On
Cloud 6 Waterproof Sneakers Men
The On Cloud 6 Waterproof is a men's waterproof running sneaker with a recycled polyester mesh upper, CloudTec cushioning with hollow pods, and an engineered Speedboard for energy return. It is designed for all-day wear, running, and travel in wet conditions, featuring a padded collar and speed-lacing system. User reviews note effective waterproofing but also a snug, stiff fit and less forefoot cushioning than expected, so sizing up may be advisable.
Color
Size
Specifications
- Material
- Upper: Recycled polyester; Lining and sock: Textile; Bottom: TPU; Outer sole: Rubber; Midsole: Synthetic foam
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
Product Insights
The On Cloud 6 Waterproof Sneakers Men deliver reliable waterproofing and wet traction in a lightweight (296g), eco-friendly design with a streamlined silhouette and speed-lacing, but the stiff, tight-fitting upper and lack of forefoot cushion cause metatarsal pain, foot fatigue after 3,000 steps, and foot overheating due to reduced breathability, with a break-in period of up to a week that never fully resolves the stiffness.
- Sizing guidance
Waterproof version runs tighter than the regular Cloud 6; half-size up is often recommended.
Why this is supported
Despite the product description highlighting a wider opening for a more inclusive fit, multiple user reports indicate the waterproof version fits narrower than the standard model. One Reddit user stated the upper was
they are far too tight, and the material has no flex
u/Westfilter in r/ONrunning. A Q&A on sizing advises,
Yes, the waterproof version runs tighter than the regular; consider going up half a size.
Should I size up for the waterproof Cloud 6?. This corroboration supports the common recommendation to size up by half. However, one traveler reported the opposite:
fit is much nicer and less narrow than normal cloud 6’s (I’ve tried)
u/aLegionOfDavids in r/onebag, highlighting that individual experiences vary. Overall, the majority consensus favors sizing up.
- Fit
Buyers report persistent tightness and metatarsal pain from the stiff upper, even after break-in.
Why this is supported
Users report that the fit does not loosen with wear. One buyer stated the shoe remained uncomfortable
even after dozens of miles of walking in them
u/Westfilter in r/ONrunning. Another user described a specific pain point:
I can't walk in these more than 3,000 steps a day or it kills my left foot.
u/jewels09 in r/ONrunning. The combination of a stiff, non-stretchy upper and insufficient forefoot cushioning creates ongoing discomfort that does not resolve with break-in.
- Weight
Buyers report foot pain after 3,000 steps due to lack of forefoot cushion.
Why this is supported
A user reports that walking more than 3,000 steps triggers foot pain:
I can't walk in these more than 3,000 steps a day or it kills my left foot
u/jewels09 in r/ONrunningAdditional feedback describes the cushioning as
stiffer and less plush compared to typical daily trainers like Hoka or Nike Pegasus
How does the cushioning compare to other running shoes for daily training runs of 5-10 km?and the same user notes that the metatarsal area
offer very little cushion in the metatarsal region.
u/jewels09 in r/ONrunningThe consistent pattern indicates forefoot padding is inadequate for extended walking or running.
- Breathability
Waterproof membrane reduces breathability, causing foot overheating in mild weather.
Why this is supported
The waterproof membrane significantly reduces airflow. According to the product FAQ,
the waterproof material does reduce breathability compared to non-waterproof versions
Does the waterproof material significantly reduce breathability during warm-weather runs?This can cause foot overheating in milder conditions, limiting comfortable use to cooler weather.
- Waterproofing
Waterproofing works in wet conditions but reduces breathability.
Why this is supported
The shoe's multi-layer engineered membrane is dense enough to block light in lab tests, and no-sew foil strips reinforce seams.
The shoe’s multi‑layer engineered membrane is dense enough to block light entirely in lab tests, an indicator of waterproofing integrity that also explains why the shoe traps body heat and becomes sweaty quickly in mild conditions.
Waterproof membrane construction and real-world performance — multi_layer_engineered_membraneAdding to the construction, the upper uses no-sew foil strips that act as a fortress against moisture.
The upper is constructed with a tightly woven mesh and no-sew foil strips that act as a fortress against external moisture.
onclouder.comBuyers confirm the waterproofing in real-world use:
The waterproofing on them is great, no complaints there.
u/Westfilter in r/ONrunningHowever, the density and tighter mesh reduce breathability, causing the shoe to feel warm and sweaty in mild conditions.
- Wet traction
Connected rubber pods provide better grip on wet pavement and slick surfaces.
