On nbsp; |   review

We tested the On nbsp; |   extensively and believe it’s an excellent choice for:

• ASICS Nimbus 26 On Cloudrunner 2 Flexibility / Stiffness.
• Those seeking a mild-stability trainer with a somewhat firm ride that's perfect for cold climates. 
• Anyone needing a versatile, weather-resistant shoe for running or walking with reliable grip and all-day comfort.

We found that the On nbsp; |   is heavy; there's simply no way to sugarcoat it. For runners who prioritise lighter shoes, there are much better choices available. Both the Nike Pegasus 41 GTX (for road running) and the oz / 270g (for mixed terrain) offer similar versatility while remaining much lighter on your feet.

In our view, the firmer midsole of the nbsp; |   also could be an issue. For those seeking a softer ride, the Both sides full stands out. It combines waterproof protection with a ReactX midsole, all at a slightly lower price point than the On.

The nbsp; |   is a dependable daily trainer, and its 35.8 mm heel stack reflects that perfectly. We believe this height strikes a balanced mix of soft cushioning and everyday practicality, excelling for long runs, casual walks, or even long workdays.

Flexibility / Stiffness!

For runners seeking more stack height, On offers the Cloudmonster 2, which features a few extra millimetres in this area. However, there’s no waterproof edition of the Cloudmonster 2 currently available, and the difference in height is barely noticeable.

Our next measurement focused on the forefoot, which we also found comfortably placed in the well-cushioned category at 27.5 mm. For a daily trainer, Although not an maximalist designs that could hinder everyday use.

We found that while On states this shoe has a 10-mm drop—placing it on the higher end of the spectrum—our measurement revealed 8.3 mm.

This difference delivers a nearly identical feel to a 10-mm offset and keeps the shoe versatile for all footstrikes. Unlike many On models that lean towards a lower drop, this design strikes a balanced profile suitable for everyone.

There seems to be a common perception—perhaps due to the CloudTec system—that On running shoes are super plush. In our experience, however, this couldn’t be further from reality, as every On shoe we've tested leans towards a firmer ride, especially when compared to cushioned daily trainers like the Toebox width - big toe or the Toebox width at the widest part.

That said, the distinctive "clouds" partially soften the firm Helion foam by collapsing on every stride. Still, the nbsp; |   maintains a notably firm underfoot feel—ideal for runners who prefer firmer foams over pillow-like midsoles.

Difference in midsole softness in cold running shoe foams: softer doesn’t mean more cushioned. In fact, firmer midsoles hold their structure better, providing more consistent and reliable cushioning even if they feel less soft.

As a firm running shoe, performing well in cold temperatures was crucial to avoid becoming excessively rigid during winter—the primary use case for the Waterproof edition.

Fortunately, it only became 22.1% firmer, a favourable result. This performance stems from Helion foam’s composition, blending EVA with Olefin Copolymers for enhanced weather resistance.

The EVA insole measures an average 4.2 mm in thickness, so let’s proceed to the next test.

In our view, the moderate stack height and versatility of this model didn’t call for a dramatic rocker shape at all.

We believe On reached a similar conclusion, as the nbsp; |   features a classic design in both heel and forefoot, with a very subtle curvature.

Despite the thicker upper due to the waterproof membrane, we still found the vertical room ample, making the nbsp; |   great for individuals with higher-volume feet.

Afterwards, we used our digital caliper to measure the toebox's widest part, recording a spacious 100.3 mm.

We discovered that the big toe area features a standard taper while still providing good space, measuring 78.6 mm.

Although not an Altra-style design by any means, we believe it's rounded enough to deliver a good fit for most runners with ease.

We believe that the nbsp; |   fits nicely into the mild stability category, comparable to models like the We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests or On Cloud Waterproof. It strikes an interesting balance—wider and stiffer than a daily trainer but less bulky and restrictive than a traditional stability shoe.

One of the most prominent updates in the On nbsp; |   is its increased stiffness. In our lab, we measured a 5/5 score—up from 3/5 in the non-waterproof version—making it less ideal for those sensitive to stiffer shoes, but giving a notable stability boost.

The heel counter is exceptionally stiff—so rigid that we could barely move it—placing it much closer to a stability shoe than a typical daily trainer. While heel strikers seeking added support might appreciate this design, runners with sensitive heels or Haglund’s deformity may find it uncomfortable.

After completing our manual assessments, we measured the midsole width using digital calipers, starting with the forefoot. At 119.0 mm, it falls on the wider end of the spectrum, contributing significantly to the shoe’s remarkably stable feel.

