Are On Cloud running shoes worth it?+
For many runners the answer is yes, especially if you value On's springy, distinctive ride. The brand's CloudTec cushioning is its defining feature, and reviewers generally rate the build quality highly. They sit at a premium price point, so the value comes down to whether On's particular feel and styling suit you better than a cheaper alternative.
Are On shoes good quality?+
On has built a strong reputation for performance footwear, and as of 2025 the company has been on its way to a roughly $20 billion market cap on the back of fast growth. The engineering behind CloudTec is genuinely On's own, born from founder Olivier Bernhard experimenting with a garden hose. As with any performance shoe, fit and intended use matter more than the badge, so match the model to your running style.
How do On shoes compare to Hoka?+
They are often cross-shopped. The Wall Street Journal has called Hoka "one of On's main competitors in the specialized running market," and the comparison sharpened when On launched the maximalist Cloudmonster in 2022 with a larger sole, a style long associated with Hoka. The choice usually comes down to feel: On's CloudTec pods give a bouncier, more responsive ride, while Hoka leans into plush, rocker-style cushioning.
Which On shoe should I buy first?+
The original Cloud line is the natural starting point for everyday running and lifestyle wear, since it best showcases On's signature CloudTec feel. If you want more cushioning and a bolder look, the Cloudmonster, launched on 31 March 2022, is the maximalist option. For racing, the carbon-era Cloudboom Strike sits at the performance end. Pick based on whether you want daily comfort, max cushion, or speed.
What is CloudTec, On's signature technology?+
CloudTec is On's proprietary cushioning system, the row of hollow "clouds" you see under every On shoe. The manufacturer describes them as cushioning the foot as it lands, then locking together to create a solid platform for the next push-off. It began when founder Olivier Bernhard, then a Nike athlete, experimented with a garden hose; he presented the prototype to Nike, who rejected it, so he built On instead.
When and where was On founded?+
On was first incorporated as a sporting goods company in 2010 in Switzerland. It was founded by former Swiss Ironman champion Olivier Bernhard together with David Allemann and Caspar Coppetti. The company is properly known as On Holding AG and remains rooted in its Swiss origins.
What was On's connection to Roger Federer?+
Swiss tennis great Roger Federer became a shareholder in On in November 2019, a partnership that significantly raised the brand's profile. In July 2020 the company released a limited-edition lifestyle shoe named The Roger. The Federer association is a big part of why On crossed over from running into lifestyle and fashion.
Is On a publicly traded company?+
Yes. On held its initial public offering in September 2021, raising approximately $746 million, and has been listed on the NYSE since then. Within two years of the IPO the company had doubled its revenue to nearly $2 billion, and in 2024 it reported sales of CHF 2.32 billion, up about 29% year over year.
Where are On shoes made?+
Although On is a Swiss company, production of its shoes has moved from China to Indonesia and Vietnam, which are common manufacturing hubs for performance footwear. The design, brand and innovation remain Swiss-led, with founder Olivier Bernhard focused on product and innovation. So you get Swiss engineering produced in Southeast Asian factories.
What is the Cloudboom Strike and why is it special?+
The Cloudboom Strike LS is a performance racing shoe On launched for the 2024 Olympic Games. Its upper is made by robotically depositing a single continuous filament of synthetic material, cutting the shoe's component count from 150 to 200 down to just seven and keeping it to about 6 ounces. On promotes it for reduced waste and the potential for on-demand manufacturing, making it both fast and forward-looking.
Which athletes does On sponsor?+
On founded and sponsors the professional running group the On Athletics Club, coached by Dathan Ritzenhein and stocked with Olympic finalists. In tennis it has signed top names including world number one Iga Świątek plus Ben Shelton and João Fonseca. It also backs triathletes, trail and road runners, and even built bobsleigh shoes used at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
How should I size and care for On running shoes?+
Try them on if you can, since fit varies across the range and the right size depends on the model and your foot shape. To extend their life, rotate pairs if you run often, let them air out between runs rather than tumble-drying, and clean the outsole clouds gently so debris does not lodge in the CloudTec pods. Replacing worn shoes on time protects both the cushioning and your joints.