Why this is supported
The Cloud 6 Waterproof swaps the standard isolated CloudTec pods for connected rubber pods that increase surface contact.
the outsole features connected rubber pods for better traction and grip.
on.comThis design is particularly effective on wet pavement, marble, and subway steps:
The outsole replaces the isolated Cloud elements with connected rubber pods designed to deliver better traction on wet pavement, marble lobby floors, and slick subway steps
Real-world travel and wet-weather commuting — connected_rubber_pods_outsole.
- Break-in period
Break-in takes up to a week and many users report the shoe never fully softens.
Why this is supported
The waterproof Cloud 6 uses a tightly woven mesh and no-sew foil strips that resist flex,
The upper is constructed with a tightly woven mesh and no-sew foil strips that act as a fortress against external moisture.
onclouder.comThis construction not only blocks water but also extends the break-in period. Users report they require several wears to even begin to soften, with some finding
even after dozens of miles of walking in them
u/Westfilter in r/ONrunningthe shoe remains stiff. The trade-off leads some to abandon the model:
my WP are at the back of the cupboard and have been replaced by Hokas
u/Westfilter in r/ONrunning. Others accept the stiffness for the waterproofing utility, but the data shows the break-in period is genuinely prolonged and full softening is not guaranteed.
- Upper stiffness
Buyers say the upper has no flex and feels like a hiking boot.
Why this is supported
Buyers describe the upper as
the material has no flex
u/Westfilter in r/ONrunningand
Very firm exterior material making it more like a hiking boot.
zappos.com. The stiffening effect is intentional, with the construction detailed as
The upper is constructed with a tightly woven mesh and no-sew foil strips that act as a fortress against external moisture.
onclouder.com. This ensures waterproofing but sacrifices flexibility.
- Travel convenience
296 g, speed-lacing, eco-friendly midsole, streamlined—onebag travelers' top pick.
Why this is supported
At 296.3 g,
296.3g
on.com, the Cloud 6 is among the lightest fully waterproof sneakers. Speed-lacing allows you to
Slip your shoes on and off with ease and speed.
on.com. The streamlined silhouette helps it
look passable as a normal everyday shoe
u/aLegionOfDavids in r/onebag. Its midsole is made with
bio-attributed Zero-Gravity foam, which uses renewable materials from ISCC+ certified bio feedstock, such as waste cooking oil
on.comenabling a midsole with a 45% lower carbon footprint
borealisgroup.com, and selected colorways are dope dyed for less water usage. The onebag community endorses it as
extremely versatile, look passable as a normal everyday shoe but also running
u/aLegionOfDavids in r/onebag- Weather performance
Multi-layer membrane blocks water and rubber pods grip wet surfaces.
Why this is supported
The shoe uses a multi-layer engineered membrane that blocks water droplets while allowing some vapor to pass through, as described:
The On Cloud Waterproof uses a multi-layer engineered membrane that blocks water droplets while allowing some vapor to pass through.
onclouder.comUsers confirm:
The waterproofing on them is great
u/Westfilter in r/ONrunning. For traction,
the outsole features connected rubber pods for better traction and grip.
on.com- Design features
Lightweight (296g) with streamlined silhouette; midsole uses renewables-based EVA for 45% lower carbon footprint.
Why this is supported
The Cloud 6 Waterproof weighs 296.3g, making it among the lightest fully waterproof lifestyle sneakers:
296.3g
on.comIts streamlined silhouette allows for casual and business-casual wear:
streamlined silhouette
on.comThe midsole uses a Borealis renewables-based EVA, reducing carbon footprint by 45% compared to traditional EVA:
enabling a midsole with a 45% lower carbon footprint than one based on traditional fossil-based materials
borealisgroup.comAdditionally, selected colorways use dope-dye for less water usage:
Selected colorways dope dyed for less water usage
on.com- Materials
Materials upgraded: bio-attributed foam midsole, dope-dyed upper, ISCC+ certified.
Why this is supported
The midsole uses
The shoe's midsole is made with bio-attributed Zero-Gravity foam, which uses renewable materials from ISCC+ certified bio feedstock, such as waste cooking oil.
on.com, achieving a
enabling a midsole with a 45% lower carbon footprint than one based on traditional fossil-based materials
borealisgroup.com. The upper fabric in select colorways uses
Dope-Dye technology
grailify.comfor reduced water usage. The entire portfolio is
- Outsole
Connected rubber outsole replaces separate pods for better grip and less stone ingress.
Why this is supported
On's official description confirms:
Plus, the outsole features connected rubber pods for better traction and grip.
on.com- Midsole
Bio-attributed foam cuts midsole carbon 45% over conventional EVA.
Why this is supported
On's Cloud 6 WP midsole is the first application of Borealis' bio-attributed EVA, verified by ISCC+ certification.
