On a regular basis Consolation With Sensible Lifestyle Upgrades

The On Cloud 6 continues On Running’s mission to ship a light-weight, snug, and classy life-style shoe for people who find themselves continually on the transfer.

I’ve worn each model of the Cloud since its earliest days, and whereas the core design philosophy hasn’t modified, the tweaks on this sixth model make it a bit extra snug, a bit extra inclusive in match, and barely extra refined for on a regular basis life.

Like the Cloud 5, this isn’t a shoe constructed for efficiency operating, however relatively for commuting, journey, errands, or simply standing and strolling round all day, particularly when you respect the choice to interrupt right into a jog when the canine bolts otherwise you’re operating late for one thing.

Key specs

• Price: $160 at On.com
• Weight: 9.6oz (272g) for a US Men’s 9 (my pair)
• Drop: 8mm
• Upper: Recycled polyester mesh with TPU overlays, new wider entry design
• Midsole: Bio-attributed Zero-Gravity CloudTec® foam with Speedboard® (Nylon 6)
• Outsole: Rubber patches on heel and forefoot, CloudTec pods with up to date shaping
• Extra Attributes:
  • Speed lacing system (plus conventional laces in field)
  • Wider toe field and entry for improved match
  • New insert for simpler step-in

Sizing and match

The Cloud 6 matches true to dimension and now features a barely wider forefoot and total higher form, which is nice information if the Cloud 5 felt a bit cosy in your ft.

The higher building offers a cushty wrap, and the padded heel collar feels noticeably safer.

If you’ve obtained increased quantity ft or delicate bunions, the additional house up entrance will likely be a welcome change.

Performance assessment

Let’s be clear, this isn’t a efficiency operating shoe, and On isn’t making an attempt to place it as one.

It’s a life-style shoe by means of and thru, however one which makes strolling really feel simple and breezy.

That signature CloudTec® pod midsole delivers the acquainted journey: tender landings that compress beneath your foot, adopted by somewhat pop as you transition ahead.

It’s nonetheless utilizing the Zero-Gravity foam, however now it incorporates 50% bio-based supplies from renewable feedstocks, which helps cut back the carbon footprint with out altering the texture an excessive amount of.

The Speedboard® within the midsole does add a contact of construction, serving to the shoe maintain form and giving the journey somewhat extra power return than your common slip-on.

It received’t really feel springy, nevertheless it avoids that mushy, undercooked really feel that some life-style sneakers fall into.

I additionally respect the adjustments to the heel collar and geometry, they subtly enhance total consolation.

The padded heel feels sort on the Achilles and helps safe the rearfoot extra naturally, which I feel will likely be particularly useful for anybody with heel sensitivity or points like bursitis.

The outsole will get small however significant tweaks, too.

Like the Cloud 5, there are rubber patches on the forefoot and heel (with the remainder being much less sturdy uncovered foam), and the pods are angled to cut back particles assortment however stand on the proper dimension stone on a gravel path and you’ll stick choose one up.

Traction is strong for dry and moist city surfaces, though the lack of full outsole protection means it might put on down quicker in high-friction areas over time.

One of the standout updates is the wider entry and new sockliner, which genuinely makes the shoe simpler to slide on, particularly when paired with the elastic velocity lacing system.

If you wish to learn to tighten On’s velocity laces, watch my video demonstration here.

You can nonetheless swap to conventional laces (included within the field), however truthfully, the velocity lacing is without doubt one of the causes this shoe stays in my day by day rotation, it’s simply so handy while you wish to slip them on and GO.

Where the Cloud 6 falls a bit brief is in all-day assist for individuals standing lengthy hours.

After prolonged durations, it’s potential that you simply would possibly discover the cushioning somewhat agency, significantly within the arch. It’s not as plush or structured as one thing just like the Hoka Bondi 9 or Clifton 10, and I’d recommend aftermarket insoles when you want extra arch assist.

Durability is a little bit of a blended bag. The higher may be very breathable and holds up nicely, even after prolonged put on, and the breathable mesh does a strong job lowering hotspots in hotter climate.

Lastly, whereas I respect the marginally extra relaxed higher match, visually the shoe does look a bit bulkier, particularly within the forefoot. This could not trouble most individuals, nevertheless it’s value noting when you choose a extra tapered silhouette.

My verdict

At $160, the On Cloud 6 isn’t low cost (you’re paying for that premium model brand), nevertheless it refines one in all On’s most iconic life-style sneakers with considerate tweaks that enhance consolation, entry, and match with out abandoning the core journey and aesthetic that made it common.

It’s nonetheless a terrific choose for:

• Daily put on across the metropolis
• Those who work within the service business, on their ft all day when you don’t thoughts a agency really feel
• Light walks and informal motion
• Travel, errands, and fast slip-on moments
• People who desire a shoe that bridges consolation and design

If you already love the Cloud line, this can be a welcome evolution. But when you’re after extra underfoot assist or plan to be in your ft for 10+ hours a day, one thing just like the Cloudsurfer 2 and even Cloudsurfer Max, would possibly go well with you higher.

To study extra about how I fee every On Cloud operating shoe for several types of runs, and in the end which the most effective ones are, learn my Best On Running Shoes roundup, subsequent.

For my wants, together with gentle motion, strolling Kepler, carrying one thing I’m completely satisfied to be seen in, the On Cloud stays a strong alternative in my rotation.