTec Phase demonstrates how far On's cushioning has moved from the appearance of its earliest shoes. The underlying principle of using compressible structures remains, but their geometry has become a more integrated part of the midsole.
What Is Helion Foam?
Helion is one of On's principal running shoe foams and appears across several different parts of the range.
The material is used alongside CloudTec or CloudTec Phase to provide cushioning and help determine the character of the finished shoe. Different shoes can therefore use Helion technology while providing very different experiences because their cushioning structures, geometry and overall designs are different.
On also uses Helion HF in more performance focused footwear. The foam appears in faster shoes including the Cloudflow and Cloudboom ranges, where responsiveness and weight become increasingly important.
As with any foam technology, the name alone does not tell you how a shoe will feel. The amount of foam, its geometry and the other components surrounding it are just as important.
What Is The On Speedboard?
The Speedboard is a plate or board incorporated into the midsole of some On shoes. Its purpose varies according to the model, but it can influence stiffness, responsiveness and the way the shoe moves through the stride.
Different Speedboards use different materials and constructions. They should not all be treated as equivalent to the carbon fibre plates found in specialist racing shoes.
The Cloudflow 5, for example, uses a nylon blend Speedboard as part of a shoe intended for tempo runs and intervals. Within the Cloudboom range, On uses carbon, carbon infused and glass fibre infused Speedboards according to the purpose of the shoe.
A Speedboard therefore needs to be considered as part of the complete shoe. Foam, cushioning structures, geometry and the board itself combine to determine how it behaves.
Does On Make Neutral Running Shoes?
Yes. A large part of On's road running range consists of shoes without dedicated stability systems.
The Cloudsurfer 2 is one of the most straightforward examples, providing smooth cushioning for everyday road running. The Cloudmonster 3 provides a more responsive alternative, while the Cloudsurfer Max moves towards greater cushioning for longer runs.
The Cloudflow and several Cloudboom models also sit outside the conventional stability category, with their designs focused more heavily on faster running and performance.
Neutral does not mean that every shoe will feel equally stable. Platform width, heel construction, cushioning and geometry can all provide inherent stability without turning a shoe into a conventional stability model.
Does On Make Stability Running Shoes?
Yes. The Cloudrunner family is the most obvious part of On's current road range for runners looking for a stable ride.
Rather than relying entirely on a traditional firm medial post, the Cloudrunner uses its platform, cushioning and overall geometry to provide additional support. The Cloudrunner 3 is designed for everyday road running, while the Cloudrunner 3 Max adds considerably more cushioning for everyday and longer runs.
On also uses stabilising features elsewhere in its collection, so the Cloudrunner is not the only shoe that may feel secure underfoot. The amount of support you need remains an individual consideration rather than something determined solely by a shoe's category.
Not every runner who overpronates automatically needs a stability shoe. Comfort, fit and how the shoe behaves while you are running remain important considerations.
Does On Make Carbon Plated Running Shoes?
Yes. On uses carbon in some of its specialist racing shoes, but it is important to distinguish between the different Speedboards within the Cloudboom range.
The Cloudboom Strike 2 uses a carbon Speedboard together with Helion HF foam and CloudTec Sphere cushioning. It is designed for half marathon and marathon racing and sits at the specialist performance end of the range.
The Cloudboom Volt is designed for shorter road racing and uses a carbon infused Speedboard rather than the carbon Speedboard found in the Strike 2. The Cloudboom Max takes a different approach again, using a glass fibre infused Speedboard as part of a more cushioned and stable design for longer races.
A carbon plated shoe is not necessary simply because you are entering a race. Comfort, fit and whether you can run confidently in the shoe over your chosen distance remain important.
Does On Make Trail Running Shoes?
Yes. On produces dedicated trail footwear alongside its road running collection.
The Cloudsurfer Trail family provides one of the more accessible routes into On trail footwear. It takes some of the smooth running characteristics associated with the road Cloudsurfer onto trails and mixed surfaces.
The Cloudultra family moves further towards dedicated trail running, with greater emphasis on cushioning, grip and protection for longer periods away from the road. On also produces other trail models covering different distances and types of terrain.
