On Cloud 5 - Women's Review

Performance Comparison

Comfort

Right out of the box, I liked the look of these. They offer up a sleeker design than some walking shoes I've tested and pair well with jeans or casual clothes. They were an obvious choice when I went on a weekend jaunt to Oregon. The shoes looked good, but how would they perform on long travel and hiking days?

I am happy to report they did remarkably well. I found the On Cloud 5 comfortable right out of the box, though we did experience some initial pressure on the top of the foot from the elastic laces. This pressure eased after breaking them in during two 8,000-step travel days. The shoes come with both elastic speed laces and traditional laces, allowing users to customize their fit. While not completely hands-free like some competitors, they're remarkably easy to slip on and off with a quick pull on the heel collar. This is a great feature for quickly getting through airport security.

The shoes fit true to size and accommodate average-width feet well, though they're only available in one width. This limited sizing may be restrictive for some users with particularly narrow or wide feet, in which case you might need to order up. During our long-weekend test in Hood River, these shoes proved their versatility, handling everything from airport corridors to light gravel trails to dinner outings with equal aplomb.

The On Cloud 5 offers a six-millimeter heel-to-toe drop with 28 millimeters under the heel. We were able to measure this by cutting the shoes in half in our lab. This drop and stack height is on the more neutral end, meaning the break in period for these shoes will likely be pretty smooth for you, regardless of the shoe you are used to.

Shoe Exterior Shoe Interior

Support

When testing a walking shoe's support, we evaluate flexibility by pressing the toe box against the ground while holding the heel - a properly supportive shoe will bend only at the toe area where your foot naturally flexes. If the shoe instead collapses in the middle or folds in half during this test, it lacks the rigid midsole structure needed to properly support your arch during walking. The On Cloud 5 demonstrated excellent stability characteristics. The sole bends appropriately at the toe while maintaining firmness through the midfoot - exactly what we look for in a supportive walking shoe.

We perform what we call the “twist test” on every walking shoe by gripping the heel in one hand and the forefoot in the other, then attempting to rotate them in opposite directions. This crucial test reveals the shoe's torsional stability - a well-designed shoe will strongly resist this twisting motion, providing the structural support needed to control side-to-side foot movement during your stride, while a shoe that twists easily indicates poor stability that could lead to excess foot rotation. During our twist test of the On Cloud, we found moderate resistance, indicating good structural integrity without being overly rigid. This balance provides enough support for most users, though those with severe overpronation or very high arches might want something with more aggressive arch support.

The quick-lace system does an excellent job securing the heel and maintaining a stable fit throughout the day. I did wish the elastic bands were a bit longer or offered up an option for customizing the fit. Some testers with high arches found the elastic laces were a bit too tight, which can cause pressure across the top of the foot on very long walking days.

Traction

The On Cloud 5 features the brand's signature CloudTec rubber outsole with its distinctive pod design. On concrete sidewalks and streets, these shoes provide reliable grip in both dry and slightly wet conditions. However, performance varies on different surfaces. The pod-like sole design effectively distributes pressure and supplies great grip, but has a notable drawback - small rocks and pebbles frequently get caught between the pods, requiring occasional removal.

Indoor performance on tile surfaces is adequate when dry but becomes less reliable when wet. The rubber compound isn't specifically optimized for polished indoor surfaces, something to consider if you frequently walk on slick floors. Gravel terrain proved to be this shoe's weak point, with rocks getting trapped in the sole being a persistent annoyance. However, I never felt unsteady on gravel.

Weight

At 6.69 ounces per shoe, the On Cloud 5 achieves an impressive lightweight design that we found helps maintain energy during long walks, making it an excellent travel companion during our multi-day testing. The minimal weight is particularly noteworthy given the shoe's CloudTec cushioning pods and sturdy support features - though these pods do have the downside of catching small rocks during our gravel testing.

During my extensive walking tests, including two 8,000-step days of airport travel and urban exploration, the shoe's featherweight design contributed to noticeable comfort and reduced fatigue, though I noticed the elastic speed laces (while convenient for air travel) add negligible weight while potentially creating unwanted pressure across the top of the foot.

Durability

Our durability assessment revealed generally good quality construction with a few potential concerns. The mesh upper feels strong but isn't particularly thick in common wear areas like the side toe region. The lace holes lack reinforcement, which could lead to wear over time. That said, after several months of testing, including extensive walking and varied use, our pair shows no significant signs of breakdown.

Some users have reported that the upper mesh can tear along flex points after a months of regular use, though we haven't experienced this issue in our testing period. In fact, these shoes held up quite well considering our travels and extensive walks on various surfaces. For maintenance, these shoes clean up easily with warm soap and water. This simple care routine has kept our test pair looking fresh despite regular use.

Should You Buy the On Cloud 5?

The On Cloud 5 excels as a versatile walking shoe that bridges the gap between casual and athletic wear. We particularly recommend these for frequent travelers who want a single shoe that can handle multiple situations while maintaining a stylish appearance. Their convenience features and solid performance make them ideal for users who prioritize both function and fashion. However, if you frequently walk on loose gravel or need specific width options, you might want to consider alternatives.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

If you need a shoe with more stability and support, consider the Brooks Ghost Max 2, which offers superior cushioning and excellent traction. For those seeking a truly hands-free option, the Kizik Athens provides easier on-off functionality. If gravel paths are a regular part of your routine, the Altra Experience Flow offers better performance on loose surfaces while maintaining good comfort and support.