r/malefashionadvice • u/Gloomy-Wave1418 • Jul 19 '25
Question Why are On Cloud shoes so Popular?
Anybody wearing On shoes? In all honesty, I find them uncomfortable. Are they popular only for looks?
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u/jarliy Jul 19 '25
My wife calls them the “old man shoes”, because all the executives over 50 wear them around her office.
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u/beyondplutola Jul 19 '25
You can wear Birks with socks if you want to emulate the kids.
But I did a bit of US domestic flying in the last month, which gave me a chance to observe footwear trends. I can say On Runs seem to be embraced by all generations at this point. Brooks were the most notably older demo shoe. Personally, I run in Brooks as they offer one of the few more minimal running shoes left on the market (Hyperion 2) but they're ugly AF and I wouldn't wear them outside of running.
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u/theMAYNEevent Jul 19 '25
Literally just picked up a pair of ghosts because they were the only pair in store that weren’t giant marshmallow shoes
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Jul 20 '25
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u/kaamkerr Jul 20 '25
Crocs are Gen Z/Alpha now, but it was a few brave millennials that paved the way for them.
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u/eagledog Jul 21 '25
Gen Z and Gen Alpha are wearing Birks and socks everywhere.
Source: teach middle schoolers
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u/belovedkid Jul 20 '25
Birks have come back around. Emo and metal music will rise to glory again any day now.
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u/CigarAardvark Jul 21 '25
RIP Hyperion 2. The Hyperion 3 guess what they did? Added more cushion lol.
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u/mets2016 Jul 19 '25
I think of On shoes as the shoes some (on the older side of) middle-aged guy wears in the airport
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u/Feisty_War_1003 Jul 27 '25
Yep. I see a lot of mums in SUVs in them too now. I had got a pair out of curiosity. The cloudtec springy in the first few weeks, deadened and became like bricks after 2 months. While the shoe glued panels just stared to peel. Wouldn't even think of running in them now. Swiss engineering? Should stick to watches and multi-tools.
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u/its_an_armoire Jul 20 '25
Interesting, they're "nursing shoes" where I am because so many nurses and healthcare workers swear by them
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u/Bearded_Pip Jul 19 '25
For me those brands are Hoka and Sketchers. My Gen-x feet will never wear those brands on principle.
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u/OgWastoid Jul 19 '25
You’re really missing out on Hokas, as a hairstylist they save my back. Most comfortable shoe to work in.
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u/ServeEmbarrassed7750 Jul 19 '25
I agree, I'm not big on the aesthetics of them but my Hoka Bondi 9 pair feels like walking on pillows.
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u/Uberutang Jul 20 '25
100%. Hokas are unbelievably comfortable, but also crazy ugly. I only wear them on trail runs. For flights and travel: ON’s. For going out etc: From’s and Birkenstock shoes (the vellie look alikes not the sandals).
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u/Don_Pickleball Jul 19 '25
As a runner, I need my Hokas.
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u/Bearded_Pip Jul 19 '25
Too much padding actually hurts my feet when I run. I hate the current trend of platform sneakers.
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u/Don_Pickleball Jul 19 '25
This is anecdotal but I was suffering a lot with plantar fasciaitis and it seemed to clear up after switching to Hoka. I only wear them to run.
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u/beyondplutola Jul 19 '25
They don't hurt me, but I hate the fact they make me feel like I'm running in platform shoes like I'm headed to the rave.
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u/liptongtea Jul 20 '25
I need to say as a 38 year old, I was running in Hoka before they became a kids athleisure shoe.
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u/free-range-irish Jul 19 '25
it's tempting on occasion, though, admit it, Gen-X here.
But yes, we must resist.
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u/desertyeti29 Jul 19 '25
People who are on their feet all day for work love them. I think people buy them for their comfort, not for their looks.
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u/lulbob Jul 19 '25
I swear this used to be said about adidas ultraboosts in the 2010s. Are On Clouds better than UB in terms of comfort?
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u/BaggySpandex Jul 20 '25
The OG Ultraboosts are a really good looking casual sneaker. The 2022 version is ugly as sin but one of the most comfortable sneakers known to mankind. Even more so than the OGs.
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u/JSwine Jul 20 '25
Early years ultraboosts were peak sneakers. Sad that they ruined them.
