On Cloudwander Women’s Review

Analysis and Test Results

Swiss brand On have been making waves in the outdoor community for some time with their distinctive open-soled shoes, which make some bold claims about comfort. Whilst most of their footwear is targeted at runners, the Cloudwander is marketed squarely as a hiking shoe. It has a lot going for it and offers a good combo of low weight, waterproofing and durability. It is more rigid than some of its competitors. This may seem like a negative point, but some may actively prefer this as it makes the shoe a little more like a technical mountaineering boot and it promises a sure footing over more uneven and difficult terrain.

Performance Comparison

Traction

The distinctive ‘open sided’ sole of the Cloudwander does not have the most deep or aggressive thread pattern we have seen, however, the sole non the less provides excellent grip over a range of surfaces. Wet grass and rocks, mud and of course ice will challenge the traction of any shoe or boot that’s worn without an additional traction device (like micro spikes), but over a range of varied surfaces, we were impressed by the traction these boots had to offer.

Breathability

The On Cloudwander features large mesh panels in their upper section and these, coupled with the use of a high-tech waterproof membrane mean the shoes are certainly breathable. These are not the most breathable shoes we’ve assessed and if you do most or all of you hiking in very warm and dry places, a more ventilated shoe – and perhaps one that loses the waterproof membrane – may be a better choice. However, for those who hike in more changeable weather – where they might get caught in the rain and cold, or have to cross the odd stream, the On Cloudwander strikes a good balance between breathability and protection from the elements. 

Ankle Support

These are hiking shoes and not boots – so they don’t offer any direct ankle support. Many hikers are more than happy to forgo ankle support in exchange for the lower weight and increased ankle mobility allowed by shoes.  This is also particularly relevant if you plan to use your footwear for running where shoes are the preferred option. 

Arch Support

The On Cloudwander offers fairly neutral arch support – essentially in line with what most other manufacturers offer. For most people who’ll buy these shoes, this will be just fine. However, if you benefit from extra arch support in your shoes, you can easily add aftermarket insoles to provide just this. 

Fit

The On Cloudwander comes in a single width suitable for normal to slightly narrow feet. They fit true to size and are offered in sizes from US 5/UK 3/EU 36 up to US 11/UK 9/EU 43. It’s also worth noting that these shoes have a stiffer sole than many other hiking shoes. This is perhaps a nod to On’s Swiss heritage where more rigid boots are still generally the preferred option for hiking. Some may not be a fan of this, but others will like that these shoes feel a bit closer to a technical mountaineering boot than to trainers. 

Materials

In common with an increasing number of modern hiking shoe sand boots, the On Cloudwander is made totally from synthetic materials. This helps the shoes keep a low weight whilst also maintaining breathability, water resistance and a good degree of durability. 

Appearance

You can immediately spot On shoes due to the distinctive open sided soles used across the range. These open cells are not just there for looks, but also to provide cushioning whilst walking or running. The downside of this with hiking shoes, of course, is that the open cells can fill up with mud and debris which will either just make the shoes heavier or potentially come out over your lower legs.  Aside from the soles, like all On footwear, the Cloudwander has a clean, minimal modern look. They are available in three color options and make good use of contrasting material textures in their design. We think that On make good looking shoes and the Cloudwander are no exception – it’s no surprise that you regularly see people wearing Ons as their day to day shoes. The Cloudwander is available in a colorway that’s essentially all white – this isn’t a great choice of color for a hiking shoe, but we think it’s a concession to the fact that many people who buy these shoes will never take them anywhere near a trail!

Durability

The On Cloudwander makes use of tough synthetic materials and sections of the shoe’s upper are also rubberized to improve durability. These shoes may not be as tough and durable as more heavy-duty mountaineering boots, but we also have no doubt that they will last a long time indeed.    

Sustainability

On state that the Cloudwander makes use of roughly 25% recycled material in its construction with 90% of the polyester used coming from recycled material. The brand are committed to increasing the amount of recycled material they use in the future. We are glad to see a manufacturer giving straight-up figures on the recycled content of their products. On also state that their products are made with materials that are not derived from fossil fuels (many plastics are made from oil or natural gas) and are designed to be recycled at the end of their life.

Water Resistance

The On Cloudwander incorporates On’s own waterproof, breathable membrane and the brand say these shoes have the highest level of waterproofing they offer. Put into perspective, this means you can expect your feet to stay dry in the rain or if you need to walk through a deep puddle or shallow stream. Of course, water can still get in if the shoes are submerged above the heel cuff (and can also soak in via your socks), so be aware of this when the conditions get wet.

Weight

Weighing in at 640g/1lb 7oz for a pair, the On Cloudwander are in the middle of the scale in terms of weight for shoes we’ve assessed – there are definitely lighter options out there. Whilst they are not the absolute lightest, given their more rigid design – which some people will certainly find beneficial – their weight is actually quite impressive. When hiking or running, weight carried on your feet has a disproportionately fatiguing effect relative to weight carried elsewhere.  So, saving weight on your footwear makes a lot of sense.

Insoles

The On Cloudwander come with a fairly generic pair of padded insoles.  Most people who buy these shoes won’t have a second thought about these insoles and will just stick with them. However, if you need to fine-tune the fit of your shoes or add extra arch support or cushioning in the footbed, then swapping out the insoles for readily-available aftermarket options is an inexpensive way to make a big difference to the comfort of your shoes.

Break-in Period

The slightly stiffer feel of the On Cloudwander means that they have a slightly longer break-in period than some of the other shoes we’ve assessed. However, it’s important that we take this in perspective: many of us will surely remember older style rigid hiking boots that took day – even weeks – to bed in before they could be worn without the risk of blisters. Those days are long gone and whilst the Cloudwander will benefit from being worn on a few shorter local walks – or just around your home for a day or two – before hitting the trail, the break in period is still very minimal.

Lacing System

The On Cloudwander uses regular laces. Whilst it might not seem like there’s much to say about laces, they are actually a very versatile way to secure your shoes. Tensioning and easing the laces at various eyelets allows you to fine-tune the fit of your shoes and can go a very long way towards eliminating pressure spots or rubbing. If this isn’t enough, you can experiment with different lacing patterns, which can have a massive impact on the fit of your shoes. 

Toe Protection

The On Cloudwander feature a reinforced rubber rand around the toe and the sole also extends up the front of the shoe a little to form a small toe cap. Whilst this won’t provide the same level of protection as a heavy-weight mountaineering boot, it’s certainly enough to save a few stubbed toes by dampening the impacts you’ll get from kicking into a rock or tripping over a root on the trail.

Conclusion

These On shoes are a compelling choice and have a lot to recommend them. They are light, rugged and offer good water resistance whilst still being breathable. We also think they look good too – though On’s signature open sided soles are certainly not to everyone’s taste.  The slightly stiffer feel of these shoes may not appeal to everyone either, though if you are used to hiking or mountaineering in more rigid technical boots, then you may well find this a positive point. We’re starting to see more and more On shoes on the trail and, having assessed the Cloudwander, this does not surprise us!