On Cloud 6
Pros
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- True to size and width
- Great traction on wet and dry
- Flexible construction
- A bit lighter than average
- Breathable for warm weather
- Promising outsole durability
- Slip-on design with easy on-and-off
Cons
- Steep price hike with minimal changes from the v5
- Not for all-day wear
- Not very supportive
- Upper lacks wear resistance
Key Features
- Rubber sole for durability and traction.
- Reflective accents enhance visibility in low-light conditions.
- Lightweight design promotes effortless wear.
- Cushioned collar and perforated tongue provide added comfort.
- Removable insole allows for customization and easy cleaning.
- Patented CloudTec sole delivers superior cushioning.
- Designed for everyday wear, suitable for various activities.
- Round toe for a relaxed fit.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Performance mesh
- Inner material: Fabric
The On Cloud 6 is a straightforward walking shoe best suited for those who prioritize comfort and ground control during their activities. Our lab tests confirm that its minimalist profile contributes to significant stability, further enhanced by its high-quality outsole. Due to its adaptive and lightweight design, we recognize it as our top choice for On walking shoes.
Cloud 6 minimizes resistance to movement with its light and flexible build, weighing only 9.7 oz (274g), making it easy to wear throughout the day. It flexes naturally with each step, achieving a 7.9% higher flexibility score than average. This feature promotes an unobtrusive experience, allowing for unencumbered movement.
The shoe’s minimalist profile of 28.3/19.5 mm enhances mobility while providing a secure sensation on varying terrains. Users can expect responsive ground feedback, which allows for better stride control and adjustment during walks.
Another aspect contributing to this control is the reliable traction of the Cloud 6. In our friction test, it recorded an impressive 0.48 score, ensuring good grip on both dry and wet surfaces. Its outsole also demonstrates notable durability, exhibiting 64.3% less damage than average in our Dremel test.
However, individuals seeking extensive cushioning for prolonged periods on their feet may find the Cloud 6 lacking in that department. For better impact protection, a more supportive platform is recommended.
On Cloudnova Form
Pros
- Excellent for all-day wear
- Very stable and supportive
- Great in-shoe comfort
- Non-constricting toebox
- Reflective elements
- Sustainable materials
- Appealing design
Cons
- Lacks durability (especially the upper)
- A little heavier than average
Key Features
- Cutting-edge running technology for optimal performance
- Low-top silhouette designed for street-ready wear
- Lightweight construction ideal for all-day activities
- Lace-up closure for a secure fit
- Synthetic and rubber materials for durability and flexibility
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Cotton
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The On Cloudnova Form is best suited for travelers seeking significant support in their walking shoes. Our testing indicates that this model offers notable stability and comfort, making it ideal for extended use throughout the day.
While navigating urban environments, the substantial foam cushioning beneath our feet provided a remarkable sensation, particularly in the heel area. Measurements taken with our caliper revealed stack heights of 36.1 mm in the heel and 19.3 mm in the forefoot, resulting in a drop of 16.8 mm. This height represents a notable increase of 63.1% compared to the average.
The midsole firmness was also assessed, revealing it to be 35% firmer than typical models. This enhanced firmness translated into excellent support during our activities, allowing us to remain comfortable all day without discomfort.
In terms of stability, we found the shoe exhibited minimal flimsiness, largely due to its stiffness. The Cloudnova Form received a high torsional rigidity rating of 4/5, demonstrating little flexibility while twisting, which allowed for confident lateral movements.
However, we advise against using the Cloudnova Form in snowy conditions. Subjecting the shoe to cold temperatures in our freezer for 20 minutes resulted in an increased firmness of 29.7% and stiffness of 57%, which may affect performance in such environments.
Hoka Clifton 10
Pros
- Superb joint protection
- Wider toebox improves toe splay
- Comfortable upper
- Stable ride despite its high stack height
- Works well for heel strikers
- Ideal for long runs
- Versatile for daily walking or jogging
- Achilles-friendly heel collar design
- Traction improvements
Cons
- Needs a better foam ASAP
- Notable weight gain from v9
- Feels more Bondi than Clifton
- Non-gusseted tongue
Key Features
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole Material: Synthetic Rubber for enhanced durability and traction
- Outer Material: Synthetic Resin, contributing to lightweight construction
- Closure Type: Lace-Up for a secure fit
Specifications
- Rating: 3.9 out of 5 based on 17 reviews
- Weight: Lightweight, specifics vary by size
- Sizing: Available in various sizes for a better fit
The Hoka Clifton 10 is a lightweight, cushioned, and stable shoe that is well-suited for covering long distances, earning it the designation of our top daily trainer. Lab testing confirms its comfort across various distances, excelling particularly on days focused less on speed.
The thick midsole provides substantial protection with a stack height of 44.4/32.0 mm in the heel and forefoot, significantly dampening ground feel. Our durometer readings indicate a soft sensation at 17.1 HA, ensuring consistent comfort during use.
The fluid midsole enhances the smoothness of transitions, displaying a 6.7% increase in flexibility compared to average results from our bend test. Its lightweight construction contributes to an agile feel, with a weight of just 9.7 oz (275g), remaining below the 10-ounce threshold.
In laboratory measurements, the platform width was found to be greater than average at 116.9/94.5 mm. This feature promotes stability despite the shoe's height, while the midsole sidewalls assist in maintaining proper foot alignment.
Though the padded upper provides comfort and support, it offers limited ventilation, which may not be ideal for warmer conditions. We recommend using this shoe in cooler environments or combining it with thin socks during hotter weather.
On Cloudnova
Pros
- Perfect for all-day wear
- Great travel shoe
- Attractive design
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Lively and dynamic ride
- Fits well straight from the box
- High quality
- 10% recycled materials
Cons
- Pricey
- Sole catches debris
- Mid-cut is not for everyone
Key Features
- Speedboard: The X-shaped Speedboard made from TPU enhances forefoot flexibility and provides a smoother ride, constructed via injection moulding to minimize waste.
- Sustainability: Composed of over 90% recycled content in Thermoplastic Polyurethane and Polyester, and more than 40% recycled content in Ethylene-vinyl Acetate, making it an eco-friendly option.
- Upper Material: Features a soft spacer mesh lining that adds durability while promoting breathability, perfect for all-day wear or intense training sessions.
- Midsole/Outsole: The dual-density Helion™ superfoam midsole offers a softer feel in the forefoot along with enhanced stability in the heel, complemented by updated CloudTec cushioning that runs the full length of the shoe.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The On Cloudnova is an ideal choice for individuals seeking stylish and comfortable footwear for extended walking in urban environments. Its design features a bootie construction, midsole flex grooves, and reflective elements that contribute to both aesthetics and functionality.
During our time in Europe, the footbed offered exceptional comfort, allowing us to explore without experiencing fatigue. In lab tests, we measured the midsole hardness at 29.0 HA, which is 1.4% softer than average, enhancing overall cushioning.
As we navigated various terrains, the Cloudnova demonstrated impressive flexibility, performing 6.5% better than average in our bend test. However, it received a low 2/5 rating in our torsional flexibility assessment, indicating a high degree of malleability when subjected to hand strength.
Despite its strengths, the Cloudnova performed less effectively in hot weather conditions. Our smoke test yielded a score of 3/5, indicating limited breathability in the upper, which may result in discomfort during prolonged summer use.