On is a rocketship. The business is booming, and On shoes are increasingly appearing on feet everywhere. But even as that happens, On continues to update and improve the models that helped make the company what it is today. The On Cloud 6 is THE classic On silhouette, and you’ve no doubt seen tons of them strolling through airports around the world.
But On isn’t just standing pat and enjoying the spoils of a top seller. This year, On updated the Cloud in a few ways to improve it and hopefully turn it into an even bigger seller. Did the design team succeed?
Let’s take a look at what changed with the On Cloud 6 and how it performs
On Cloud 6
Release Date: April 2025
Price: $150
Men’s Weight: 9.4 oz. / 267 g
Women’s Weight: 7.6 oz. / 216 g
Drop: 8mm (27mm heel, 19mm forefoot)
Sizing: True-to-size
- Rundown: The On Cloud 6 is THE classic On Running silhouette, but these days it’s more of a casual shoe than anything else
Pros
- Slip-on ready (foldable heel on the Coast version)
- Highly breathable, summer-ready shoe
- Lightweight
- High-quality construction
- Easily packable (great vacation shoe)
- Wider than previous On Cloud models
Cons
- Minimal cushioning
- Low profile
What is the On Cloud 6?
According to On, the Cloud 6 is “[o]ur all-day signature shoe, upgraded for more comfort. It’s your new staple for any style.”
That doesn’t sound like the description of a shoe built for running or cross training. And it’s not (though maybe at one time it was). The On Cloud 6 is a casual-wear-first sneaker—but one that can do some stuff when needed. [Editor’s Note: I’m extremely intrigued to know what “some stuff” entails…]
On Cloud 6 Performance
The On Cloud 6 is a casual shoe above all else. Even though a pair of normal laces is included, it arrives set up to be a slip-on shoe, which is the setup I prefer anyway in this case.
The CloudTec midsole is firmish with a bit of squish. It works for spending all day on your feet and for a good amount of walking. It can be used as an occasional running shoe…say a 3-mile jaunt while on vacation or something similar. Go much farther than that and the stiffness of the Speedboard will make you regret it. The traction is just ok on wet surfaces but dependable everywhere else.
It’s also lightweight while, with this iteration, getting much more wide-foot friendly. The On Cloud 6 is easier to put on due to the large opening; and there’s more room, especially in the toebox. It still won’t work for the widest of the wide-footers, but everyone else will find a comfortable fit. Lengthwise, the Cloud 6 is true-to-size.
The aesthetics remain the same from previous versions, and the build quality is still A+. On continues to deliver on the promise of high-end Swiss engineering with a shoe that’s incredibly well put together with top-tier quality control. [Editor’s Note: Some brands should take notes.]
And interestingly, On has made some line extensions that give buyers different upper options. Let’s go through them.
On Cloud 6 Coast
The On Cloud 6 Coast is an even lighter, more breathable, and more packable version of the Cloud 6. It also features a cushioned kick-down heel which allows it to function as a clog when convenient. It’s priced $10 higher at $160, but it’s one of the most travel-ready shoes on the market.
On Cloud 6 Push
The On Cloud 6 Push swaps out the bungee lacing for flat laces and the traditional Cloud upper for a single-layered, engineered mesh. There’s also apparently some Helion superfoam for added cushioning (basically an insole swap here—and you could achieve better results via popping in the casual and running-friendly Move Baseline instead). The Cloud 6 push looks good, but the $10 increase for what amounts to added breathability doesn’t deliver much value. But, if you want to use the On Cloud 6 for running, this is the best version.
On Cloud 6 Waterproof
The On Cloud 6 Waterproof is exactly the same as the regular version but adds a waterproof membrane and a more tightly structured mesh to keep water out. It’s priced $20 higher than the standard version at $170. If you live in a consistently rainy climate, it’s likely worth the price to upgrade.
Is the On Cloud 6 wide foot friendly?
Yes, the On Cloud 6 is wide-foot friendly.
Is the On Cloud 6 worth $150?
As with most On models, it’s expensive for what you get in terms of technology. But the style, quality, and comfort make it an intriguing option if you’re not worried about maximizing value.
How to use the On Cloud 6
All-day casual or work wear is best. It’s also a great vacation shoe.
On Cloud 6 Summary
The On Cloud 6 is one of the most popular shoes on the market because it looks fantastic and works great for all-day wear or walking. Don’t expect it to deliver high-end athletic performance or to find it on sale. But in terms of versatility for lifestyle/casual wear, it’s a winner. Just make sure to grab the version that best suits your use case.
How does the Author Run?
Drew Whitcomb (age 43, 6’6″ 200lbs): Runs daily with a once a week rest day. Runs a lot of miles due to testing needs and a growing affinity for long-distance races. Regularly competes in marathons, half-marathons, 10k, and 5k races.
Disclosure
While On did provide a pair of the Cloud 6 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.
