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 it 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 ample arch support and absorb impact remarkably 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.

Comfort

The On Cloud 5 provides a very comfortable experience thanks to Cloudtec cushioning, featuring 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 heel 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 both width and length, but they do not offer a wide option for those who need 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 secure heel lock when the laces are tightened. A padded tongue is connected to the upper, ensuring 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 sufficient movement, enabling the foot to enter the shoe and then return to a snug fit. The shoes feature four eyelets, with an optional fifth for elastic lacing. These laces can be adjusted for a tighter or looser fit, as needed. They also come with a pair of regular laces, allowing for a traditional approach if 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 their versatility.

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.

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 also shone brightly in this metric. 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 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 provide good arch support and are designed for a neutral gait, making them a suitable option for individuals with a neutral gait. However, they may not be ideal 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 regions have rubber inlays, while the midfoot is made of foam with traction grooves. The sole provided significant traction on concrete, blacktop, and carpet. Traction on engineered hardwood, linoleum, and tile floors in the hospital was slightly less, but still quite adequate to prevent slipping around.

On dirt and trails, the pods and split sole liked to pick up debris, which became a bit annoying, requiring the removal of small sticks or the sound of a small pebble clicking 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 pods. 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

I did not find any issues with durability; however, concerns about durability are common with any type of shoe. The upper is composed of a polyester mesh with reinforcement along the toe and sides, where the bottom lace loops are attached. The mesh in the toe box is relatively thin and may be prone to wear over time with regular 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, the stitching and construction quality are good, with no loose threads or material separation. 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 the 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 serves as a casual work shoe that can double as a walking shoe for commuting. However, this shoe is not ideal for wider feet. Nor is it 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 requires a more durable shoe with weather resistance for walking, consider 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.