The On Cloudflyer is often a shoe that you’ll see appearing in our lists as a go-to stability shoe. The new updates keep it firmly in that category to help with pronation and make it a great choice for those needing support while on their feet all day….but beware it’s not so plush as they promise.
Reviews for the On Cloudflyer 5 are all over the place. Some runners love them, while others find them a total miss.
I put them to the test on the treadmill, gravel trails, and even a few hours walking around to see if there’s a certain place where they really shine.
On’s shoes often wind up in the short easy run and casual shoe section of my closet (really need to get my hands on the Cloudboom Strike). Will the Cloudflyer 5 follow the same pattern? Keep reading to find out.
Who is it good for?
Who is the On Cloudflyer 5 a good fit for? Let’s break it down with some common categories:
- Wide Feet: It’s not a wide shoe, but plenty of room to wiggle your toes and you can even adjust the laces for a snug or loose fit.
- Heavier Runners: Probably not the most durable option out there.
- Long Runs: It could be a long run shoe, but you may find yourself opting for shorter miles.
- Front of the Pack: It’s a heavier shoe, do not expect to pick up the pace!
The On Cloudflyer is a traditional stability shoe with a firm feel to help correct overpronation. We think it can be a great option for some runners, but also ideal for many who stand all day and need support.
On Cloudflyer 5 Overview
At first glance, the On Cloudflyer 5 doesn’t look all that different from the previous models. But put it on, and that’s where the real magic is supposed to happen, well at least according to On.
The goal of this newer model was to provide maximum comfort with plush cushioning. But honestly, I think they might need a refresher on what plush means because that’s not how I’d describe this shoe.
One of the biggest changes is the removal of the speedboard polymer plate in the midsole. On decided to do away with this to help provide that plush feel.
Unfortunately, we just don’t agree with it being plush… maybe slightly softer than the 4. If you liked the Cloudflyer 4, chances are you’ll still be a fan of this one.
I think I’ve made it pretty clear that compared to other stability shoes, like the Asics Gel Kayano, the On Cloudflyer 5 has a firmer feel underfoot.
But if you can get past that, the overall fit is pretty comfortable.
On shoes usually run too narrow for me, and by the end of a run my feet are begging for a break. This wasn’t the case with the Cloudflyer 5.
The wider base is designed to limit inward rotation, making the Cloudflyer 5 a good option for runners who overpronate or have flexible arches.
The secure heel counter also kept my foot locked in place, preventing any unwanted movement or overpronation whether I was on the go or just standing around.
So, let’s get one thing straight before we dive into the nitty-gritty details. I actually really like this shoe. It might not crack my top three, but the On Cloudflyer 5 isn’t getting tossed into the back of my closet to collect dust like some of its On siblings.
If you’re looking for an everyday trainer or a shoe that you can wear to hit those daily steps, the On Cloudflyer 5 may be a shoe you’ll want to check out.
On Cloudflyer 5 Specs
Let’s look at some of the details:
- Weight: 8.8 oz Women’s, 10.6 oz Men’s
- Heel drop: 9 mm
- Stack height: 31 mm
- Usage: road running, daily trainer
- 5 colors available
- Not available in wide
- Available from on.com for $170
I did a few runs on lightly packed gravel trails and am happy to report that didn’t end up with any unwanted rocks. In the past, I’d always collect a few tiny rocks, but the outsole design of the Cloudflyer 5 seems to have solved that issue.
On Cloudflyer 5 Fit
I’d have to say the On Cloudflyer 5 is one of the most comfortable pairs of On running shoes that I have tried. Ok, let’s modify that by saying most comfortable in terms of how it fits, keep reading to see how I think it feels underfoot.
Right away, you’ll notice the wider base and how the molded heel counter cups your foot, giving it a locked-in feel kinda reminding me of the KURU Atom 2.
This is a pair of running shoes that you will not even need a thicker pair of socks to get that cozy feeling. Just like the On website describes, the Cloudflyer 5 gives a “foot-hugging feel” straight out of the box.
One of the updates was made to the ankle collar, which now has a more plush, secure feel. You can tell just by looking at the shoe that there’s a pillow-like cushion around the collar. Inside, a dual-density sock liner contours to your foot, adding to the overall comfort.
The other feature that I enjoyed is the gusseted tongue. It stays put no matter how much you move, and it didn’t result in any rubbing or blisters… even with my not-so-cool low rise socks.
As someone who has dealt with plantar fasciitis, the On Cloudflyer 5 didn’t cause any issues during or after my runs. The midsole paired with the Helion foam in the heel and the medial arch work together to provide a supportive, stable ride.
It’s far from a deal breaker but the laces are pretty long, but if you’re someone who likes to modify for a heel lock that’s a plus for you!
On Cloudflyer 5 Feel
When you look up this shoe on the On website, it says that it’s a plush, cushioned stability shoe. However, after putting it to the test I’m not so sure that I totally agree with them.
Sure, the upper and heel collar feel plush, but after walking and running in the Cloudflyer 5, the shoe just feels firm. There were several times during my runs when I really wished there was a little extra cushion and even bounce. Each stride just sorta felt, flat or boring?
If you’re looking for a shoe with a little more cushion paired with stability, I recommend checking out the New Balance 860v14 instead.
The midsole is made up On’s typical dual density Helion giving the forefoot and midfoot a firm feel. But the part I liked most about the Cloudflyer 5 is that extra layer of foam in the heel, which in my opinion, made up for some of the missing plushness.
The rubber of the heel extends out just a little bit to help guide the foot which is a nice feature especially if you’re someone who tends to overpronate.
While I didn’t notice it too much running, the “softer” heel was something I could immediately pick out when walking or just standing around in the shoes.
On incorporates CloudTec technology (those open pods at the bottom of the shoe) in most of its shoes to give some compression but I could hardly notice it in the Cloudflyer 5.
One common concern in a few reviews was about durability. The Cloudflyer 5’s lugs are in high wear areas, but depending on your stride, may wear down faster than expected.
As someone who runs more on the balls of my feet thanks to years of dancing, I will be curious to see how those lugs withstand the wear and tear.
Similar Shoes to On Cloudflyer 5
What’s currently out there to rival this shoe? We’ve tested a few that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit:
- Brooks Adrenaline GTS – (higher heel drop, 12mm)
- Saucony Guide – (neutral shoe that provides stability features, a little softer)
- Asics Gel Kayano – (softer cushioning)
This isn’t going to be a pair of shoes that gets lost in the back of my closet. While it may not be my first pick for runs, it’s a shoe that I’m already using basically daily for walks!
There you have our review of the On Cloudflyer 5, at the end of the day, you just have to try the shoe on for yourself to see how it feels.
Ready to run? Go check it out from on.com for $170
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