Introduction

Ever since I discovered my love for hiking, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect shoe. When I stumbled upon the On Cloud Hiking Shoes, I was intrigued. So, are they really worth the hype?

My First Impression

I must admit, right out of the box, they looked sleek and promised a futuristic hiking experience. But as we all know, looks can be deceiving. Was this the case with On Cloud?

Key Features

Material and Design

On Cloud has always been a brand that emphasizes both form and function, and this is evident in their hiking shoe. The shoe primarily utilizes high-grade rubber for the sole, ensuring grip and longevity. The upper is crafted from a dual-density mesh, allowing for a blend of durability and breathability. Unique to On Cloud is their signature CloudTec cushioning that provides a responsive yet comfortable stride. The shoe also incorporates reflective elements for those twilight hikes, ensuring safety.

Comfort and Fit

When it comes to comfort, the On Cloud Hiking Shoes shine. The adaptive inner sock ensures a snug fit, molding to the foot’s unique contours. They offer ample arch support, suitable for those with a neutral gait. The heel counter is sturdy, preventing any unnecessary movement, reducing the chance of blisters. While they cater to a variety of foot shapes, those with wider feet might want to consider going half a size up.

Durability

I’ve put these shoes through their paces across various terrains – from sandy beaches to rocky mountain paths. The high abrasion rubber soles showed minimal signs of wear, even after intense sessions. The mesh upper, while breathable, proved resilient against sharp objects and didn’t fray easily. However, like all hiking shoes, periodic cleaning and proper storage can prolong their life.

Performance on Trails

On different terrains, these shoes proved their mettle. On rocky surfaces, the multi-directional lugs on the sole provided great traction, reducing the chance of slips. On sandy terrains, the mesh prevented sand from entering while still allowing for ventilation. They also drained water efficiently when I encountered small streams, thanks to the unique channel design in the sole.

Grip and Traction

On muddy and slippery trails, these shoes stood their ground. The grip is commendable, ensuring I never had a ‘slippery’ situation!

Breathability

Despite the rigorous hikes, my feet felt airy and fresh, all thanks to the shoe’s breathability.

Waterproofing

On Cloud employs a semi-waterproof membrane, making the shoes water-resistant but not entirely waterproof. They can handle drizzles and shallow water crossings with ease. However, for heavy downpours or deep water crossings, water might seep in. If complete waterproofing is essential, you might want to treat them with an aftermarket water repellent or consider a boot with a full waterproof membrane.

Top On Cloud Hiking Shoes

On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof Men

• Colors: Black Eclipse, Grey
• Sizes: Various, from 8.5 US to 46 EU
• Key Features: Waterproof design, machine washable, and comes in a stylish alloy/eclipse manufacturer color.

On Women’s Cloudtrax Hiking Boots

• Color: Reseda – Lavender
• Sizes: 7 to 10
• Key Features: Ideal for hiking in any terrain, with a 10mm heel to toe drop and zig-zag channels for slip prevention. The boots are machine washable with a rubber sole and offer ankle support.

On Men’s Cloud Sneakers

• Colors: Wide range including White/Black, Black/White, Olive/Fir, and more.
• Sizes: 6 to 13
• Key Features: Mesh fabric for breathability, rubber sole for durability, lightweight design with signature speed-lacing, and a wide range of colors. The sneakers are machine washable and imported.

ON Running Women’s Cloudwander Waterproof Shoes, Navy/Desert

• Color: Navy/Desert
• Sizes: 6 to 10
• Key Features: Waterproof construction, synthetic sole for stability and traction, especially on hills, removable insole, cushioned sole for a smooth stride, and a textile and synthetic upper.

On Women’s Cloud 5 Sneakers

• Colors: A wide array, including Haze | Sand, All Black, Rose | Shell, and more, totaling 38 options
• Sizes: 5 to 11, including 22.0 cm and 22.5 cm options
• Key Features: These sneakers feature a breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays for support. They have a comfortable textile lining and a removable, dual-density insole for extra cushioning. The CloudTec cushioning technology is designed to activate during the foot strike, providing a lightweight and flexible sole unit made from Zero-Gravity foam.

On Running Women’s Cloudflow Mesh Rock Rose Trainers

• Colors: Available in various shades including Rock/Rose, Guava/Dustrose, Rust/Rose, among others
• Sizes: 5.5 to 10, including an 8.5 US option
• Key Features: The trainers are made from a breathable mesh fabric and are machine washable. They have a rubber sole for durability and outer mesh material for additional breathability.

How They Compare

Other Hiking Shoes

When benchmarked against other brands like Merrell, Salomon, or Keen, On Cloud holds its ground, especially in the comfort and design department. Their CloudTec cushioning offers a more responsive feel, making them great not just for hiking but even for casual treks around the city. However, brands like Salomon might have a slight edge in terms of aggressive traction for challenging terrains. There are other brands that may be for you too, so we have reviews about them too (North Face, Sorel, Timberland, Salomon Cross Hike, Keen, Skechers)

Advantages of On Cloud

• Exceptional comfort
• Durable design
• Great grip

Areas for Improvement

• Waterproofing could be better
• Price might be steep for some

My Personal Tips

If you’re considering On Cloud, give them a test run. And always remember to break into any hiking shoe before the actual hike to avoid blisters.

• Lacing Technique: Experiment with different lacing techniques, like the “window” method for alleviating pressure points or the “heel lock” for a snugger fit.
• Cleaning: After hikes, remove any debris from the sole to maintain grip. Use a soft brush and mild soap for the upper mesh. Avoid direct sunlight when drying to prevent material warping.
• Insoles: For those seeking extra comfort or support, consider aftermarket insoles. Brands like Superfeet offer various options tailored to different needs.

Conclusion

All in all, On Cloud Hiking Shoes have been a delightful addition to my hiking gear. While they have a few cons, the pros certainly outweigh them. If you value comfort, design, and durability, give these a shot!

FAQs

1. Are the On Cloud Hiking Shoes entirely waterproof?
   No, they offer some water resistance but aren’t entirely waterproof.
2. How do they fare in terms of breathability?
   Exceptionally well! Even on long hikes, your feet will remain relatively fresh.
3. Can they be used for daily wear?
   Certainly! While designed for hiking, their comfort makes them suitable for daily use.
4. How’s the grip on wet surfaces?
   Very reliable. I’ve had no issues on wet trails.
5. Are they true to size?
   They might fit slightly different than regular shoes. It’s best to try them on before purchasing.

Resources
https://www.on-running.com/en-br/shop/shoes
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/hiking-boots.html