Alo Runner vs. On Cloud: Which one is better?

Alo specializes in luxury, fashion-forward activewear designed for seamless comfort from the yoga studio to the street, while On is a performance-focused Swiss footwear brand renowned for its innovative CloudTec cushioning technology engineered for runners. The primary difference is their core focus: Alo prioritizes stylish, versatile apparel with high-quality fabrics, whereas On prioritizes cutting-edge technology and comfort in running shoes.

Let's explore everything you need to know to choose the right gear for your fitness and lifestyle needs.

Alo: The Fashion-Forward Athleisure Brand

Alo is a premium activewear brand that masterfully blends high-performance functionality with contemporary fashion. It caters to individuals who demand versatile clothing suitable for yoga, workouts, and daily life without sacrificing style. Renowned for its buttery-soft fabrics and flattering silhouettes, Alo has cultivated a loyal following among fitness enthusiasts and fashion-conscious consumers who value both looks and performance.

• Product Mix: Alo's collection includes a wide range of leggings, sports bras, tanks, hoodies, and jackets. Their designs are optimized for yoga and studio workouts but are versatile enough for running, training, and everyday wear.
• Price Point: Pieces are positioned in the mid-to-luxury market. Expect to pay between $80 to $150 for core items like leggings and sports bras, with outerwear priced higher.
• Quality & Materials: Alo uses high-quality, signature fabrics like their Airlift and Alosoft blends, known for being moisture-wicking, offering four-way stretch, and having an incredibly soft feel. The brand often incorporates sustainable and recycled materials into their garments.
• Style & Aesthetic: The overall look is modern, minimalist, and chic. Designs often feature muted tones, sleek lines, and subtle branding, perfectly embodying the "studio-to-street" ethos.
• Sizing/Fit: Garments generally run true to size, offering a snug yet comfortable and supportive fit designed to move with your body. Sizing typically ranges from XS to XL.
• Return Policy: Alo offers a flexible 30-day return policy for unworn items with tags attached, making it easy to find your perfect fit online.

Alo delivers stylish, luxury activewear that performs well during workouts and looks great as casual wear, defined by its premium fabrics and flattering designs.

Shop Alo: alo.com

On: The Leader in Performance Running Technology

On is a Swiss-based brand that has quickly become a leader in performance footwear by focusing on a single, transformative idea: cushioned landing, explosive take-off. Their proprietary CloudTec sole is instantly recognizable and delivers a unique running experience beloved by everyone from casual joggers to elite athletes. On engineering combines cutting-edge technology with clean, minimalist design for footwear that performs at the highest level.

• Product Mix: On specializes in running and training shoes but also offers a line of casual sneakers and outdoor footwear. Their apparel line is growing, but their primary focus remains on performance shoes.
• Price Point: Positioned as premium performance footwear, On shoes typically range from $120 to $180, reflecting their advanced technology and high-quality construction.
• Technology/Innovation: The brand's cornerstone is its CloudTec technology - hollow sole pods that collapse to absorb impact and then lock to form a solid foundation for a powerful push-off. This is often paired with a Speedboard plate for enhanced energy return.
• Quality & Materials: Shoes feature lightweight and breathable engineered mesh uppers, combined with durable EVA and rubber compounds in the sole for longevity and grip. On also incorporates recycled materials to advance its sustainability goals.
• Style & Aesthetic: The look is streamlined, modern, and sporty. On shoes are characterized by their clean silhouettes, minimalist branding, and a functional yet stylish design that works well both on a run and for daily wear.
• Sizing/Fit: On shoes generally fit true to size, though the engineered upper can provide a snug, secure feel. Consulting their sizing guides or trying them on in-store is recommended for a precise fit.

On excels in creating technologically advanced footwear that provides a unique blend of cushioning and responsiveness, making it a top choice for dedicated runners and those who prioritize comfort.

Shop On: on-running.com

Alo vs. On Comparison

Price Comparison

Both Alo and On operate in the premium market, but their products serve different needs. Alo’s core apparel, like leggings and bras, ranges from $80-$150, which is a significant investment for activewear. By contrast, a pair of On running shoes falls into the $120-$180 range, a standard price point for high-performance, technologically advanced footwear.

The value proposition is different for each. With Alo, you're paying for luxurious fabrics, meticulous construction, and a fashion-forward design that offers versatility beyond the gym. With On, the price reflects the investment in research and development for its proprietary CloudTec sole and performance-enhancing features. Your choice depends on whether your priority is investing in high-end apparel or advanced footwear.

