Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Brooks Ghost 17
Best for SupportOn Cloud 5
Best for TravelPrice
$130-$150
$140-$160
Summary
Brooks Ghost is a Reddit staple for walkers who need reliable support and a wide toe box. Consistently recommended alongside Hoka as one of the two dominant walking shoe picks in community discussions.
On Cloud shoes are the top pick for travelers who need all-day comfort without sacrificing style. CNET specifically calls them out for extended trips where you'll be on your feet for hours, and Reddit walking communities back this up.
Pros
- Wide toe box praised by walkers with wider feet
- Excellent cushioning for all-day comfort
- Dual-purpose: works well for both walking and running
- Consistently recommended across multiple Reddit walking threads
- Stylish enough to wear casually while still being functional for long walks
- Cushioned midsole provides comfort during extended walking
- Dual-purpose: works for both walking and light running
- Frequently recommended in travel-specific walking shoe discussions
Cons
- Some Reddit users (Saucony fans) were not impressed with Brooks
- Pricier than budget options
- Less maximalist cushioning than Hoka for those who want extreme padding
- Premium price for what some consider a lifestyle shoe
- Less cushioning than maximalist options like Hoka for very long distances
- Fit runs narrow for some users
Our take
The Ghost is the safe, smart pick — it's been a community favorite for years and the wide toe box makes it a lifesaver for anyone who's struggled to find comfortable shoes.
On Clouds are what you wear when you need a shoe that looks good at dinner but won't destroy your feet after 15,000 steps. The travel community loves them for exactly this reason.
Buy
