On Cloudflow

Name: On Cloudflow Performance Review
Uploaded: 2021-07-15
Description: The On Cloudflow is a super attractive running shoe made for neutral wearers. Its pros outweigh its cons by a mile and the shoe is

Editor rating: 9.1 / 10

User's rating: based on 15 user ratings

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By Steph Coelho

All On Shoes

On Cloudflow Review Facts

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The On Cloudflow is a super attractive running shoe made for neutral wearers. Its pros outweigh its cons by a mile and the shoe is well worth its price tag. The trainer is the perfect lightweight option for shorter, faster efforts. Looking forward to a spring 5K but starting to feel like your current shoes are nearing the end of their life? The Cloudflow might be worth considering for your next short distance race or as a dedicated speedwork shoe. It’s got the perfect combination of features for runners looking to go fast. A little bit of cushioning provides protection and a flexible, responsive design makes toeing-off feel like second nature. The eye-catching design helps make the Flow an even more attractive option. The shoe only needs a few tweaks to make it perfect. A grippier outsole would help with traction, and smaller openings would reduce the potential for crud build-up in the hollowed out pods. Other than that? There’s not much wrong with this shoe. It’s up to you to try it out, of course, and see whether it works for you. But the On shoe is ready to perform right out of the box.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

Comfortable
Great impact protection
Super lightweight
Attractive colorways
Quality construction
Responsive
Flexible

Cons

Outsole pods are a debris magnet
Traction could be improved

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What are buyers saying?

We have spent 3.5 hours analyzing a total of 690 reviews.

These reviews are then categoried into "Positive" and "Negative" feedback.

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive

These give me great support, I highly recommend these for local road runs but I have tried them on the trail and they are fine apart from at times picking up rocks with the sole because of the design. The cushion is compensated for by the sole pods and these are very comfortable and responsive. The uppers give lots of breathabilities and also keep out dirt, the tongue can be distracting but settled down after I broke in the shoe.
The things I love in this shoe are the very comfortable arch supports, the pods do make for a different run, feels comfortable, the shoe gives very good structural support and this design works well for me while running firm surfaces but a bit slippery on wet grass.
Very nice feel to these while I run, the comfort level is very high, breathability is exceptionally good, my feet never feel clammy or too warm. I can feel solid structural support and no hotspots. Seriously good shoe.
Perfect, good on my knees and ankles, not as elevated as the appearance suggests, zero side motion, I have been putting in the miles in these without any problems, like the level of breathability designed into the upper. The shoe is proving to be durable, so far.
For me I focus first on good space in the toe box and these shoes give this, the main shoe holds comfortable on my feet while my toes are free from rubbing, the shoe does not feel cushioned and yet I still get a sense of cushion. Breathability is enough for me to keep dry feet. Like the welded designs in the upper because this avoids friction. Nice pair of pricey shoes.
These are great for running, very nice overall feel in terms of support, stability and my feet do not get sweaty and clammy, first time to use these pod style cushions and things do seem good. Nice looking shoe, good for running and fine as a casual shoe.
These are beyond comfortable, in fact, I have run three marathons in these without a single problem, the pods perform exceptionally well, for distance running I love the fact my feet retain being dry and comfortable. The shoe structure does give stability and no side motions while I run.
This approach to cushioning for the underfoot is stellar, especially for runs averaging around 3 miles. Everything about this shoe gives me good performance, any downsides? Just one. When running on wet surfaces I get a squeaking sound from the soles?
I have found that the shoe design is smart and helps to keep form when feeling tired, the soles are nice and these pods offer suitable cushion and response, the heel area is solid but just a little heavy, very good for pavements, parks and light trail running but watch out, sometimes the sole will pick up small stones.

Negative

I end up fighting with this shoe, the trails around here have a lot of tiny stones and this shoe is determined to pick up these stones and it means constantly stopping to remove them. The pods are a cool idea but the design was not fully thought through to prevent issues that can happen. One other point, watch out on wet surfaces, these can suddenly slip when you least expect.
I have not put in many miles, I see that the rubber pattern on each cloud pod is already showing seriously high wear, I don’t know if this is because of my local running surfaces or a shoe issue. Another negative is the tongue, the edges of the tongue cause friction while breaking in the shoe and can actually break the skin. I want to like the shoe but I need time. So far I’m feeling unimpressed.
First time out in these they sliced my ankle skin open, I decided it was a fluke, I used a rough style sponge to rub away the edges of the tongues, it did not solve the issue, both ankles got damaged. Another absolutely annoying feature is the way the sole collects gravel and small stones. I’m going to knock these on the head, too problematic and the design attracts the eye because it’s a new style but it’s not planned properly.
months down the line and not a ton of miles either, a loop broke, it moves out of position and causes discomfort and then another broke and this loop flaps about while running or walking, given how much these cost this is not acceptable.
In just a few months the rubber tube blew, though the design offers cushion it is not durable enough to hold together, the design looks interesting but bounce back is lost and this makes a run harder. Stability is questionable and I hate the squeaking from the sole whenever the ground is wet.