Quality & Materials

Alo's reputation is built on its superior fabrics. Materials like their Airlift fabric provide a second-skin feel that sculpts and supports, while Alosoft offers a velvety, plush texture perfect for lounging or low-impact activities. Durability is a key focus, with garments holding their shape and color through repeated washing and wear.

On's quality is centered on performance engineering. Uppers are made from lightweight, breathable, and often seamless mesh that secures the foot without causing irritation. The star of the show, the CloudTec sole, is crafted from a durable yet lightweight foam compound designed to withstand thousands of impacts while maintaining its responsive properties.

Style & Aesthetic

Alo embodies the modern athleisure aesthetic. Their designs are sleek, chic, and minimalistic, making their pieces look just as appropriate at brunch as they do in a yoga class. The fit is intentionally flattering, designed to contour the body and create clean lines.

On has a distinctly technical and modern European look. The design is clean, a bit sporty, and often recognized from a distance by the unique pods on the sole. It's a style that communicates function and performance without being loud or overtly branded, which has helped it gain popularity as a stylish everyday sneaker in addition to a running shoe.

Fit & Sizing

Alo activewear is designed to fit close to the body and is reliably true to size. The high elastane content in most of their fabrics ensures a compressive yet comfortable fit that moves well without stretching out. If you're between sizes, you can typically size down for more compression or up for a more relaxed fit.

On running shoes are known for fitting true to size with a secure, locked-in feel. The structured heel and engineered mesh hug the foot, which is ideal for performance but may feel snug to some. Trying them on is beneficial, especially if you have wider feet, to ensure the fit is just right for your needs.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable practices. Alo uses recycled and eco-friendly materials in many of its products and adheres to ethical manufacturing standards in its factories. They prioritize reducing their environmental impact throughout their production process.

Sustainability is also a core part of On's mission. The brand actively incorporates recycled polyester and other eco-conscious materials into its footwear and apparel. They are also innovating with programs like their Cyclon subscription service, which offers a fully recyclable running shoe made from bio-based materials.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, since one is primarily an apparel brand and the other is a footwear brand, the choice isn't just about preference - it's about need. But within that, they cater to different priorities.

Choose Alo if:

• You're looking for premium, stylish yoga, and workout clothing.
• You want versatile activewear that transitions perfectly from the gym to everyday life.
• Luxurious-feeling fabrics and a flattering, body-contouring fit are your top priorities.
• Your aesthetic is modern, chic, and minimalistic.

Choose On if:

• You need high-performance running shoes with innovative cushioning and responsiveness.
• You are a runner or athlete looking for footwear technology to support your training.
• You prioritize a lightweight feel and explosive take-off in your running stride.
• You want a stylish, tech-forward sneaker for both performance and casual wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alo or On more expensive?

Both operate in the premium category, but it's hard to compare them directly as one sells apparel and the other footwear. Alo's clothing, typically $80-$150 an item, can feel pricey for activewear, while On's shoes ($120-$180) are competitively priced within the high-performance running shoe market.

Does Alo make running shoes?

Yes, Alo recently launched its first running shoe, the Alo x 01, expanding beyond its apparel focus. However, the shoe is new to the market, whereas On is an established footwear brand with years of specialized research and a wide range of running models.

Does On sell apparel?

Yes, On offers a full line of performance apparel, including shorts, tops, jackets, and leggings. It's designed with the same minimalist, high-tech approach as their shoes, but their brand recognition is still primarily centered on footwear.

Can you use On shoes for things other than running?

Absolutely. Many On models, like the Cloud 5 and Cloudnova, are extremely popular for everyday wear, walking, and cross-training due to their exceptional comfort and stylish design. They also offer specific models for hiking and training.

Is Alo's activewear good for high-intensity workouts?

Yes, many pieces from Alo, particularly from their compressive Airlift collection, are excellent for high-intensity training. The fabrics are sweat-wicking and supportive, providing the performance needed for intense activity.

Which On model is best for everyday wear?

The On Cloud 5 is widely considered one of the best for everyday casual wear. It's known for its lightweight comfort, easy step-in feel, and versatile style that pairs well with almost any outfit.

Is Alo clothing worth the investment?

For those who prioritize fabric feel, a fashionable aesthetic, and a durable, flattering fit, Alo is often considered a worthy investment. The pieces are well-made and maintain their shape, making them a lasting part of your activewear wardrobe.

How is sizing for Alo compared to other brands like Lululemon?

Alo's sizing is generally comparable to other premium activewear brands like Lululemon, running true to size. The main difference often comes down to the fit and feel of their unique fabrics rather than a significant difference in sizing charts.