Why the On Cloud 6 Became the Sneaker Everyone Wants

Why the On Cloud 6 Became the Sneaker Everyone Wants

Walk down the streets of today—whether it is in Europe, North America or Asia — and you’ll notice one sneaker popping up everywhere: the On Cloud 6. From students and creatives to executives and weekend runners, it seems like everyone has a pair on their feet. Yet, despite its visibility, getting your hands on the Cloud 6 is no easy task. Most stores sell out within days of restocking, making it one of the most in-demand sneakers of 2025.

But how did this Swiss-born running shoe rise from a niche performance sneaker to one of the world’s hottest lifestyle trends? The story begins in Zurich in 2010, when three friends—former professional triathlete Olivier Bernhard and his partners Caspar Coppetti and David Allemann—set out to reimagine what running could feel like. Olivier believed that shoes shouldn’t just be supportive; they should deliver the sensation of running on clouds. That dream evolved into On’s now-iconic CloudTec® cushioning system, a sole made of hollow “clouds” that compress on landing and rebound with explosive energy. What started as a performance breakthrough for runners would soon ignite a cultural shift.

The first On Cloud was launched in 2014, instantly gaining attention not just from athletes but also from city dwellers who craved all-day comfort in a sleek, versatile design. Over the years, the Cloud series evolved, with each new release pushing the boundaries of comfort, weight, and sustainability. The Cloud 5 had already turned heads, but the Cloud 6 has taken things to an entirely new level.

The Cloud 6 is the perfect storm of style, performance, and culture. Lightweight yet durable, its design speaks to the clean, minimalist aesthetic of Swiss engineering, but it’s also versatile enough to move seamlessly between the gym, the office, and the streets. At the same time, its sustainable upper—crafted with recycled materials—resonates deeply with today’s eco-conscious generation. More importantly, the shoe just feels different. Whether you’re walking around town, running errands, or heading out for a night in the city, the Cloud 6 delivers that “walking on air” sensation that keeps people coming back.

What’s fascinating, though, is how the Cloud 6 has crossed into fashion culture. No longer just the sneaker for athletes or runners, it has become the sneaker for everyone. TikTok creators flaunt it in their outfit-of-the-day videos, professionals wear it to the office with smart casual looks, and weekend shoppers pair it with relaxed streetwear fits. Its clean lines and futuristic silhouette make it camera-friendly, Instagram-worthy, and—most importantly—timeless.

And yet, despite its ubiquity, the On Cloud 6 remains elusive. Each drop disappears quickly, and sneaker fans in Singapore often find themselves chasing restocks and refreshing web pages to secure a pair. At SneakSurf Singapore, we’ve seen firsthand how demand outpaces supply—pairs that arrive in our Bugis, Funan, or Suntec stores are often gone before the weekend ends. The irony is clear: the shoe that everyone seems to be wearing is also the shoe that no one can get enough of.

In many ways, the rise of the On Cloud 6 mirrors the evolution of sneaker culture itself. Once upon a time, sneaker hype was defined only by Jordans or limited-edition collabs. Today, people want sneakers that marry performance with lifestyle, sustainability with style, and comfort with culture. The Cloud 6 checks all those boxes, and that’s why it has become one of the defining sneakers of 2025.

At SneakSurf, we’re proud to be part of that story. By bringing On Running’s most in-demand sneaker to Singapore, we’ve helped make it accessible to everyone—from the hardcore runner to the everyday sneaker lover. The Cloud 6 is more than just a shoe; it’s a movement. And while it may be hard to get, once you slip into a pair, you’ll understand exactly why it’s worth the chase.

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