Choose a trail shoe according to where you actually run. Smooth gravel paths, muddy woodland, loose rock and technical mountain trails place very different demands on grip, cushioning and protection.
Which On Running Shoes Should You Consider?
The On range is extensive and changes regularly, with previous generations often remaining available after a new model appears. The shoes below represent some of the most important parts of the current collection rather than every On running shoe you can buy.
On Cloudsurfer 2
The Cloudsurfer 2 is one of the clearest examples of On's modern approach to everyday running. It uses CloudTec Phase with Helion foam, creating a shoe designed around smooth transitions rather than the more obvious Cloud elements associated with some other On models. Its purpose is regular road running, including easy runs and steady everyday mileage. It is a useful starting point for runners wanting an On shoe without moving into maximum cushioning, additional stability or specialist performance footwear.
On Cloudsurfer Max
The Cloudsurfer Max takes the smooth running concept of the Cloudsurfer further with additional CloudTec Phase cushioning. Its role is longer road running where cushioning and a smooth transition take priority over outright speed. This separates it from the regular Cloudsurfer 2, which is positioned more broadly around everyday running. Consider the Max if you like the Cloudsurfer approach but want more cushioning beneath your feet for longer or easier mileage.
On Cloudmonster 3
The Cloudmonster 3 (pictured above) sits within On's more heavily cushioned road running range but aims to combine that cushioning with a responsive ride. Its distinctive CloudTec construction creates a different experience from the smoother CloudTec Phase design of the Cloudsurfer family. It is primarily an everyday road running shoe and provides an alternative for runners who want substantial cushioning with a more responsive character. The separate Cloudmonster 3 Hyper moves the family towards long runs and tempo running.
On Cloudrunner 3
The Cloudrunner 3 (pictured below) is one of On's principal supportive everyday road shoes. It combines CloudTec cushioning and Helion foam with a construction designed to create a stable ride. Its role makes it an important alternative to the neutral Cloudsurfer and Cloudmonster families. Runners who prefer additional support can therefore investigate the Cloudrunner without relying on the traditional firm medial post construction associated with many older stability shoes.
On Cloudrunner 3 Max
The Cloudrunner 3 Max combines the stable character of the Cloudrunner family with greater cushioning for everyday and longer running. It occupies a useful position for runners who want support but also prefer the substantial cushioning increasingly common in modern road shoes. The Max does not simply replace the standard Cloudrunner 3. Both sit within the current range, allowing runners to choose between a regular everyday stability shoe and a more cushioned interpretation of the same idea.
On Cloudflow 5
The Cloudflow 5 moves away from easy everyday mileage and towards faster training. It combines Helion HF foam with a nylon blend Speedboard and is designed particularly for tempo runs and intervals. That gives it a useful position between On's regular daily shoes and its specialist Cloudboom racing footwear. Consider the Cloudflow if you want a lighter, faster training shoe without automatically moving into a specialist race shoe.
On Cloudboom Volt
The Cloudboom Volt provides an option for shorter road races within On's performance range. On positions it for 5K and 10K racing as well as the half marathon, combining two layers of Helion HF foam with firmer CloudTec cushioning and a carbon infused Speedboard. It uses less cushioning than On's other current Cloudboom models and is intended to provide a more direct, responsive experience. That makes it particularly relevant to runners looking for an On race shoe without the greater cushioning of the marathon focused alternatives.
On Cloudboom Max
The Cloudboom Max takes a more cushioned and stable approach to performance running. On positions it for half marathon and marathon running, using CloudTec cushioning, Helion HF foam and a glass fibre infused Speedboard. Stability and impact absorption are important parts of its design, distinguishing it from the more specialised racing approach of the Cloudboom Strike 2. It may appeal to runners who want a performance focused shoe for longer races while placing a greater priority on cushioning and a secure ride.
On Cloudboom Strike 2
The Cloudboom Strike 2 sits at the specialist racing end of On's road collection. It is designed for half marathon and marathon racing and combines Helion HF foam, CloudTec Sphere cushioning and a carbon Speedboard. CloudTec Sphere uses precisely engineered spaces within the cushioning system that allow the foam to move in multiple directions as it is loaded. This is specialist race footwear rather than a general purpose daily shoe, so use it during training before relying on it for an important event.
