On is a buzzy Swedish brand founded in 2010 by three friends who wanted to revolutionize how sneakers feel. The brand’s sneakers are engineered in Switzerland using its signature CloudTec technology, which is supposed to absorb impact and minimize strain for comfortable movement. While On has an excellent range of sneakers for walking, running and tennis, the brand just released its first-ever training shoe, the Cloudpulse.
On Cloudpulse training shoes are comfortable, highly supportive and look great in and out of the … [+]
Although I love walking and taking group workout classes, I’ve never tried On’s sneakers for these activities. So when On dropped the Cloudpulse this March, which is designed for all types of gym workouts, I decided to test them out for myself. I wore the Cloudpulse sneakers for several weeks, alternating between different exercises to see how they performed in real-world conditions.
Design
This shoe has a sleek, minimalist design. Most gym shoes are outfitted with bright, neon colors, which work for many people, but I gravitate towards neutral colors and more subdued styles. I have the Undyed-Frost colorway, which is an all-white iteration with On’s logo stamped on the side. There are four color options to choose from, so if you prefer a darker hue that won’t show stains, opt for the Black-Eclipse colorway. Also, the brand’s signature “cloud pods” that usually stretch across the midsole are subtly featured just under the heel and the front of the shoe.
The uppers are constructed from 100% recycled polyester mesh for enhanced breathability. As I tested these sneakers, I noted how my feet felt before and after working out: They were incredibly comfortable throughout each workout, and I didn’t notice any overheating.
The On Cloudpulse sneakers in Undyed/Frost.
Cushion
When I first slipped these sneakers on, I noticed a good amount of cushioning despite them being training shoes rather than running shoes. Running shoes typically have more padding, especially in the midsole, to absorb the shock of hitting the pavement. The Cloudpulses have moderate padding along the sides of the sneaker, along with firm heel support. The Speedboard, a flexible plate positioned over the CloudTec cushioning (or “cloud pods”), enhances the overall stability of the shoe.
Stability
I wore these shoes to a 60-minute dance-based cardio workout on a trampoline, and I was impressed by how stable I felt—especially on an uneven surface. I’ve been taking dance-based cardio classes for several months and learned the hard way that having the proper workout sneakers (with the proper support) is crucial. These shoes have an 8mm heel drop (the difference between the heel’s height and the toe), so they’re not completely flat on the floor. I felt comfortable and balanced doing squats, lunges and other lower-body exercises. The sneakers also felt light on my feet, allowing me to quickly move through the class choreography and keep my movement energetic. Dismounting off the trampoline was secure and steady, too, even with weights in hand.
It’s also worth noting that this shoe has a “unique lacing system,” as the brand says, for better support and heel hold. However, the laces didn’t appear different than any other shoe I own, and I’m not sure if they contributed to the shoe’s stability.
The Speedboard, a flexible plate positioned over the CloudTec cushioning, enhances the overall … [+]
Final Thoughts
After using these sneakers for several weeks, I was impressed with the Cloudpulse’s performance during varying workouts. From long walks and jogs across uneven terrain in the city to dance-based cardio workouts on a trampoline, my feet felt supported and cushioned through every move. If you’re looking for a training shoe that does it all—and looks good while doing it—the On Cloudpulse sneakers are a solid choice. The minimalist design also lends itself to everyday use outside of working out, and the price is comparable with other streetwear shoes on the market. I found myself reaching for the Cloudpulses over my normal sneakers, for workouts, running errands and meeting friends.
