On Cloudhorizon Waterproof Hiking Shoe Review
Updated:
Nov 10, 2025On may be best known for its sleek road runners and stylish urban sneakers, but the Swiss brand is slowly carving out a niche in the hiking world—and the Cloudhorizon ($200 for the waterproof version we tested) is its most comfort-focused effort yet. Built with maximum cushioning and a plush underfoot feel, the Cloudhorizon excels on mellow terrain, travel days, and daily walks. But that soft ride comes with trade-offs: it lacks the traction, support, and durability needed for rougher trails. For casual hikers who prioritize comfort over performance, it’s a great match—but technical trail-goers will want something more capable.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Weight
1 lb. 6.2 oz.
Waterproof
Yes (non-WP available)
Upper
Synthetic
Outsole
Missiongrip
Pros
Cons
On Cloudhorizon Waterproof
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Hiking Shoes.
The On Cloudhorizon WP delivered exceptional comfort straight out of the box. On claims it’s the brand’s most cushioned hiking shoe—and it shows. From sidewalks to alpine trails, the shoe’s soft, flexible build required zero break-in and felt equally at home on pavement and rugged terrain. At the heart of the Cloudhorizon’s design is its CloudTec midsole, which features a series of air pockets that compress as you move, offering cloud-like cushioning and excellent shock absorption. Paired with a rockered sole and Helion superfoam midsole, the shoe encourages a rolling stride and takes the edge off long descents, hardpack, and even pavement.
I wore the On Cloudhorizon WP during a full day in Washington’s North Cascades, where it excelled across everything from rocky trails to shallow creek crossings. Even after seven trail miles and a few hours of travel, my feet felt fresh and free of pressure points—something I can’t say for most trail runners or approach shoes. Compared to stiffer, lower-volume hikers like the Arc’teryx Vertex Alpine or the La Sportiva TX4 Evo, the Cloudhorizon feels like a plush upgrade. If comfort is at the top of your priority list—whether for daily hikes, travel, or long trail days—the Cloudhorizon is tough to beat.
The On Cloudhorizon leans heavily toward the comfort end of the hiking shoe spectrum—and as a result, support and stability take a noticeable backseat. I typically prefer hiking footwear with solid ankle support and a firm, confidence-inspiring sole, especially when hauling a full pack over rocky or uneven terrain. The Cloudhorizon offered a very different ride. With its low-profile build and soft, cushioned sole, it felt more like a trail runner than a true hiking shoe. There’s no real ankle support to speak of, and on more technical trails, I found myself second-guessing foot placements—especially when I was tired or carrying weight. I wouldn’t trust these on rocky passes or when a twisted ankle could spell real trouble.
That said, I did appreciate the Cloudhorizon’s comfort and flexibility on mellow hikes and long days on maintained trails. It strikes a unique balance—more structured than a trail runner like the Hoka Speedgoat 6, thanks to a reinforced heel, but still way softer and more forgiving than your average hiking shoe. For lightweight day hikes, travel, or urban walks, it performs admirably. I could also see it working well for seasoned backpackers who know how to move efficiently and want a cushy shoe with just enough support. Just know what you’re signing up for—these shoes are built for comfort, not control.
On categorizes their shoes’ traction by one of three categories: moderate terrain, all terrain, and technical terrain. The On Cloudhorizon’s Missiongrip outsole gets the most casual “moderate” designation—and it shows. The shallow, square-shaped lugs are low-profile and smooth, offering limited traction on steep or slippery ground; a foam channel bisects the heel, clearly prioritizing bounce over bite. While the traction is serviceable on well-maintained trails, gravel paths, and dry rock, it doesn’t come close to matching the aggressive tread patterns of more technical hiking shoes or boots like the sharp-toothed Adidas Terrex Free Hiker 2.0 or rock-savvy La Sportiva TX4 Evo.
