We spotted On Cloud shoes all over Disney World, but are they actually good for walking?

If you've been on a plane, at a theme park or anywhere near a hotel lobby in the past year, you've almost certainly seen a pair of On Clouds on someone's feet. The Swiss-designed sneakers — instantly recognizable thanks to the hollow rubber pods on their outsoles — seem to have taken over, especially with their latest iteration, the Cloud 6.

Yahoo Evergreen Commerce Director Lauren Matthews-Ide kept spotting the shoes everywhere during a recent trip to Disney World and it got her wondering: Are On Cloud shoes actually good for walking ?

As a certified personal trainer who lives in athletic shoes and reviews fitness gear for a living, I'm not easily impressed by sneakers that lean more lifestyle than performance. But after putting pairs of the On Cloud 6 and On Cloud 6 Coast through their paces, I can see why they've become a vacation staple. Here's what you need to know before spending $160-plus on a pair.

What makes On Cloud shoes unique?

If you've never worn a pair of Ons, the first thing you'll notice is the outsole. On's signature CloudTec design features hollow rubber pods that compress when your foot strikes the ground and, in theory, snap back as you push off. The look is instantly recognizable compared with the solid foam slab found on most sneakers, and a big part of the appeal.

The brand started as a Swiss running shoe company but has since expanded its line to encompass less performance-oriented footwear, and the Cloud 6 is one of its bestselling models. These are positioned as all-day walking shoes rather than serious running shoes . The latest version features a sock liner for easier step-in, a wider opening to accommodate more foot shapes, upgraded heel construction and a more durable mesh upper. No question that these are comfortable, but they're not a shoe you'd reach for to run a 5K.

The Cloud 6 Coast is a travel-focused spinoff of the Cloud 6. It keeps the CloudTec pods but is lighter and more minimal, making it easier to pack and more breathable — it's even designed to be worn without socks. The standout feature is the kick-down heel, which lets you fold it flat to slip the shoe on like a clog, then pop it back up to wear it normally. It might sound gimmicky … that is, until the third time you're stuck untying your shoes at airport security.

Are On Clouds actually good for being on your feet all day?

The big question for me was whether these shoes would still feel good by the end of the day. Research on footwear comfort  is pretty clear:  Lightweight materials , just enough cushioning, a low heel drop and a  secure fit around the heel  are key for long-wearing comfort. To understand how the Cloud 6 lineup measures up, I talked to Dr. Anne Sharkey , a podiatrist and founder of Solely Podiatry in Austin, to find out what really makes a travel shoe worth the money.

"Support is the most important factor [for] foot health and comfort," she said, adding that for trips where you're hitting that 10,000-step mark, you need a shoe with structure, stability and cushioning . Sharkey also pointed out the little things that save a trip, like a shoe that's easy to pop on and off, won't weigh you down as the day drags on and is breathable enough to prevent moisture buildup that can turn into blisters.

Dr. Mikel Daniels , podiatrist and president of WeTreatFeet Podiatry , agrees that the Cloud 6 lineup checks most of those boxes — but with a caveat. "Cloud 6 and Cloud 6 Coast work well as travel shoes if your priority is light, easy and stylish," he says, though he notes they might not have the heavy-duty cushioning you need for a marathon day of sightseeing. He pointed out two specific Cloud 6 features that make it great for travel: an 8-millimeter heel drop for smoother walking, and a wider forefoot compared to the Cloud 5 that helps accommodate foot swelling after a long flight.

Both experts agree that if you're looking for a shoe for standing all day , it's best to go with the standard Cloud 6 for its structure and shock absorption. The Coast is more of a convenience shoe since it's lighter, more packable and breathable. "This is a great shoe for light activity," Sharkey says — just don't expect it to carry you through a 15,000-step day at a theme park.

My takeaway after two weeks of testing

The On Cloud 6 felt comfortable right out of the box, with no real break-in period — a big plus, as I'd never recommend testing brand-new shoes on a long travel day. The wider opening on this version made it especially easy to slip on. I tested the Glacier/White colorway, a soft, dusty blue-gray, and it held up surprisingly well over a couple of weeks of regular wear.

The CloudTec sole has a distinctive feel that takes a moment to get used to. There's a slight bounce on heel strike, and the cushioning feels softer underfoot than styles like the New Balance 530 or Adidas Samba. I logged more than 12,000 steps without arch fatigue or hot spots — issues I sometimes get with lifestyle sneakers.

The Cloud 6 Coast is a different animal. The first thing I noticed was how light the shoe is (185 grams for my women's size 9), a big part of why it's a travel favorite. The kick-down heel works as advertised: I could fold it flat, slide the shoe on barefoot and flip the heel back up in one motion. For getting through the airport quickly or heading to the hotel pool, it's genuinely convenient.

That said, there's a noticeable difference in support, just as Sharkey warns. The Coast has less structure, and after a couple of hours, my arches felt more fatigued than they did in the standard Cloud 6. It's a great slip-on option when you need it, but not ideal for extended wear. One quibble with both styles: The CloudTec pods tend to trap small pebbles, so expect to stop and pick them out fairly often.

Are On Cloud shoes good for walking or are there better options?

On Cloud FAQs

Are On Cloud shoes good for wide feet?

The Cloud 6 was designed with a wider opening, which makes it easier to get on and off and friendlier to wider feet than previous versions. That said, On doesn't offer true wide widths, so if you wear a 2E or wider, you'll likely want to look at brands that specialize in wide-fit options.

Do On Cloud 6 shoes run true to size?

On says both the Cloud 6 and Cloud 6 Coast are true to size, which matched my experience testing my usual women's size 9. If you're between sizes, I'd recommend sizing up to allow for foot swelling on long travel days.

Can you wear the On Cloud 6 Coast without socks?

The Cloud 6 Coast was specifically designed to be worn without socks. It has an antimicrobial lining and a sock liner that's more comfortable against bare skin than the standard Cloud 6. Just note that going sockless can slightly reduce support.

How long do On Cloud shoes last?

On's CloudTec outsole holds up well for everyday wear, but the hollow pods can collect debris, and the mesh upper may show wear faster than a leather sneaker. Expect about 300 to 500 miles of comfortable use, which translates to a year or more of regular wear for most people.

Meet our experts

• Mikel Daniels ,DPM, is a board-certified podiatrist with more than 25 years of experience and serves as president and chief medical officer of WeTreatFeet Podiatry, a multi-location practice based in Baltimore.

• Anne Sharkey ,DPM, is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist based in Austin. She is the founder of Solely Podiatry, a direct-care practice focused on personalized, comprehensive treatment of foot and ankle conditions.

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.