On Cloud Tennis Shoes: Are They Good for Tennis? Full Review 2026

On Cloud tennis shoes — made by the Swiss performance brand On Running — have become one of the most talked-about footwear choices in tennis over the past few years. Known for their distinctive CloudTec® sole technology, lightweight construction and premium aesthetics, On Cloud shoes have attracted a devoted following among recreational tennis players and lifestyle-focused athletes. But are they actually good for tennis? In this complete review, we cover On Running’s tennis suitability, the best On Cloud models for court play and how they compare to dedicated tennis shoes in 2026.

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What Are On Cloud Shoes?

On Running is a Swiss performance footwear brand founded in 2010, best known for its patented CloudTec® sole technology — a series of hollow cloud-shaped pods on the outsole that compress on impact and firm up for push-off, delivering a uniquely cushioned yet responsive ride. Originally designed for running, On shoes have expanded into tennis, lifestyle and training categories, attracting high-profile ambassadors including Roger Federer, who was an investor and brand partner before his retirement.

Are On Cloud Shoes Good for Tennis?

The honest answer is: it depends on how you play and what you prioritise. Here’s a balanced assessment:

Where On Cloud Tennis Shoes Excel

• Comfort and cushioning — the CloudTec® sole delivers exceptional underfoot comfort, making On Cloud shoes a great choice for players who prioritise comfort over maximum court feel
• Lightweight construction — On shoes are among the lightest court shoes available, which suits players who value speed and agility
• Aesthetics — On Cloud shoes are widely regarded as the most stylish tennis shoes on the market; their clean, premium design works beautifully on and off the court
• Versatility — On Cloud shoes transition seamlessly from the tennis court to everyday wear, making them excellent value for players who want one shoe for multiple purposes
• Hard court performance — On’s dedicated court models perform well on hard courts, with adequate grip and durability for recreational and club-level play

Where On Cloud Tennis Shoes Fall Short

• Lateral support — compared to dedicated tennis shoes like the ASICS Gel-Resolution, On Cloud shoes offer less lateral support — a significant consideration for players who make frequent, aggressive side-to-side movements
• Clay court suitability — the CloudTec® pods can collect clay and lose grip on clay courts; On Cloud shoes are not recommended for clay court play
• Durability under heavy use — the CloudTec® pods can wear faster than traditional herringbone outsoles under intensive court use
• Court feel — the cushioned CloudTec® sole reduces direct court feedback, which some competitive players find disorienting

Best On Cloud Tennis Shoes 2026

1. On The Roger Advantage — Best Overall On Cloud Tennis Shoe

The On The Roger Advantage is the flagship tennis shoe from On Running — designed in collaboration with Roger Federer and built specifically for court play. It features a modified CloudTec® sole optimised for lateral movement, a reinforced toe cap and a herringbone-inspired outsole pattern for hard court grip. The Roger Advantage is the most court-ready shoe in On’s range and the best choice for players who want genuine tennis performance with On’s signature style and comfort.

• Best for: Recreational to competitive club players; hard courts; players who want On’s aesthetic with court-specific performance
• Standout feature: Roger Federer collaboration; modified CloudTec® for lateral support; herringbone outsole

2. On The Roger Pro — Best Performance On Cloud Tennis Shoe

The On The Roger Pro is On Running’s most performance-focused tennis shoe — a stiffer, more supportive design built for competitive players who need maximum court stability. The Roger Pro features a carbon fibre plate for energy return, a reinforced upper for lateral support and a durable outsole suited to hard courts. It’s the closest On has come to matching the performance credentials of ASICS or Nike’s top tennis lines.

• Best for: Competitive club to advanced players; hard courts; players who prioritise performance over comfort
• Standout feature: Carbon fibre plate; maximum lateral support in the On range; competition-ready construction

3. On The Roger Centre Court — Best All-Round On Cloud Tennis Shoe

The On The Roger Centre Court sits between the Advantage and the Pro — offering a balance of comfort, support and style that suits most recreational and club players. Its clean design, available in white and multiple colourways, makes it one of the most versatile On Cloud tennis shoes for players who want a shoe that works on court and looks great off it.

• Best for: Recreational to club players; hard courts; players who want balance of performance and style
• Standout feature: Balanced performance and comfort; clean design in multiple colourways

4. On Cloud 5 — Best On Cloud Shoe for Casual Tennis

The On Cloud 5 is not a dedicated tennis shoe, but many recreational players use it for casual court play. Its exceptional comfort, lightweight construction and premium aesthetics make it a popular choice for social tennis, warm-up sessions and players who prioritise comfort over court-specific performance. Not recommended for competitive play or clay courts.

• Best for: Social tennis, warm-up sessions, casual court play on hard courts
• Standout feature: Exceptional everyday comfort; most versatile On shoe for on and off court use

On Cloud Tennis Shoes vs Dedicated Tennis Brands

How do On Cloud tennis shoes compare to the established tennis shoe brands?

• On vs ASICS Gel-Resolution — ASICS wins on lateral support, durability and court-specific performance; On wins on comfort, aesthetics and versatility
• On vs Nike Court Air Zoom Vapor — Nike wins on court feel and speed; On wins on cushioning and lifestyle appeal
• On vs white tennis shoes from traditional brands — On offers a more premium aesthetic; traditional brands offer better court-specific technology at most price points

Bottom line: for recreational and club players who prioritise comfort and style, On Cloud tennis shoes are an excellent choice. For competitive players who need maximum lateral support and court-specific performance, dedicated tennis brands remain the safer option.

What to Look for in On Cloud Tennis Shoes

• Choose a dedicated court model — always choose from On’s Roger range (Advantage, Pro, Centre Court) rather than running models for court play
• Hard courts only — On Cloud shoes are not suitable for clay courts; the CloudTec® pods collect clay and lose grip
• Check lateral support — if you play aggressively with frequent side-to-side movement, the Roger Pro offers the most lateral support in the On range
• Fit — On shoes tend to run slightly narrow; if you have wider feet, try before you buy or check return policies

Frequently Asked Questions

Are On Cloud shoes good for tennis?

On Cloud tennis shoes — specifically the Roger range — are good for recreational and club-level tennis on hard courts. They offer exceptional comfort and style but less lateral support than dedicated tennis brands like ASICS or Nike. For competitive play or clay courts, dedicated tennis shoes are the safer choice.

Did Roger Federer wear On Cloud shoes?

Yes — Roger Federer was an investor and brand partner with On Running and wore On tennis shoes during the later stages of his career. The Roger range of On tennis shoes was developed in collaboration with Federer and bears his name.

Can I use On Cloud shoes on clay courts?

No — On Cloud shoes are not recommended for clay courts. The CloudTec® pods collect clay and lose grip, making them unsafe and ineffective on clay surfaces. Use dedicated clay court tennis shoes with a herringbone outsole for clay play.

Are On Cloud tennis shoes true to size?

On Cloud shoes generally run true to size but tend to be slightly narrow. If you have wider feet, consider sizing up half a size or trying before you buy. Check the return policy when purchasing online.

Where can I buy On Cloud tennis shoes?

On Cloud tennis shoes are available on Amazon with fast delivery, easy returns and verified buyer reviews. Browse the full Roger range including the Advantage, Pro and Centre Court models.

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Official Tennis Associations

• International Tennis Federation (ITF) — the world governing body of tennis
• ATP Tour — the official men's professional tennis circuit
• WTA Tour — the official women's professional tennis circuit
• Wimbledon — the official website of The Championships
• Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) — the national governing body for tennis in Great Britain

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