The Drop Report
New Balance vs On Running Men's: Best Running Shoes for Winter Training Australia
New Balance vs On Running: Which Wins Your Winter Kilometres?
If you've laced up for an early morning run through a Melbourne or Brisbane winter lately, you'll know the drill: cold pavement, dodgy visibility, and a genuine need for a shoe that can handle wet bitumen without turning your stride into a slip-and-slide. This is peak training season for Australian runners chasing spring half marathons and fun runs, and two brands keep coming up in every group chat and Strava comment section: New Balance and On Running.
Both have built serious credibility with Australian runners over the past few years — New Balance through its heritage 9060, 1906R and 2002R retro-runner lines, and On Running through the distinctive "CloudTec" pod cushioning that made Cloudmonster and Cloudstratus household names in run clubs from Bondi to Fremantle. But which one actually deserves a spot in your winter training rotation? We put the two head-to-head across cushioning, weight, value and everyday wearability to help you decide.
Winter training in Australia throws up a specific set of demands that don't really apply the rest of the year. Shorter daylight hours push a lot of runners onto treadmills or well-lit main roads, footpaths stay damp for days after a cold front rolls through, and the temptation to skip a session because it's dark and 9 degrees outside is real. The right shoe won't fix all of that, but it can take one variable off the table — you want something that grips reliably, keeps your feet comfortable over an hour-plus session, and doesn't feel like a chore to put on at 6am. That's exactly the lens we used to compare these two brands, rather than just looking at spec sheets in isolation.
It's also worth noting that both New Balance and On Running have expanded well beyond pure performance running shoes in the past few seasons, blurring the line between training shoe and lifestyle sneaker. That crossover appeal is part of why both brands have become so popular locally — you're not just buying a running shoe, you're buying something you'll likely wear to the shops, to uni, or on the school run too.
A quick note before we dive in: LUZActive is an independent multi-brand retailer stocking New Balance, On Running and other major sports brands — we are not an official partner, distributor or affiliate of either brand. Every price below is pulled live from our current LUZActive product catalogue in AUD, and already includes GST and duties under our Landed Price Guarantee, so what you see is what you pay at checkout with no import surprises.
Quick Verdict
New Balance wins on retro style, everyday comfort and value at the lower end of the range, while On Running wins on distinctive rebound cushioning and lightweight performance for tempo and race-pace work. If you want one shoe that looks as good with jeans as it does on a treadmill, go New Balance; if you're chasing PBs and want a shoe engineered purely for the run, On Running's CloudTec range is hard to beat.
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Brand Overview
New Balance
New Balance has been building running shoes in the US and UK since 1906, and that heritage shows up everywhere in its current lineup. The brand's retro-inspired running silhouettes — think the 9060, 1906R and 2002R — have exploded in popularity across Australia over the past two winters, driven as much by streetwear culture as by genuine performance credentials. New Balance leans on ABZORB cushioning and supportive, true-to-size lasts that suit runners who want a stable, planted feel underfoot.
On Running
Founded in Switzerland in 2010 by former professional triathlete Olivier Bernhard, On Running built its reputation on CloudTec: a sole made of individual rubber "clouds" that compress on impact and firm up for push-off. The result is a shoe that feels notably light and springy, which is why On has become a fixture in Australian run clubs and among triathletes training through the cooler months. On's Cloudmonster, Cloudstratus and Cloudsurfer lines each target a different point on the cushioning-to-speed spectrum.
What sets On apart from most of the field is how deliberately engineered each silhouette feels for a specific job. The Cloudmonster is built as a maximalist daily trainer with a rockered sole designed to smooth out your stride over long, easy efforts. The Cloudstratus 3 dials up support and stability for runners who want a bit more structure underfoot. The Cloudsurfer Next sits at the premium end of the range, aimed at runners who want a race-ready feel without stepping down to a dedicated carbon-plated racer. That range of purpose-built options is part of why On commands a slightly higher average price point than New Balance across this comparison.
Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Feature | New Balance (9060 / 1906R) | On Running (Cloudmonster / Cloudstratus 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Price (AUD) | From $224.40 (9060) to $282.50 (1906R) | From $171.81 (Cloudmonster / Cloudstratus 3) to $299.10 (Cloudsurfer Next) |
| Weight feel | Slightly heavier, planted, stable underfoot | Noticeably lighter, springy, energetic toe-off |
| Cushioning | ABZORB foam — plush, forgiving, great for long easy kays | CloudTec pods — reactive, bouncy, built for tempo and speed work |
| Best for | Daily trainers, retro style, wide/stable feet | Tempo runs, race day, runners wanting a lighter ride |
| LUZActive availability | New Balance Men's collection — multiple colourways in stock | On Running Men's collection — multiple colourways in stock |
Both brands run true to size for most Australian runners, though New Balance's roomier toe box tends to suit wider feet better, while On's precision-engineered upper favours a snugger, race-ready fit.
Durability, Outsole Grip and Fit Notes
Outsole compound matters more than most runners realise, particularly through an Australian winter when footpaths and bike paths stay slick for days after rain. New Balance's rubber outsoles on the 9060 and 1906R are built with everyday durability front of mind — expect them to hold up well across a mix of running and casual wear without showing premature wear on the heel strike zone. On Running's CloudTec pods are more specialised: the individual cloud segments give excellent traction on dry and lightly damp pavement, but because the sole is segmented rather than a single continuous slab of rubber, some runners find debris like small stones can lodge between the pods on gravel paths or unsealed trails.
On the fit side, it's worth trying both in-store if you can, particularly if you've had width issues with performance running shoes before. New Balance's running heritage lasts tend to accommodate a wider forefoot without needing to size up, while On's narrower, more structured upper is designed around a snugger, more locked-down fit that some runners find takes a run or two to fully break in.