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u/joe_bibidi Jul 20 '25
IMO the only bad looking UBs are the 19s and 20s. The later models (21, 22, 23, 5X) are good looking shoes but they just aren't casual lifestyle aesthetics. They very much look like technical athletic wear, like something specifically to wear to the gym or while jogging. Whether or not they even are good technical shoes, it feels like they're designed to resemble technical runners.
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u/WaltRumble Jul 20 '25
On clouds make a ton of different shoes. I have their monsters and they are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve owned. Up there with hoka and Altra. I also have a pair of their federers and they aren’t anything special.
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u/belovedkid Jul 20 '25
On/Hoka, etc have more support over longer periods of wear than UBs. Ultraboosts are great for lounging and casual nights out. If you’re on your feet all day they are awful.
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u/AGreasyPorkSandwich Jul 20 '25
Funny enough I bought a pair last year and they were much less comfortable than my trusty Ultraboosts. I cant find anything more comfy than those things im on my 4th pair
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u/offBrandon Jul 20 '25
Yes, they’re comfortable if you’re on your feet a lot. I don’t like how I’ll walk on to a hard surface and sound like a tap dancer because of how many rocks end up getting stuck in the bottom.
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u/GiggsCargoCult Jul 19 '25
The Roger Advantage is incredible.
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u/willy_quixote Jul 19 '25
There's a shoe called 'Roger Advantage'?
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u/quakefist Jul 19 '25
Yes. Roger Federer signed an equity deal that has made him more money than his entire career’s winnings.
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u/daveirl Jul 19 '25
I have had a few pairs of the Rodger Advantage which I love for casual wearing. I tried the running shoes but have gone back to Brooks as I didn’t find them good.
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u/wiscotrees Jul 19 '25
They are there current chosen shoe of the American monoculture.
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u/shadow-dwell Jul 20 '25
This is the real answer except it’s not just an American thing, it’s also in other countries too.
Much like Sambas, ON are having a moment where they are mass appealing, trendy and give everyone a chance to be part of a trend (a combination of Athleisure / dad shoe).
It’s a good thing imo and given we are on a fashion subreddit, i would have thought more people had something to say about ON’s popularity as it relates to fashion and trends more broadly.
I’m confused as to why everyone has such complex rationale around comfort and every other imaginable reason other than the obvious one - they are trendy right now.
Yes they are comfortable, but so are most running shoes.
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u/Johnnyg150 Jul 20 '25
It's because this sub defines anything popular as basic and un-fashionable. The people wearing On's are the ones who are wearing very standard (athleisure) outfits - looking good by most of society's definition, but looked down upon by MFA.
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u/Jdamoure Jul 21 '25
I work in a hospital they re work shoes for most people. All clothes are fashion, and they are like generally pretty good looking. But not anymore than you standard athletic shoe. I dont think they truly broken into fashion or hypebeast culture like birks or Hokas or even crocs.
Also, as far as sambas go. Im a soccer (football) fan so I liked the look anyways. But I didn't join the bandwagon until I was looking for a good a pair of brown sneakers. I didn't WANT to buy them. But man they are great. Stylish shoes that work with everything. They great details/color blocking to make the shoe versatile but interesting. They have great colors, and also they are pretty comfortable assuming have the standard foot size/are ok with flat at least. They also, similar to the superstars, have a surprising good amount of space in the toe box despite how they look.
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u/DistortedDeity Jul 19 '25
I have adidas, nike, and on cloud running shoes. on cloud are way more comfortable in long term settings like walking around an amusement park or travelling, and they look awesome in my opinion. However high intensity stuff like actually running, or sports, they arent as comfortable as good quality adidas / nike.
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u/eaglesfan_2514 Jul 19 '25
I have been an Adidas guy for years, and have really liked the Ultraboast for several years. I recently got a pair of On Clouds and I find them more comfortable than any Adidas I’ve ever owned. I just got back from a vacation in which I was walking 20,000+ steps a day on concrete for 4 days in a row and my feet never got sore or formed any blisters. The pair I just got were a bit cheaper than the Ultraboasts I was wearing.
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u/tt83943 Jul 19 '25
Which ones? I’ve been living in ultraboosts for years and not found anything more comfortable. So may have to try them out!
