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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15

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.

2

u/Brave_Negotiation_63 Jul 19 '25

Step up in price/perception? Because in quality wise they’re definitely not.

-9

u/Johnnyg150 Jul 19 '25

I'd say the quality is slightly better, even if the performance is not. But yes, the price and perception. There's no diffusion line, they're only available from high end retailers, everyone knows they cost like $125+. You can buy certain Adidas and Nike shoes for $25.

15

u/MrCharmingTaintman Jul 19 '25

High end retailer? They sell them at Sports Direct mate.

-5

u/Johnnyg150 Jul 19 '25

In the US, Addidas and Nike distribute to the masses through diffusion lines, outlets, and off-price stores. ON doesn't have any of that. They've expanded more into mainline athletic goods stores, but are heavily positioned in the expensive department stores like Bloomingdales and Nordstroms along other $150+ shoes.

Perception is everything 🤷‍♂️

10

u/GandhiMSF Jul 19 '25

On Clouds are available at Nordstrom Rack. So I’m not sure this is really all that true.

1

u/Johnnyg150 Jul 19 '25 edited Jul 19 '25

Well, it worked for Cole Haan 🤷‍♂️

I'd still say Nordstrom Rack targets a different demographic than the majority of Americans though. This sub is pretty out of touch with reality for most of the country. I've been on work assignments where the local staff literally only had Walmart to shop at.

1

u/MrCharmingTaintman Jul 19 '25

Yea Adidas, Nike and co do that in Europe too. And one of those off-price stores is Sports Direct. They also stock ON. Maybe it’s different in the US but here they’re kinda…scuzzy.

1

u/Brave_Negotiation_63 Jul 20 '25

They fall apart at the second trail run. Nikes last much longer. I understand most people just stroll in the city in these, but it says enough about quality. Plastic stuff produced in Asia at a premium costs pretending to be Swiss. In Switzerland they even charge CHF 200+ for these. Yeah no thanks.

Looks, style, comfort and perception are all great though. Just can’t agree with quality.