Reviews You Can Rely On

On Running Cloudwander Waterproof - Women's Review

This hiking shoe combines the performance of a trail running shoe with the support and stability of a hiking boot minus the ankle cuff
gearlab tested logo
On Running Cloudwander Waterproof - Women's Review (The mesh upper not only prevented mud and water from penetrating the shoe during spring conditions, but also kept our...)
The mesh upper not only prevented mud and water from penetrating the shoe during spring conditions, but also kept our feet from overheating when the temperatures increased.
Credit: Trish Matheny
Price:  $180 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   On Running
By Trish Matheny ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 11, 2023
73
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 19
  • Comfort - 25% 9.0
  • Support - 20% 8.0
  • Traction - 15% 6.0
  • Water Resistance - 15% 7.0
  • Weight - 15% 6.5
  • Durability - 10% 5.0
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

The On Running Cloudwander features a hybrid design somewhere between the performance and agility of a trail running shoe with the additional support and stability of a hiking boot. It offers less aggressive grips and lug patterns on the sole in order to create a versatile and multi-functional design for everyday use. Our testers love the super comfortable CloudTec cushioning as well as the more breathable waterproof mesh upper that prevented our feet from overheating during the warmer months on the trail. Our only complaints about this shoe involve the durability and longevity of the mesh upper along with the sizing that runs small and favors those with a narrow foot. That said, if you're after all-day comfort and don't plan on getting too rowdy on technical terrain, this shoe is an excellent choice.
REASONS TO BUY
Super comfortable
Lightweight
Design utilizes recycled materials
Quality lacing system
Waterproof but breathable
REASONS TO AVOID
Mud gets stuck in sole
Not for those with wide feet
Runs small
Mesh lacks durability

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Women's Hiking Shoe
Top Pick Award
Best for Versatile Performance
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for the Buck
Best Buy Award
Best Hiking Shoe Below $100
Price $179.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods
Compare at 2 sellers
$145.99 at Public Lands
Compare at 3 sellers
$149.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$109.95 at Backcountry
Compare at 4 sellers
$52.50 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
Overall Score Sort Icon
73
79
77
68
65
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line Whether out for a dog walk or exploring in the backcountry, this shoe offers all-day comfort and supportFeaturing high-quality performance technology, this hiking shoe is designed to handle any backcountry challenge you dream upA comfortable, high-performing hiking shoe that's versatile enough to tackle everything from well-maintained trails to technical and steep terrainThis affordable hiking shoe offers great support for those with high archesThe lightweight design and sneaker-like feel provide ample comfort under foot
Rating Categories On Running Cloudwan... La Sportiva Spire G... Salomon X Ultra 4 G... Merrell Moab 3 - Wo... Columbia Crestwood...
Comfort (25%)
9.0
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.5
Support (20%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
7.5
Traction (15%)
6.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
Water Resistance (15%)
7.0
9.0
9.0
4.0
3.0
Weight (15%)
6.5
5.5
6.5
5.3
6.8
Durability (10%)
5.0
8.0
8.0
7.5
6.5
Specs On Running Cloudwan... La Sportiva Spire G... Salomon X Ultra 4 G... Merrell Moab 3 - Wo... Columbia Crestwood...
Measured Weight (per pair, size 8.5) 1.54 lbs 1.68 lbs 1.54 lbs 1.70 lbs 1.50 lbs
Upper Nylon vamp mesh/TPU overlays/95% recycled textiles Abrasion-resistant mesh Synthetic textile Pigskin leather, mesh Leather, mesh, and webbing
Lining Waterproof membrane Gore-Tex Surround Gore-Tex Recycled mesh Omni-Tech
Midsole EVA foam EVA EVA Super rebound compound Techlite
Outsole Missiongrip rubber Vibram XS Trek Rubber Contagrip Vibram TC5 Omni-Grip
Width Options Regular Regular Regular Regular, wide Regular, wide

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Cloudwander Waterproof is a relatively lightweight and multi-functional shoe built for moving quickly on trail. The design combines the performance of a running shoe with the stability and support you'd expect from a hiking boot. The CloudTec cushioning feels amazing under foot while the Speedboard plates, TPU toe caps, and heel stabilizers offer substantial support with every stride. Keep in mind that this design runs small and favors those with a narrow foot. It is designed for everyday use whether out for a walk with your dog or exploring in the mountains on well-maintained trail systems.

Performance Comparison


on running cloudwander waterproof for women - if you're on the fence about purchasing a hiking shoe or a trail...
If you're on the fence about purchasing a hiking shoe or a trail runner, why not check out a design that successfully does both? Offering the agility of a running shoe with the stability of a hiking boot, this design is built to take on the trail.
Credit: Trish Matheny


Comfort


The Cloudwander really stood apart from the rest of the other shoes in this review when it comes to comfort. On Running nailed the “springy” CloudTec cushioning that maximizes comfort even when covering a lot of mileage in the mountains. The shoe is also lined with dual density sockliners, a fancy term for smooth and padded fabric in the tongue and surrounding the ankle.