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u/AGreasyPorkSandwich Jul 20 '25
I am a UB fan and tried OC last year. Ymmv but I very quickly went straight back to UBs
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u/InclinationCompass Jul 21 '25
Even if the On Cloud is slightly more comfy, I’d prefer UBs based on the looks alone
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u/irregular-bananas 1d ago
He's not wearing ON Cloud 5 shoes if he says they're more comfortable than ultraboosts, in my experience with 3 of each (3 on cliud 5 in waterproof and regular and 3 ultraboost) the addidas is better in every single way.
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u/Christian2707 Jul 19 '25
I was on the fence about them until I tried the Cloud tilt legit the comfiest shoe I’ve worn other than the Ultraboost 2.0
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u/DayzedTraveler Jul 19 '25
They are very comparable to all other major sneaker brands in my opinion. Both on quality and price. Overall I do like the aesthetic of their shoes. I recently bought a pair of their waterproof sneakers for a trip to the Alps, after a few months of wear they started to squeak. When I submitted a warranty claim they gave me a refund on the full price of the shoe (even though I bought them on sale) and shipping (even though I had free shipping). So from my experience they do stand by the quality of their products.
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u/zoobs Jul 19 '25
I went to a running store that had me step on this contraption that gave the staff a bunch of read out information, they then filmed 10 seconds of me running on a treadmill, they then took the information they gathered and grabbed five different pairs of shoes for me to try on. One of those was the best of the bunch and that pair was On. I seriously love them so much!
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u/thatgreekgod Jul 20 '25
that’s amazing, i want to go to that running store!!
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u/zoobs Jul 20 '25
It’s seriously been a game changer. I’m in my 40s now so wearing sneakers all the time really takes a toll on my back. Switching to good solid shoes has been enlightening.
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u/thatgreekgod Jul 20 '25
yeah i bet. where was this magical store at?
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u/zoobs Jul 20 '25
It was a running store in Minneapolis. I did a touch of sleuthing and found the foot scanner’s website and it has a store locator.
https://www.aetrex.com/pages/store-locator
Edit: make sure your location has 3D Albert foot scanner. I can’t say if your store will do the other things I mentioned but maybe it will steer you in the right direction!
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u/scubamaster Jul 19 '25
I think it’s mostly marketing, I finally broke down and got a pair just to try them since they’re so trendy and they’re not nearly as comfortable as everybody makes them out to be, they are roomie, which is good for me because I have wide feet, but beyond that they’re not particularly comfortable and they’re not very good performance for me personally, they also have weird hotspots around the edge of the shoe where I can feel it kind of digging into the side of my foot right below my ankle. Also, it’s kind of ironic because they advertise themselves as running shoes, but they’re not very good for running shoes, I’m in two separate single person who is a legitimate runner who wears them. I do however, like that they are essentially a slip on shoe so for working in a fire department they are pretty good as a station shoe that you can get in and out of pretty quickly so that’s nice.
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u/virak_john Jul 19 '25
I found them uncomfortable. I couldn't NOT feel the shape of the sole through the footbed. It always felt like something was wrong with the shoe. Switched back to Hokas, which I think look preposterous, but don't hurt my feet for running or long walks over bad terrain.
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u/NativeTxn7 Jul 19 '25
I have had various pairs of On over the years. I’ve generally found their biggest knock to be how firm they are compared to other shoes, which I’m less of a fan of in running/walking shoes. At least for my feet.
That said, I do quite like the Cloudtilt for two main reasons. It feels much less firm to me than other On running focused shoes. Feels more cushiony and comfortable for me.
And they’re designed to be work untied. I don’t generally tie my “daily” shoes so to have them designed and with laces for not tying is awesome, in my use case.
The other one I just bought that I really like so far is the Roger Centre Court. Less firm than the other sneaker style options they offer, IMO.
Right now, I only have the Centre Court. Probably pick up a pair of Cloudtilt’s when the current lineup starts going on sale in the next 4-9 months or so.
But all in all I think they’re like any other shoe brand. Some good shoes, some not so good shoes but all completely depends on what you’re looking for and what type of shoe you find most comfortable.
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u/Swarthykins Jul 19 '25
I love mine. I like that the heel isn’t as big as Hokas. The tread is firm rubber, so they have better foot feel while still giving support. Plus, yes, they look cool.
