On Cloudflyer 5 Review: First-Class or Basic Economy?

All shoes are reviewed by the Fleet Feet tester team, which represents a wide variety of goals, foot shapes, running locations and terrains. Reviewers pound the pavement, climb the hills, tackle the trails, then come together to compare notes. Debates ensue over the feel of the cushioning, the purpose of the shoe, and how it compares to last year’s model. While each reviewer has their own individual preferences, we hope that capturing our debates will help you make an informed decision.

Looking to rack up those frequent flyer miles? Look no further than the On Cloudflyer 5. With a wide, stable base and firm cushioning, you’ll be logging the miles and reaping the rewards in no time. Plus, unlike the airline industry, the rules of running have no fine print–you’ll see the results as long as you put in the work.

While On promises a first-class experience with their high-cushioned stability model, is it really as luxurious as it sounds? Read on to find out.

As I slid my feet into the On Cloudflyer 5, I felt like I was finally allowed to sit in one of the cushy first-class seats I’m usually forced to walk past with envy on my way to the economy cabin. The tongue is thick and soft and hugs my foot just right. The heel collar looks like the plush headrests only bestowed upon those fortunate enough to nab a top-dollar boarding pass. And, most importantly, the shoe fits me true to size. No hot spots, no rubbing and no blisters, even in 90-degree heat.

The engineered mesh material provides a nicely structured fit, although questions arose about its breathability. I mentioned I had a good experience in the Cloudflyer 5 despite the heat, but maybe my feet are just used to constantly dripping buckets of sweat. I do live in Florida, after all.

“The heel collar and tongue are well cushioned and it’s clear the shoe is designed more for comfort than breathability,” says Brandon, whose Pacific Northwestern climate could not be more different than mine. “With the fall season approaching in Seattle–it’s getting colder by the day–I’m not complaining.”

The laces are long, thick and textured as if promising security (the last thing you want to worry about while running is your laces coming undone and causing a disastrous fall). You can also adjust the laces using the extra eyelets on each side to tie the marathon loop.

While I usually prefer more cushioning underfoot, I think the moderate stack height works in the Cloudflyer 5. Because it’s so firm, any additional cushioning would make the shoe feel bulky and cumbersome. It feels quite nimble, which isn’t usually a term I’d use to describe a stability shoe. But with the evolution of stability shoes, shoe manufacturers are finding new ways to provide support that feels natural and comfortable.

On achieves this with a wide base for stable landings, an asymmetrical profile that provides additional reinforcements on the medial side of the shoe where most runners overpronate (the excessive inward rolling of a runner’s foot), and a molded heel clip to secure your foot in place.

The result? A shoe that supports your stride without controlling it.

The On Cloudflyer 5 feels similar to the Cloudflyer 4. The heel-to-toe drop is slightly lower, a trend we’ve been seeing across all brands, and the women’s model is slightly lighter.

However, there are a few key updates. Remember that heel collar I compared to a luxurious headrest? That’s the first one. While the Cloudflyer 4 had padding in the heel collar, the 5 takes it to a new level.

On also did away with the Speedboard, a thermoplastic polymer plate sandwiched inside the midsole in previous versions of the Cloudflyer. We reached out to On to walk us through the changes.

“The Cloudflyer 5 omits the Speedboard to create a softer underfoot sensation,” says On. “It has a more dense version of Helion under the heel and medial arch for support and stability. In the forefoot, it has a softer blend of Helion to provide a smooth transition and maximum comfort as one moves into the take-off phase. It is also built on a wider last to provide more inherent confidence and impact absorption when running.”

We took a look at some comparable models to see how they stack up against the On Cloudflyer 5. Here’s what we found.

We found the On Cloudflyer 5 to feel most similar to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 and the Saucony Guide 17.

Both the Adrenaline and Cloudflyer have low-to-moderate stack heights and high heel-to-toe drops. While the Adrenaline appears to have a significantly lower stack height than the Cloudflyer 5, it’s worth noting that Brooks measures their stack heights differently than other brands–they only measure the midsole and not the outsole.

The Guide and the Cloudflyer are similar in the ways they offer support. Both shoes feature wide, stable bases and asymmetrical heel profiles to create stability in a way that feels natural and comfortable.

The On Cloudflyer 5 is a great choice for runners seeking a firm ride with a moderate amount of cushioning. Because of its stability features, it’s recommended for runners with low, flexible arches who benefit from a stiff shoe. I have high, rigid arches, so I really appreciate having a soft, flexible bed of cushioning for landings. You know the old saying, “opposites attract.”

If you aren’t sure about the height of your arches or overall shape of your feet, your best bet will be to head into your local Fleet Feet. Fleet Feet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height, so you can learn a lot about your feet while you’re there.

“Lately, we’ve seen a lot of stability models updating with a softer feel and a lot more cushion,” Kate says. “The Cloudflyer 5 does not follow that trend, but instead holds firm to its firmness. So, if you’re a stability wearer who thinks that your options have gone too soft, you might be happy that this stability shoe sticks to its roots.”