On Cloud 6 Review

The On Cloud 6 doesn't feel like your typical walking shoe—in the best way. It has picked up where its predecessor left off and made a few improvements along the way. The On Cloud 6 excels as a lightweight, airy, and versatile shoe that offers plenty of support and comfort throughout the day. Whether you're wearing them for daily errands, work, or just getting around town, they're super easy to slip on and off and feel great all day long.

Comfort

The On Cloud 6 delivers a super comfortable ride, thanks to its Cloudtec cushioning, 30mm heel stack, and 10mm drop. Walking around with them on your feet feels natural, and they have enough front rocker that each step smoothly rolls you forward into the next. The Cloudtec cushioning isn't over-the-top plush, but it is definitely a comfortable feel on your feet, especially after a long day. The soles offer a nice balance between comfort and stability on various terrains.

These shoes fit true to size in both length and width. Unfortunately, there are no wide options for those with broader feet. The On Cloud 6 has improved from its predecessor with a slightly wider and more spacious upper and an improved sock liner for added comfort. The added space in the upper was a pleasant addition in that it allows for a more comfortable foot splay with each step and gives more room for breathability. I had to wear them for a couple of days to get through the initial break in period, otherwise, they were comfortable right out of the box. I have yet to develop any sore spots or chaffed areas, and I regularly wear them for 12-hour stints. From midfoot forward, the upper is made of a highly breathable mesh with a strip of rubber added to the front toe area for improved durability and to help prevent stubbed toes. I appreciated the amount of mesh on the upper, as I tend to get hot feet, and these shoes definitely helped keep that at bay.

One of the nicer features of the On Cloud 6 is how easy they are to slip on. While some are able to slip them on hands-free, I needed to use one hand in order to get them on without crushing the heel. Either way, they go on quickly and stay snug fitting with the elastic speed laces. Admittedly, I used to turn my nose up at elastic laces and naively thought they were reserved for either children or the elderly. I stand corrected, having seen the error of my preconceived notions, and am a convert to speed laces. They offer a quick and easy way to secure shoes to your feet comfortably and with ease. They also have the added benefit of being able to adjust to the swelling of your feet, especially as you travel by plane, without having to adjust them manually. However, if you are a traditionalist and prefer tie-up laces, the shoes come with a set in the box. Regardless of your lacing preference, I found the On Cloud 6 to be completely at home on my feet running errands, moving through airport security, or at work.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

Support

The On Cloud 6 impressed me with how stable it felt, even with its super lightweight design. The Cloudtec sole is soft enough to keep things comfortable without being too plush underfoot. The pleasant balance between comfort and stability kept my feet feeling good through the day. The midsole is equipped with a speedboard, which is a hard plastic plate that flexes and rebounds back with each step. This is intended to aid in a shoe's responsiveness during toe off. Between the speedboard and the forward rocker of the shoe, I felt these shoes wanted to keep me moving comfortably forward. With a measured width of 4.5 inches, the Cloud 6 offers plenty of underfoot support without unnecessary bulk.

In our flexibility test, we check how the shoe supports forward movement by placing the toe on the ground and pushing down on the heel to see where it bends. A good walking shoe should flex at the toe box while staying firm through the rest of the sole. The On Cloud 6 bent right where it should at the base of the toe, while the midfoot and heel stayed stable. This equates to a more comfortable fit and can help prevent hot spots from developing.

We test each shoe for how much twist it permits as a way to gauge the amount of support it offers in varied terrain. We do this by holding the toe and heel and twisting them in opposite directions to see how well it resists. A shoe that offers no resistance to being twisted can be unstable on varied terrain and can lead to rolled ankles, while a totally stiff shoe can feel uncomfortable. The On Cloud 6 offers a comfortable amount of flex, but not overly so, where I wasn't worried about rolling over my ankle. During testing, it provided enough flex and support while I was traversing over uneven slopes or navigating cratered asphalt streets and sidewalks. The Cloudtec sole is pod style with a central split running the length of the shoe. I felt that this sole design helped support comfort and overall stability by allowing for a mild amount of play between the pods.

Traction

Like its predecessor, the soles of the On Cloud 6 feature the Cloudtec foam cushioning pods with rubber inlays on high wear areas for added grip and durability. You'll find rubber in the toe and heel areas, while the midfoot is all foam with some traction grooves built in. Some users have concerns that the foam sections may be prone to increased wear and faster breakdown due to their softer composition, but I saw no signs of premature wear during testing. Overall, the grip was solid on surfaces like concrete, dirt trails, linoleum, or hardwood floors.

The On Cloud 6 suffers from the same annoyance as previous models on dirt paths and trails. The split sole and pods can collect debris like rocks, twigs, or small pinecones. I can imagine that the sole could also pick up a lot of mud while on wet trails. However, this minor setback didn't detract from the overall functionality and comfort of the shoe. These shoes have the expected traction on concrete, office, and store flooring, but also offer solid traction on dirt trails, making the choice easier when deciding what shoe to wear for all-day versatility.

Weight

With each shoe weighing just 9.50 ounces (size US 9.5), the On Cloud 6 was one of the lighter options we tested. Weight was of no concern with these shoes while I was wearing them. I actually felt like I noticed their lack of weight more. The shoes really felt agile and ready to move, which I greatly enjoyed about them.

The upper is made from recycled polyester and TPU, which is very lightweight. Compared to previous iterations, the Cloud 6 is slightly heavier. This is because On has included slightly more room in the toe box and shoe opening. Still, these are remarkably light considering how much performance they offer.

Durability

During testing, I didn't run into any durability issues, but with any shoe, there are bound to be some issues. I noticed that the eyelets are reinforced on the inside, but only one has a metal grommet to help prevent abrasion and breakdown. With the use of traditional laces, there could be some breakdown. The inside heel area hasn't shown any signs of wear and holds its shape well.

Overall, the stitching and build quality seemed solid, and I wouldn't be surprised if these hold up for a long time. If the shoes get dirty, they can be easily hand-washed with a mild detergent and let to air dry to help extend the life of the materials and stitching.

Should You Buy the On Cloud 6?

The On Cloud 6 turned out to be a great shoe capable of performing in various activities. Its lightweight design and airy mesh upper keep your feet cool and comfortable while the Cloudtec sole provides all-day support. If you are looking for a versatile shoe that is comfortable to wear while at work, but can also take you out on a trail with the dog or on a bike for a trip to the store, these shoes will fit you well.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

Should you have wide feet, we suggest looking at the Altra Experience Flow or the New Balance 877 V1. The Experience Flow isn't as wide as some of Altra's other options, but it still has a more generous toe box than the Cloud 6. The 877 V1 is available in various widths, so you can find the right fit based on your foot. If you are headed on gravel trails and want to avoid rocks getting stuck in the outsole, the Hoka Transport has a more rugged bottom, much like a hiking shoe.