On Cloud Shoes: The Complete UK Guide

On Cloud shoes are Swiss-engineered running shoes built with CloudTec sole technology. Hollow cushioning pods compress on impact and spring back at push-off. Designed in Zurich and worn by millions of runners, walkers, and everyday wearers worldwide, On Cloud trainers combine lightweight performance with clean, modern design. Whether you are looking for a daily running shoe like the Cloud 6, a maximal cushion trainer like the Cloudmonster, or a lifestyle sneaker like the Cloudtilt, you will find the full UK range right here at uk-oncloud.com.

Below, we answer the most common questions about On Cloud shoes, from running performance and sizing to care, authenticity, and where to buy in the UK.

Are On Cloud Shoes Good for Running?

On Cloud shoes were designed as running shoes from day one. The brand was co-founded in 2010 by Olivier Bernhard, a former professional triathlete and three-time Ironman champion, alongside David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti in Zurich, Switzerland. The original goal was simple: create a running shoe that delivered a soft landing and an explosive take-off, without the heavy, overbuilt feel of traditional cushioned trainers.

The technology behind every On Cloud shoe is CloudTec, a sole made of individual hollow pods that compress independently when your foot strikes the ground, absorb the impact, and then lock together at push-off to create a firm, propulsive platform. This is paired with a Speedboard energy plate that sits between the sole and upper, flexing with each stride and converting downward force into forward motion.

For road running, the Cloud 6 and Cloud 5 are the most popular daily trainers, lightweight, responsive, and comfortable over any distance. The Cloud Eclipse adds structured guidance for runners who want a more supportive ride, while the Cloudsurfer and Cloudrunner are built for longer runs and higher mileage, with more cushioning and structured support. The Cloudmonster and Cloudmonster Hyper deliver maximum cushioning for distance and recovery runs. For trail and off-road running, the Cloudventure, Cloudventure Peak, and Cloudvista offer aggressive grip and trail-specific protection. And for race day, the Cloudboom, Cloudboom Echo, Cloudboom Strike, and the Cloud Ace are built for speed with carbon fibre Speedboard plates. There is an On Cloud shoe for every type of runner.

So yes, On Cloud shoes are good for running, from easy daily jogs to competitive racing. They are not a fashion brand that happens to make trainers. They are a running brand that happens to make good-looking shoes.

Browse all On running shoes or shop by gender for women's and men's options.

Are On Clouds True to Size?

On Cloud shoes generally run true to size. Most customers find that ordering their usual UK shoe size gives them a comfortable, accurate fit. The fit across On models is consistent, a UK 9 in the Cloud 5 will feel the same as a UK 9 in the Cloudmonster or Cloudtilt.

A few things worth noting. On Cloud shoes tend to have a slightly snug midfoot and a standard-width toe box. If you have wider feet, you may want to go up a half size, particularly in the Cloud X and Cloud X 4, which have a more locked-down, training-focused fit. The Cloudmonster and Cloudsurfer run slightly more generous in the forefoot, so they suit wider feet better at standard sizing.

For running, you generally want a thumb's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. If you are between sizes, go up rather than down. If your pair does not fit right, the returns policy makes exchanges straightforward.

Are On Cloud Trainers True to Size?

This is the same question as above, rephrased for UK shoppers who search for "trainers" rather than "shoes." The answer is the same. On Cloud trainers run true to size. Order your usual UK size for the best fit. If you have wider feet or plan to wear thicker socks, consider going up half a size. Browse the full range to find your model.

Can On Cloud Shoes Be Washed?

Yes, On Cloud shoes can be washed, but not in a washing machine. On officially recommends hand washing only. Here is the proper way to clean them:

Remove the insoles and laces. Use lukewarm water and a mild soap or detergent. Dip a soft brush or cloth into the soapy water and gently scrub the upper, sole, and any dirty areas. Rinse with clean water, do not soak the shoes. Stuff with newspaper or paper towels to absorb moisture and maintain shape. Air dry at room temperature, away from direct heat, radiators, and direct sunlight. Heat damages the foam and glue, and direct sun can discolour the materials.

Never put On Cloud shoes in a tumble dryer. The heat will deform the CloudTec pods and break down the Helion foam cushioning. If the insoles smell, wash them separately with soapy water and let them air dry fully before reinserting.

This applies to all models, including Cloud 5, Cloud 6, Cloudmonster, Cloudtilt, and every other On Cloud shoe.

Can On Cloud Shoes Be Washed in Washing Machine?

No. On does not recommend machine washing. The agitation cycle, hot water, and spin can damage the CloudTec sole pods, break down the Helion foam midsole, and weaken the adhesive bonding. Machine washing will shorten the lifespan of your shoes and may void any warranty claims.

