Are On Clouds Good for Hiking? An Honest Review of the Cloudrock and Cloudventure

The special look of On Running shoes has moved from city streets to mountain trails fast. You’ve probably seen them: those hollow “clouds” on the sole that look more like cool art than tough outdoor gear.. If you’ve hiked a lot you know that looking good at the trailhead isn’t as important as making it through a tough 10-mile hike.

This brings us to a question: Are On Clouds good for hiking?

As someone who switched from traditional leather boots to lightweight hiking shoes I was skeptical. On shoes are famous for feeling like you’re “running on clouds “. Clouds aren’t exactly known for being stable or grippy on wet rock. To find out the truth I tested two of their outdoor models.

In this review of the Cloudrock and Cloudventure we’ll see if these shoes are really good for hiking or just for city streets.

On Cloud Hiking Shoes – The Big Question: Are On Clouds for ?

To answer if On Clouds are good for hiking you have to think about what kind of hiker you are. If you want a stiff leather boot that will last a lifetime you’re in the wrong place.. If you like being agile feeling comfortable right away and not feeling tired at the end of the day the answer is yes—with a few things to consider.

The “Cloud” technology is designed to absorb shock. When hiking this means stress on your joints when going downhill on hard trails.. The real test is with specific models.

•  The On Cloudrock Review: The Fast Hiking Specialist

The On Cloudrock is like a high-top version of their trail running shoes designed for those who want the protection of a boot with the lightness of a sneaker.

Comfort and Fit

Most hiking boots require a break-in” period. The Cloudrock however feels like a sneaker from the start. The top and flexible material mean you can head straight to the trail.

The Missiongrip Outsole

One concern with On Clouds for hiking is grip. On uses their Missiongrip rubber. On rock and packed dirt it’s really sticky. However the lugs (the “teeth” of the sole) are shallower than those on a climbing boot.

Performance on Tough Terrain

The Good: The Speedboard (a plate in the midsole) provides great energy return. You actually feel “pushed” making uphill climbs feel easier.

The Bad: Because the sole is made of pods small stones can get stuck in the shoe. It’s an annoyance but on a gravel trail you might find yourself stopping to clear a stone.

The Verdict on Cloudrock: It’s arguably the speed-hiker” on the market. It excels on maintained trails and moderate terrain. It might feel a bit “finesse” for heavy-duty hiking.

• The On Cloudventure Review: The Trail Runner That Loves to Hike

If the Cloudrock is a boot the On Cloudventure is a tough trail runner that’s great for fast-packers and day hikers.

Why Hikers Choose the Cloudventure

Many hikers are switching from boots to trail runners. The Cloudventure is a choice. It’s lower to the ground than the Cloudrock providing a ground feel” which is crucial for navigating roots and uneven steps.

Are On Clouds for Hiking in the Rain?

Both the Cloudrock and Cloudventure come in Waterproof versions. Unlike waterproof shoes that feel like wearing plastic bags On’s membrane is surprisingly breathable. During a trek my feet stayed dry through shallow stream crossings and rain.

Durability and Protection

The Cloudventure features a reinforced “toe cap” that saved my toenails from rocks. While the upper is mesh it’s treated with an overlay that resists abrasions from scree and thorny brush.

Comparing the Two: Which One Should You Choose?

When deciding if On Clouds are good for hiking you need to choose the tool, for your specific trail.

On Cloud Hiking Shoes -The “Cloud” Controversy: Are They Durable Enough?

The biggest critique of On Clouds for hiking is the durability of the pods. In early iterations, users reported the “clouds” tearing on sharp rocks. However, the 2025 and 2026 models have seen significant upgrades. The Missiongrip™ rubber now wraps further around the pods, shielding the foam from direct contact with sharp edges.

In my testing, after 100+ miles, the outsoles show standard wear but no structural “pod failure.” That said, if you are a “weight-shifter” who drags your heels on granite, you might find these wear out faster than a traditional Vibram-soled boot.

Pros and Cons of On Cloud Hiking Shoes

Pros

• Unmatched Comfort: No hot spots or blisters for most users.
• Weight: They are significantly lighter than almost any other waterproof hiker.
• Style: Let’s be honest—they look fantastic at the post-hike brewery.
• Energy Return: The Speedboard technology actually makes a difference in hiking efficiency.

Cons

• The “Stone Trap”: The gaps in the sole will pick up the occasional rock.
• Price: They are a premium product and priced as such ($170 – $220).
• Lifespan: You will likely get fewer miles out of these than a heavy-duty leather boot.

Final Thoughts: On Cloud Hiking Shoes – Should You Buy Them?

So, are On Clouds good for hiking? If your “hiking” involves 5 to 12-mile day trips on established trails, forest paths, or rocky peaks, yes. They offer a level of comfort and “bounce” that makes hiking feel less like a chore and more like a flow.

However, if you are planning a 200-mile thru-hike with a 40lb pack, or you spend most of your time off-trail in jagged volcanic rock, you might want something more traditional. The Cloudrock and Cloudventure are built for movement. They are for the hiker who wants to feel fast, light, and comfortable.

My recommendation: Go with the Cloudrock if you’ve ever rolled an ankle or want that “locked-in” boot feeling. Choose the Cloudventure if you want to feel the trail and move as quickly as possible.

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