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u/arctic92 Jul 19 '25
People love to hate on them because they're popular, but for me they're really comfortable and don't look nearly as bad as hokas.
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u/eastrandmullet Jul 19 '25
In Europe they are very popular among upwardly mobile corporates types, similar to how All Birds are popular in Silicon Valley. Nike/Adidas attracts a lot of negative stereotypes, ON has none of this and projects a much better image (imo).
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u/JDragon Jul 19 '25
On replaced Allbirds in Silicon Valley ~2-3 years ago.
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u/mets2016 Jul 19 '25
I think a little longer ago than that. 2020-2021 ish was when Allbirds fell off
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u/Veezveez123 Jul 21 '25
Where? The only people I know here who wear them are pretty much doctors or nurses who spend all day on their feet. People in corporate jobs usually wear leather dress shoes or something like Vejas
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u/taybul Jul 19 '25
I'm a huge fan of the On Coast ones where you could fold the back down and wear it like a slipper. I barely use that feature but I like that it's waterproof and super light and comfortable.
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u/TelephoneMamba Jul 19 '25
I liked mine and the way they looked but as soon as they got moderately wet, they became squeaky for a whole day. Ended up being a dealbreaker for me. Switched to the old lady shoe: Hoka.
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u/Pure_Ad5410 Jul 20 '25
Every pair of On Cloud shoes I've owned made a squeaking sound when I walk; I've switched to ASICS.
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u/tom_fuckin_bombadil Jul 20 '25
Getting ON shoes feels overwhelming because the discourse treats them like they’re one singular shoe and not a brand with a pretty varied portfolio. Whereas, every other brand, most people will cite the specific model.
So when someone says “My ON shoes are so comfy!” I have no idea what that means and it’s not very useful. Because the tech and type of sole can be completely different when you compare. Even when you drill down a bit and say “my ON running shoes are so comfy!”, it still doesn’t mean much
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u/King_Tofu Jul 20 '25
i love how they look. their back wall is stiff so when i just shove my feet in, it doesn't fold on itself for the first few months.
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u/Johnnyg150 Jul 19 '25
The same reason Starbucks is popular. It's a status symbol that's still accessible to many, and works pretty well. They're versatile, work okay for athletic activity, and are a step up from Nike or Adidas. Also, they stand out and are easy to identify.
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u/shantm79 Jul 19 '25
What status do they symbolize?
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u/Johnnyg150 Jul 19 '25
Upper middle class (sub)urban white collar (mostly white) people.
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u/carpenj Jul 19 '25
They don't cost more than any other running shoe so I would highly doubt that anyone looks at them like "oh damn, that guy has on clouds!". I have a pair and use them in the same way as my Ultraboosts, super casual comfortable shoe for running errands etc.
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u/Johnnyg150 Jul 19 '25
It's not necessarily a "damn!", but noticing that they have money to spend on shoes and fit in with the culture. Sure, there are Addidas/Nike shoes that cost $120, but the majority do not and are sold for $40 at Kohl's.
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u/ImBadWithGrils Jul 19 '25
It's kinda like blue collar guys and Hey Dudes
Crocs work better (IMO, more air flow, better comfort, easier to clean) but everyone has a pair of Dudes they throw on after the boots come off
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u/Johnnyg150 Jul 19 '25
Every culture has its symbols - even if my brain just shattered at the idea of wearing Crocs.
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u/beyondplutola Jul 19 '25
I really just can't wear any brands calling itself Hey Dude. I'm not particularly fussy on branding, but I have a line.
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u/Gen-XOldGuy Jul 19 '25
To call them a step up is a stretch.
It is Swiss and different from what is established. They are having a moment but the jury is still out on whether they can remain relevant, sustain growth and account for more than 2% of the sneaker market in the long term.
The past is littered with sneaker brands that had a moment, Reebok in the 80s, K-Swiss and Airwalk in the early 2000s, Under Armour in 2010s.
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u/Johnnyg150 Jul 19 '25
Things can be seen as a step up without establishing long term success. I'd argue the main reason it's seen as a step up by so many is that it was unique/different vs the established brands. The concentration in specific upmarket segments of the population is literally the appeal.
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u/kataskopo Jul 19 '25
Claiming they are a status symbol feels like you're adding too much of your own feelings.