In the field, the grip performed well enough on everything from dirt trails to rocky riverbeds. The only moment I lost footing was during a shallow river crossing, where I slipped on a slick rock and dunked a foot (a good reminder that the shoe’s low collar won’t save you from water). Aside from that, the On Cloudhorizon held its own in dry conditions and delivered stable footing on gentle terrain. It’s not a shoe I’d reach for in mud, snow, or on particularly rocky routes, but for casual hikers sticking to dry, maintained paths, the traction is sufficient. Just know its limits and tread accordingly.
Out of the box, the On Cloudhorizon looked well-made, with tight seams, clean stitching, and high-quality materials throughout. After miles of hiking consisting mostly of maintained trail and rocky river crossings, the shoes showed no damage beyond surface dirt—an encouraging early sign. That said, the exposed Helion superfoam midsole gives me some pause: The soft sidewalls could wear down quickly with extended use, especially if you’re logging high mileage or hiking in rocky terrain. I’ve also noticed that trail debris (namely rocks and dirt) has a tendency to get stuck in the midsole air pockets, which could degrade the foam if not routinely cleared.
The Cloudhorizon’s upper features a woven polyester-elastane blend at the vamp for structure and stretch, with 100% polyester used in the quarters, tongue, and lining to enhance water resistance. While the polyester construction seems durable enough for moderate trail use, it's not as tough as the mesh-and-leather or reinforced synthetic uppers you’ll find on more rugged hiking shoes (the NNormal Tomir 02 is an excellent example of an impressively durable synthetic shoe). In short, the Cloudhorizon feels well-built for its intended purpose, but we wouldn’t expect it to withstand seasons of hard wear or repeated abuse on rough terrain.
The On Cloudhorizon offers moderate protection underfoot but leaves something to be desired when it comes to guarding the toes and sides of the foot. There’s a firm rubber toe cap, but it’s not particularly robust—I definitely felt it when I accidentally kicked a rock, though the roomy toe box helped soften the blow slightly. Underfoot, the soft midsole foam and cloud-like air pockets absorb impact well, which limits ground feel and shields from sharp or uneven terrain. Still, compared to burlier hiking shoes with full rands or reinforced uppers (reference the Keen Targhee IV and La Sportiva TX4 Evo), the Cloudhorizon falls short in terms of full-foot protection, and we wouldn’t trust it for rocky scrambles or scree-filled descents.
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PFAS-Free DWR
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PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
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Resale and/or Recycling Services
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The Cloudhorizon weighs in at 1 pound 6.2 ounces, putting it on the lighter end of the spectrum for hiking shoes. True to its name, it feels cloud-like underfoot—soft, airy, and easy to wear for long stretches—which makes it a solid pick for quick miles on gentle trails or long days on your feet. That said, it offers less performance per ounce than many of its competitors. Similarly lightweight shoes like the NNormal Tomir 02 (1 lb. 5.4 oz.) and Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX (1 lb. 8.8 oz.) are significantly more durable, stable, and grippy on uneven terrain.
Lacing System
The On Cloudhorizon uses a traditional eyelet-and-loop lacing system with flat laces and reinforced fabric eyelets. It’s a no-frills design, but it works well: I found the laces stayed snug throughout the day and didn’t loosen up, even on long hikes. That said, the reliance on fabric loops (rather than metal eyelets) might raise durability concerns over time, especially if you’re hard on your gear. The laces also aren’t particularly rugged or water-resistant—something like a waxed lace would offer more resilience—but overall, the system felt functional and straightforward.
Waterproof Membrane
The waterproof version of the Cloudhorizon features a water-repellent DWR finish and a 3-layer waterproof-breathable membrane. It performed well throughout my testing: I crossed many rivers while wearing the shoes and even dunked them several times without water seeping through the upper. The fabric darkened slightly with contact, indicating some surface absorption, but the interior stayed dry. That said, the low-cut collar and non-gusseted tongue allow water to enter from the top during deeper crossings—so it’s not a full defense against wet feet. On the breathability front, the mesh upper and low profile kept things cool and comfortable even on warm-weather hikes.
