On Cloud 5 Review

When it comes to walking shoes, the On Cloud 5 feels like a totally different type of shoe. Many walking shoes are supportive but tend to be a little bulky. The On Cloud 5 proves that doesn't always have to be the case. These shoes are lightweight and feel sleek and smooth when walking. Despite being a lighter shoe, they still offer plenty of arch support and absorb impact impressively well. These shoes perform great for everyday use and really stand out as something you can easily slip on and off at work and on the go.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

The On Cloud 5 offers a very comfortable experience from Cloudtec cushioning with a 30-millimeter heel stack height and an eight-millimeter drop. The drop isn't overly pronounced, so these shoes feel more natural when rolling from heal to toe. They easily transition through the stride with just the right amount of rocker angle to push off, though it doesn't feel overly pronounced. While the cushioning isn't overly plush, it's firmer than shoes with large foam midsoles, which I found beneficial during extended periods on my feet. The balanced cushioning system effectively reduced fatigue, particularly during longer walks.

The shoes fit true to size for width and length, but they do not offer a wide option for those needing more room. Out of the box, these shoes felt great and had no hot spots or uncomfortable areas. In fact, the first time I wore them was during a 12-hour shift and I had no complaints. The upper is made of a breathable antimicrobial polyester mesh with reinforcement around the toe and sides. The shoes breathe well and are ideal for someone with hot feet. The molded heel adds structure and support when worn loose and provides a nice heel lock when the laces are tight. A padded tongue is connected to the upper so there is no slipping, and the padded heel collar keeps the ankle and heel secure.

One nice feature of the On Cloud 5 is that they slide on basically hands-free. The elastic laces allow for enough movement for the foot to enter the shoe and return to a snug fit. The shoes utilize four eyelets with an optional fifth for the elastic lacing. These laces can be adjusted for a tighter or looser fit, should you need it. They also come with a pair of regular laces if a traditional approach is preferred. Should you opt for the traditional lacing, the shoe has an additional two eyelets at the bottom of the tongue for the laces to feed through. I found the speed lacing to be convenient for running errands, changing at work, or for use at the airport or gym. While I loved these shoes for walking, I also appreciated how versatile they were.

Support

Continuing to impress me, the On Cloud 5 proved to offer excellent stability despite its lightweight feel. The Cloudtec pods compress enough to remain comfortable but aren't overly plush, allowing for a supportive feel. We measured the shoe to be 4.5 inches wide, which is about average for the testing group, though they seemed less clunky than some of the others with a similar measurement.

In the flexibility test, where we assess the shoe's support with forward motion, we place the toe on the ground and depress the heel, noting where the flex occurs. A supportive walking shoe flexes at the toe box and remains still in the rest of the sole. During the flex test, we found the shoe bent at the toe box and remained stable through the midfoot and heel. This shoe provides the necessary support to promote a natural gait and prevent pain.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

The aforementioned lacing system shone brightly in this metric, too. The elastic laces kept the padded ankle region tight and supported with no gaps. Once the tension was set, I had a good heel lock and did not have any desire to make changes. The traditional laces can be switched out, should you find an even more supportive fit with those. However, I felt perfectly secure with the elastic laces.

The twist test examines the stability of the shoe and the ability to resist torsion when walking. We grip the toe and heel to flex it in the opposite direction and see how the shoe reacts. The On Cloud 5 has some slight flex but resists torsion well, which is preferred to prevent the foot from twisting when walking. The pod-style sole is split in the middle, giving a nice, flexible feel and making the transition to the toe very smooth. These shoes offer good arch support and are designed for a neutral gait, so they may not be a good option for those who overpronate.

Traction

The Cloudtec sole of the On Cloud 5 is made of foam cushion pods with rubber inlays for traction. The pods in the toe and heel region have rubber inlays, but the midfoot is foam with traction grooves. The sole provided significant traction on concrete, blacktop, and carpet. Traction on engineered hardwood, linoleum, and tile floor in the hospital was slightly less but still quite adequate to keep from slipping around.

On dirt and trails, the pods and split sole liked to pick up debris, which got a bit annoying with having to remove small sticks or listen to the click-clack of a small pebble on concrete. I also noted that the traction grooves are not very deep, so these wouldn't be a good option for muddy or snowy conditions.

Weight

When I mentioned the On Cloud 5 felt light, I meant it. The shoes weigh in at 9.23 ounces per shoe (US 10.5), which is on the lighter end of the testing group. While wearing these for prolonged periods, they seemed almost non-existent and caused no fatigue or stress. It can be difficult to find a shoe that is light and supportive. However, the On Cloud 5 has figured it out.

Along with the low number on the scale, the shoe is also airy, thanks to the mesh upper and hollow sole podes. The footprint of the shoe feels sleeker than the others tested but not narrow or unstable. These shoes have a distinctive feeling of energy and agility, which I enjoyed.

Durability

During testing, I did not find any issues with durability, but with any type of shoe, we have our concerns. The upper is composed of a polyester mesh with reinforcement along the toe and sides where the bottom lace loops adhere. The mesh in the toe box is not very thick and may be prone to wear over months of use. The upper eyelets have a second layer of material on the inside for reinforcement but no external protection for abrasion. That said, during my tests, the padding of the tongue and heel collar remained comfortable without breakdown, and the sole did not show evidence of breakdown, tearing, or splitting.

Overall, I found the stitching and quality of construction to be good, with no loose threads or separation of materials. Some users have reported issues with premature wear of the soles or toe area, but I had no such problems. If the shoes become soiled or smell, they can be hand washed with a mild detergent and air dried to prolong the life of materials and stitching.

Should You Buy the On Cloud 5?

The On Cloud 5 proved to be a reliable shoe that can be used for many functions. This lightweight and supportive shoe makes it ideal for long days at work or out running errands around town. Offered in several appealing color combinations, it also functions as a casual work shoe that can double for walking around and commuting. However, this shoe is not ideal for wider feet. Nor is great on gravel and dirt paths. However, the On Cloud 5 provides a convenient, supportive, and stylish option to the walking shoe lineup.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

If your search demands a more durable shoe with weather resistance for walking, check out the Hoka Transport. If you desire a neutral shoe with a taller heel stack and more width, the Brooks Ghost Max 2 may be what you need. For a slip-on shoe that is a proven winner for work, the Dansko Professional is a workplace favorite.