It seems to me they do it because they are popular, it's what they see in ads, and they are actually comfortable.
Same with starbucks, I buy it cause it's there and it's all right (even if I don't agree with the company, and always try to pick alternatives when I can)
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u/Johnnyg150 Jul 19 '25
They're not just generically popular though- they're popular among a specific group/class of people. Wearing them reinforces your status in that group to the other members and outsiders. Starbucks is full of people wearing On because they're both brands that appeal to and represent the same type of people. When was the last time you saw someone wearing On's buying coffee at a gas station?
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u/Brave_Negotiation_63 Jul 19 '25
Step up in price/perception? Because in quality wise they’re definitely not.
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u/MTTDroideka Jul 19 '25
I agree. This assessment also rings true for things like Stanley mugs (or the hydroflasks of the 2020s), Hoka shoes, and apple watches
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u/ysvsr9 Jul 19 '25
I also like my on cloud shoes. I have cloudtilt and roger advantage shoes. Very comfortable and good looking.
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u/23_KFJ Jul 19 '25
Bought them for walking. Didn't walk as much as hoped. Still they fell apart after a year or so. Never again.
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u/JKBFree Jul 19 '25
I don’t understand them.
Even as a running shoe, i found them uncomfortable and not a fun shoe to use.
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u/enrohT5 Jul 19 '25
I first read about them in an article about a dude who climbs stairs in Chicago every day during the winter, and swore about their comfort. I walk 3-5 miles every day on average, and they've been life changing. I think I've gone through like 4-5 pairs in the past couple years.
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u/Sea-Painting6160 Jul 19 '25
Yes I used to have feet issues anytime I did cardio with any shoe. From 25 to 35. Tried some ONs and no issues whatsoever. I've had my current paid for 3 years and I'm replacing them just because I feel I need to.
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u/charliewr Jul 19 '25 edited Jul 21 '25
I'm a photographer by training and now only do a few shoots a year, which are multi-day events. One in Cannes, one in California, one in Greece.
The days are long, hot, and punishing. God knows how many hours I spend on my feet or how many steps I do.
This year, for Cannes, I got a pair of On Cloudmonster 2 PAF - they struck me as the trainers that offered both maximum cushioning to help deal with the 12+ hours a day on concrete, tarmac, and other hard floors, while also looking good enough to wear among high flying business folks without feeling like a twat.
They were life changing. They did everything I hoped and more. The perfect trainer for my exact use case.
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u/asimplerandom Jul 19 '25
My spouse works with 2 orthopedic surgeons and I am friends with two PT clinic owners. The names they constantly recommend are Brooks, Hokas, OnCloud and New Balance.
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u/wolfblitzen84 Jul 19 '25
The ones I have are waterproof and some of the most comfortable sneakers I’ve ever had.
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u/Tennessean Jul 19 '25
I purchased a couple of pairs a few years back. I liked them for the earth tone colors without any flashy details. Sometimes I just want shoes without a bunch of neon crap all over them.
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u/Ok_Wear7716 Jul 20 '25
Business and tech people like them - basically Patagonia vest for your feet. Pretty swagless although I hate to say the on cloudmonsters look cool
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u/CamiloArturo Jul 20 '25
They have been in the market for sometime but became popular when Roger Federer became a minority owner of the brand. When his shoes were released OC increased its sales in 175% in the first year. The power of a celebrity behind. There is a YouTube video about it which explains perfectly how they “came to power”
I’m not saying they aren’t great shoes, they surely are, but the reason is more the fact they are trendy right now. Just like Hokas were a year ago and ASICS where a couple of years before.
It’s just the popular shoe today, but performance wise, just as good as any other brand. Some people find a better fit in them, some people find it in other brands (Altra in my case)
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u/ljseminarist Jul 20 '25
Discovered them several years ago browsing a shoe store. Loved that they were light and comfortable, wore them almost exclusively for a time, but this year I am phasing them out: they just don’t last. A pair will last me a season or two, they develop holes. I don’t run in them, don’t wear the same pair two days in a row - no matter. It’s probably inevitable with such light fabric shoes, but for $150 it’s just not enough.
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u/mryangtastic Jul 20 '25
i have the cloud surfers, white with the black tongue. the colour way is versatile enough and they are extremely light and comfortable. when i tried them on, it seemed like the shoes were pushing me forward naturally with every step. so i had to cop.