8.9

Outsole

The outsole of this shoe features ClouTec rubber. This material covers those snazzy looking hollow pods that are visible via the shoe's side profile. The rubber provides traction and those pods provide a generous dose of energy-return. There are an impressive 18 CloudTec pods underfoot, which deliver an extra bit of cushion and superior rebound. The traction on the Cloudflow isn't stellar, but it's good enough that it doesn't bring the whole shoe down. Reviewers thought grip could be improved, but it didn't reduce their love for the shoe. Some users also pointed out another tiny annoyance with the Cloudflow. The outsole pods are a debris magnet. They pick up dirt like nobody's business and dirt doesn't easily fall off or out of the pods.

Midsole

The midsole of the Cloudflow is made up of Zero-Gravity EVA foam. A bouncy, comfortable foam that absorbs the forces of impact when running. It's not a super generous helping of cushioning, the shoe is designed for short distance efforts after all, but reviewers were pleased with the feel and performance of the midsole. They appreciated the softness of the foam and felt that it was durable enough for its intended purpose.

Upper

The On brand shoes upper is made of a Mesh-Weave construction. This upper delivers in many ways. It's breathable, supportive, and even features an anti-microbial layer to prevent smells from building up. Inside the shoe, you're in for a treat. The sock-like wrap makes it feel like you're just slipping on your favorite pair of footy pajamas. Reviewers loved the lightweight feel of the upper, its attractive design, and its ability to ventilate exceptionally well. Reviewers liked the length of the laces on this shoe, but some complained that they were thin and easily untied on their own. This seems to be a common issue with this shoe brand. The thin laces look great, but they're not at all functional. A few reviewers also had issues with the sizing of the shoe.

Weight

The neutral trainer is a relatively lightweight shoe. Reviewers seemed to agree that the shoe felt incredibly lightweight. The Cloudflow is meant for shorter distance efforts, so it's no surprise that its paired down and uncomplicated design makes for an air-like feel on a run. The women's version weighs about 6.7 ounces and the men's a little heavier at 7.76 ounces.

Breathability

The shoe is super breathable thanks to its lightweight upper covering. The weave design ensures that air goes in and out of the shoe easily. Reviewers appreciated the thin construction of the upper commenting on its lightness and durability. The Mesh-Weave ventilates super well and the sock-like design of the interior of the shoe fits just right without offering too tight a wrap.

Comfort

Reviewers loved the Cloudflow, especially because of how comfortable it is. The combination of 18 CloudTec outsole pods and a Zero-Gravity EVA foam midsole make for a wildly smooth ride. The Speedboard technology in the shoe also helps to promote a smooth ride. The design is flexible, too, so movement feels natural. A few reviewers had issues with the sizing of the shoe and were stuck having to size up or down, but that's a common occurrence with running shoes of all types and brands.

Style

This is one good-looking shoe. The Cloudflow features a sleek upper design with an attractive contrasting two-toned midsole. It's available in a variety of colorways so there's something for everyone. The gorgeous color options seem to have been handpicked to evoke a feeling of speed. For men, the shoe is available in grey & orange, blue & neon, black & grey, orange & grey, dark blue & neon, and dark blue. For women, the shoe comes in a light blue ombre, fuschia & red, teal & orange, black & white, navy & aqua, and peach & dark grey. Reviewers raved about the attractive design of the trainer and loved that there were plenty of colors to choose from.

Durability

Durability shouldn't be a concern with this On shoe. It's well-built, made with quality materials, and each part of the shoe is made to last. You wouldn't run in it for longer distances, but that's mainly due to the lower level of cushioning. The upper is ultra-breathable but sturdy. The midsole cushioning protects well from impact and will keep doing so for a while. The outsole's pods are covered with a resistant rubber material and won't easily break down or crack open.

