My first impression of the On Cloud X Tempo was that it felt pretty different from the running shoes I normally reach for.
It was firmer, a little heavier, and not quite as comfortable right out of the box as the softer, bouncier shoes I typically prefer. After putting about 20 miles on them, though, I appreciate the shoes a lot more when I look at what they were actually designed to do.
The Cloud X Tempo is made for hybrid training and mixed workouts, so once I started using it that way, I appreciated it a lot more.
If you’re looking strictly for a running shoe, this probably wouldn’t be my first recommendation.
But if you want one shoe that can handle some miles, a strength workout, or anything else you’re doing at the gym, then I think the Cloud X Tempo is a great option.
The firmer feel that I don’t necessarily love for longer runs actually becomes one of the shoe’s strengths when you’re using it for other types of training.
Who Is It Good For?
- Wide Feet: The toe box felt pretty neutral to me, maybe a touch on the narrow side. The shoe slips on like a sock and creates a secure fit around the ankle. I could also see the sock-like style opening making the shoe a little harder to get on if you have a wider foot.
- Heavier Runners: I think there is plenty of support underfoot for a heavier runner, especially for shorter runs and gym workouts. It’s a sturdy shoe and feels very planted.
- Long Runs: Personally, no. My longest run in the Cloud X Tempo was 6 miles, and they felt fairly comfortable, but I would grab my softer shoes for more miles. I could see taking these up to 8 or maybe 10 miles, but it depends on your preference.
- Front of the Pack: Not for hard workouts or racing. I tested them down to a 6:00 pace during strides, and they can certainly handle faster running, but they don’t have the pop or energy return I want when I’m trying to run fast.
This shoe is great for someone who has a lot of variety in their training. I think it makes the most sense for hybrid athletes, HYROX-style training, boot camp classes, short runs followed by lifting, and anyone who wants one shoe that can handle their entire gym session.
On Cloud X Tempo Overview
I’ve run about 20 miles in the On Cloud X Tempo so far, including easy runs, strides, and one interval workout. My longest run was 6 miles, and I’ve tested them at everything from about 8:30 to 9:00 pace down to around 6:00 pace during strides.
I’ve also worn them walking around and for strength training.
My first impression was that this wasn’t the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn. It felt a bit firm and heavier than a lot of my other daily trainers. I normally like having more foam under my feet and prefer that softer, bouncier feeling with more energy return.
For easy running, though, they felt good. I didn’t have any issues during my 6-mile run, and I think that easier pace is where I preferred running in them.
Going faster was a different story. I used them for strides and some 2-minute moderate intervals, and while they were completely capable of picking up the pace, they felt heavy.
During one interval workout, I actually switched into the Hoka Cielo 3 partway through, and the difference was pretty significant. I immediately felt lighter and faster.
Obviously, the Cielo 3 is a completely different type of shoe, so that’s not a fair comparison. However, it did make it pretty clear to me that the Cloud X Tempo isn’t a shoe I would choose when speed is the priority.
I think the Cloud X Tempo makes the most sense when running is only one part of your workout.
I tested them for strength training as well, and the firmer feel was a benefit here. I felt much more stable than I would in a soft running shoe like my Brooks Glycerin or Saucony Triumph 24.
On Cloud X Tempo Specifications
- Brand: On
- Usage: Lifting Shoes
- Weight: 8.8 oz Women’s, 10.8 oz Men’s
- Stack Height: 32 mm
- Heel Drop: 8 mm
- Not available in wide
- Available in 4 colors
- Buy at on.com for $180
I tested the Ivory/Ice color. I really like the way these shoes look, especially for the gym. They’re clean and sharp and would also be easy to wear casually.
The downside is that white running shoes and outdoor running aren’t always the best combination. They get dirty quickly, so I will likely save these for the gym, treadmill, travel, and shorter outdoor runs when the weather is good.