The shoe's midsole is made with bio-attributed Zero-Gravity foam, which uses renewable materials from ISCC+ certified bio feedstock, such as waste cooking oil.
on.comThis enables a midsole with a 45% lower carbon footprint than one based on traditional fossil-based materials, as Borealis confirmed.
enabling a midsole with a 45% lower carbon footprint than one based on traditional fossil-based materials
borealisgroup.com- Dope dye
Dope-dyed recycled polyester upper in select colorways reduces water usage.
Why this is supported
The recycled polyester upper on select colorways uses dope-dye technology to reduce water consumption.
Selected colorways dope dyed for less water usage
on.comThis method colors the yarn before extrusion, cutting water use compared to traditional dyeing.
- Gait
The Speedboard's tuned plate returns energy for a smooth, forward-rolling walking gait.
Why this is supported
Analysis confirms the Speedboard plate is engineered to return energy and create a forward-rolling gait. Independent reviewers note:
The Speedboard plate is tuned to return energy with each step rather than just adding stiffness, which creates a more forward-rolling gait that makes all-day urban walking feel less taxing
Real-world travel and wet-weather commuting — engineered_speedboard. This design intention is corroborated by users who find the shoe's energy return most noticeable during brisk urban walks.
- Ease of use
Speed-lacing and wider collar enable slip-on without tying laces.
Why this is supported
On's website highlights the speed-lacing system and wider opening:
Speed lacing: Elasticated laces that you don't need to tie. Slip your shoes on and off with ease and speed.
on.comAdditionally, a
Wider opening for an easy fit
on.comcombination reduces the effort required to put on and take off the shoe, making the 296.3 g weight less of a daily hassle.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Right-side profile of a low-cut running shoe showing the full outer side from heel to toe with visible lacing, tongue, midsole pods, and printed markings.
- Profile shapeLow-cut athletic shoe shown in a right-side profile view with rounded toe, low padded collar, and pronounced segmented midsole pods along the sole.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.47 · w 0.94 · h 0.36 (high) - Upper constructionOne-piece textile upper with overlaid welded synthetic reinforcement panels at the toe box and midfoot; visible mesh/textile texture on the quarter panel.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.50 · w 0.62 · h 0.28 (high) - Lacing and eyeletsRound laces threaded through fabric-reinforced eyelets and metallic-looking top eyelets near the collar; laces tied but ends not visible.
1 region
x 0.44 · y 0.41 · w 0.26 · h 0.20 (high) - Tongue markingLight-colored brand logo printed on the tongue top.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.34 · w 0.18 · h 0.14 (medium) - Midsole designThick segmented midsole composed of hollowed rectangular pod shapes running the length of the shoe, creating visible cutouts above the outsole.
1 region
x 0.04 · y 0.72 · w 0.92 · h 0.18 (high) - Heel pull tabFabric pull tab at the rear collar extending upward.
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.44 · w 0.06 · h 0.14 (high) - Small flag markSmall rectangular red and white Swiss flag emblem printed near the heel on the quarter panel.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.61 · w 0.03 · h 0.03 (medium) - Side logo“Small vertical two-character logo printed on the quarter panel in a light color.”
1 region
x 0.41 · y 0.54 · w 0.06 · h 0.09 (high) - Material finishUpper surface shows a matte woven textile with smoother synthetic overlays that have subtle sheen.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.52 · w 0.54 · h 0.26 (high) - Toe box detailingRaised synthetic piping and a small reflective strip or print near the toe area.
1 region
x 0.74 · y 0.56 · w 0.18 · h 0.14 (high) - Printed text near heel“SWISS ENGINEERING”
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.61 · w 0.18 · h 0.05 (high) - Waterproof tag“WATERPROOF”
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.53 · w 0.09 · h 0.03 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot on a light neutral background with even diffuse lighting and soft shadow under the shoe. Shoe is centered horizontally and fully visible from the outer lateral side.
- Background and stagingLight gray neutral seamless background with a subtle soft shadow beneath the shoe indicating studio lighting.
- Shot compositionRight-side profile centered horizontally with ample empty space above the shoe; shoe aligned parallel to image bottom edge.
- LightingEven diffuse lighting with mild specular highlights on synthetic overlays and no harsh directional shadows.
Colors
dark charcoal· upper textile#1E1E21matte black· synthetic overlays and toe#0E0D0Cdark gray· midsole pods#2B2C2Clight gray· logos and reflective accents#939393signal red· Swiss flag emblem- Profile shapeLow-cut athletic shoe shown in a right-side profile view with rounded toe, low padded collar, and pronounced segmented midsole pods along the sole.