Protection

The Cloudflow provides protection in many ways. Its midsole cushioning is a prime example. The shoe is made for shorter distance efforts, but that doesn't mean you get a flimsy midsole without protection. The Zero-Gravity EVA offers a layer of padding in between you and hard surfaces to keep your body from experiencing too much aftershock with each step. Reviewers loved the cushioning in this shoe and found it made running fast a little easier on the body. The upper and outsole also have protective properties. The upper is durable but very breathable to ensure users stay at a comfortable temperature. The outsole CloudTec pods add a bit of extra protection underfoot, too.

Responsiveness

This shoe is very responsive thanks to its 18 CloudTec pods. The pods are like little air pockets of energy and help users propel up and forward on their runs. The Zero-Gravity EVA midsole cushioning provides energy-return as well. Reviewers loved how responsive the shoe was. It's a great choice for faster efforts because of its responsive design. The shoe even features a Speedboard technology, which helps with the user's transition from heel to toe, and lift-off.

Support

When it comes to support, the On shoe provides just enough for neutral wearers thanks to a snug Mesh-Weave upper with a sock-like interior wrap. The cushioning is supportive, too. The Zero-Gravity EVA midsole material is comfortable but not without a bit of rigidity to give users the right amount of support. Reviewers were happy with the Clouflow's supportive construction and found the shoe good enough for plenty of short distance running.

Terrain

The On Cloudflow is not a good candidate for trail running. It's a road shoe through and through. The pods are pretty notorious for picking up dirt and mud even on non-trail surfaces. Hit the trails with these and expect to pick up a serious amount of extra gunk, adding weight and instability to your ride. Keep to the roads for a smooth, effortless, and speedy ride with this trainer.

Price

Reviewers were quick to say that although the shoe does have a pretty high price tag, it was well worth the money. It's nearly perfect, save for a slightly slippery outsole and its dirt-attracting pods. Reviewers didn't put much weight on those negatives, though, and seemed to think that those two issues were not at all dealbreakers. The price reflects the quality of the shoe. A shoe that's comfortable, provide enough cushioning for its intended purpose, is light, and not to mention looks great, too.

Traction

This is one area where the Cloudflow could definitely improve on. The outsole is covered with a resistant material to protect the pods, but the design stops there and doesn't provide enough texture in the outsole to provide stand out grip. Reviewers pointed out this issue but didn't seem to harp too much on it. There's enough grip underfoot for most instances of running. Runners just need to be careful when things get a bit more slippery outdoors.

Flexibility

The upper, made of a Mesh-Weave material, is super flexible, which reviewers liked. The shoe itself also provides some flex and in combination with the Speedboard technology helps to provide a responsive, natural feeling ride. Movement from heel to toe feels snappy, and users were able to get a sufficiently quick transition and toe-off thanks to the shoe's design. This construction, in tandem with the shoe's lightweight design, makes it a perfect choice for faster efforts.

Stability

A neutral shoe won't provide the same kind of pronation control as a stability shoe, but it shouldn't feel flimsy and sloppy. Not to worry, the On Cloudflow provides a stable structure for runners, with comfortable but solid cushioning to land on, and a supportive overall build. The upper hugs the foot just right and the interior wrap does a great job at keeping the foot in place inside the shoe, without making it feel too tight. Reviewers agreed that the Cloudflow felt stable enough for quick speedwork sessions.

Drop

The shoe features a 6mm drop, which is in the middle range of drop heights. Some reviewers who chose the Cloudflow for its lightweight design and opted to use it for speedwork sessions complained that the drop was too high for their liking. The drop might feel a bit excessive for minimalist enthusiasts or dedicated forefoot runners, but otherwise, it's a good middle ground for most users.

Key Features

- 18 CloudTec outsole pods for cushioning and energy-return
- CloudTec rubber outsole
- Zero-Gravity EVA foam cushioning in midsole
- Mesh-Weave upper combines breathability and support
- Sock-like interior for a snug foot wrap
- 6mm drop
- Available in several colorways

Bottom Line

Overall, the Clouflow is a comfortable shoe geared towards speedier workouts. Unlike some other 'speed'-type shoes, the Flow provides decent impact protection. It's super lightweight, but it's paired with quality construction that doesn't feel flimsy or lacking. The design is responsive, snappy, and flexible. And the look of the shoe is top notch. Some reviewers didn't like the pods' tendency to get filled with dirt and others felt the traction could be improved. But otherwise, reviewers loved the Flow. The sleek trainer is a solid option for anyone looking to update their current sneakers a few months before a goal race or for users who want a dedicated speedwork shoe.