Alo vs. On Cloud: Which brand should you buy? [2026]

Alo specializes in luxurious, fashion-forward activewear known for its buttery-soft fabrics and sleek, minimalist aesthetic designed for both studio workouts and everyday wear. In contrast, On Cloud is a Swiss footwear brand focused on innovative running technology, primarily known for its unique CloudTec soles engineered for performance, cushioning, and responsiveness.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right athletic brand for your specific needs.

Alo: The Luxurious, Fashion-Forward Activewear Brand

Alo is a premium activewear brand that has become a staple for those who want their workout gear to perform well and look stylish enough for a post-yoga coffee run. The brand targets a fashion-conscious audience, primarily women aged 25-45, who are willing to invest in high-quality, long-lasting pieces that feel as good as they look. Their aesthetic is defined by modern cuts, subtle branding, and a focus on fabrics that are both high-performance and incredibly comfortable.

• Product mix: Alo's collection is centered around high-end activewear, including their famous leggings, sports bras, tops, and outerwear. While apparel is their primary focus, they have also expanded into footwear with options like the Alo x 01 Classic recovery sneaker.
• Price point: Alo is a mid-to-luxury brand. Expect to pay around $80-$120 for leggings, $60-$80 for bras, and over $150 for sweatshirts and outerwear.
• Quality & Materials: The brand is renowned for its proprietary fabrics like the smoothing Airlift and buttery-soft Alosoft. These materials offer excellent moisture-wicking and four-way stretch while providing a compressive yet comfortable fit.
• Style: The overall look is sleek, modern, and minimalist. Alo often releases collections in trendy, muted color palettes that are easy to mix and match.
• Sizing/Fit: Alo apparel generally fits true to size. However, some styles, particularly the high-compression leggings, can feel quite snug, so consulting their size chart is recommended for the best fit.

Alo is the ideal choice for those who want versatile, high-quality activewear that flawlessly transitions from fitness activities to daily life without sacrificing style or comfort.

Shop Alo: alo.com

On Cloud: The Leader in Innovative Running Technology

Founded in the Swiss Alps, On Cloud built its reputation on a single, game-changing idea: a running shoe that offers a perfectly cushioned landing and an explosive take-off. This is accomplished through their unique CloudTec® sole technology. The brand appeals to serious runners, athletes, and anyone leading an active lifestyle who prioritizes cutting-edge performance engineering, comfort, and a clean, modern design in their footwear.

• Product mix: On Cloud's main focus is high-performance footwear for running, training, hiking, and everyday wear. They also offer a performance-oriented apparel line, including jackets, shorts, and tops designed with the same technical precision as their shoes.
• Price point: This is a premium footwear brand, with most shoe models ranging from $130 to $180, reflecting the advanced technology and high-quality construction.
• Technology/Innovation: On’s signature feature is the CloudTec® outsole, which consists of hollow pods that compress on impact for soft cushioning and then lock to form a solid foundation for a powerful push-off.
• Quality & Materials: The shoes are known for being lightweight yet durable. They use engineered mesh for breathability and a precise fit, combined with durable foam and rubber on the outsole for longevity.
• Sizing/Fit: On Cloud shoes generally run true to size. Some runners find that certain models have a snug, athletic fit, especially in the toebox, so trying them on or reading specific model reviews is useful.

On Cloud is made for athletes who demand technical performance from their footwear and appreciate a sleek, understated style driven by function.

Shop On Cloud: on-running.com

Alo vs. On Cloud Comparison

Price Comparison

Both brands operate in the premium activewear and footwear space, but their pricing reflects their different product specializations. An Alo outfit, with leggings and a top, will likely cost between $150 and $200. A pair of On Cloud running shoes falls into a similar range, typically $130 to $180.

The value from Alo comes from the versatility and high-end feel of its apparel, which can be worn for workouts, errands, or casual lounging. For On Cloud, the value lies in the advanced running technology, orthopedic comfort, and durable construction designed for high-impact performance and longevity.

Quality & Materials

Alo's reputation is built on its luxurious, high-performance fabrics. Their signature Airlift and Alosoft materials are exceptionally soft, sweat-wicking, and provide a flattering, compressive fit. The craftsmanship is excellent, with reinforced seams made to withstand countless workouts and wash cycles.