Perhaps our only complaint about these shoes is that the fit is quite specific and favors those with a narrow foot. We would recommend sizing up if you find yourself between sizes due to a snug toe box and narrow forefoot. Fit aside, we love the cushioning that effectively provides comfort throughout long days on the trail even with a lightweight pack along.

on running cloudwander waterproof for women - the cloudtec cushioning on the cloundwander doesn't disappoint but...
The CloudTec cushioning on the Cloundwander doesn't disappoint but the fit favors those with a narrow foot.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Support


The Cloudwander is quite similar to a trail running shoe but with the added features and protection of hiking footwear. Complete with TPU toe caps and a heel stabilizer that greatly increase protection through rocky and uneven terrain in addition to extra stability when carrying a lightweight pack, this shoe provides the confidence you need to pick up the pace on the trail.

Though our lead tester is accustomed to a 0mm drop shoe, the 9mm heel to toe drop didn't interrupt full range of motion nor require a long time to adjust. The design also features Speedboard plates, quality EVA foam midsoles, along with a thick and supportive insole, that work together to increase protection and support when covering a ton of miles on the trail.

on running cloudwander waterproof for women - the on running cloudwander features one of the thickest and most...
The On Running Cloudwander features one of the thickest and most supportive insoles that we tested.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Traction


While our testers appreciated the substantial traction of the Cloudwander when moving over textured granite, we ultimately didn't give this shoe high marks due to the minimal lugs on the sole. There is a third row of “clouds” under the forefoot to increase traction, but we found ourselves missing the sure-footed traction typical of a Vibram Megagrip or Duratread rubber outsole.

On Running boasts about a sticky grip that performs well in dry conditions, but we found that we couldn't trust our feet when moving through thick mud due to it becoming lodged in the sole and reducing overall grippyness. That being said, we do appreciate that this shoe is designed to be versatile and built for everyday use. An aggressive sole would be too much shoe in some cases.

on running cloudwander waterproof for women - the less aggressive grips and lug pattern is designed for everyday...
The less aggressive grips and lug pattern is designed for everyday use, perfect for buffed out trails or dog walks.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Water Resistance


Our testers really appreciated the functional and more breathable waterproof membrane of the Cloudwander and scored the shoe accordingly. While some waterproof membranes and thick synthetic uppers that we've tested can prevent air from permeating the shoe, the Cloudwander successfully prevented “pruny” toes and overheating in warmer temperatures during hikes at lower elevations. Even though the mesh allows more air to permeate the upper, the 20% recycled waterproof membrane also kept our feet dry when moving through patches of snow, gigantic mud puddles, and swollen creeks during high runoff conditions in the early spring.

on running cloudwander waterproof for women - the mesh upper features a flood height of 3.5" and is fully...
The mesh upper features a flood height of 3.5" and is fully waterproof, even when submerged for several minutes.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Weight


The Cloudwander weighs 1.54 pounds per pair for a US women's size 8.5. This puts the shoe directly in the middle of our weight range from 1.2 to 1.9 pounds. Our testers found the shoe to feel more like a lightweight running shoe while out on the trails. Even though it is not the lightest shoe that we tested, we can appreciate the quality features that potentially add weight to the design such as the durable outsole, toe caps, and supportive plates.

on running cloudwander waterproof for women - the cloudwander offers the lightweight performance of a trail runner...
The Cloudwander offers the lightweight performance of a trail runner combined with the added stability of a hiking shoe, weighing 1.54 pounds for a US women's size 8.5.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Durability


Our testing team is happy to report that we've experienced no issues thus far with the durability of the Cloudwander. This shoe features a quality lacing system with reinforced eyelets and metal hooks for a more customized fit. Still, while we didn't experience any issues during our testing period, we can hypothesize the mesh upper may not last as long as other synthetic and leather uppers that we tested for this review. We love that this is a shoe geared towards everyday use, but wouldn't recommend taking it too far off trail or on technically-demanding rocky terrain.

on running cloudwander waterproof for women - while we can't imagine the mesh upper outlasting its leather...
While we can't imagine the mesh upper outlasting its leather competitors, we can appreciate the unique reinforced lacing system that allows for a customized fit.
Credit: Trish Matheny

Should You Buy the On Running Cloudwander Waterproof?


The Cloudwander is designed with the performance of a trail running shoe and the support of a traditional hiking boot minus the supportive ankle cuff. Our testers love the super comfortable CloudTec cushioning and the breathable waterproof capabilities that prevented our feet from overheating during hikes in warmer climates. While the mesh construction may not last as long as its beefier synthetic and leather competitors, we can appreciate the everyday use this shoe is geared towards and are confident recommending it for those looking to maximize comfort without getting too rowdy on off-trail terrain where the mesh upper would be susceptible to sharp rocks and talus fields.

What Other Hiking Shoes Should You Consider?


If you're interested in a shoe that offers waterproof protection with more support for multi-day trips into the backcountry, check out our favorite shoe for the job, the La Sportiva Spire GTX. If you're stoked on a dropping some weight in order to pick up the pace, head over to read about The North Face VECTIV Fastpack FUTURELIGHT. And if you're looking for solid performance on a budget, it's worth considering a couple Merrell options that we've reviewed, the Merrell Moab 3 WP or the Merrell Moab Speed.

Trish Matheny