On is known for designing running shoes with narrow heels, such as the Cloudmonster Hyper, but its stability-oriented models like this one break from this trend. Measuring 96.2 mm, this heel width makes it a great option for rearfoot strikers seeking support while keeping their feet warm and dry.

The waterproof upper introduces additional material, resulting in reduced flexibility. To measure this, we conducted our standard 90-degree bend test and recorded 26.3N.

While still flexible and suitable for daily wear, it’s noticeably stiffer than the 21.1N of the non-waterproof version.

The most noticeable drawback of the On nbsp; |   is its added heft. At 11.4 oz (323g), it’s significantly heavier than the regular On Cloudrunner 2, which weighs just 9.7 oz (275g).

In our view, while it’s understood that waterproof membranes add weight, other Gore-Tex-equipped shoes manage to remain lighter. We tested several comparable models that didn’t tip the scales like this one, reinforcing our belief that weight is the shoe's weakest aspect.

After testing hundreds of running shoes we’ve learned that claims of breathability in Gore-Tex shoes often don’t hold up. But let’s just dive in and see what happens.

We began with our smoke test, and the result is crystal clear. This shoe, undoubtedly, ranks among the least breathable models we’ve tested in the lab. The lack of airflow earned it a firm 1 out of 5 score. Rest assured, the machine’s settings were identical to when we tested the Supernova Prima.

Next, we examined the upper of the shoe we cut in half using our light test. The outcome was as expected—no light passed through the dense fabric. This result strongly indicates restricted ventilation, confirming what we already suspected. And for further verification, we turned to our microscope.

It revealed an ultra-tight, Gore-Tex-like fabric engineered to repel water effectively. However, this impermeable barrier also prevents air and moisture from escaping, trapping heat and reducing comfort when running in hot temperatures.

Despite its ventilation shortcomings, we found the upper to be impressively padded and high-quality. Its 100% recycled materials reflect also a commitment to sustainability, which we genuinely appreciate!

All in all, this upper offers robust protection for harsh weather, but it’s clear that breathability is not part of the equation.

On asks for a premium on this shoe compared to other daily workhorses, and with that may come an expectation of enhanced durability. In our experience, runners paying more often anticipate a longer-lasting, well-built option.

Our first test focused on the toebox, which we found to perform quite well. After testing, we discovered a solid 3/5 score—a promising start.

The heel quickly disappointed us as soon as the Dremel made contact with the lining.

That's a 1/5 score in durability, period. In our view, this is a significant concern for runners prone to heel wear.

Brands often tweak outsoles for Gore-Tex shoes to optimise wet-surface performance, but On retained the same rubber and pattern from the Cloudrunner 2. In our tests, the outsole clocked 84.5 HC on the Shore C durometer.

Is this the right choice? In our view, it depends on your usage. For runners using this shoe year-round—particularly on dry surfaces—it’s a fantastic option.

However, for those in consistently wet environments, the grip and water evacuation may feel slightly underwhelming, though we found the rubber performs decently in those conditions.

On usually delivers in outsole durability, and the nbsp; |   proved no different. After testing with our Dremel, we found only a 0.8 mm dent—a solid result that reinforces the brand’s reputation.

In our view, the durability could be near-limitless when used predominantly on wet surfaces, where reduced abrasion minimises wear.

We also measured 3.0 mm of outsole thickness, providing an ample amount of rubber to support its good durability.

On has never been known for offering bargain-priced shoes, and this model is no different. True to the Swiss brand's reputation, you’ll pay a slight premium—but in return, you get exceptional build quality. Whether it’s worth it depends entirely on your priorities.

The On nbsp; |   elevates its already impressive visibility with the addition of a new reflective detail, while retaining the glowing logos from the regular edition that we absolutely loved.

The tongue padding in this waterproof upper is slightly thinner than its regular counterpart, still measuring a comfortable 8.0 mm. In our view, it still provides a plush feel during runs despite the reduction.

We also found that the nbsp; |   retains the extra eyelet for tying a runner’s knot. However, for a water-repellent shoe, we believe omitting this feature might be better, as it prevents water from potentially seeping through the eyelet.

One notable update from the non-waterproof version is the reinforced tongue, now fully fixed to the sides to block water from getting into the upper. But of course, this change adds some extra weight.

The heel mirrors the design of the regular Cloudrunner 2, which means it lacks a heel tab. This came as no surprise to us, given the consistent design choices in this model.

The footbed of the nbsp; |   is removable and, aside from a slight heel flare, has nothing special. Therefore, feel free to replace it if needed.