Here at SELF, we love a wide selection of walking shoes, but ones from On stand out, because of their unique responsiveness and cushioning. Here, we’ll take a have a look at what makes the Swiss brand such a reliable option for running errands, every day walks, and long days in your feet, and which pairs are the perfect ones to try.
Our top picks
- Best All-Around: On Cloud 5
- Best Cushioning: On Cloudmonster
- Best for Hiking: On Cloudrock 2 Waterproof
- Best for Travel: On Cloudnova
- Best Added Support: On Cloudrunner
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What must you search for when purchasing for walking shoes?
Aside from proper fit and, ideally, cute colours, your latest pair of walking shoes should check the next podiatrist-recommended boxes with a view to keep your feet cozy day after day.
Cushion
Walking, running, and jumping require your feet to soak up lots of impact. A well-padded shoe can reduce a few of that force and help your feet feel higher for longer, Jossie Abraham, MDa podiatric surgeon at Hartford HealthCare Connecticut Orthopedic Institute at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut, tells SELF.
Responsiveness
Also referred to as “energy return,” a shoe’s springiness determines its ability to encourage forward movement, Dr. Abraham says. She adds that shoes with rocker-shaped bottoms or stiffer soles across the toes might help enhance this feature.
Support
When a walking shoe is sufficiently supportive, it helps keep your foot stable and in place, without rolling or slipping. A deep heel cup that hugs the back of your foot is a great feature to search for, Dr. Abraham says, adding that heavier, stiffer shoes will provide more support than thin-soled, lightweight ones. If you struggle with overpronation (when feet roll inward) or supination (when feet roll outward)—a podiatrist or running shoe store specialist can show you how to determine when you do—search for shoes which might be designed for those specific tendencies or are marketed as “stability shoes,” for added support in maintaining proper walking form and posture.
Material
Dr. Abraham recommends in search of shoes which have breathable mesh toe boxes for the sake of flexibility and airflow (something to definitely take into accout in case your feet are inclined to sweat). Other materials to think about are waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex, that are useful when you’re often out within the rain.
Who should try On shoes for walking?
If you prioritize cushioning, breathability, and responsiveness in your footwear, On Running is a terrific brand to try (you could possibly also consider Hoka or Nike). The CloudTec cushioning system, present in every On shoe, is made to feel plush yet springy. That’s a superb balance to strike when you end up dragging your feet by the top of the day. Many On Cloud trainers also feature the brand’s Speedboard, a versatile midlayer between the outsole and the insole that’s designed to extend the shoe’s energy return and, in consequence, how briskly the wearer can move. (If you’re a little bit of an influence walker, that is an especially helpful element to search for.)
Finally, On offers a circular subscription service for its Cyclon line of substances: You buy the shoes, wear them out, then send them back, and the brand will ship you a brand new pair and recycle the old one. Whether you’re shopping with sustainability in mind or simply want your feet to feel good at the top of the day, give On a glance, starting with our top picks from the brand below.
