Running shoe or everyday sneaker? Check how On labels the model

Not every On Cloud shoe is a running shoe. The Cloud 6 is On's signature shoe, and it looks ready for a run, but On does not sell it that way. It calls the Cloud 6 an all-day lifestyle shoe and files it under everyday life and travel.

On's own labels are the clearest guide. The Cloudmonster, Cloudsurfer Next, Cloudswift 4 and Cloudrunner 3 are road running shoes, and the Cloudvista 2 is a trail runner. The Cloud X 4 and Cloudpulse Next are gym shoes. The Cloud 6 Coast, Cloudnova Form 2 and THE ROGER Advantage are everyday shoes, and the Cloudhorizon 2 is for hiking.

Watch for AD in a name, because On uses it for all-day versions. The Cloudswift 4 is a running shoe, but On calls the Cloudswift 4 AD an all-day sneaker. The Cloudmonster Void works the same way: it takes the running Cloudmonster and adds a light upper for all-day wear.

What the pods and plate in an On sole actually do

The pods on the sole are called CloudTec. On says they squash down and sideways when your foot lands, which softens the impact, then give that energy back as you push off.

Many On models pair them with a plate called the Speedboard. It bends at the front of the foot to store energy and releases it at push-off. A stiff board gives more push. A flexible one feels smoother.

In the Cloudsurfer Next, the pods collapse one after another like dominoes, a system On calls CloudTec Phase, so each step rolls from landing to take-off. The Cloud 6 uses Zero-Gravity foam for a soft, cushioned feel all day.

Which On should you buy first?

Start with one question: where will the shoe spend most of its time?

• Everyday road runs: Cloudsurfer Next, which On made for daily runs.
• Runs where you want a steadier feel: Cloudrunner 3, with its wider base.
• Gym classes and HIIT: Cloud X 4, or browse all training shoes.
• Work, errands and travel: Cloud 6, or Cloud 6 Coast if you want a shoe that packs small.

Narrow the range with On women's shoes or On men's shoes.

If you are new to On, start with the Cloudsurfer Next for running and the Cloud 6 for everything else.