On Cloud’s quality is rooted in Swiss engineering. Their CloudTec® sole is a clear differentiator, providing cushioning that intelligently adapts to your specific running style. Their uppers use lightweight, durable, and breathable engineered mesh, and many of their products increasingly incorporate recycled materials.

Style & Aesthetic

Style is where the two brands differ most clearly. Alo embraces a trend-driven, minimalist "studio-to-street" look. Their pieces feature modern silhouettes, muted and seasonal color palettes, and subtle branding. They're designed to look like fashionable apparel that also performs well in a workout.

On Cloud has a clean, technical aesthetic. Their designs are sleek and understated, prioritizing function over overt fashion trends. The distinctive "cloud" pods on the sole are their most recognizable design feature. The color schemes are often simple monochromatics or subtle earth tones, reinforcing their performance-first feel.

Fit & Sizing

Alo generally runs true to size, though the fit is intended to be compressive and body-hugging for support. If you're between sizes or prefer a less "held-in" feel, sizing up could be a comfortable option. It’s always best to check their size guides, as fit can vary slightly between different fabrics and styles.

On Cloud shoes also tend to fit true to size. They provide an athletic, secure lockdown, which is crucial for running. Some models might have a narrower toebox than lifestyle sneakers, so if you have wider feet, it's worth checking reviews or seeing if they offer wide-width options for your chosen model.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands acknowledge the importance of sustainability, although On Cloud appears to be further along in its integration and transparency. On Cloud frequently highlights its use of recycled materials in both shoes and packaging and is working toward reducing its carbon footprint across its supply chain.

Alo has also made strides, using eco-friendly materials and working with certified factories. However, their sustainability messaging is less central to their brand identity compared to On Cloud's focused efforts on material innovation and environmental impact.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands are excellent choices for premium athletic gear, but they serve very different primary functions.

Choose Alo if:

• Your top priority is stylish activewear that you can wear for yoga, pilates, brunch, and everything in between.
• You value luxurious, buttery-soft fabrics that feel great against the skin.
• You want apparel with a flattering, modern cut and a chic, minimalist aesthetic.
• You are investing in versatile pieces that can be a core part of both your workout and casual wardrobe.

Choose On Cloud if:

• You are a runner or athlete looking for high-performance footwear with innovative technology.
• Superior cushioning, support, and responsiveness in a shoe are your main concerns.
• You prefer a clean, technical design and prioritize function and durability in your gear.
• You are focused on improving performance in activities like running, cross-training, or long-distance walking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alo or On Cloud more expensive?

The brands occupy similar premium price points but for different product categories. A pair of On Cloud shoes costs about the same as a nice pair of Alo leggings. Overall, buying a complete workout set from Alo will be comparable in price to buying a high-end pair of On Cloud shoes.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands offer excellent quality, but their focus is different. Alo excels in creating high-end, durable, and exceptionally comfortable apparel fabrics. On Cloud's quality is demonstrated through its precision-engineered footwear technology designed for athletic performance and durability.

Does Alo sell shoes?

Yes, Alo has recently entered the footwear market with the Alo x 01 Sneaker, which is positioned as a recovery and lifestyle shoe. However, their core business and primary area of expertise remains performance apparel, whereas On Cloud is a footwear-first brand.

Does On Cloud make clothing?

Yes, On Cloud has a full line of performance apparel including running jackets, shorts, shirts, and tights. Their clothing is designed with the same technical, lightweight, and performance-driven approach as their footwear.

Is Alo sizing accurate?

Alo sizing is generally considered accurate and true to size. Just be aware that most of their pieces are designed for a close, compressive fit. If you prefer a more relaxed feel, consider sizing up.

Are On Cloud shoes only for running?

While On Cloud was originally created for runners, many of their models like the Cloud 5 and Cloudnova have become extremely popular for everyday casual wear, travel, and walking due to their comfort and stylish, modern look.

Which brand is better for yoga?

Without a doubt, Alo is the better choice for yoga. The brand was founded with yoga in mind, and their fabrics and fits are perfectly designed to move with your body through every pose.

Can I wear On Cloud shoes at the gym?

Yes, many On Cloud models are great for the gym. Their training-specific shoes, like the Cloud X 3, are designed for agility, cross-training, and HIIT workouts, providing stability and support for lateral movements.