Quick Take
Pros
- Versatile for running and strength training
- Stable and secure underfoot
- Sock style upper keeps the foot locked in
Cons
- Firmer and heavier than I personally prefer for running
- Not much energy return at faster paces
- Higher collar may cause rubbing around the ankle with lower socks
On Cloud X Tempo Fit
Length: True-to-size
Width: Narrow heel
Toe Box: Narrow
Arch: Mid
Volume: Low
I tested my normal women’s size 8.5 and found the Cloud X Tempo to be true to size.
The toe box felt pretty neutral. I didn’t notice any pressure on my toes, but I also wouldn’t describe it as a roomy toe box.
In the midfoot and arch, I didn’t notice any aggressive arch support or pressure through the middle of my foot. It felt like a natural fit.
One of the more unique parts of the Cloud X Tempo is the upper. There isn’t really a traditional tongue. Instead, the tongue and collar are all connected, so you pull the shoe onto your foot like a sock.
The perk to this sock-like style is that the tongue can’t slide around, and once your foot is inside, everything feels very secure.
I didn’t have to firmly tighten the laces to keep my foot from moving, and my heel stayed locked in without any slipping.
However, because of the height of the collar, I could feel the shoe rubbing the inside and outside of my ankle as well as the back near my Achilles. It has not caused a blister so far, but with ankle socks and more miles, I could see this becoming an issue. This could be different for you based on the shape/height of your ankle and foot.
The sock-style make of this shoe is also one reason I might hesitate to recommend these for someone with a very wide foot. They were easy for me to get on, but I could see the opening being more difficult with a wider foot.
On Cloud X Tempo Feel
If I had to describe the Cloud X Tempo in two words, I would say firm & sturdy.
At an easy pace, I didn’t mind the firmer feel. Once I started picking up the pace, I noticed the weight and firmness more. Strides felt fine, and the shoe was perfectly capable of handling 2-minute moderate intervals, but wouldn’t be my first choice for a hard running workout.
The benefit of the firmness is stability. I feel very planted in the Cloud X Tempo, and I noticed that it handled lateral movement better than my normal running shoes, which is what really makes this shoe stand out.
For a workout where you’re moving between the treadmill, weights, lunges, and other gym exercises, I would much rather have the firmer platform of the Cloud X Tempo than the soft foam of one of my everyday running shoes.
The upper also feels a little less breathable than a traditional running shoe or racing shoe. I tested the Cloud X Tempo in pretty mild temperatures and never felt overly hot, so it wasn’t an issue for me. I could see them feeling a little warmer on a hot day simply because there is more material around the foot.
Traction has been completely fine. I haven’t tested them on wet pavement, but I didn’t notice any slipping or problems taking turns.
After about 20 miles, durability also seems promising. These feel like a pretty sturdy shoe, and between the firmer construction and substantial outsole, I expect them to hold up well.
Similar Shoes to the On Cloud X Tempo
Our team has tested a variety of hybrid shoes; here are a few other similar shoes:
- Brooks Ghost – The firmness is probably closest to something like the Brooks Ghost, although the Cloud X Tempo feels sturdier and more substantial underfoot. It also feels more stable for movements outside of running.
- Brooks Glycerin – The Glycerin is considerably softer and more cushioned. The Cloud X Tempo gives up some of that softness in exchange for a more stable platform.
- Saucony Triumph 24 – The Triumph 24 also has a softer feel underfoot and would be my preference for longer runs. The Cloud X Tempo makes more sense if your workout includes more than just running.
Our Verdict
The On Cloud X Tempo isn’t a traditional running shoe, and that’s the point. It’s firm, sturdy, and built for runners who want one pair that can handle a few miles on the treadmill, a strength session, and everything in between.
Speed and long runs aren’t its strong suit, but stability and versatility are.
I don’t think any of these are perfect comparisons because the Cloud X Tempo is really doing something different. If you’re looking strictly for a running shoe, I would lean toward a traditional daily trainer. If you’re looking for one shoe that can handle running and the rest of your workout, the Cloud X Tempo becomes a great option.
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