Hand washing as described above is the safest method. If your On shoes are heavily muddy from trail running (for example after wearing the Cloudventure or Cloudvista off-road), knock off dried mud first, then follow the hand-wash process.

How to Clean On Cloud Shoes

Follow this step-by-step process for the best results:

1. Remove laces and insoles.
2. Knock off any loose dirt or dried mud.
3. Mix lukewarm water with a small amount of mild soap.
4. Use a soft-bristled brush (an old toothbrush works well) to scrub the upper mesh, rubber sole, and CloudTec pods. Pay attention to the gaps between the pods where grit collects.
5. For white On Cloud shoes that have yellowed, use a paste of baking soda and water on the midsole and scrub gently.
6. Rinse with clean water. A damp cloth works better than running the shoe under a tap.
7. Stuff with paper and air dry at room temperature. Do not use a radiator, hairdryer, or direct sunlight.
8. Once dry, re-lace and reinsert insoles.

For the CloudTec sole specifically, use a pointed brush or cotton bud to clean inside each individual pod. Debris trapped there can affect cushioning performance over time.

How to Lace On Cloud Shoes

On Cloud shoes come with a speed-lacing system, an elastic bungee lace that lets you slip the shoe on and off without tying. This is the default lacing setup on models like the Cloud 5 and Cloud 6.

If you prefer a traditional lace, On includes a set of standard flat laces in the box with most models. Simply remove the speed laces and thread the flat laces through the same eyelets using a standard criss-cross pattern. Traditional lacing gives a more locked-down, customisable fit, better for running, where you want the shoe to feel secure at pace.

For runners who experience heel slip, try a runner's knot (also called a heel lock or lace lock): thread the lace through the top eyelet on each side to create a small loop, then cross each lace through the opposite loop before tying. This pulls the heel counter tight without over-tightening the midfoot.

The Cloud X 4 and Cloudflyer come with traditional laces as standard, since they are designed for training and stability running where a locked-down fit matters.

On Cloud Is from Which Country?

On Cloud is from Switzerland. The brand was founded in 2010 in Zurich by Olivier Bernhard, David Allemann, and Caspar Coppetti. All On shoes are designed and engineered in Zurich, and the company is headquartered there today. On is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker ONON, and has grown from a small Swiss running startup into a global performance brand sold in over 60 countries.

Manufacturing takes place in Vietnam and other partner facilities, but all design, engineering, biomechanical testing, and material development happens in Switzerland. The CloudTec sole technology, Speedboard energy plate, and Helion superfoam were all developed by On's Swiss engineering team.

When Was On Cloud Founded?

On was founded in January 2010 in Zurich, Switzerland. The three co-founders, Olivier Bernhard (a former professional triathlete), David Allemann, and Caspar Coppetti, began developing the first CloudTec prototype in 2009 using garden hose segments cut and glued to the sole of a running shoe. The idea was to create a sole that was soft on landing but firm at push-off.

The first On shoe launched commercially in 2010 and won the ISPO BrandNew Award that same year. Since then, On has expanded from a single running shoe to a full range of running shoes, trainers, trail shoes, hiking shoes, and lifestyle sneakers like the Cloudtilt and Cloudnova. The brand also launched apparel, accessories, and a collaboration with tennis legend Roger Federer, who became both an investor and co-designer of The Roger line.

On Cloud Near Me: Where to Buy in the UK

If you are searching for On Cloud shoes near you in the UK, the fastest way to get them is online. We carry the full range of On Cloud models for men and women, with free UK delivery and easy returns.

Browse by category: All On Cloud shoes, Women's On Cloud, Men's On Cloud, On Running shoes, On Trainers, and On Cloud Black. Or shop by model: Cloud 5, Cloud 6, Cloudmonster, Cloudtilt, Cloud X, Cloudsurfer, Cloudrunner, and Cloudnova.

Where to Buy On Cloud Shoes

You can buy On Cloud shoes online with delivery across the United Kingdom. We stock every current model including the Cloud 5, Cloud 6, Cloudmonster, Cloudmonster Hyper, Cloudtilt, Cloud X 4, Cloudsurfer, Cloudrunner, Cloudswift, Cloudflow, Cloudflyer, Cloudnova, Cloudnova Form, Cloudstratus, Cloudzone, Cloud Horizon, and more.

We also carry specialist models: the Cloudventure and Cloudventure Peak for trail, the Cloud Wander for hiking, the Cloudultra for ultra-distance, and the race-day Cloudboom, Cloudboom Echo, Cloudboom Strike, Cloud Flash, and Cloud Racer. The Cloud Rush bridges the gap between training and racing with a lightweight, responsive build. For lifestyle, see the Cloudtilt, Cloudnova, and Cloud Pulse. Beyond footwear, On also offers performance apparel including lightweight, technical tops designed for running and everyday wear.

What Is the Best On Cloud Shoe for Walking?