- 02
Product
Rear and outer-side view of a black athletic sneaker showing the heel, outsole with segmented cloud-like pods, fabric upper with pull tab, reflective strip, and small Swiss flag badge.
- Heel geometryProminent rounded heel with a thick molded midsole and outsole; outsole shows multiple hollowed rectangular/rounded pods that form a segmented cushioning structure along the heel and outer sole.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.56 · w 0.62 · h 0.36 (high) - Upper material and finishBlack tightly woven technical fabric upper with visible horizontal ribbing texture and matte finish; a textured overlay panel wraps the lower heel area.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.34 · w 0.48 · h 0.30 (high) - Pull tabVertical black fabric pull tab at rear collar with white vertical stripe and a partial white stylized 'on' logo printed near the top of the tab.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.36 · w 0.10 · h 0.19 (high) - Reflective trimThin horizontal reflective strip on the outer side of the heel above the midsole.
1 region
x 0.49 · y 0.44 · w 0.26 · h 0.06 (high) - Branding text on side“White text 'SWISS ENGINEERING' printed in small caps on the outer heel panel.”
1 region
x 0.52 · y 0.49 · w 0.20 · h 0.07 (high) - Swiss flag badgeSmall red square badge with a white cross positioned below the 'SWISS ENGINEERING' text on the heel panel.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.54 · w 0.03 · h 0.04 (high) - Outer-side logoWhite stylized 'on' logo printed on the outer forefoot side panel near the lace area.
1 region
x 0.73 · y 0.41 · w 0.10 · h 0.18 (high) - Midsole textureMatte black midsole with horizontal fine ridges visible around the rear edge above the outsole pods.
1 region
x 0.38 · y 0.66 · w 0.39 · h 0.20 (high) - Outsole text fragment“Raised text on the underside of the other shoe's sole appears as 'SPEEDBOARD' though partly obscured by angle.”Partial
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.54 · w 0.30 · h 0.20 (medium) - Inner collar tagSmall fabric size/care tag is visible inside the shoe collar but text is mostly obscured and unreadable.Partial
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.31 · w 0.09 · h 0.12 (medium)
Other
Two shoes staged on a light neutral background with soft studio lighting and minimal shadows; composition focuses on the rear and outer side of one shoe and the outsole of the other shoe lying on its side.
- Shot compositionForeground shoe positioned at a slight three-quarter rear outer-side angle; second shoe placed behind on its outer sole showing tread.
- Background and surfaceEven light gray seamless background and surface with a soft drop shadow beneath the shoes.
- Lighting and reflectionsDiffuse studio lighting producing soft highlights on molded midsole ridges and minimal specular reflections on fabric.
- Image croppingUpper parts of the shoes are fully visible while toes of the foreground shoe are cropped out of frame at the right edge.
Colors
black· upper fabric#110E0Bdark charcoal· midsole and outsole pods#1A1916white· branding and trimred· Swiss flag badge- Heel geometryProminent rounded heel with a thick molded midsole and outsole; outsole shows multiple hollowed rectangular/rounded pods that form a segmented cushioning structure along the heel and outer sole.
- 03
Product
Top-down view of a pair of black athletic sneakers placed side-by-side showing mesh upper, molded toe overlays, lace area, padded collars, and visible insoles with printed text and logo.
- Overall orientationPair of shoes shown from a bird's-eye (top) view, left and right shoes aligned with toes at top of image and heels at bottom.
- Upper materialTight woven mesh forefoot panel with matte synthetic overlay pieces forming angular reinforcement along midfoot and toe perimeter.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.06 · w 0.39 · h 0.36 (high); x 0.53 · y 0.06 · w 0.39 · h 0.36 (high) - Toe cap and overlaysSolid molded toe-cap area and angular synthetic overlays around the front and sides creating a reinforced silhouette.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.02 · w 0.39 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.53 · y 0.02 · w 0.39 · h 0.18 (high) - Lacing systemFlat round laces threaded through fabric eyelet loops and anchored to synthetic midfoot strips; laces run horizontally across tongue.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.38 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.38 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high) - Tongue detailsPadded tongues with a narrow vertical label strip near center and a small circular stylized logo near the lower tongue edge.
2 regions
x 0.17 · y 0.44 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.65 · y 0.44 · w 0.18 · h 0.20 (high) - Padded collar and heel pullCushioned ankle collars with visible heel pull loops at the bottom center of each shoe.
2 regions
x 0.16 · y 0.72 · w 0.33 · h 0.26 (high); x 0.51 · y 0.72 · w 0.33 · h 0.26 (high) - Outsole edgeChunked textured outsole visible around shoe perimeter with pronounced lug pattern along outer edge.