I typically wear a size 13 and often struggle to find shoes that accommodate my wider feet without causing pressure points along the sides. With the On Cloudhorizon, I stuck with my usual size and was happy to find a surprisingly comfortable fit. The toe box is roomy enough to let my forefoot splay naturally while the heel stays snug and secure without slipping. I didn’t experience any pinching or tight spots, which is rare for me right out of the box. My only gripe is the lack of ankle support, which is to be expected in a low-cut hiking shoe designed for flexibility and comfort. Overall, the Cloudhorizon felt like it was designed with all-day comfort and a forgiving fit in mind.
Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX ($180): Comfort Without Compromise
Comfort-seekers will also want to take a look at the Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX, which offers a plush ride without the myriad compromises of the Cloudhorizon. For $10 less, the Anacapa tacks on a premium Gore-Tex membrane and a Vibram Megagrip outsole, which is much more reliable on rock and in wet and loose terrain than the Cloudhorizon’s proprietary rubber. The Anacapa also has a more stable feel without sacrificing its shock-absorbing cushion and cushioned comfort. For a comfortable shoe that’s skilled enough to handle technical trails, we much prefer the Anacapa. For more, read our Hoka Anacapa 2 Low GTX review.
On Cloudrock Low ($180): A Step Up in Performance
If the Cloudhorizon feels too soft or trail-runner-adjacent for your needs, the On Cloudrock Low is a natural step up. It’s built with a burlier, full rubber outsole and reinforced features like a TPU mudguard and toe cap—making it noticeably more protective and durable than the Cloudhorizon. The tradeoff is weight: At 1 pound 14.3 ounces, it’s nearly a half-pound heavier. But for hikers venturing onto more technical or rocky terrain, the added stability and support are well worth it. You’ll lose some of the plush, cloud-like cushion of the Cloudhorizon, but gain a far more trail-ready shoe in return. For more, read our review of the Cloudrock Low WP.
Danner Trail 2650 ($170): A Stylish Leather Hiker
If you’re drawn to the On Cloudhorizon for its looks, you’re not alone—On’s minimalist aesthetic has taken both trails and city streets by storm. But the Cloudhorizon does fall short in stability and long-term durability, and its exposed midsole pods aren’t for everyone. For a more traditional (and arguably tougher) take on trail style, the Danner Trail 2650 delivers. Its leather upper, firm midsole foam, and full-coverage Vibram Megagrip outsole lend it far greater longevity and protection. At $30 less than the Cloudhorizon—or $10 less for the Trail 2650 Gore-Tex—it’s the better long-term value for hikers who want durability without sacrificing looks. To learn more, read our in-depth review of the Danner Trail 2650.
The Cloudhorizon is a plush and comfortable hiking shoe characterized by an airy CloudTec midsole. However, the soft cushioning detracts from stability, the midsole holes collect debris, and the thin outsole isn’t very durable. We only recommend the Cloudhorizon for easy frontcountry trails.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
The Anacapa offers the plush cushion of a running shoe, alongside the stability, protection, and durability of a hiking shoe. It's a great option for hikers who regularly experience foot fatigue or log high-mileage days. However, the wide platform lacks precision on technical terrain and the large sections of exposed foam can break down over time.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
The tank-like Cloudrock is On’s most capable hiking shoe, designed for stability and protection in technical terrain. It’s relatively comfortable, but don’t expect On’s signature cushion and flexibility.
Comfort
Support and Stability
Traction
Durability
Foot Protection
Sustainability
Is the Cloudhorizon WP for You?
The On Cloudhorizon is best suited for casual hikers and day adventurers who prioritize comfort above all else. It’s a great match for well-maintained trails, city walks, travel, and light river crossings—anywhere you’re more concerned with easy miles than rugged terrain. Experienced hikers, backpackers, or thru-hikers might also find it appealing as a lightweight, waterproof shoe with a soft ride and reliable breathability, especially if they’re used to moving efficiently and don’t mind the lack of ankle support. Just keep in mind that the Cloudhorizon is more about comfort than control—it shines on mellow terrain but falls short on technical ground.
it's trail o'clock
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