Introduction
The On Cloud 2018 has been built with everyday active users in mind, targeting people who love being on the move in urban environments.
Fit & Design
The On Cloud, in my opinion, is a truly beautiful shoe that shows off some of that Swiss design flair that they’re so famous for. I really like the little details from the reflective decals right down to a tiny Swiss flag on the back. The upper uses mixed fabrics with varying textures and a color palette that uses a very classy range of green tones.
I have been wearing the On Cloud as my ‘go to’ lifestyle shoe since the very first release. Every year sees a new version with design tweaks and fresh new color options, and every year I’m drawn into buying a new pair.
Looking for our men’s and women’s reviews of the On Cloud Waterproof Version instead?
- On Cloud Waterproof Mens Review
- On Cloud Waterproof Womens Review
- ON Running Shoes: Best On Shoes Reviewed in 2018
Outer Mesh
The outer mesh material used for the On Cloud is very breathable, has a little bit of stretch and offers some protection with a plastic coated toe cap. The coated toe cap will stop any front-on water splashes from entering the shoe and also prevent any cold wind from hitting your toes.
There are areas in the upper that have been protected with strips of ‘no-sew foil’ which will firmly hold fabrics together without the possibility of fraying edges.
Inner Sock
There’s also an inner sock that attaches the tongue to the forefoot area, similar to the On Cloudflow, On Cloud X and On Cloudace running shoes. This keeps the forefoot snug and stops the tongue from slipping out of place. The sock should also reduce any chaffing as there are fewer seams inside.
Also worth noting is that inside the shoe there are soft rubbery strips that run either side of the insole which helps keep your foot in place while walking or running.
The Tongue
The tongue is slim, soft and very comfortable to the touch, so you could even wear these shoes without socks if you like doing that sort of thing. This tongue really adds to the minimal and super lightweight feel of the On Cloud.
The Laces
On uses elasticated laces for the On Cloud which means you can slip them on and off really quickly if you need to. This is one of the reasons that in its early days, the On Cloud was marketed as a triathlon shoe. Being able to quickly get this shoe on, and to wear it without socks makes it a winner for triathletes of all distances, including Ironman.
The Outsole
The outsole used on the On Cloud is identical to that of the On Cloud X; my current favourite shoe for speed training on the roads! If you haven’t tried “Running On Clouds” before, I recommend you give it a try! CloudTec is an innovation that always helps me to run faster, especially when putting on a new pair. The cloud pods give you that feeling of a cushioned landing, as they compress under your weight and then provide a barefoot take off as your foot leaves the ground and the pods spring back.
Taking a closer look at the outsole reveals that the ‘clouds’ have had their inside edges sliced off, angling outward. This much-needed design tweak stops any small stones or debris getting caught in the pods, which used to be a problem shared amongst many.
Drop
The On Cloud 2018 has a heel to toe drop of 6mm, great for all-day comfort if you spend much of your day on foot.
Toe Box
The toe box is medium width and feels very airy which is important if you lead an active everyday lifestyle. You’ll likely to be wearing these shoes every day, to work, the gym and even impromptu runs. A shoe that gets this much use could start to smell if it wasn’t as breathable as it is.
Weight
The On Cloud 2018 weighs in at 230g (US M 8.5) which is super lightweight. This is probably what you’ll notice first if you haven’t held a pair before. It does sacrifice a touch of cushioning because of the minimal style but for an everyday lifestyle shoe, this isn’t an issue.
The On Cloud comes in 7 different colors for the men’s and 7 for the women’s too, which is fantastic so be sure to check them out in the On-Running store. The color scheme of the shoes In my review is called “Forest & Jungle” (creative naming as ever!) and the color of the Cloud Women’s shoe, pictured to the left (above on mobile) is called “Denim & White“. I love the sailing style of this one, very stylish!
Moving in the On Cloud
The On Cloud is a very comfortable shoe that I wear all day long. I feel free knowing I can break into a run whenever I happen to feel like it or if I’m running late. And the stylish design keeps me looking fashionable, important for me as a creative. It’s incredible how many people comment on them when I’m out. Some even come up to me asking what brand they are and where they can buy them.
On Cloud 2018
$129.99
Pros
- Very Lightweight
- Beautiful design
- 7 color options for men and women
- Mixed use shoe for lifestyle, running, gym...
- They slip on and off - great if you're a triathlete or just getting ready in a rush
- Breathable
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- A little minimal for running long distances
In Summary
The On Cloud is my ‘go-to’ lifestyle shoe. Many other training shoes just don’t look stylish enough for me to want to wear them all day long, while I’m at work or heading to the city. I love being able to break into a run, have the comfort of a running shoe without sacrificing style. This is why I keep choosing the On Cloud as my everyday lifestyle shoe.
It’s also a very good shoe for running and triathlons due to their easy ‘slip on’ design and comfort when not wearing socks. They are a bit more minimal than say the On Cloud X for running, but if you enjoy running in a minimal shoe and want to look great while doing so, then these shoes are for you!
For the best price and all 7 color options (for men and women), I recommend buying the On Cloud at the On-Running Store.
Still not sure which On Running Shoes to buy?
Visit our Best On Running Shoes Guide for an ordered list of the top ON shoes for road and trail running. It has been designed to make your buying decisions easier.
The On Running Brand
Founded in Zurich, Switzerland from a revolutionary idea, a Swiss running shoe has evolved that is still amazing the sporting scene. The On provides a new running sensation and one that puts fun firmly centre-stage.
Check out our On Running brand page where you can see all of our content relating to the Swiss outdoor brand.
If you fancy learning more about their products, be sure to browse their online store.
If you have any questions about the shoes or anything relating to them then please leave a comment below and I will reply as soon as possible.
