What we recommend

On Women’s Cloudrunner 2 Running Shoes

On Women’s Cloudtilt Running Shoes

On Women’s Cloudsurfer Max Running Shoes

Despite their innovative designs and stellar reputation, I’ve been skeptical about whether On running shoes would be the best for people like me who experience joint pain. After all, the sneakers cushioning has holes punched out of it; how supportive could they be? Still, they’re a popular choice among runners, walkers and podiatrists alike, and they’re often praised for their responsive, bouncy feel underfoot. To find out if the shoes could work for runners with and without chronic pain, I reached out to podiatrists and physical therapists for their professional opinions.

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It turns out healthcare experts have several favorite On shoes for joint pain, whether that pain’s caused by arthritis, inflammation, sprains or strains. These comfortable sneakers have long-lasting support, form-enhancing structure and impact-absorbing midsoles (even with the holey design). Whether you’re gearing up for summer marathon training or want to boost your daily step count walking around the block, the On shoes in this list will help you achieve your goals in comfort.

On Cloudrunner 2

On Women’s Cloudrunner 2 Running Shoes

For runners with joint pain, Elsa Gould, a doctor of physical therapy, said On’s Cloudrunner line is worth checking out. “Unlike some of On’s other models, which have a much more neutral base and emphasize cushioning, the Cloudrunner incorporates more supportive features such as a stable base and a secure heel,” she said. What’s more, their impact-absorbing Helion superfoam midsoles soften each step. This kind of cushioning will keep your knees, ankles and hips happy, Gould said, especially on pavement.

$160 125 at On

On Men’s Cloudrunner 2 Running Shoes

The Cloudrunner 2 shoes’ stability features will particularly benefit those who overpronate (roll their ankles inward). Equipped with built-in plastic heel clips, these shoes keep your feet on the right path by locking them into proper position even when you’re running or walking at top speed.

$160 $125 at On

From $128 at Bloomingdale’s

On Cloudmonster 3

On Women’s Cloudmonster 3 Running Shoes

Dr. Amy Ross, a podiatric physician at Desert Foot and Ankle, said the On Cloudmonster shoes are her top recommendation for people with arthritis in the feet or toes because they have stiff soles and momentum-boosting rocker bottoms that have been proven to limit painful motion in ankles. “It features On’s most aggressive rocker shape, which acts like a rocking chair for the foot, mechanically rolling you forward so your arthritic toe and midfoot joints don’t have to bend as much to take a step,” Ross said. “It also utilizes maximum cushioning to buffer the harsh impact that typically triggers joint flares.”

$190 at On

$190 at REI

$190 at Zappos

$190 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

On Men’s Cloudmonster 3 Running Shoes

I’ve tested these shoes and love that they decrease the high-impact forces that typically exacerbate my arthritis symptoms. Not to mention, they look really cool, and the brand’s signature Snappy Speedboard (a rigid plate) is built into the soles for maximum energy return. As a result, each step is springy and full of life, even when I’m feeling the opposite.

$190 at On

$190 at REI

$190 at Zappos

$190 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

On Cloudsurfer Max

On Women’s Cloudsurfer Max Running Shoes

Ross is also a fan of the Cloudsurfer shoes, which I tested for months, running nearly 50 miles in them. They feel super plush and smooth, and don’t have the rigid plastic speedboard found in most other On shoes, which Ross said makes them softer and “more forgiving on achy knees and hips.”

$180 $140 at On

$180 at Zappos

$180 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

On Men’s Cloudsurfer Max Running Shoes

For added softness, the Cloudsurfer model features two layers of the brand’s proprietary CloudTec Phase midsoles, so that they absorb as much ground impact as possible. These shoes also have a moderate 6-millimeter toe drop (the difference in height between where the toes and heels sit in the shoes), which helps toes splay naturally and offloads much of the ground impact knees take on in shoes with higher toe drops.

From $138 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

$180 $140 at On Running

$180 at REI

On Cloudtilt

On Women’s Cloudtilt Running Shoes

If you need maximum shock absorption to protect your joints while walking, Ross recommends these Cloudtilt sneakers. They include On’s newer CloudTec Phase midsoles technology, in which the hollow foam pods collapse sequentially to create a smooth, highly cushioned ride.

From $137 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

$170 at On

$170 at Zappos

$170 at Revolve

On Men’s Cloudtilt Running Shoes

With their wide platform, these shoes allow toes to splay naturally, which Gould said reduces pressure and pain in arthritic forefoot joints. A slightly wide base can also boost stability and help prevent any ankle rolling that might put stress on your joints.

$170 at On

$170 at Zappos

$170 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

$170 at Nordstrom

On Cloudflyer 5

On Women’s Cloudflyer 5 Running Shoes

Dr. Chris Kiser, a podiatric physician at Advanced Foot and Ankle Center, recommends the Cloudflyer 5 iteration for stability and joint support. He named the supportive counters (reinforcements built into heels) as a must-have feature in any pair of stability shoes, and these ones’ molded heels cradle feet and keep them aligned.

$170 $135 at On

$170 at REI

On Men’s Cloudflyer 5 Running Shoes

A daily trainer for everyday runs and walks, the Cloudflyer 5 has a high 9-millimeter toe drop that offloads strain on calves, ankles and foot muscles. This, in turn, minimizes irritation that people with Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis or heel pain would otherwise endure.

$170 From $127 at REI

$170 $135 at On

What to look for in On shoes for joint pain

When you’re looking for the best On shoes to alleviate your joint pain, the experts I spoke with recommend paying close attention to design features that reduce stress, improve stability and absorb shock.

Arch support

Quality arch support sets you up for successful, pain-free cardio activity, Gould said, because it promotes proper foot alignment, reduces overpronation and minimizes fatigue.

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Deep heel cups

When shoes are made with deep, sturdy heel cups, the cups act as a seatbelt of sorts for feet by locking them in place during movement. This feature is especially crucial for people with balance issues, as it can prevent ankle rolling.

Shock-absorbing cushioning

Ross recommends finding a pair of On shoes with EVA or rubber midsoles that “reduce impact forces on the joints of the feet, ankles, knees, hips and lower back.” She said these materials absorb ground impact and cradle your arches to improve comfort. “A thick layer of specialized foam absorbs the repetitive impact forces before they can travel up the kinetic chain and irritate the knees, hips and lower back,” Ross said.

Wide toe boxes

The experts I spoke with emphasized the importance of wide toe boxes for people who experience joint pain. Studies show that when shoes have enough space for toes to splay naturally, joint support in the arches and knees improves and discomfort is relieved.

Stability

Features like rigid midfoot support, firm heel counters and enhanced traction boost stability. “A firm, stable base prevents the excessive side-to-side micromovements that constantly aggravate inflamed, arthritic joints,” Ross said.

You can test a pair of shoes’ stability by trying to wring them out like a dish towel, Ross said. If the shoes bend in the midfoot, that’s a warning sign. Instead, Kiser advises looking for shoes that are flexible at the metatarsal head (or ball of the foot).

Rocker-bottom soles

Look for shoes with visibly upturned toes and heels. “This geometry smoothly transitions your weight forward, drastically reducing the mechanical workload on your foot and ankle joints during the push-off phase of your stride,” Ross said.

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Why trust CNN Underscored

CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.

For this article, CNN Underscored health and fitness editor Summer Cartwright, who is an RRCA-certified running coach, consulted podiatrists to find the best On shoes for joint pain. She also tested several pairs, including the On Cloudsurfer and On Cloudmonster, to determine whether they minimized her arthritis-caused joint discomfort.

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