On Cloudsurfer Trail 2
The Cloudsurfer Trail 2 takes the smooth running approach associated with the Cloudsurfer family away from the road. It is designed for trail running while retaining an emphasis on a smooth ride, making it particularly relevant to runners using established trails and mixed surfaces. A waterproof version is also available. More demanding terrain may require a more specialist trail shoe, so choose according to the surfaces you actually encounter rather than simply treating it as an off road version of the road Cloudsurfer.
On Cloudultra 3
The Cloudultra 3 moves further into dedicated trail running. It is designed around the cushioning, grip and protection required for longer periods away from the road. Its role separates it from the more accessible Cloudsurfer Trail family and makes it particularly relevant when terrain and distance place greater demands on footwear. It demonstrates how On's trail range now extends beyond road to trail shoes into more specialised off road running.
Are On Running Shoes Good For Beginners?
They can be. On makes several straightforward everyday running shoes alongside its specialist performance footwear, giving new runners plenty of choice without requiring them to understand every technology in the range.
The Cloudsurfer 2 is an obvious place to investigate if you want a smooth everyday road shoe, while the Cloudsurfer Max and Cloudmonster provide alternatives for runners wanting more cushioning. Runners who prefer additional support can look towards the Cloudrunner family.
There is no need for a beginner to buy a specialist Cloudboom simply because it contains some of On's most advanced technology. One comfortable everyday running shoe can cover a great deal of running while you discover what type of fit, cushioning and ride you prefer.
Getting the fit right is more important than buying the On shoe with the most cushioning, highest price or greatest amount of technology.
Are On Running Shoes Sustainable?
On has established environmental targets across its wider business and has introduced recycled materials and alternative manufacturing approaches across parts of its footwear and clothing ranges.
Cyclon is On's circular services programme. It began with the Cloudneo, a shoe designed to be recycled, and has since expanded to include the resale of refurbished products and the return of used On footwear and clothing. Products that cannot be resold can be donated or, where possible, recycled.
On has also developed CleanCloud, which uses captured carbon emissions as a raw material for performance materials. The technology forms part of the company's attempts to reduce its reliance on conventional fossil based raw materials.
Those company wide initiatives do not mean every On running shoe has the same environmental impact. Materials and manufacturing processes vary between models and generations, so check the sustainability information for the particular shoe you are considering.
Are On Running Shoes Worth Trying?
On is worth considering whether you want an everyday road shoe, substantial cushioning, additional stability, faster training footwear, specialist racing shoes or trail shoes.
The modern range is much broader than the distinctive CloudTec shoes on which the company originally built its reputation. The Cloudsurfer family focuses on smooth transitions, the Cloudmonster provides a more responsive approach to substantial cushioning and the Cloudrunner adds stability.
Faster runners also have increasingly specialised choices. The Cloudflow provides a bridge into tempo and interval running, while the Cloudboom family covers everything from shorter road races to highly cushioned half marathon and marathon running.
The number of models can make the collection appear complicated, particularly because so many carry the Cloud name. Start with the type of running you need the shoe to handle and compare models within that part of the range rather than choosing according to the technology with the most familiar name.
Final Thoughts On On Running Shoes
On has developed considerably since its early experiments with pieces of garden hose and the first generation of CloudTec. What began as a distinctive cushioning concept has developed into a broad running shoe range covering everything from easy road miles to marathon racing and long distance trails.
CloudTec remains central to the brand, but it no longer tells the whole story. CloudTec Phase, Helion and Helion HF foams, different Speedboard constructions and increasingly specialised geometries mean that current On shoes can provide very different running experiences.
The Cloudsurfer 2 is a logical place to begin for smooth everyday road running, while the Cloudmonster 3 provides a more responsive cushioned option and the Cloudrunner 3 adds stability. The Cloudflow 5 moves towards faster training, while the Cloudboom family provides several different approaches to race day.
The best On running shoe for you is not necessarily the one with the largest Cloud elements or the most advanced technology. Fit, comfort and whether the shoe does the job you need it to do remain more important than the amount of technology beneath your feet.
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