The best On Cloud shoe for walking is the Cloud 5 or Cloud 6. Both are lightweight (under 260g), cushioned, and designed for all-day comfort, not just running. They have a neutral ride that works on pavement, indoor floors, and light paths without feeling overly sporty.

Here is how to choose:

The Cloud 5 is the classic choice. It has been the go-to everyday On shoe for years. Speed lacing makes it easy to slip on and off. The cushioning is soft but not mushy, and the shoe weighs just 245g in a men's UK 9.

The Cloud 6 is the updated version, lighter, with a redesigned CloudTec sole that gives slightly more response underfoot. If you want the latest version, this is it.

The Cloudgo is specifically built for easy-paced running and walking, more cushion than the Cloud 5/6, with a wider platform for stability.

The Cloudaway is designed for travel, packable, lightweight, and comfortable for walking all day in a new city.

For walking on wet surfaces, the Cloud 5 Waterproof or Cloud 6 Waterproof keeps your feet dry without adding weight or stiffness.

If you walk a lot and want maximum cushioning, the Cloudmonster works too. Oversized CloudTec pods give a very cushioned, pillowy feel underfoot, though it looks more like a running shoe than a casual trainer.

Are On Clouds Good for Weight Lifting?

On Cloud shoes are not ideal for heavy weight lifting. The CloudTec sole is designed to compress, that is what makes it comfortable for running and walking. But in the gym, under a heavy squat or deadlift, you want a sole that does not compress. A soft, cushioned sole creates instability under heavy loads and reduces the ground contact you need for proper form.

For gym and cross-training (HIIT, circuit training, box jumps, short runs, and agility work), the Cloud X and Cloud X 4 are the right choice. They have a firmer, flatter sole with lateral stability, a flexible forefoot, and minimal heel-to-toe drop. They are built for multi-directional movement, not max cushioning.

The Cloudspark is another training-focused option with a more aggressive grip pattern.

But for pure barbell work (squats, deadlifts, overhead press), a flat-soled shoe (Converse, wrestling shoe, or dedicated lifting shoe) will always be better than any On Cloud model. On is a running brand first.

How to Check On Cloud Shoes Authenticity

With On Cloud's popularity, counterfeit pairs do circulate online. Here is how to verify that your On Cloud shoes are genuine:

Buy from authorised retailers. The safest way to guarantee authenticity is to buy from an authorised On stockist. Marketplace listings on eBay, Amazon third-party sellers, and social media ads are the most common sources of fakes.

Check the box. Genuine On shoes come in a distinctive pale grey/white box with the On logo. The box label should show the model name, colourway, size, and a barcode. The model name on the box should match the shoe inside.

Inspect the CloudTec sole. Genuine CloudTec pods are evenly spaced, cleanly moulded, and uniform in shape. Fakes often have uneven pod sizes, rough moulding lines, and inconsistent spacing. The Speedboard plate inside should be visible between the pods.

Check the insole. Genuine On insoles have the On logo printed clearly. The printing should be sharp, not smudged or off-centre.

Look at the materials. On uses high-quality engineered mesh on the upper. It should feel structured, breathable, and consistent. Fakes often use cheaper mesh that feels thin, plasticky, or overly stiff.

Check the weight. On Cloud shoes are notably lightweight. If the shoe feels heavy for its size, it may be a counterfeit using denser, lower-quality foam.

Verify the QR code or product code. Some On models include a QR code on the tongue or box label that links to the On website. Scan it. If it leads to a legitimate On product page, the shoe is likely genuine.

Buying from an authorised stockist is always the safest option for guaranteed authentic pairs.

Are On Cloud Shoes Good?

Yes. On Cloud shoes are well-made, well-engineered running shoes. They are not a hype brand or a fashion trend. They are built by a Swiss company founded by a professional triathlete, designed for real-world running performance.

What makes them good:

CloudTec cushioning delivers a unique ride, soft on landing, firm on push-off. Once you run in a pair, you feel the difference immediately. It is not like traditional foam cushioning.

They are light. The Cloud 5 weighs 245g, the Cloud 6 is even lighter, and the Cloudmonster, a max-cushion shoe, stays under 280g. Competing cushioned shoes from other brands are often 300g+.

They look good. On Cloud shoes have a clean, minimal design that works with casual clothes, not just running kit. This is why models like the Cloudtilt, Cloudnova, and Cloudnova Form have crossed into streetwear and everyday fashion.

The range is deep. There is an On shoe for every use case: daily running (Cloud 6), long distance (Cloudsurfer), trail (Cloudventure), training (Cloud X 4), lifestyle (Cloudtilt), racing (Cloudboom), and hiking (Cloud Wander).

Durability. On Cloud shoes hold up well over hundreds of miles. The Helion superfoam resists compression over time, and the rubber outsole is more durable than it looks.