On Cloud 6 - Women's Review

On “wowed” us once again with the On Cloud 6. These shoes deviate from the trendy super-cushioned midsole and offer a stiffer, more supportive build. They are sleek, stylish, and don't require much break-in. This thoughtful design is more than capable of long walks, sport walking, or just strolling around town.

Comfort

After an initial mile-long walk in the On Cloud 6, we were pleased with their comfort. Initially, there was some pressure from the elastic laces on the top of the foot, but they broke in within the first walk, quickly taking shape and becoming the perfect fit. From that walk onward, we had no complaints about comfort. From walks around the neighborhood to long outings, our feet felt happy and supported the entire time.

The On Cloud 6 is slightly wider at 4.1 inches (forefoot) than the former version, which was 3.9 inches. This slight widening of the toe box allowed us to splay our toes more naturally, and we never felt squished. Likewise, the fabric along the toe box is soft, and it never forced our feet into one position. Underfoot, the midsole and outsole aren't as plush as those of other options. This keeps you steady on your feet, but if you're looking for a pillow-like cushion, you might want to consider a Hoka version instead.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

At the heel, these have 29 millimeters underfoot, which translates into a nine millimeter heel-to-toe drop. This heel-to-toe drop is fairly standard for shoes, so it shouldn't be a difficult transition. These shoes encourage a natural stride, and because they aren't bulky, there's generally no need to adjust your gait to accommodate them.

Support

If there is one word we could use to describe the On Cloud 6, it is “supportive.” The firm midsole provides great support, especially on long walks. Our main tester for this shoe has moderate-to-high arches and reported that she felt supported with the included insoles. However, they can always be switched out if you need more support. The shoe bends quite a bit at the toe but remains sturdy throughout. We never felt at risk of rolling an ankle, and the lower-to-the-ground stack height (29 mm) provides a more grounded feeling.

What truly sets this shoe apart is the two lacing options. The shoe comes equipped with elastic laces, which are comfortable to use after being broken in. However, for a much more secure experience, we chose to switch out the elastic for the traditional laces, which On provides in the box. The elastic laces are fed through the top eight eyelets, but an additional four eyelets below are available for the traditional laces. If you find the elastic laces a little too tight or lacking security, consider swapping to traditional laces as a starting point.

Slipping into the On Cloud 6 is relatively easy, especially if you choose to stick with the elastic laces. With enough wiggling back and forth, you can even slip them on without using your hands. Once on, the heel cup gently hugs your foot. The elastic laces allow for some extra movement to move your foot around, which we really liked, as we didn't feel overly cinched into place. That said, we never felt like we were going to slip out of these shoes. The shoe has just enough bend in the toe, but still offers a secure sole. After many miles, we were pleased to find that the build remains supportive.

Traction

The Cloud 6 impressed us the most on tile and concrete. The rubber outsole is grippy on slick tile, even when it is slightly wet, and we had absolutely no trouble on concrete.

Gravel paths were somewhat of a love-hate relationship. While the On Cloud 5 had trouble with small pebbles getting stuck in the pod-like design, the Cloud 6 struggles with larger rocks getting lodged right in the middle of the shoe. Small pebbles aren't as much of an issue, but digging out large rocks from between the pods is just as annoying.

Weight

The On Cloud 6 is among the lighter shoes in our lineup, at 7.59 ounces per shoe (US 6.5), yet it doesn't sacrifice stability and comfort in doing so. The upper is constructed from a lightweight 100% recycled polyester. This material feels light and allows for plenty of airflow — a feature which we appreciated on summer days or in warmer climates.

Adding to the lightweight feel is the CloudTech and Zero Gravity Foam midsole. Though it isn't a minimalist shoe, it feels less bulky than most other walking shoes. Much of this is due to the midsole being stiffer and less plush. Some shoes in the lineup have nearly 40 millimeters underfoot, while the Cloud 6 has 29 millimeters under the heel. That said, they are less noticeable than other options I have tested, yet they effectively keep my feet supported.

Durability

Right out of the box, we noticed the high-quality materials of the On Cloud 6. However, after reading reports of premature wear at the flex points, we kept a close eye on this during testing. We are happy to report that we had no trouble with this during the many walks we took in these shoes. We saw no signs of the shoe breaking down. However, the upper material is lighter than that of other shoes in the lineup, and compared to these, we could imagine them wearing down more quickly.

The elastic laces loosened up pretty quickly, within the first walk, to fit our tester's foot height. While they didn't stretch out any more than this during our testing, we are somewhat concerned that the elastic will continue to stretch and lose its security over time. In any case, should this happen, you can always replace the elastic laces with the traditional laces.

Manufacturer recommendations for cleaning the On Cloud 6 include hand cleaning, dry-rubbing, and separately washing elements of the shoe - like the laces or insole. Keeping your walking shoes clean is an effective way to keep them lasting longer and maintain a fresh look.

Should You Buy the On Cloud 6?

The On Cloud 6 is one of our favorite walking shoes, and we recommend it for those seeking a supportive fit. We tested the On Cloud 5 and loved it, and we think the On Cloud 6 is just as great. If anything, it might be even better if you have wider feet, as this new iteration is slightly wider. All in all, we think these shoes are a great investment and will keep your feet happy regardless of the walks you venture out on.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

While supportive, the On Cloud 6 isn't the most plush option out there. If you are searching for this, one of the Hoka options will be a better fit. The Hoka Clifton 10 is one of the most cushiony shoes we have ever slipped on. They take some getting used to, but they are great for those who are on their feet all day, or for anyone who wants to feel like they are walking on pillows. The Hoka Transport is another option with great support, but a little more cushion underfoot. These are stiffer than other Hoka's and are capable of plenty of walking surfaces. Plus, they don't get rocks and pebbles stuck in the outsole.