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5 Best On Shoes for Women 2025
On is a brand that has only been around for fifteen years, but it’s safe to say the best On shoes have already become veritable essentials — worn outside by everyone from Emily Ratajkowski and Gisele Bündchen to Oprah and Jill Biden. The Zurich-born performance label prides itself on its Swiss roots and unrivaled engineering, the latter of which has revolutionized footwear innovation tenfold, helping the world discover how a pair of shoes can adapt to their wearers’ every move (and not the other way around).
One of the best parts about On and the way it does business is the fact that the world-renowned shoe brand constantly evolves its materials and technologies, making sure every last resulting pair of sneakers stands apart from the crowd based on its design, comfort, and special fit-for-runners features. From its unmistakable CloudTec cushioning system to trusty Speedboard plating and numerous other patented components, On shows no signs of stopping when it comes to pushing boundaries and making (well-deserved) headlines.
For all those reasons and more, the hot-right-now company clinched the FNAA’s 2024 Brand of the Year award, among others. It’s also keeping things fresh by way of collaborations: most notably the multiple it has carried out hand in hand with Loewe, proving that luxury and performance can (and should) coexist in our time. So too has On’s partnership with Zendaya, hot on the heels of key product placements in the movie “Challengers,” been nothing short of fruitful. Of particular note is her first-ever co-designed shoe with stylist Law Roach, called the On Cloudzone Moon. Naturally, it became an instant bestseller.
Every last selection at On is equipped with a myriad of bells and whistles, while also retaining a streamlined appearance and prioritizing trending colorways — a winning combination, as it turns out. That being said, don’t believe anyone who tells you that On sneakers are reserved only for finance bros at airports. They’re as en vogue as ever right now, and our team is here to spotlight the five best women’s styles that will become your go-tos for running, weekend strolls, travels, casual date nights, and every pursuit in between.
Go ahead, get in on the On action and give your feet the treatment they’ve always deserve with these hot picks (which also make elite last-minute gifts for Mom, your wife, and any other woman on your list who can appreciate cream-of-the-crop footwear offerings).
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On Cloudsurfer Max Shoe
Our editors rigorously tested the On Cloudsurfer Max earlier in the year; as a result, we can say without any hesitation whatsoever that it’s one of the best white sneakers for women who prioritize smooth runs on all terrain types, breathability in any season, and the kind of midsole cushioning that makes them feel like they’re walking, well, on clouds. The 2025 arrival features On’s signature Helion superfoam for all-day comfort, as well as guaranteed softness by way of details like a knit tongue and a height-happy silhouette that nevertheless keeps stability front of mind. Everything here, right down to the design of the shoe’s eyestays, is made for ease of use, so that you can spend less time struggling to put on a pair of sneakers and more time being active in all the ways you do so in your day-to-day.
Blisters become a nonissue here too, and the Cloudsurfer Max comes swathed in a wide range of hues, from the green-powered Honeydew to the gray, speckled Asphalt/Ice that will save you from having to spot-clean your new acquisition after marching through mid-winter sleet.
Editor testing and review notes: “When I first took the suave stepper for a spin while walking my dog, its height felt like something I had to (and did) adjust to, complemented by a soft underfoot feel and a pleasant, powerful rolling sensation right off the bat. Truly, I felt propelled forward with every step, ensuring I could keep up with each of my Weimaraner’s tugs and pulls. Next, I proceeded to run a 5K in my new kicks, witnessing more bounce with every liftoff and more stability with every landing. Some sneakers I previously wore weren’t as capable of fully absorbing the harshness of pavement, but my feet felt supported and protected thanks to the On Cloudsurfer Max.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $180
On Cloudnova 2 Shoe
One thing we love about this overnight icon? It’s exclusive — literally. You can only buy the On Cloudnova 2 sneaker’s pictured holiday iteration if you’re an On member, though signing up is free (granting you access to added perks like members-only promotions, an easier way to track your orders, and, of course, the ability to shop special products). As for what it can offer you as soon as you put it on, the Cloudnova 2 pays dividends with step-in seamlessness, an unbeatable heel hold, a sustainably crafted Zero-Gravity foam midsole, and what On calls a “street-ready” aesthetic. You’re a classy woman, so those subtle touches of color throughout will liven up all your outfits without going overboard on the vibrancy.
What testers say: “Some sneakers don’t fit me well because of my wide foot, but these are super comfortable and stylish. Love them!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $170
On Cloudmonster 2 Shoe
If your ensembles are leaning all-black this winter, there’ll be no better match for them than this top-selling style from On: the Cloudmonster 2, which is backed by the kind of maximum cushioning and energy return that dedicated road runners will be truly grateful for. Towering over On’s other pairs, its forward-rolling style also encourages momentum and doles out remarkable propulsion. Much of this is thanks to the proprietary, nylon-blend Speedboard tech, designed to ensure optimal impact absorption. Bounce and lift will be yours in 2026, while leaving hard landings in the rearview mirror.
What testers say: “My husband really likes these shoes. I bought a pair for myself and told him how much I like them, so he asked me to order a pair for him. He describes them as true to size, bouncy, and comfortable straight out of the box.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $180
On Cloud 6 Shoe
And in case it’s more of an everyday sneaker style you’re after — one that can easily be layered under dresses — On’s Cloud 6 positions itself as a stellar choice. Having been recently upgraded for more comfort, it now flaunts a wider and thereby more inclusive opening, a smooth sockliner that bypasses slipperiness, plus a CloudTec-equipped outsole whose geometry will help you seize those 10,000-step days (sans bulkiness). We’re particularly partial to the soft pink Orchid shade above, but you’ll be happy to know the top pick also comes in a bolder Raspberry, the members-only Cinder, the Pantone Color of the Year–adjacent White, and no shortage of other colorways (get multiple in order to pick and choose based on your mood on any given day).
What testers say: “Love the fit, feels like you’re floating on air! They’re also stylish and go with any outfit.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
On Cloud X 4 Shoe
A flagship, circa-2024 shoe released by On for cross-training purposes, the Cloud X 4 is inherently flexible, clocks in at only 226 grams in weight, provides added support via dedicated caging at the midfoot, and feels soft all over — so that you don’t get distracted by pesky rubbing while hitting your PRs. The sneaker is also made workout-friendly through its superior heel hold and high-traction outsole. No squeaks, just stellar results.
The Ivory/Nimbus hue seen here is an exclusive one (you know what to do if you’re still not a card-carrying member of the club), and, in case you want to match with your favorite gym buddy next year, men’s sizes are available, too. The On Cloud X 4 won’t fit into a regular-sized stocking, but it will be the best and most useful gift they unwrap next to the tree: Mark our words.
Price upon publish date of this article: $160
How to Style a Bestselling On Sneaker
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Meet the Authors
Yoni Yardeni is a Los Angeles–based fashion, footwear, and culture journalist who has written articles for publications including HiConsumption and HotNewHipHop. Through prior stints, his work ranged from curating buyer’s guides for the fashion world’s best boots, sneakers, and jackets to revisiting Lil Wayne’s quintessential mixtapes and albums.
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Writer at WWD and FN. Previously, she worked at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, covering all things luxury, culture, and lifestyle through a design lens. Her bylines over the past five years have appeared in USA Today, Baltimore Sun, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Food & Wine, and more. Prior to joining ELLE DECOR, Datskovska learned the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, where she tested products, covered tentpole sales events, and curated gift guide roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and international relations. Datskovska frequently covers must-shop footwear from trending brands — perfect for gifting or keeping all to yourself.
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