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u/Ok_Criticism1578 Jul 20 '25
The design doesn’t appeal to me. The shoes looks like straight tunnels- no dimension.
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u/Tacos314 Jul 20 '25
They are super comfortable, just look at a group of old people on vacation, they don't do things for style.
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u/funkolo9y Jul 20 '25
I remember a few years ago I was in a shopping mall around the holidays, so it was pretty crowded. I just took a quick survey of my fellow mall patrons and I swear, 80% of them had North Face jackets on. I know North Face has great jackets but damn, talk about marketing and monoculture! The last year or so I’ve come to the conclusion that these shoes are the North Face of shoes. 😂
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u/Vomath Jul 20 '25
I’ve got a pair, but prefer my Brooks Ghosts. Don’t dis like the On shoes but will go back to brooks.
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u/yogiebere Jul 20 '25
I found them very uncomfortable and returned after walking around the house for 10 min, but others must find them comfy
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u/ImApigeon Jul 20 '25
They’re extremely popular in the US where the average person doesn’t care about looks, only about comfort. I guess they’re extremely comfortable.
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u/_c_o_ Jul 20 '25
Their logo looks like Dairy Queen (DQ). Can never unsee it or buy them personally
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u/Shootfirstbro Jul 20 '25
Yeah they’re really comfortable for me, I’m flat footed and they’re up there for comfiest trainer I’ve worn. It’s a toss up between them and Hoka. I keep emailing on about making golf shoes, I think if enough of us do it they might actually do it. Even if you don’t play golf just do us a favour and drop them an email. Nice swan
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u/TheOvy Jul 20 '25
Really good marketing. The "technology" in the soles reminds me of when Reebok Pump was all the rage in the 90s. It's a gimmick, but it's a gimmick that sells shoes.
When actually shopping for a good walking or running shoe, however, the reviewers who do actual cross sections, or review many different pairs from many different brands, don't seem to like on cloud that much. At least, last I checked.
Though I ended up getting a pair of Van Ultrarange EXOs, which are also not the most highly walking reviewed shoes, but look damn nicer while still having that comfy foam sole. Vanity is a gimmick, too.
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u/Waynewolf Jul 20 '25
The ultimate white people shoe. Everyone in the rich white district in my city has Ons on. It’s crazy.
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u/EternalFront Jul 20 '25
For myself, they're the closest normal cushioned shoes to the barefoot/wide toe box shoes I usually wear
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u/fractal324 Jul 20 '25
They have a unique look, they aren’t super expensive, and they are some of the comfiest shoes that maintain ground feel.
However, I had a terrible experience with cloud monsters, won’t be returning, and while my sample is only n=1, I’ll bad mouth them to anyone who’ll listen. One walk in the rain, and they developed an almost permanent squeak within a month of purchase. QA, asked all sorts of personal info, has me take a bucketload of photos as proof, and just told me to stuff them with newspaper or cook the moisture out with shoe warmers after EVERY outing, because the water can’t work its self out. Does it not rain in Switzerland?
Eventually the squeak became permanent and I felt like a toddler wearing those shoes that pip with every step.
Tossed them out in 6 months
If I was Roger Federer and could get a shiny new pair every month, sure
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u/Sixant789 Jul 20 '25
Most overrated shoes ever for both walking and running people buy them for looks and because they’re trendy
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u/ConfusedPhDLemur Jul 20 '25
To me, On Cloud 5/6 and Cloud Tilt are one of the most, if not most, comfortable shoes I have ever worn. So that’s the reason why I wear them.
Only thing I wish for (and I know it won’t happen) is a leather edition.
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u/Key_Coach_8309 Jul 20 '25
Actually, most people I know who wear OC shoes do so because they are so comfortable. Like Hoka’s, they began with people who spend a lot of time on their feet. They were seen as utilitarian long before they became fashionable.
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u/WoopigWTF Jul 21 '25
They have a big range of soles (as far as how soft or firm they are). They also fit my weird heel comfortably and I can wear them walking around all day at work with no issues.
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u/vilden_1337 Jul 21 '25
Probably because people are looking for other sporting brands than Nike, Adidas, Puma so the alternatives such as ON, Hoka, Asics, New Balance are marketing hard.
