Walk into any city cafe, airport lounge or office these days and you'll spot sleek sneakers with a row of little holes running along the sole. That's On, the Swiss brand behind the Cloud line. A few years ago hardly anyone knew the name. Now everybody seems to own a pair, so is it real comfort or just good branding? Let's dig in.

• Started in Switzerland back in 2010

• Best known for those hollow pods under the foot

• Worn by runners, commuters and frequent flyers

The Story Behind the Brand

It all began with Olivier Bernhard, a former Ironman champion who was tired of shoes that felt either too soft or too harsh. Together with two friends, Caspar Coppetti and David Allemann, he tried something strange: a piece of garden hose glued under a sole. Weird? Absolutely. But it felt good underfoot, and that scrappy test grew into a company.

• Three friends, one shared love of running

• The goal: a gentle landing and a quick push-off

• Early fans were mostly athletes spreading the word

What Makes the Cloud Technology Special

So what's actually going on under your foot? The sole is built from hollow pods called CloudTec. Step down and they squash flat to take the hit. Push off, and they firm up so you don't feel like you're sinking into sand. Cushion when you land, grip when you leave. That's the trick, and it's simpler than it sounds.

• Pods soak up impact without feeling mushy

• A thin Speedboard in many models nudges your foot forward

• Airy mesh uppers keep things cool

• That pod pattern makes the shoes easy to recognise

Comfort and Fit in Daily Life

The first thing most people say is how light they feel. There's barely any break-in period either, which is a nice change from stiff sneakers that rub for a week. Still, comfort is personal. A shoe that feels perfect on your friend might pinch your toes, so trust your own feet over the hype.

• Little to no break in time for most people

• Handy for long days on your feet

• Some pairs run narrow, so think about half a size up

• Shop in the evening, when feet are a bit swollen

Popular Models Worth Knowing

There's a lot to choose from, which can feel overwhelming. My advice? Ignore the newest release and ask what you'll mostly do in them. Daily errands, jogging and office wear all point to different pairs. Here are a few popular picks to start with.

• Cloud 5: an easy everyday shoe for errands and travel

• Cloudmonster: chunkier, bouncier, built for running

• Cloudswift: made for road runs and city streets

• Cloudnova: a clean lifestyle sneaker for work and weekends

Pros and Cons

Nothing is perfect, and these shoes aren't either. They do plenty right, but they cost real money, so it's worth weighing both sides before you buy.

Pros:

• Light and comfy from day one

• A clean look that goes with most outfits

• Soft landing on pavement

Cons:

• Pricey compared with many rivals

• Small stones love getting stuck in the pods

• Not great for muddy trails or soaking wet ground

Who Should Buy Them

If you're on your feet all day, travel a lot, or just like a tidy minimalist look, these are worth trying. Hardcore trail runners and anyone on a tight budget might be happier elsewhere.

• Office workers and daily commuters

• Road runners who like a cushioned ride

• Travellers who want one pair to do everything

• Anyone who likes simple, modern design

Simple Care Tips

Give them a little love and they'll last longer. Nothing fancy, just a few habits that keep the pods and fabric in good shape.

• Pick stones out of the pods after walks outside

• Wipe with a soft brush, mild soap and lukewarm water

• Let them air-dry, away from heaters and strong sun

• Skip the washing machine unless the label says it's fine

• Swap between two pairs if you wear them daily

FAQs:

Are On Cloud shoes good for walking all day?

For most people yes They are light and cushioned so your feet tend to tire less. Fit still decides everything though.

Do they run true to size?

Mostly but some models feel tight around the toes. If you've got wide feet or wear thick socks go up half a size.

How long do they last?

Runners usually swap shoes after about 500 to 800 kilometres. For casual wear they can last quite a bit longer if you look after them.