I walk a lot. Between school drop off, the grocery store and a full day at the zoo, my feet notice every step. That is why the On Cloud became such a mom favorite. So I rounded up the best On Cloud sneakers alternatives that give you a light, cushioned, sleek look for less.
The On Cloud 6 is $160 right now. Below you will find 5 picks from Amazon and Walmart, starting at just $25. A few are from well known running brands, and two are budget finds with thousands of reviews.
Why Everyone Loves the On Cloud Sneakers
The On Cloud is a light, everyday sneaker with a very distinct sole. It feels springy and looks sleek enough to wear with jeans. For reference, the women’s Cloud 6 is $160 right now on the On site.
- Cushioned sole: The cushioning absorbs impact on hard sidewalks.
- Light weight: It feels easy on the feet, even after a long day.
- Stretch laces: You can slip them on and off without retying.
- Breathable upper: The mesh keeps your feet cool on warm days.
- Clean look: The all white and neutral colors go with almost any outfit.
They are also everywhere right now. You see them at airports, theme parks and coffee shops. Still, $160 is a lot for shoes you plan to wear hard every day.
What to Look for in an On Cloud Alternative
- Cushioning: Look for a foam midsole or gel. That is what gives you the soft, bouncy feel.
- Weight: A light shoe feels more like the original and is easier for long walks.
- Upper: Knit or engineered mesh breathes well and looks sleek.
- Color: White, cream or soft gray look the most like the popular On colors.
- Fit and reviews: Check the listing for sizing notes. Some running shoes run small.
I skipped any shoe that copies a logo. These picks have their own branding and simply share the light, cushioned, everyday style.
I also looked for a mix of prices. There are two picks from big running brands under $85, plus three budget pairs under $50. That way you can choose based on how much you walk.
The 5 Best On Cloud Sneakers Alternatives
New Balance Women’s Fresh Foam Roav, $81.98
This is the one I would grab first. It has a sleek knit upper and a plush Fresh Foam midsole, so it looks and feels like a premium everyday sneaker.
It has a 4.4 star rating from more than 12,000 reviews. The white and gum colorway is so pretty with jeans.
The listing also mentions a supportive heel design that keeps your foot locked in. That is a nice detail if you walk fast or chase toddlers.
Best for: the closest overall look and feel
ASICS Women’s Gel-Excite 11, $74.95
If you want a true running shoe, look here. The listing says the PureGEL cushioning is about 65% softer than standard GEL.
It also has a breathable engineered mesh upper. It has 4.4 stars from over 2,000 reviews. Note that the listing says it runs small, so consider a half size up.
Best for: running and long walks
ALLSWIFIT Women’s Slip On Walking Shoes, $45.59
These slip on sneakers are a reviewer favorite, with 4.3 stars from almost 7,000 reviews. They have a cushioned EVA midsole and a soft foam insole.
The slip on design is great when you are juggling kids and bags. They come in lots of colors, from soft pink to classic white.
They look a bit more casual than the On Cloud. Still, for the price, they are hard to beat for everyday comfort.
Best for: busy days and easy on and off
Avia Women’s Athletic Light Runner, $28.00
This Avia sneaker has a clean white knit upper and a chunky cushioned sole. From a distance, it has that same sleek, sporty On look.
It has a 4.4 star rating from more than 10,000 reviews. It also comes in wide widths, which is hard to find at this price.
Then again, the knit is thinner than a running shoe, so I would save it for walking and errands.
Best for: the best value and wide feet
Avia Women’s Athletic Jumbo Lite Runner, $25.00
The Jumbo Lite Runner has an extra thick, lightweight sole. It feels like a fun, budget version of the chunky cushioned trend.
It has 4.5 stars from almost 1,000 reviews. The pink and white colorway is so cute for spring and summer.
It also comes in other colors, so you can find a neutral pair if pink isn’t your thing.
Best for: the lowest price on the list
How Much You Save With These On Cloud Look Alikes
The Cloud 6 is $160. Every pick on this list costs less, and the Avia pairs cost less than a fifth of the price.
- New Balance Fresh Foam Roav: $81.98, about $78 less.
- ASICS Gel-Excite 11: $74.95, a savings of about $85.
- ALLSWIFIT slip ons: $45.59, about $114 less.
- Avia Light Runner: $28.00, saving $132.
- Avia Jumbo Lite Runner: $25.00, the biggest savings at $135.
That makes it easy to keep one pair for workouts and another for errands. Your sneakers will last longer that way, too.
How to Style Your On Cloud Alternative
A sleek white sneaker is one of the easiest shoes to wear. Here are a few ways I would style a pair.
- Athleisure: Pair them with leggings and a cozy half zip, like my Lululemon Scuba alternatives.
- Travel day: Wear them with joggers, a long cardigan and a crossbody bag.
- Casual errands: Try straight jeans, a white tee and a trench coat.
- Theme park day: Add bike shorts, a breathable tee and a belt bag for hands free walking.
Also, keep a white pair clean with a magic eraser and a quick wipe after rainy days. It makes even a budget sneaker look fresh.
One more tip. Swap your sneakers every six months or so if you walk every day. Foam cushioning slowly flattens with use, even on expensive pairs. That is another reason a lower price makes so much sense.
And if you are on your feet all day, try your new pair around the house first. That way you can return them if they rub anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is similar to the On Cloud sneakers?
The New Balance Fresh Foam Roav is the closest match, with a sleek knit upper and plush cushioning. For a budget pick, the Avia Light Runner has a very similar clean white look.
Does Walmart have an On Cloud look alike?
Yes. The Avia Athletic Light Runner is $28 and has over 10,000 reviews. The Avia Jumbo Lite Runner is just $25.
Are On Cloud sneakers worth the price?
Many people love how they feel, and they do look great. Still, $160 is a lot for everyday shoes that wear out with lots of walking. These alternatives give you a similar look and comfort for much less.
Do these sneakers run small?
The ASICS listing says the Gel-Excite 11 runs small, so a half size up is smart. For the others, check the size chart on each listing before you order.
Which pick is best for standing all day?
The New Balance Roav and the ASICS Gel-Excite have the most cushioning. They are the ones I would choose for long shifts or a full day at an amusement park.
Final Thoughts
If I had to pick, the New Balance Roav is the best overall On Cloud look. The Avia Jumbo Lite Runner is the best value at $25. And for real running, the ASICS Gel-Excite 11 is a great standout.
Discover more designer look alikes in my ultimate guide to designer alternatives for less.
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you purchase after clicking through the link.
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