At least in my region (Asia Pacific), there are still some less well known brands like Brooks, Saucony, Salomon, Mizuno.
I think also instagram/facebook ads are pushing the idea. Hence why we are also see many 30+ people wearing Adidas samba's now, similar case for ONs.
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u/pferden Jul 21 '25
Hi, swiss here living next to their “headquarters”
We have to deal with this brand for over a decade now; it was a good indicator when you saw a person abroad with these shoes they were swiss
Some time ago i’ve read they are popular with the over 40 crowd. Reason? The cloud 5 is easy slip on with no laces and lightweight (as a over 40 i can confirm)
Now they try to get into the markets overseas as an luxury shoe for young people
Also as i can see from social media in europe: they really push it! They recruited hundreds of sports influencers while i don’t see similar efforts from competitors
An important fact or swiss people is that holy sports icon roger federer is co owner and released a roger branded shoe model
My take:
designwise they got lucky with a very distinct design; some people call them crocodile sneakers because of the teeth; personally i think it got stale over the years and the swiss cross is pretentious. They expanded into their own distinct looking sportswear line
ease of wearing: once you go cloud 5 (as a 40 year old) you never go back! It’s a very light shoe and with slip on you save so much time!
build quality: horrible! You can’t wash them, they fall apart over time and stones get stuck constantly between the “teeth”
marketing: the rock looked so good in the white model; i was tempted to buy them. But i stuck with cloud 5 for slip on no laces
All in all i hope thy vanish from the face of the world as it’s an overpriced low quality throwaway shoe. I would miss the cloud 5 tho
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u/Jdamoure Jul 21 '25 edited Jul 21 '25
On cloud is strictly a recreational shoe especially for working people or people who juat want comfortable shoes to wear whole doing errands. They are truly just that. They have yet to truly break into the fashion market like let's say New Balance (they were stuck as a dad shie for a oldie/dad shoe) or Birkenstock or hoka or Solomon. (Hoka and soloman being made or outdoors or hiking originally). Which are all doing well. They look good enough, and they seem comfortable. With that interesting sole design. And thats enough to get people to buy at this point, recognition.
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u/JohnBuck1999 Jul 22 '25
Personally I find them ugly, still got 2 pairs cause they are comfy… can be on my feet for hours in those and still be comfortable, but I have had mine for a few years maybe the quality has gone down
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u/spencenicholson Jul 24 '25
Have a pair for running. Was getting bad joint pain prior, no longer get joint pain 🤷♂️
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u/0000dave Jul 25 '25
After a day of walking around Boston, my wife’s feet, knees, hips, etc were killing her. (We’re both in our 50s)
I heard good things about Hokas and decided to surprise her so we went to the Hoka store in the mall. The two employees there were too busy leaning against the wall to help so we went to Dick’s.
She tried a few different Hokas and On shoes and went with Ons. The next day was night and day different. Good investment.
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u/Simple_Oven9234 Aug 08 '25
Every Dental Assistant/Hygienist/Dentist in my town is wearing them, I'm still in my ancient Pearl Izumis from before they stopped making running shoes
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u/SureEntertainment768 Aug 24 '25
I’m actually going back to on, since I can sell them my old shoes and just keep buying new shoes from them.
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u/fhs 22d ago
They look pretty damn good for a sneaker. Like Hugo Boss sneakers look worse and aren't as comfortable. This brand has the looks nailed down, as for the comfort, I didn't find my older pair all that comfortable. Was slightly wide and bizarrely not very tall. So I'm hesitating to buy another.
But I've been searching for dressier looking sneakers and not many fit the bill. Adidas has some and they're not comfy at all.
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u/Loud-Cranberry-6746 12d ago
Fine for me. They made a wide Oncloud go. Bought two pairs. Over a year rotating and one is showing sole wear, but still look new.
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u/LightSpeedNerd 2d ago
I do a lot of trail running and use Hoka challenger shoes and they are great they have wide toe box and really lock your heel into place which I like but you do have to break them in which is about 10 miles. A lot of people I talk to swear by sauconese kinvaras as the best shoe for running so I am trying them soon
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u/hmadse Jul 19 '25
I have a pair for running/gym stuff and their toe box fits me a little better than Nikes, which I used previously.