Are On Cloud Sneakers Worth It According to Reddit?

On Cloud has become one of the most recognizable shoe brands in a few years — and Reddit has strong opinions about whether the reputation is earned. The short version: excellent for walking and all-day wear, genuinely divisive for running, and worth trying in-store before you commit.

We went through the discussions to find out who loves them, who was disappointed, and which models are actually worth buying.

The Good

Comfort for All-Day Wear Is the Core Appeal

The most upvoted positive sentiment i— and it comes from people who are hard on their feet “People who are on their feet all day for work love them. I think people buy them for their comfort, not for their looks.” (189 upvotes)
Delivers meaningfully on extended walking and travel “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.” (32 upvotes)

Wider Toe Box Than Nike

A specific and consistently praised fit advantage “I have a pair for running/gym stuff and their toe box fits me a little better than Nikes, which I used previously.” (290 upvotes — the most upvoted comment in the dataset)

Specific Models That Stand Out

The Cloudmonster earns some of the strongest praise in any shoe thread “I have their Monsters and they are some of the most comfortable shoes I’ve owned. Up there with Hoka and Altra.” (32 upvotes)
The Roger Advantage is consistently called out for lifestyle and casual wear (124 upvotes)

Customer Service That Backs the Product

A notably positive warranty experience documented in the threads “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.” (32 upvotes)

Genuine Relief for Specific Foot Conditions

Not universal, but worth noting for Morton’s neuroma sufferers specifically “No shoe has made a consistent, long-term difference than my Clouds. These turned out to be a life saver for me.” (3 upvotes)

The Not So Good

Not Built for Serious Running

The most upvoted critical comment — and it comes from the running community specifically “If you are serious about running, I would avoid this brand.” (56 upvotes)
Nike and Adidas outperform for high-intensity use “High intensity stuff like actually running or sports — they aren’t as comfortable as good quality Adidas/Nike.” (80 upvotes)

Durability Issues Are Well-Documented

Squeaking and mesh breakdown are the two most consistent complaints “I have multiple pairs, they all squeak now when I walk. My toe rubs a hole in the mesh after about 8–9 months of intermediate wear. I will never buy another pair again and I bought over 3 pairs.” (20 upvotes)
The squeaking issue has apparently resulted in legal action — multiple users referenced a BBC news report

The Sole Feel Isn’t for Everyone

The distinctive pod design divides users more than any other feature “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.” (12 upvotes)

Podiatrists Are Not Fans

Worth knowing if you have existing foot conditions “My podiatrist said ONs are made with cheap materials and don’t last nearly as long as certain New Balances and Brooks. After a pair of them gave me PF I got rid of all mine.” (4 upvotes)

Other Concerns Worth Knowing

No budget tier — every model sits in the mid-to-premium price range with no entry-level option
Comfort varies dramatically between models — buying online without trying in-store is a gamble multiple users specifically regret
Still too narrow for some users with genuinely wide feet despite being wider than Nike

How It Compares

Hoka — preferred by serious runners and those with plantar fasciitis; On Clouds generally considered better-looking; the most common “better for running” recommendation in the threads
Brooks / New Balance — the podiatrist-recommended alternatives for foot support and long-term durability; consistently recommended over On Clouds for users with existing conditions
Nike — On Clouds win on toe box width; Nike wins for high-intensity sports performance
Adidas Ultraboost — better for casual nights out and lounging; On Clouds better for all-day on-your-feet use
Altra — praised for wide toe box and foot health; most users acknowledge they’re less stylish “Altras really are the best athletic shoe for a wide toe, but most are ugly as sin.” (30 upvotes)

Tips from Reddit

Always try before you buy — comfort varies so dramatically between models that in-store fitting is essentially non-negotiable “Go and try them on — there were some styles I hated, and some styles were absolutely perfect.” (5 upvotes)
Get a gait analysis at a proper running store before purchasing any On model for running use — knowing your gait changes which model makes sense
Match the shoe to the activity — On Clouds excel for casual wear, travel, and all-day standing; acceptable for light gym use; not recommended for high-intensity running or serious athletic training
Consult a podiatrist first if you have plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, or pronation issues — the feedback from medical professionals in the threads is consistently cautionary
Model-specific guidance from users:
- Cloudmonster — best all-around, praised for easy and long runs
- Cloudtilt — most cushiony feel, can be worn untied
- Cloudsurfer — solid neutral daily trainer
- Roger Advantage / Roger Centre Court — top picks for casual and lifestyle wear
- Cloudgo — good beginner running trainer
- Cloud 6 — mixed reviews; worth trying in person before committing

Final Verdict

Reddit’s verdict on On Cloud is captured perfectly by two comments that sit at opposite ends of the thread:

“I feel like people unnecessarily criticize On because it’s popular.” (4 upvotes)

“If you are serious about running, I would avoid this brand.” (56 upvotes)

Both are right — and which one applies to you depends entirely on what you’re buying them for.

Genuinely excellent for all-day comfort, travel, walking, and lifestyle wear; the toe box, the aesthetic, and the customer service all earn real loyalty
Not the right tool for serious running, high-intensity training, or anyone with significant foot conditions who hasn’t consulted a podiatrist first