Breathability is another point worth flagging for Australian conditions, particularly if you're running through a humid Brisbane or Darwin winter rather than a cold, dry Melbourne one. New Balance's mesh uppers on the 9060 and 1000 prioritise airflow, which is a genuine advantage on muggy mornings, while On's more structured knit upper on the Cloudmonster and Cloudswift trades a little breathability for a more locked-in, supportive feel. Neither is a dealbreaker, but it's worth considering alongside where in Australia you're actually doing most of your training.
Who Should Buy New Balance
- You want a shoe that transitions seamlessly from a Sunday long run to a coffee catch-up afterwards
- You have wider feet or prefer a roomier, more accommodating toe box
- You're chasing that '90s/'00s retro running silhouette that's dominating Australian streetwear right now
- You want maximum cushioning for high-mileage weeks through a Brisbane or Adelaide winter
- You're after strong value at the lower end of the price range, particularly with the 9060
Who Should Buy On Running
- You're training for a spring half marathon or marathon and want a lighter, more responsive daily trainer
- You care about a distinctive, technical aesthetic that stands out from typical running shoe silhouettes
- You want a shoe built specifically for running performance rather than lifestyle crossover
- You're a triathlete or interval-session runner who values quick transitions and reactive cushioning
- You don't mind paying a premium for Swiss engineering and a narrower, more locked-in fit
AUD Pricing (Live from LUZActive)
Pulled directly from the LUZActive catalogue at time of writing, all prices in AUD and GST/duty-inclusive under our Landed Price Guarantee:
- New Balance 9060: from $224.40 AUD
- New Balance 1906R: from $265.90 AUD (up to $282.50 AUD depending on colourway)
- New Balance 2002R: from $160.36 AUD
- New Balance 1000: from $125.99 AUD
- On Cloudmonster: from $171.81 AUD
- On Cloudstratus 3: from $171.81 AUD
- On Cloudswift: from $207.80 AUD
- On Cloudsurfer Next: from $299.10 AUD
Because stock and colourways shift regularly, use the "Check Availability" links below to see current sizing before you buy rather than relying on any stock counts mentioned here.
Worth noting: the price gap between the entry-level and flagship model within each brand is significant — a New Balance 1000 at $125.99 AUD and a 1906R at $282.50 AUD are built for quite different purposes despite sharing a logo, and the same logic applies across On's range from the Cloudmonster through to the Cloudsurfer Next. If budget is your main constraint, don't assume the cheapest option in a brand's lineup is automatically the weaker running shoe; in New Balance's case, the 9060 in particular punches well above its price point for daily training.
Shop the Range
Ready to pick your winter trainer? Browse the full ranges below:
- Shop New Balance Men's — Check Availability
- Shop On Running Men's — Check Availability
- Shop All Men's Running Shoes — Check Availability
Not sure where to start? Check out our previous comparisons: ASICS vs New Balance Running Shoes, On Running vs Nike: Best Running Shoes in Australia, and New Balance vs ASICS: Best Running Shoes in Australia for more brand match-ups.
The Bottom Line for This Winter
Neither brand is objectively "better" across the board — it genuinely comes down to what you're training for and how much you care about doubling your shoe up as everyday footwear. If your winter mileage is mostly easy, conversational-pace running and you want a shoe that looks just as good on a Sunday brunch run as it does on the treadmill, the New Balance 9060 or 1906R will serve you well and won't dent your wallet as hard. If you're building towards a spring race and want every session to feel purposeful, On Running's Cloudstratus 3 or Cloudmonster bring a noticeably livelier ride that a lot of Australian runners genuinely prefer once their legs adapt to it. Whichever you choose, both are solid, well-reviewed options backed by real running pedigree rather than pure marketing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Balance or On Running better for marathon training in Australia?
For high-mileage marathon blocks, New Balance's ABZORB cushioning in the 9060 tends to feel more forgiving over long, slow kilometres, while On Running's Cloudstratus 3 offers a firmer, more responsive ride that some runners prefer for tempo and race-pace sessions. Many Australian marathoners actually rotate between the two — a plush New Balance for recovery runs and an On Running shoe for quality sessions.
Which brand runs true to size, New Balance or On Running?
New Balance generally runs true to size with a roomier toe box, which suits wider Australian feet. On Running's fit is more precision-engineered and can feel slightly narrower, so if you're between sizes, it's worth checking the size guide or trying both in-store before committing.
Are On Running shoes good for wet Australian winter conditions?
On's CloudTec outsoles generally provide solid grip on wet pavement, though neither brand's road-running silhouettes are designed as dedicated trail or wet-weather shoes. For consistently wet Melbourne or Tasmanian winter runs, pair either shoe with care on painted surfaces and tram tracks, which stay slippery regardless of shoe brand. If you're regularly running on genuinely wet or muddy trails rather than sealed paths, it's worth looking at a dedicated trail-specific shoe from either brand instead of the road-focused models covered in this comparison.
Is the New Balance 9060 or On Cloudmonster better value?
At $224.40 AUD, the New Balance 9060 sits below the On Cloudmonster's typical retail pricing while offering comparable maximalist cushioning, making it the stronger value pick if budget is your main driver. That said, the Cloudmonster's distinctive CloudTec ride is hard to replicate, so "value" ultimately depends on whether you're prioritising price or feel.
Can I wear New Balance or On Running shoes for everyday casual wear, not just running?
Yes — this is actually where New Balance has the edge. Its retro silhouettes like the 1906R and 2002R are designed with as much attention to streetwear appeal as performance, so they hold up well as everyday sneakers. On Running's shoes lean more technical and performance-first, though the Cloud 6 and Cloudswift both work fine as casual trainers too.