On Cloud shoes have gained massive popularity for their lightweight design, CloudTec® cushioning, and stylish versatility. But with their rising demand comes an unfortunate side effect — counterfeits. Fake On Cloud shoes are increasingly appearing online and in unauthorized stores, often marketed at discounted prices that seem too good to be true.
To make sure you’re getting the real deal, here’s a comprehensive buyer’s guide to spotting fake On Cloud shoes and protecting your investment.
1. Check the Seller: Trust Only Authorized Retailers
The most reliable way to avoid fakes is by buying directly from On’s official website, major retailers like REI, Nordstrom, Zappos, or trusted sportswear stores like Fleet Feet or Dick’s Sporting Goods. If you’re shopping on a marketplace like Amazon or eBay, check the seller’s ratings and look for “Ships from and sold by On” or “Authorized Reseller” status.
Red flags:
- No return policy
- Vague or missing contact info
- Heavily discounted pricing
2. Inspect the Price: If It’s Too Cheap, It’s Probably Fake
Authentic On Cloud shoes typically retail between $130–$180 USD depending on the model. If you find a brand-new pair listed for $40 or $50, proceed with caution. Deep discounts are rare and usually reserved for previous-season clearance items from reputable retailers.
Tip: Cross-reference the pricing with the official On website to ensure consistency.
3. Examine the Packaging
Genuine On Cloud shoes come in clean, minimalistic boxes with high-quality printing. The box should include:
- A product sticker with size, model number, and barcode
- Proper branding and logos
- A recycled, eco-conscious box feel
Fake boxes may be flimsy, poorly printed, or even missing logos altogether.
4. Study the Materials and Stitching
Authentic On Cloud shoes use premium materials and have precise, consistent stitching. Here’s what to check:
- CloudTec® pods should be firm and springy — not overly soft or squishy
- Seams and glue lines should be neat and clean
- Logo placements must be sharp, symmetrical, and perfectly aligned
Warning signs:
- Loose threads
- Misspelled labels
- Off-center logos or unusual fonts
5. Inspect the Sole Design
The signature CloudTec® sole is a unique hallmark of On shoes. On real models:
- The pods (clouds) are hollow and individually shaped
- The Speedboard® should be visible inside the sole for many performance models
- The outsole rubber has specific texture patterns for traction
Fake soles often have inconsistent cloud shapes, shallow indentations, or incorrect pod spacing.
6. Look at the Tongue Label and Insole Branding
Check the tongue tag for:
- Model number
- “Engineered in Switzerland” text
- QR code or barcode
The insole should feature the On logo in high-resolution print. Counterfeit pairs may have blurry or peeling insole logos, or misspelled text.
7. Compare to the Official Product Photos
Go to on-running.com and compare the pair you’re looking at to the official product images. Even slight differences in shape, color tone, or logo placement may indicate a counterfeit product.
8. Ask for Proof of Purchase (When Buying Secondhand)
If buying from a resale marketplace, ask the seller for the original receipt, shipping confirmation, or retail box to verify authenticity. If they hesitate or give vague answers, reconsider the purchase.
Final Thoughts: When in Doubt, Walk Away
Fake On Cloud shoes may look convincing at first glance, but they often lack the performance, durability, and comfort of the real thing. Counterfeits can lead to discomfort, quicker wear-and-tear, and in some cases, even injury due to poor construction.
For peace of mind, stick with trusted sources and use this guide to confidently identify genuine On Cloud shoes. Your feet — and wallet — will thank you.