1 region
x 0.03 · y 0.10 · w 0.94 · h 0.80 (medium) - Insole printed text and logo - left“CLOUD WATERPROOF”
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.78 · w 0.20 · h 0.15 (high) - Insole printed logo - left“on logo”Partial
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.70 · w 0.20 · h 0.10 (medium) - Insole printed text and logo - right“CLOUD WATERPROOF”
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.78 · w 0.20 · h 0.15 (high) - Insole printed logo - right“on logo”Partial
1 region
x 0.68 · y 0.70 · w 0.20 · h 0.10 (medium) - Reflective accentsSmall narrow reflective strips on the lateral front area near the toe on each shoe and a small reflective detail near laces.
4 regions
x 0.11 · y 0.08 · w 0.06 · h 0.05 (high); x 0.82 · y 0.08 · w 0.06 · h 0.05 (high); x 0.34 · y 0.46 · w 0.04 · h 0.04 (medium); x 0.58 · y 0.46 · w 0.04 · h 0.04 (medium)
Other
Studio-style top-down product shot on a neutral light gray background with even soft lighting and minimal shadows.
- Background and lightingLight neutral gray seamless background with soft diffuse lighting and subtle shadowing beneath shoes.
- Shot compositionShoes centered in frame, evenly spaced, photographed straight-on from above; image crop includes whole shoes with small margin.
- Image qualityHigh-resolution image with sharp detail; no visible people or props.
Colors
black· upper mesh and synthetic overlays#100F0Cwhite· insole text and logosilver-gray· reflective accent strips#EDEDED
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
3 total3 reviews · out of 5
Love the Gloud 6 Waterproof
This is my main go to shoe as I live in Vancouver plus it's super easy to clean. I also have arthritis of the toe and with an orthopedic insert, it's the one shoe that doesn't cause any flair up as it's got a softer top side. I wear them everyday, so I buy a new pair every year.
Narrow
Unfortunately, too narrow. Good shoe, but did not work for me
Difficulty
Very difficult to put on as the area for your foot to get in is very constricted to begin with.
Reddit Insights
4 threads · r/onebag, r/ONrunningReddit users praise the On Cloud 6 Waterproof for its effective waterproofing and versatility, but widely criticize it for being uncomfortably narrow and stiff with insufficient cushion for prolonged wear.
While waterproofing and style are positively noted, the majority of comments complain about poor comfort, tight fit, and lack of cushion, leading to an overall negative-leaning mixed sentiment.
Themes
Use Cases
- One-bag travel shoe
- Everyday casual walking
- Wet weather outdoor activity
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Hoka (various models)
Some users replaced their Cloud 6 Waterproof with Hokas due to better comfort, though Hokas may not match the waterproofing.
vs Nike Vomero Plus / Pegasus 41
Nike models are considered significantly more comfortable for daily wear than the Cloud 6.
vs On Cloud 5
The Cloud 6 is reported to be narrower than the Cloud 5, causing discomfort for some users.
Source Threads
On Cloud 6 Waterproof praised for versatility and improved fit
On Cloud 6 Waterproof. I have been asking the same question you have for ages and that’s what I settled on. They are extremely versatile, look passable as a normal everyday shoe but also running, fit is much nicer and less narrow than normal cloud 6’s (I’ve tried).
u/aLegionOfDavidsr/onebagView thread →
Cloud 6 rated bottom 10% in comfort compared to other brands
I own 3 pairs of the Cloud 6 in different colors and the only reason I have them is because they’re convenient to slip on and off. But I’d say they are in the bottom 10% of comfort (I’ve recently worn the Nike Vomero Plus, Nike Infinity RN, New Balance 1022, New Balance More Foam, Brooks Adrenaline, and a few others).
u/FinishApprehensive76r/ONrunningView thread →
Cloud 6 lacks cushion in metatarsal area, uncomfortable for walking
I like that they are a bit roomier, but they offer very little cushion in the metatarsal region. I can't walk in these more than 3,000 steps a day or it kills my left foot. For the price, these are not worth it. They are now my most uncomfortable pair of shoes.
u/jewels09r/ONrunningView thread →
Waterproof Cloud 6 is tight and inflexible, despite good waterproofing
I have both, but my WP are at the back of the cupboard and have been replaced by Hokas. The waterproofing on them is great, no complaints there. My issue is that they are far too tight, and the material has no flex. For me it was very tight on the top of my foot where the tongue would be, even after dozens of miles of walking in them. Changed laces and that didn't help.
u/Westfilterr/ONrunningView thread →